Building Water-Efficient and Climate-Resilient Agriculture

GS-III | Agriculture + Water Management

Why in News?

The government highlighted water-smart farming through the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) initiative to improve irrigation efficiency and agricultural productivity.

Core Idea : “More crop with every drop of water.”

Water-smart agriculture combines:

• Precision irrigation
• Smart agronomy
• Community water governance

Why is it Needed?

• Groundwater depletion : Traditional flood irrigation contributes to groundwater stress.
• Water demand : Agriculture consumes over 80% of India''s available freshwater.
• Monsoon dependence : Around half of India''s net sown area remains dependent on rainfall.
• Low efficiency : Traditional flood irrigation has lower efficiency because of evaporation and seepage losses.

PDMC Originally launched under:

PMKSY → Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

Since 2022–23, it operates under:

PM-RKVY → Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

What does PDMC Support?

• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Farm ponds
• Diggis
• Other water-harvesting structures.

Financial Support

• 55% subsidy → small and marginal farmers
• 45% subsidy → general farmers
• Additional support for North-Eastern and Himalayan regions.

Significance

Agricultural

• Water Efficiency: Delivers water directly to the crop root zone.
• Higher Productivity: Better water management can improve crop yields.
• Reduced Water Stress: Ensures timely water availability during critical crop-growth stages.

Environmental

• Groundwater Conservation: Reduces dependence on groundwater for irrigation.
• Less Water Wastage: Minimises losses through evaporation and runoff.

Climate Resilience

• Drought Adaptation: Helps farmers manage water scarcity and irregular rainfall.
• Stable Production: Reduces the impact of climate-related water stress on crops.

Challenges

• High Initial Cost: Installation requires significant upfront investment.
• Cropping Pattern: MSP incentives for water-intensive crops may discourage diversification.
• Power Subsidies: Free or cheap farm electricity can encourage excessive groundwater pumping.
• Maintenance: Drip and sprinkler systems require regular cleaning, repair and maintenance.

Way Forward

• Crop Diversification: Shift towards less water-intensive crops.
• Rationalise Incentives: Align electricity and water subsidies with conservation goals.
• Affordable Finance: Expand credit and subsidies for micro-irrigation systems.
• Water-User Associations: Strengthen community-based irrigation management.
• Integrated Water Management: Combine micro-irrigation with rainwater harvesting and watershed development.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote drought-resistant crops and climate-resilient farming practices.

CosmoCube Mission

GS-III – Space Technology + Astronomy 

Why in News?

The proposed CosmoCube mission aims to detect extremely faint low-frequency radio signals from the early Universe, which could provide clues about the Cosmic Dark Ages.

What is CosmoCube?

• A proposed lunar-based radio astronomy mission.
• Designed to detect extremely low-frequency radio signals from the early Universe.
• Its major scientific target is the 21-cm hydrogen signal from the Cosmic Dark Ages.

Unique Location

• The spacecraft would orbit the Moon.
• During each roughly 2-hour orbit, it would spend about 40 minutes on the Moon''s far side. This provides a period of relative radio silence for observations.

Why Moon''s Far Side?

• The far side of the Moon is naturally shielded from many Earth-generated radio signals.
• This creates a relatively radio-quiet environment.
• It is therefore useful for detecting extremely weak signals that can otherwise be overwhelmed by terrestrial radio interference.

Cosmic Dark Ages

• The Cosmic Dark Ages refers to the period after the Universe became filled with neutral hydrogen but before the first stars formed.

During this period:

• No stars had yet formed.
• The Universe was dominated by neutral hydrogen.
• Hydrogen emitted/absorbed radiation associated with the 21-cm transition.
• Detecting this signal can provide information about the early state of the Universe.

Scientific Significance

• Early Universe: Helps study conditions before the first stars and galaxies.
• First Stars: Can improve understanding of the transition from the Dark Ages to the first luminous objects.
• Cosmology: Provides an independent probe of the evolution of the early Universe.
• Radio Astronomy: Demonstrates the advantage of using the lunar far side for low-frequency observations.

Digitising India’s Fertilizer Supply Chain

GS-III – Agriculture

Why in News?

The Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) is a digital mechanism for improving the monitoring and management of fertilizer supply.

What is iFMS?

A digital fertilizer supply-chain monitoring system that tracks fertilizers from production/import to retail sale.

Key Areas

• Production → Tracks domestic fertilizer production.
• Import → Monitors imported fertilizers.
• Movement → Tracks transportation across regions.
• Distribution → Monitors allocation and distribution.
• Availability → Provides information on fertilizer stocks.
• Retail Monitoring → Tracks fertilizer availability at retail points.

Significance

• Transparency: Improves visibility across the fertilizer supply chain.
• Availability: Helps identify shortages and supply gaps.
• Efficiency: Enables better planning and movement of fertilizers.
• Diversion Control: Digital tracking can help prevent diversion and ensure delivery to intended beneficiaries.
• Decision-Making: Provides data for better government supply management.

India–Uzbekistan: Deepening India’s Central Asian Strategic Footprint

GS-II | International Relations

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uzbekistan as part of a two-nation Central Asian tour ahead of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in the Kyrgyz Republic. During the visit, India and Uzbekistan upgraded bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Key Outcomes

Significance for India

Strategic significance

• Uzbekistan is an important partner in India''s Connect Central Asia policy.
• Strengthens India''s engagement with the strategically important Central Asian region.
• Cooperation in regional security and counter-terrorism supports India''s security interests.

Energy security

Uranium cooperation can contribute to India''s long-term civil nuclear energy requirements and strategic fuel reserves.

Critical minerals

Cooperation can help diversify India''s sources of strategic minerals and reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.

Trade connectivity

• India seeks to expand trade with Central Asia through better connectivity and digital payment integration.
• UPI–UZQR interoperability can facilitate cross-border merchant payments.

Soft power

Buddhist heritage, Hindi scholarships and Sanskrit cooperation deepen India''s cultural diplomacy.

Termez

Historical Background

• Termez is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia, with a history spanning over two millennia.
• It developed as an important trading and cultural centre because of its location along the Amu Darya and ancient trade routes.
• The city was historically connected with the Bactrian region and the wider Silk Road network.

Buddhist Connection

Termez is particularly important for understanding the spread of Buddhism from the Indian subcontinent into Central Asia.Important archaeological sites around Termez include:

• Fayaz Tepe → Buddhist monastery complex.
• Kara Tepe → Buddhist monastic and religious complex.

Way Forward

• Strengthen multimodal connectivity with Central Asia.
• Expand trade beyond traditional commodities.
• Deepen cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, digital technology and energy.
• Institutionalise regular strategic dialogue.
• Use India''s cultural and educational links to strengthen people-to-people relations.

Insuring Indian Agriculture Against Climate and Crop Risks

GS-III | Agriculture

Why in News?

In the last decade, more than 92.46 crore farmer applications have been insured under PMFBY, while over 26.33 crore farmer applications have received claims exceeding ₹2.06 lakh crore.

What is PMFBY?

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• Launched: February 2016
• Objective: Provide affordable crop insurance and protect farmers against crop losses.

Who is Covered?

• Loanee farmers
• Non-loanee farmers
• Tenant farmers
• Sharecroppers, subject to prescribed conditions.

Premium Structure

Remaining premium is subsidised by governments.

• Normal Centre : State = 50 : 50
• North-Eastern & Himalayan States/UTs = 90 : 10

Risks Covered

• Standing crop
• Drought
• Dry spells
• Floods
• Inundation
• Cyclones
• Hailstorms
• Lightning
• Pests and diseases

Prevented sowing :Compensation can be up to 25% of sum insured.

Post-harvest : Coverage for specified risks for up to 14 days after harvesting.

Localized calamities

• Hailstorms
• Landslides
• Inundation
• Cloudbursts
• Natural fire under specified conditions.

Technology in PMFBY

• NCIP – Digital Platform: Enables end-to-end digital administration of crop insurance.
• DigiClaim – Digital Claims: Automates claim calculation and settlement, helping speed up compensation.
• YES-TECH – Yield Estimation: Uses technology-based yield estimation to reduce dependence on conventional Crop Cutting Experiments.
• WINDS – Weather Data: Provides hyperlocal weather information for better risk assessment and insurance implementation.
• CROPIC – Crop Monitoring: Uses geo-tagged crop photographs to verify crop conditions and improve transparency.
• CCE-Agri App – Digital CCEs: Digitises Crop Cutting Experiments, improving the speed and reliability of yield estimation.
• KRPH – Grievance Redressal: Provides a digital mechanism for recording and resolving farmers’ grievances.

Significance

• Income Security: Protects farmers from sudden income losses due to crop failure.
• Climate Resilience: Provides financial protection against droughts, floods, cyclones and other climate risks.
• Credit Access: Insurance coverage increases farmers’ ability to access formal agricultural credit.
• Technology Adoption: Promotes satellite, drones, remote sensing and AI-based crop assessment.
• Financial Stability: Helps farming households recover and restart cultivation after crop losses.

Challenges

• Delayed Compensation: Late settlement reduces the usefulness of insurance during financial distress.
• Assessment Disputes: Differences in crop-loss estimation can lead to disputes over compensation.
• Low Awareness: Many farmers lack awareness of insurance benefits, procedures and claim mechanisms.
• State Participation: Differences in state-level participation and implementation affect coverage.
• Data Gaps: Inaccurate or outdated crop and land data can affect assessment and claims.
• Fragmented Records: Poor integration of land, crop, weather and insurance databases creates implementation gaps.

Way Forward

• Tech-based Assessment: Use AI, drones and remote sensing for faster and objective crop-loss estimation.
• Real-time Data: Develop reliable, real-time crop, weather and land-use databases.
• Faster Claims: Digitise the claim process and set strict timelines for compensation.
• Better Grievance Redressal: Strengthen accessible and time-bound farmer grievance mechanisms.
• Inclusive Coverage: Improve outreach to tenant farmers, sharecroppers and smallholders who are often underserved.
• Data Integration: Link land records, crop data, weather information and insurance databases for efficient implementation.

Kamlang Tiger Reserve

GS-III – Environment

Location

• State: Arunachal Pradesh
• Region: South-eastern part of Lohit district.
• Landscape: Part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
• South: Adjoins Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
• East: Close to the India–Myanmar international boundary.
• Important peak: Dapha Bum forms part of the landscape between Kamlang and Namdapha.

Rivers & Drainage

• The reserve is an important riverine and watershed landscape.
• Kamlang River → flows through the reserve and gives it its name.
• Lang River → forms the northern side of the reserve.
• Lati (La Ti) River → another important river draining the reserve.
• Other perennial streams include Lai, Tawa and Sinbrai.

Geographical Features

• Terrain: Rugged and mountainous.
• Altitude: Large elevation gradient, producing diverse habitats.
• Rainfall: Receives influence from both South-West and North-East monsoons.
• Wetlands: Numerous rivers, streams and Glaw Lake contribute to wetland habitats.
• Glaw Lake: Located at about 1,168 m elevation and is an important high-altitude aquatic ecosystem.

Ecological Importance

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
• Tiger Habitat: Supports tiger and other large carnivores.
• Species Diversity: Includes clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, slow loris, Mishmi takin and several other species
• Vegetation: Ranges from tropical wet evergreen forests to Himalayan moist temperate and alpine vegetation.
• Landscape Connectivity: Its connection with Namdapha Tiger Reserve creates an important contiguous forest landscape.
• International Ecological Link: The wider forest landscape extends towards protected areas in Myanmar.

Larak Island

GS-I – World Geography + GS-II IR

Why in News?

Larak Island has strategic importance because of its location near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world''s most important maritime chokepoints for global energy trade.

Location

• Country: Iran
• Water body: Persian Gulf
• Located near the Strait of Hormuz.
• Lies close to Qeshm Island and Hormuz Island.
• The island is part of Iran''s Hormozgan Province.

Strategic Significance

• Energy Chokepoint: Its location places it close to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global petroleum trade passes.
• Maritime Security: The area is strategically important for monitoring shipping movement between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
• Geopolitics: Any disruption around the Strait of Hormuz can affect global energy prices and supply chains.
• Iran''s Maritime Geography: Larak forms part of Iran''s strategically important island network in the Strait of Hormuz region.

Geographic Sequence

Persian Gulf → Strait of Hormuz → Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea → Indian Ocean

Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026

GS-III | Governance

Why in News?

The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026. The Rules will come into force 180 days after notification.

Core Objective

To establish Indian Standard Time (IST) as the common time reference for:

• Legal purposes
• Administrative purposes
• Commercial activities
• Official purposes

Why is a Common Time Reference Important?

Accurate time synchronisation is essential for: Banking, Digital payments, Railways, Airports, Telecommunications, Internet networks, Power systems, Digital governance.

Role of NavIC

The Rules provide for the use of NavIC, India''s satellite navigation system, and other approved Indian timing sources for secure time dissemination.

White Rabbit Technology

• A White Rabbit Technology-based IST Dissemination Demonstration Network was commissioned at RRSL, Bengaluru, in July 2026.
• It is part of the “One Nation, One Time” initiative.

What is White Rabbit?

It is an advanced Ethernet-based technology designed for extremely precise clock synchronisation.

It:

• Continuously compensates for signal delays.
• Uses optical fibre.
• Enables nano-scale timing accuracy.
• Is based on the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) standard.

Origin

White Rabbit was initially developed by CERN for synchronising electronic systems associated with the Large Hadron Collider.

Significance

• Digital economy : Precise time is essential for high-speed financial transactions.
• Critical infrastructure : Synchronisation improves reliability of transport, telecom and power systems.
• Strategic autonomy : Indigenous timing infrastructure can reduce dependence on foreign timing systems.
• Cybersecurity : Reliable and secure time synchronisation can strengthen digital infrastructure.

Impact

A common national timing framework can help create:

• Accurate time → Better synchronisation → Greater reliability → Reduced operational risks

Way Forward

• Expand IST dissemination infrastructure nationwide.
• Integrate timing systems with critical infrastructure.
• Increase adoption of secure Indian timing sources.
• Build redundancy against satellite/navigation disruptions.
• Develop indigenous precision timing technologies.

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

GS-III – Space Technology + Astronomy 

Why in News?

NASA''s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a next-generation space observatory designed to investigate dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, galaxies and black holes.

Key Facts

• Agency: NASA
• Named after: Nancy Grace Roman, a pioneering NASA astronomer and often called the “Mother of Hubble.”
• Launch vehicle: Falcon Heavy
• Launch provider: SpaceX
• Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
• Operating location: Around 1.6 million km from Earth, near the Sun–Earth L2 point.
• First science observations: Expected after commissioning, with initial images anticipated around 2027.

Scientific Objectives

• Dark Energy: Study the accelerated expansion of the Universe.
• Dark Matter: Investigate its distribution through gravitational effects.
• Exoplanets: Search for and characterise planets beyond the Solar System.
• Supernovae: Observe exploding stars and use them to study cosmic expansion.
• Galaxies: Study galaxy formation and evolution.
• Black Holes: Investigate massive and distant black holes.
• Large-scale Structure: Map the distribution of matter across the Universe.

Significance

• Wide Field of View: Can survey large portions of the sky much faster than Hubble.
• Big Data Astronomy: Expected to generate hundreds of terabytes of data annually.
• Dark Universe: Will provide major evidence for understanding dark matter and dark energy.
• Exoplanet Science: Its wide-field observations can identify large numbers of exoplanets.
• Complementary to Hubble & Webb: Designed to conduct wide surveys while telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb provide more focused observations.

PARIVARTAN: Accelerating the Transition to a Cleaner Commercial Fleet

GS-II |  Governance

Why in News?

The PARIVARTAN Scheme has crossed 1,300 beneficiaries, onboarded 42 banks/NBFCs and partnered with 15 automobile OEMs across Delhi-NCR.

What is PARIVARTAN?

• PARIVARTAN = Program for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions.
• Launched: July 2026
• Outlay: ₹9,585 crore
• Target: Replace over 2 lakh BS-IV or older commercial trucks and buses in Delhi and selected NCR districts.
• Replacement with BS-VI or electric vehicles.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
• Funding: National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Objectives

• Reduce vehicular pollution.
• Accelerate fleet modernisation.
• Promote cleaner mobility.
• Reduce emissions from old commercial vehicles.
• Encourage EV adoption.
• Institutional Architecture

Key Incentives

Digital Architecture

The scheme integrates:

VAHAN + V-Scrap + DigiELV + PFMS

This enables digital delivery of benefits and links vehicle registration, scrappage and financial transfers.

Significance

• Environmental : Reduction in emissions from ageing commercial fleets.Helps address Delhi-NCR''s persistent air-pollution problem.
• Economic : Stimulates demand for new cleaner vehicles.Supports automobile and EV ecosystems.
• Governance : Digital integration can improve transparency and reduce leakage.

Challenges

• High upfront cost of replacing vehicles.
• Financing constraints for small operators.
• Charging infrastructure limitations for EVs.
• Effective implementation requires coordination between multiple states and agencies.

Way Forward

• Expand charging infrastructure.
• Provide targeted financing for small fleet operators.
• Ensure adequate scrappage infrastructure.
• Strengthen monitoring of actual emission reductions.
• Integrate PARIVARTAN with broader urban mobility and public transport policies.

PM-SETU Scheme

GS-II | Skill Development | Governance

Why in News?

The government is strengthening five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) with international partnerships and global co-financing support from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Five NSTIs:

• Bhubaneswar
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kanpur
• Ludhiana

What is PM-SETU?

PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at modernising India''s vocational education and training ecosystem.

Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Objectives

• Modernisation: Upgrade vocational training infrastructure.
• Centres of Excellence: Develop selected institutions as advanced training hubs.
• Global Partnerships: Bring international expertise and best practices into skilling.
• Industry Linkage: Make vocational courses more relevant to industry requirements.
• Institutional Capacity: Improve the quality and capacity of vocational training institutions.
• Employability: Equip youth with industry-relevant skills.

Way Forward

• Future-ready Curriculum: Align courses with emerging industries.
• Industry–Institute Linkages: Increase industry participation in curriculum and training.
• Apprenticeships: Expand workplace-based learning opportunities.
• Emerging Technologies: Introduce AI, robotics, EV technology, automation and advanced manufacturing.
• International Collaboration: Expand partnerships for technology, curriculum and trainer development.

Probing the Quantum Nature of Empty Space

GS-III – Science & Technology

Why in News?

Vacuum birefringence has gained attention in the study of extreme electromagnetic fields and as an experimental test of Quantum Electrodynamics (QED).

What is Birefringence?

• Birefringence is the property of a material in which light behaves differently depending on its polarisation direction.
• As a result, light can experience different refractive effects based on its polarisation.

What is Vacuum Birefringence?

• Normally, vacuum is considered empty space through which light travels.
• According to QED, extremely strong electromagnetic fields can make the quantum vacuum behave like a birefringent medium.
• Thus, the polarisation of light can be altered even when it travels through vacuum.

Why Does It Occur?

• The quantum vacuum contains quantum fluctuations.
• Strong electromagnetic fields can interact with these fluctuations through virtual charged particles.
• This can produce measurable changes in the propagation and polarisation of light.

Significance

• QED Test: Provides a way to test predictions of quantum electrodynamics.
• Extreme Physics: Helps study the behaviour of matter and light under extremely strong electromagnetic fields.
• Magnetars: Particularly relevant because magnetars possess extraordinarily strong magnetic fields.
• Astrophysics: Can help scientists understand how light propagates through extreme cosmic environments.

Rove Beetle

GS-III – Environment

What is it?

• Rove beetles are beetles belonging mainly to the family Staphylinidae.
• They are among the largest beetle families in terms of number of species.

Key Characteristics

• Body: Generally elongated and relatively slender.
• Short elytra: Their hardened forewings are very short, leaving much of the abdomen exposed.
• Habitat: Commonly found in soil, leaf litter, decaying vegetation and decomposing organic matter.
• Diet: Many species are predators, while others act as scavengers or feed on fungi and decaying material.
• Distribution: Found in a wide range of terrestrial habitats.

Ecological Importance

• Decomposition: Help break down organic matter.
• Nutrient Cycling: Facilitate the return of nutrients to the soil.
• Biological Control: Predatory species feed on small insects and other soil organisms.
• Soil Health: Contribute to the functioning and biodiversity of soil ecosystems.

Rule 110 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

GS-II | Indian Polity | State Legislature | Parliamentary Procedures

Why in News?

Rule 110 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business is important because it provides a mechanism for the Chief Minister or a Minister to make important announcements on the floor of the Assembly.

What is Rule 110?

Rule 110 is a procedural provision of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that enables a Minister to make a statement on a matter of public importance.

Purpose of Rule 110

It can be used for:

• New government schemes
• Major policy initiatives
• Important development programmes
• Administrative decisions
• Matters of significant public interest
• Announcements involving financial or institutional commitments

Who can make the statement?

• The provision is primarily associated with Ministers making statements in the Assembly.
• In practice, it has been particularly prominent for Chief Ministerial announcements.

How does Rule 110 work?

A simplified process is:

Government identifies an important matter

↓

Minister seeks to make a statement

↓

Statement is made on the floor of the Assembly

↓

Government''s policy/decision is formally placed before the House

↓

Implementation may subsequently require administrative orders, budgetary allocation or legislation, wherever applicable

Rule 110 vs Question Hour

Democratic Significance

• Transparency : Government decisions are formally placed before the elected legislature.
• Legislative visibility : Important policy decisions receive visibility on the Assembly floor.
• Executive communication : It provides a direct channel for the executive to communicate major initiatives to legislators.

Concern

• Limited immediate discussion : If an important policy is announced through a ministerial statement, members may not receive the same opportunity for immediate detailed scrutiny that accompanies a substantive debate.
• Executive dominance : Frequent use can strengthen the perception that the executive is using the Assembly primarily as a platform for announcements rather than deliberation.
• Financial scrutiny : A large financial commitment announced on the floor still requires appropriate constitutional and budgetary procedures.

Shuddhi Movement

GS I Modern India | Social & Religious Reform

Historical Background

Shuddhi literally means purification.

• It was a reconversion movement that sought to bring people who had converted from Hinduism back into the Hindu fold.
• It became closely associated with the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.
• The Arya Samaj used Shuddhi as part of its efforts to strengthen and reform Hindu society.

Significance

• Religious Reform: Sought to strengthen Hindu society through reconversion.
• Social Reform: Arya Samaj linked Shuddhi with efforts to remove social disabilities and promote social uplift.
• Religious Identity: Made conversion and reconversion important issues in colonial public life.
• Communal Politics: By the 1920s, Shuddhi became closely connected with Hindu-Muslim tensions and debates over religious identity.