In News:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has won the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment for its flagship Samriddh Gram initiative, recognising India's efforts in promoting inclusive rural digital transformation.

What is Samriddh Gram?

Samriddh Gram is a flagship rural digital transformation initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) built on the BharatNet network. It adopts a "phygital" (physical digital) service delivery model that combines robust digital infrastructure with on-ground service centres to improve access to essential public and commercial services in rural areas.

The initiative seeks to transform villages into digitally empowered communities by integrating connectivity, technology and assisted service delivery.

Objectives

The primary objective of Samriddh Gram is to bridge the rural digital divide by providing seamless access to education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, e-governance and entrepreneurship opportunities through a unified digital ecosystem.

The initiative also supports the broader goals of Digital India, inclusive growth and last-mile service delivery.

Key Features

At the core of the programme are Samriddhi Kendras, which function as village-level one-stop service centres delivering integrated phygital services. These centres combine reliable telecom connectivity, digital platforms and assisted physical support to ensure that citizens can easily access government and private services.

The initiative provides a comprehensive range of services across multiple sectors:

• Education & Skill Development: Smart classrooms, AR/VR-enabled learning and digital skill training aligned with government programmes.
• Agriculture: IoT-based soil testing, drone-assisted farming and smart irrigation solutions.
• Healthcare: Telemedicine, Health ATMs and emergency healthcare support.
• e-Governance: Assisted access to government services, documentation and grievance redressal.
• E-Commerce: Integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and digital marketplaces to promote rural entrepreneurship.
• Financial Inclusion: Digital banking services and digital payment facilities.

The digital backbone of the programme is provided through BharatNetFibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, supported by Village Area Networks (VANs) and public Wi-Fi hotspots.

In News:

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified Navi Mumbai International Airport as an authorised entry point for the import of drugs into India. The move aims to strengthen pharmaceutical logistics, improve supply chain efficiency and facilitate trade while ensuring regulatory oversight.

What is the Recent Notification?

The notification has been issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

To operationalise the decision, the Central Government amended Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945, adding Navi Mumbai International Airport to the list of approved locations through which pharmaceutical products can be imported into India.

With this amendment, the number of authorisedroad, rail, sea and air entry points for drug imports has increased to 42.

Key Features

The inclusion of Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to improve the movement of imported pharmaceutical consignments by providing an additional logistics gateway. It will reduce congestion at existing entry points, diversify import routes and enhance supply-chain resilience.

The new facility is expected to facilitate quicker customs clearance, improve transportation efficiency and strengthen pharmaceutical distribution networks across western India.

Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is a statutory body constituted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

It serves as the highest technical advisory body on matters relating to the regulation of drugs and cosmetics in India. The Board advises the Central and State Governments on technical issues concerning the administration and implementation of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder.

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the fifth Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT-05) for the Gaganyaan Mission at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) drop zone in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. The test marks another significant milestone in validating the crew module's safe recovery system ahead of the upcoming uncrewed G1 mission.

What is IMAT-05?

The Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT-05) is a high-altitude structural qualification test designed to validate the main parachute system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module under the most demanding re-entry conditions. It simulates the extreme aerodynamic forces experienced by the crew capsule during atmospheric re-entry before its splashdown in the sea.

The test was jointly planned and executed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Objective

The primary objective of IMAT-05 was to verify the structural integrity, deployment sequence, aerodynamic performance and safety margins of the main parachute system under maximum design loads expected during the Gaganyaan G1 uncrewed demonstration mission.

Key Features of the Test

The test involved dropping a dummy payload, equivalent in mass to the actual crew module, from an altitude of 2.5 km using an Indian Air Force IL-76 heavy transport aircraft.

The Gaganyaan Crew Module uses an integrated 10-parachute deceleration system, designed to gradually reduce the capsule's velocity before ocean landing.

The system comprises:

• 2 Apex Cover Separation Parachutes to jettison the protective cover over the parachute compartment.
• 2 Drogue Parachutes to stabilize the descending capsule and reduce its initial speed.
• 3 Pilot Parachutes to extract the main parachutes from the capsule.
• 3 Main Parachutes that sequentially deploy to reduce the crew module to a safe splashdown velocity.

A major highlight of IMAT-05 was the successful validation of the disreefing sequence, a controlled deployment mechanism in which the main parachutes inflate in stages rather than opening instantaneously. This significantly reduces structural stress on the parachute canopy and suspension lines under extreme aerodynamic loads.

In News:

Researchers from IIT Guwahati have demonstrated that cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can effectively remove lead from contaminated water, highlighting their potential as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for heavy metal remediation.

What are Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are microscopic photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms found naturally in aquatic environments. They are among the oldest known life forms on Earth, with fossil records dating back more than 3.5 billion years, and are believed to have played a crucial role in oxygenating the Earth's atmosphere.

These organisms occur in freshwater, brackish water and marine ecosystems, where they contribute significantly to primary productivity.

Characteristics of Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are autotrophic organisms, producing their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight. Unlike algae, they possess a prokaryotic cell structure, lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

They reproduce asexually, primarily through transverse binary fission. While some species occur as solitary cells, others form colonies or filamentous structures.

Under warm, nutrient-rich conditions, cyanobacteria multiply rapidly and form cyanobacterial blooms, particularly in slow-moving water bodies enriched with nutrients from agricultural runoff or sewage. Certain species produce cyanotoxins, which can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems, livestock and human health.

Role in Water Purification

The recent study demonstrates that cyanobacteria can absorb and accumulate lead, a toxic heavy metal, from contaminated water through the process of biosorption. This makes them promising candidates for bioremediation, an environmentally sustainable approach that uses living organisms to remove pollutants from the environment.

Compared to conventional chemical treatment methods, cyanobacteria-based remediation is relatively inexpensive, eco-friendly and suitable for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with heavy metals.

In News:

During the India–Indonesia Bilateral Summit in Jakarta, the two countries signed a landmark defence agreement for the supply of the indigenously developed Astra Mk 1 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). The deal marks a significant milestone in India's growing defence exports and strengthens strategic defence cooperation between the two countries.

What is the Astra Mk 1 Missile?

The Astra Mk 1 is India's first indigenously developed Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable enemy aircraft before they enter visual combat range. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the missile significantly enhances the long-range air combat capability of the Indian Air Force.

Its primary objective is to provide fighter aircraft with stand-off strike superiority, enabling pilots to neutralize hostile aerial targets from safe distances.

Key Features

• The Astra Mk 1 is an all-weather, supersonic missile capable of intercepting highly agile aircraft at speeds of up to Mach 4.5.
• It operates across a wide altitude envelope ranging from sea level to 20 km and has an effective engagement range of approximately 80–110 km, depending on launch conditions.
• The missile employs a three-stage guidance system for enhanced accuracy. During the initial phase, it navigates using an inertial navigation system. In the mid-course phase, it receives continuous radio frequency updates from the launch aircraft, enabling course corrections against manoeuvring targets. In the terminal phase, an Active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker autonomously locks onto the target, maintaining effectiveness even in electronic warfare environments.
• Powered by a single-pulse smokeless solid-fuel rocket motor, Astra leaves minimal visible smoke, thereby reducing the chances of revealing the launch aircraft's position.

Platform Integration

The Astra Mk 1 is fully operational on the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fleet of the Indian Air Force. Integration is currently underway with India's indigenous LCA Tejas Mk 1A and the Rafale fighter aircraft, expanding its operational versatility across multiple combat platforms.

Evolution of the Astra Missile Family

Building upon the success of the Mk 1, DRDO is developing advanced variants to further strengthen India's aerial strike capability.

The Astra Mk 2 is expected to have an engagement range of around 200 km and will employ a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, enabling the missile to regain energy during the terminal phase and improve interception capability against highly manoeuvrable targets.

The Astra Mk 3, also known as Gandiva, is currently under development and will incorporate Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology. This propulsion system will provide sustained thrust throughout flight, extending the missile's interception range to over 350 km, placing it among the world's longest-range air-to-air missiles.

In News:

Uttarakhand has been declared India's sixth fully literate State under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 through the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)programme. The achievement reflects India's continued efforts to promote adult literacy and lifelong learning.

About ULLAS Programme

ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), also known as the Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram (New India Literacy Programme), is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education. It aligns with the vision of NEP 2020 by transforming adult education into a lifelong learning movement.

Implemented during 2022–2027, the programme aims to educate non-literate adults aged 15 years and above who could not complete formal schooling. Moving beyond conventional literacy, ULLAS focuses on developing functional literacy, numeracy and essential life skills required for active participation in society.

Objectives

The programme seeks to provide Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) to 5 crore adult learners over five years, targeting 1 crore learners annually through the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).

It also promotes community participation and volunteerism, encouraging citizens to contribute towards building a literate society while fostering the spirit of Kartavya Bodh (sense of civic duty).

Key Features

ULLAS provides learning through both physical and digital modes. Learners can access educational content in regional languages through the DIKSHA Portal, the ULLAS Mobile App, and other digital platforms.

The programme establishes Samajik Chetna Kendras (Social Awareness Centres) by utilizing schools, village libraries and Panchayat buildings as community learning centres.

To ensure inclusivity, learning materials are available in 27 languages and local dialects, enabling wider participation across the country.

Progress is assessed through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), conducted twice annually. Successful learners receive literacy certificates jointly issued by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).

The programme also connects newly literate adults with Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) to facilitate vocational training and improve local employment opportunities.

Components of ULLAS

ULLAS is built around five major components:

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) to develop reading, writing and numeracy skills.
• Critical Life Skills, including digital literacy, financial literacy, legal awareness, healthcare, family welfare and childcare.
• Basic Education, providing equivalency with formal school education.
• Vocational Skills to improve employability and livelihood opportunities.
• Continuing Education, covering subjects such as arts, science, technology, culture, sports and lifelong learning.

States/UTs Achieving 95% or More Literacy under ULLAS

As of 2026, the States and Union Territories declared fully literate under ULLAS include:

• Ladakh (UT) – 2024
• Mizoram – 2025
• Goa – 2025
• Tripura – 2025
• Himachal Pradesh – 2025
• Chandigarh (UT) – 2025
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT) – 2026
• Sikkim – 2026
• Uttarakhand – 2026

In News:

World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2026 with the theme "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future." The observance highlights the importance of empowering young people to make informed choices regarding education, employment, relationships and parenthood while addressing global demographic challenges.

About World Population Day

World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to raise awareness about population-related issues and their implications for sustainable development, health, gender equality and economic growth.

The observance traces its origin to 11 July 1987, when the world's population reached approximately five billion, drawing global attention to the consequences of rapid population growth. Recognising the growing significance of demographic issues, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) established World Population Day in 1989.

The day encourages dialogue on critical issues such as maternal health, reproductive rights, gender equality, poverty, migration, unemployment, education and access to essential public services.

Theme for 2026

The 2026 theme is "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future."

The theme is based on the report "Lives, Choices and Futures: What Young People Want and What Shapes Their Decisions About Relationships and Parenthood." The report draws upon the views of more than 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18–39 across 73 countries, highlighting the aspirations and challenges faced by young people while making decisions about family life and parenthood.

Global Population Trends

Global population growth has accelerated rapidly over the past two centuries. While humanity took thousands of years to reach one billion, the global population expanded nearly sevenfold thereafter.

The world population crossed seven billion in 2011 and is projected to reach approximately 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050, reflecting continued demographic expansion, particularly in developing regions.

India's Population Scenario

With a population of around 1.4 billion, India remains one of the world's most populous countries, accounting for nearly 17% of the global population.

According to demographic projections, India's population is expected to peak at around 1.7–1.9 billion between the 2060s and 2080s, after which it is likely to stabilise and gradually decline as fertility rates continue to fall.

India's youthful population presents a significant demographic dividend, but realizing this opportunity requires sustained investment in education, healthcare, skill development, employment generation and gender equality.

In News:

India and Australia have launched the Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) to deepen bilateral cooperation in cyber security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains, digital resilience and defence research.

The partnership replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation, reflecting the expanding strategic relationship between the two countries.

What is PACTS?

The Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) is a comprehensive bilateral framework designed to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, cyber resilience, trusted supply chains and defence innovation. It seeks to enhance both countries' capacity to address evolving geopolitical, technological and economic challenges while contributing to a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.

The partnership will be jointly overseen by India's Deputy National Security Advisor and Australia's Deputy Secretary of the International and Security Group in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Key Pillars of PACTS

1. Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification:

The partnership seeks to build secure, trusted and diversified supply chains for critical technologies and strategic sectors. Both countries will also strengthen cooperation on undersea cable security through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, recognising the strategic importance of submarine communication infrastructure.

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is the lead agency on the Indian side.

2. Critical Technologies:

India and Australia will deepen collaboration in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), space technologies, telecommunications, biotechnology and advanced materials. The objective is to promote innovation, technological self-reliance and trusted technology ecosystems.

The Indian lead agency is the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

3. Cyber Security:

The cyber pillar focuses on enhancing cooperation against cybercrime, improving cyber resilience and protecting critical infrastructure. The two countries will establish a streamlined bilateral cyber cooperation mechanism, expand dialogue on cybersecurity and data governance, and develop a Cyber Technology Skill Incubator to build skilled human resources.

The Cyber Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for India.

4. Digital Resilience:

The partnership promotes cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across the Indo-Pacific region. It aims to support partner countries through capacity-building programmes and pilot projects based on India's successful DPI model, while also encouraging resilient digital infrastructure and clean technology solutions.

The Oceania Division of the Ministry of External Affairs leads this pillar.

5. Defence Research Collaboration:

India and Australia will strengthen cooperation between Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The partnership also encourages collaboration between defence start-ups and joint research in areas such as maritime surveillance, advanced materials and emerging defence technologies.

The Ministry of Defence is the lead agency from India.

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, validating its minimum strike range of 60 km with high precision. Earlier trials had already demonstrated its maximum strike range of 120 km.

What is the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR)?

The Pinaka LRGR is an indigenously developed precision-guided artillery rocket designed to engage enemy positions, artillery batteries, bunkers, logistics hubs and other high-value targets deep inside hostile territory from a stand-off distance. It is the latest guided variant of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's long-range precision strike capability.

The rocket has an operational strike range of 60–120 km, providing flexibility to accurately engage targets at varying distances.

Key Features

A major achievement of the recent test was the successful engagement of a target at the minimum operational range of 60 km. Unlike long-range firing, striking closer targets requires the rocket to shed excess energy and execute steep in-flight manoeuvres, demonstrating the system's precision and confirming the absence of any significant dead zone within its operational envelope.

The Pinaka LRGR was launched from an existing in-service Pinaka launcher, proving that the same launcher platform can deploy different variants of the Pinaka rocket family without requiring separate launch systems. This enhances operational flexibility and reduces logistics requirements.

The truck-mounted launcher offers excellent battlefield mobility and employs the "shoot-and-scoot" concept, enabling rapid firing followed by immediate relocation to avoid enemy counter-battery fire.

Each Pinaka launcher can fire 12 rockets in about 44 seconds, while a battery of six launchers can launch 72 rockets, saturating nearly one square kilometre with concentrated firepower.

Development

The Pinaka LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Technical support was also provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), all laboratories under the DRDO.

In News:

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 have come into focus following the "Hummus Trail" controversy, after the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) filed a legal petition seeking the arrest of an Israeli soldier vacationing in Himachal Pradesh over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. The incident has raised questions regarding India's obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the principle of universal jurisdiction.

What is the Hummus Trail?

The Hummus Trail is an informal term describing a network of Indian destinations that are popular among young Israeli travellers, particularly those who have recently completed their mandatory military service. Inspired by the earlier Hippie (Hashish) Trail, it includes destinations such as Kasol, Dharamkot, Rishikesh, Pushkar, Goa, Hampi, Gokarna, Kodaikanal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Many of these visitors undertake the Tiul Gadol ("Big Trip"), a traditional post-military journey lasting from six months to a year, often supported by post-service financial benefits. India receives nearly 80,000 Israeli tourists annually, and in 2026, Israel allocated 4 million New Israeli Shekels (NIS) to strengthen tourism cooperation with India.

Geneva Conventions, 1949

The Four Geneva Conventions of 1949, together with their Additional Protocols, form the foundation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). They establish humanitarian rules applicable during armed conflicts by protecting persons who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities.

• First Geneva Convention: Protects wounded and sick members of armed forces on land.
• Second Geneva Convention: Protects wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea.
• Third Geneva Convention: Protects prisoners of war.
• Fourth Geneva Convention: Protects civilians during armed conflict and defines grave breaches, including wilful killing, torture, unlawful deportation and extensive destruction of property not justified by military necessity.

Universal Jurisdiction

One of the most significant features of the Geneva Conventions is the principle of universal jurisdiction. It obligates every State Party to search for, prosecute or extradite persons accused of committing grave breaches, irrespective of the nationality of the accused or the victims, and regardless of where the alleged offence occurred.

This principle seeks to ensure that perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law do not escape accountability by crossing national borders.

India's Legal Framework

India incorporated its obligations under the Geneva Conventions through the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960.

The Act criminalises acts classified as grave breaches under the Geneva Conventions and empowers Indian authorities to prosecute individuals accused of such offences if they are found within Indian territory, irrespective of their nationality or the place where the alleged crime was committed.

Apart from criminal prosecution, the Government of India also retains sovereign powers under immigration laws to deport foreign nationals when considered necessary in the national interest.

Significance

The controversy highlights the increasing importance of international humanitarian law in domestic legal systems. It also underscores the practical relevance of universal jurisdiction, which allows national courts to deal with certain international crimes irrespective of territorial or nationality links.

For India, the issue presents a delicate diplomatic challenge. While maintaining strong strategic relations with Israel, India must also uphold its international legal commitments under the Geneva Conventions and navigate evolving global legal proceedings, including the ongoing case instituted by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In News:

The Prime Minister of India, along with the President of Indonesia, recently visited the Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, highlighting the centuries-old civilizational and cultural links between India and Southeast Asia.

About Prambanan Temple

The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, located in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on the island of Java. Known locally as Roro Jonggrang (Temple of the Slender Virgin), it is one of the finest examples of Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

Constructed during the 9th century CE by the Sanjaya Dynasty, the temple symbolizes the flourishing of Hindu culture in ancient Java. It is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti—Lord Shiva (the Destroyer), Lord Vishnu (the Preserver), and Lord Brahma (the Creator).

Recognising its outstanding cultural value, UNESCO inscribed Prambanan as a World Heritage Site in 1991.

Architectural Features

Prambanan reflects a remarkable fusion of indigenous Javanese architectural traditions and the South Indian Pallava style, illustrating the spread of Indian cultural influences across Southeast Asia.

The temple complex comprises 240 temples, with the central sacred compound containing eight principal temples and eight smaller shrines built on a raised platform.

Among these, the Shiva Temple is the largest and most prominent, rising to a height of 47 metres, making it one of the tallest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The other principal temples are dedicated to Vishnu and Brahma.

The galleries surrounding the temples are adorned with beautifully carved bas-reliefs depicting episodes from the Ramayana, showcasing the enduring influence of Indian epics on Southeast Asian art and culture.

Although primarily a Hindu religious complex, the Prambanan region also contains several Buddhist temples, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism in ancient Java.

In News:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched TribeX, India's first dedicated digital learning platform for preserving, promoting and disseminating tribal arts, languages, culture, traditional knowledge and indigenous skills through technology-enabled education.

What is TribeX?

TribeX is a first-of-its-kind digital learning and knowledge platform designed to document, preserve and promote India's rich tribal heritage. It serves as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that combines education, skill development and cultural preservation by offering structured academic programmes alongside a digital repository of tribal knowledge.

The platform has been developed to safeguard India's diverse tribal traditions while making them accessible to learners, researchers and the wider public through digital technologies.

Key Features

TribeX functions as an integrated digital learning platform, offering free certificate courses and UGC-recognised Post Graduate Diploma programmes in tribal languages, traditional art forms, handicrafts, handloom, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices.

It currently provides 20 free certificate courses covering a wide range of tribal crafts, paintings, artefacts, handloom traditions and traditional musical instruments, thereby promoting skill development and cultural awareness.

A major component of TribeX is its Digital Repository, which documents and preserves tribal languages, oral traditions, performing arts, cultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems for future generations.

The platform also incorporates a Learning Management System (LMS) and a Repository Management System, enabling structured learning, digital content management, learner progress tracking and secure access to educational resources.

Another important feature is the Heritage Archive, which contains more than 5,000 multimedia resources, including audio recordings, videos and literature documenting tribal festivals, folklore, socio-cultural practices and oral traditions from across India.

In News:

Indiahandmade is gaining attention as a flagship initiative under the Digital Indiaprogramme to digitally empower artisans and weavers by providing them with direct market access, thereby promoting traditional crafts, rural livelihoods and India's cultural heritage.

What is Indiahandmade?

Indiahandmade is a dedicated digital marketplace launched in 2023 by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles. The platform connects handloom weavers, handicraft artisans and producer organisations directly with buyers across the country, eliminating multiple intermediaries and enabling artisans to participate in the digital economy.

It forms an important component of the Government's efforts to strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat, promote Digital India, and preserve India's traditional crafts through technology-enabled market access.

Need for the Platform

India possesses one of the world's largest traditional craft sectors, with nearly 64.66 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans. The sector is a major source of rural employment and women's empowerment, with women constituting about 71% of handloom weavers and 64% of total artisans.

Despite its cultural and economic importance, artisans often face challenges such as dependence on intermediaries, limited market reach, inadequate branding and low price realization. Indiahandmade seeks to bridge these gaps by creating a trusted digital marketplace connecting producers directly with consumers.

Key Features

The platform enables artisans and weavers to market a wide range of handmade products, including apparel, home décor, furnishings, paintings, furniture, jewellery, stationery, musical instruments, bags, footwear and religious items.

A distinctive feature of Indiahandmade is its promotion of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and One District One Product (ODOP) items. Products showcased include Banarasi silk, Chanderi silk, Ikat, Pashmina shawls, Dokra crafts, Tangail sarees, Aipan art and terracotta products, thereby strengthening regional identity and traditional craftsmanship.

To improve consumer confidence, the platform provides secure digital payments, free shipping, purchase protection, buyer support, and a simplified onboarding process for artisans, weavers and producer organisations.

In News:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), on the recommendation of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), has notified the Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram as India's 21st Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

What are Designated Repositories?

Designated Repositories are institutions officially recognized under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 for the safe preservation, maintenance and authentication of biological specimens accessed under the provisions of the Act. They serve as permanent scientific repositories for biological materials, ensuring proper documentation, traceability and long-term availability for research, taxonomy and conservation.

These repositories also preserve voucher specimens and type specimens of newly discovered species, which serve as standard references for species identification and future scientific studies.

Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram

The Natural History Museum (NHM) was established in 2022 under Mizoram University, a Central University. Situated within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, the museum occupies a region recognized globally for its exceptional biological diversity and high level of endemism.

As a Designated Repository, NHM will preserve authenticated specimens of important plant and animal groups, including pteridophytes, macrofungi, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies. It will also function as the official repository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region, thereby strengthening taxonomic research and biodiversity documentation.

Significance

The designation of NHM as India's 21st Designated Repository strengthens the country's biodiversity governance framework by expanding scientific infrastructure for ex situ conservation. The repository will facilitate accurate species identification, long-term preservation of biological resources and ecological restoration following habitat degradation, natural disasters or species decline.

The initiative is particularly significant because Mizoram and the North-Eastern Region together support more than 7,500 species of flowering plants and over 2,000 faunal species, making the region one of India's richest biodiversity landscapes.

The notification also advances National Biodiversity Target 4 under India's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–2030 and contributes to the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which emphasizes strengthening ex situ conservation alongside in situ conservation.

In News:

The National Academic Depository (NAD) is receiving renewed attention as India advances towards a secure, paperless and interoperable academic record management system, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Digital India.

What is the National Academic Depository (NAD)?

The National Academic Depository (NAD) is a nationwide digital framework for storing, issuing, verifying and authenticating academic credentials such as degrees, diplomas, certificates, marksheets and evaluation reports. It aims to replace paper-based academic records with authenticated digital credentials that can be securely accessed throughout a student's lifetime.

Since 2020, NAD has been implemented through DigiLocker, which serves as the operational platform for issuing, storing and sharing digital academic documents.

Need for NAD

India has one of the world's largest education ecosystems, comprising nearly 14.71 lakh schools, 1,420 universities, 53,583 colleges, 16,795 standalone institutions, and 280 research and development institutes. These institutions generate millions of academic records every year.

The traditional paper-based system is costly, time-consuming and prone to loss, damage, forgery and delays in verification. As educational reforms increasingly promote student mobility and flexible learning pathways, there is a growing need for a secure and interoperable digital repository that allows seamless access to verified academic records.

Objectives

The National Academic Depository seeks to:

• Provide lifelong digital access to authenticated academic credentials.
• Enable secure, paperless storage and sharing of academic records.
• Facilitate instant verification by educational institutions, employers, banks and government agencies.
• Eliminate fake certificates and reduce document forgery.
• Support credit mobility and flexible learning under NEP 2020.

Governance and Institutional Framework

The Ministry of Education is the parent ministry responsible for the National Academic Depository, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) functions as the nodal agency for its implementation through DigiLocker.

NAD operates through a coordinated digital framework in which educational institutions upload verified academic records, while students retain lifelong ownership and control over their credentials.

Digital documents issued through NAD enjoy the same legal validity as physical documents under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Integration with National Digital Education Ecosystem

NAD has been integrated with several flagship digital initiatives to promote seamless academic mobility and verification.

These include:

• DigiLocker
• APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry)
• Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
• e-Sanad for attestation and apostille services

This integration enables secure storage, credit transfer, verification and international authentication of academic records.

Significance

The National Academic Depository represents a major step towards digital governance in education. It simplifies academic record management, reduces administrative burden, accelerates admissions and recruitment processes, and enhances transparency by enabling instant verification of authentic documents.

The platform also supports the implementation of Multiple Entry-Multiple Exit (MEME), the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020. By promoting interoperability and lifelong learning, NAD aligns India's education system with global best practices in digital credential management.

Legal Framework

The functioning of NAD is supported by a robust legal framework:

• Information Technology Act, 2000 provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures.
• Digital Locker Rules, 2016 ensure that digital documents are shared only with the explicit consent of the user.
• National e-Authentication Framework enables secure identity verification and authentication during document access and sharing.

In News:

Recent advances in Quantum Error Correction (QEC) by companies such as Google, coupled with progress under India's National Quantum Mission (NQM), have renewed global interest in quantum computing. These developments are expected to accelerate the transition from today's Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems to fault-tolerant quantum computers, unlocking transformative applications in cryptography, climate modelling, drug discovery and materials science.

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is an emerging field that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve computational problems that are beyond the practical capabilities of classical computers. Unlike classical computers, which process information using bits that exist either as 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits). Owing to quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, qubits can process multiple possibilities simultaneously, enabling exponential speed-ups for certain classes of problems.

Principles of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing relies on three fundamental principles.

• Superposition: A qubit can exist in multiple states simultaneously until it is measured, allowing parallel computation.
• Entanglement: Two or more qubits become intrinsically linked so that the state of one is correlated with the other, regardless of the distance between them.
• Interference: Quantum algorithms amplify correct computational paths while cancelling incorrect ones, improving the probability of obtaining the right solution.

Together, these principles enable massive parallelism, making quantum computers particularly powerful for optimisation, simulation and cryptographic applications.

Types of Qubits

Several physical technologies are being explored for building quantum computers.

• Superconducting qubits – Based on Josephson junctions operating at temperatures close to absolute zero (used by Google's Willow processor).
• Quantum Dot qubits – Semiconductor-based qubits made from materials such as silicon or germanium.
• Trapped Ion qubits – Individual charged atoms confined using electromagnetic fields.
• Photonic qubits – Encode quantum information using photons.
• NMR qubits – Based on nuclear spins and used in the first quantum computer demonstration in 1998.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication technique that uses quantum properties of photons to exchange encryption keys. Any attempt to intercept the communication disturbs the quantum state, immediately revealing the presence of an eavesdropper. This makes QKD one of the most secure methods for transmitting cryptographic keys.

The Noise Problem in Quantum Computing

The biggest challenge in quantum computing is decoherence, where interactions with the surrounding environment—such as heat, electromagnetic radiation or vibration—destroy the fragile quantum state of qubits.

Current NISQ devices remain highly error-prone despite operating at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273°C). Their error rates remain significantly higher than those of classical computers. In addition, imperfections in lasers, microwave pulses and control systems introduce further computational errors.

Quantum Error Correction (QEC)

Quantum Error Correction (QEC) is a technique that combines multiple physical qubits to create a more reliable logical qubit capable of preserving quantum information despite individual errors.

A major breakthrough occurred when researchers demonstrated that once the error rate of physical qubits falls below a critical threshold, increasing the number of qubits actually reduces the overall error rate instead of increasing it. Google's Willow processor demonstrated this principle by successfully suppressing encoded errors, marking an important step towards practical fault-tolerant quantum computers.

India's National Quantum Mission (NQM)

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Government of India in April 2023 with the objective of making India a global leader in quantum technologies by 2031.

The mission seeks to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1,000 qubits, establish a 2,000-km satellite-based quantum communication network, deploy Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, advance quantum sensing and metrology, and promote indigenous development of quantum materials, devices, hardware and software.

To accelerate innovation, the mission has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) and supports quantum start-ups through innovative financing mechanisms such as Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).

India has already achieved a significant milestone by developing an indigenous 1,000-km quantum communication network through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with QNu Labs, achieving half of its long-term communication target.

In News:

Bengaluru-based space start-up GalaxEye recently announced that communication has been lost with Mission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite and India's largest privately built Earth observation satellite. The mission marked a significant milestone in India's private space sector by integrating optical and radar imaging technologies into a single satellite.

What is Mission Drishti?

Mission Drishti is a 190-kg Earth observation satellite developed by GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based deep-tech space start-up. It is the world's first operational OptoSAR satellite, integrating Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single compact platform.

The satellite was launched on 3 May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California (USA).

The mission aims to establish a sovereign, all-weather Earth observation capability for India by enabling uninterrupted monitoring of strategic land and maritime regions irrespective of cloud cover or darkness.

Key Features

The defining innovation of Mission Drishti is its OptoSAR technology, which combines the strengths of optical and radar imaging in a single payload.

Optical cameras provide high-resolution visual imagery but are ineffective during cloud cover or at night. In contrast, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) actively transmits microwave signals, allowing it to capture images through clouds, fog, rain and darkness. By integrating both sensors, OptoSAR enables simultaneous collection of complementary datasets from the same location and time, improving accuracy and eliminating alignment errors that occur when images are obtained from separate satellites.

The satellite's hybrid imagery will be commercially distributed through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for domestic and international users.

In News:

The Telangana Government has announced the restoration of the Char Kaman (Four Gateways) located around the Charminar in Hyderabad. Administrative approval has been granted to appoint consultants and initiate conservation work aimed at preserving these important monuments of the Qutb Shahi period.

What is Char Kaman?

Char Kaman refers to the four monumental ornamental gateways constructed around the Charminar in Hyderabad. Built during the Qutb Shahi period, these arches formed the ceremonial entrances to the old city and enclosed a large public square that served as the entrance to the Qutb Shahi Palace complex.

At the centre of this square stood the Char-Su-Ka-Houz (Gulzar Houz), a freshwater fountain situated at the intersection of the four gateways. Each gateway was built with three storeys, and the upper chambers were originally used by royal guards.

Historical Background

The Charminar was constructed between 1589 and 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The Char Kaman were built a few years later, around 1594, to complement the city's planned urban layout. Together, the Charminar, Char Kaman and the palace complex formed the ceremonial and administrative centre of the newly founded city of Hyderabad.

The Four Gateways

The four gateways are located around Gulzar Houz, each facing one of the cardinal directions:

• Machli Kaman – North
• Charminar Kaman – South
• Kali Kaman – East
• Sher-e-Batil (Kaman Sher Dil) – West

Originally, these gateways had different names:

• Daulat Khana-e-Ali (West)
• Naqqar Khana (East)
• The enclosed central space was known as Jilau Khana, which functioned as the royal vestibule.

Over time, the present names gradually came into common usage. The Machli Kaman derives its name from a ceremonial fish-shaped decoration displayed during the lunar New Year, while Kali Kaman literally means the "Black Arch."

Historical Significance

The Char Kaman formed an integral part of Hyderabad's royal urban design and served important ceremonial and administrative functions. Nobles and officials assembled within the enclosed square before proceeding for audiences with the ruler. Besides regulating access to the royal precincts, the gateways symbolised the grandeur of the planned capital established by the Qutb Shahi rulers.

Today, the Char Kaman, together with the Charminar and Gulzar Houz, constitute one of the finest surviving examples of Deccan-Islamic urban planning.

Restoration Plan

The proposed conservation project focuses on restoring the structural stability of the gateways while preserving their original architectural features. The work includes structural repairs, conservation of heritage elements and improvement of the overall physical condition of the monuments without compromising their historical authenticity. The initiative aims to address deterioration caused by urbanisation, pollution and ageing, while promoting heritage conservation in Hyderabad's historic core.

In News:

The BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration at the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting held in Guwahati, Assam, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.

What is the Guwahati Declaration?

The Guwahati Declaration is a joint commitment adopted by BRICS member countries to enhance international cooperation in preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking and its links with organised transnational crime. The declaration was adopted during the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting, hosted by India under its 2026 BRICS Chairship, whose theme was "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The meeting brought together anti-drug agencies from Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss coordinated strategies for tackling the growing global narcotics trade.

Key Features of the Declaration

The declaration emphasizes stronger collaboration among BRICS members through timely exchange of information, intelligence and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. It also encourages the use of innovative technologies, digital tools and data-driven approaches to strengthen law enforcement and regulatory mechanisms against drug trafficking.

Recognising that enforcement alone is insufficient, the declaration also calls for measures to reduce drug demand, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect children and young people through evidence-based, people-centric interventions.

About BRICS

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies that promotes cooperation in areas such as economic development, trade, finance, technology, security and global governance.

The term "BRIC" was coined by Jim O'Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in 2001. The grouping was formally established with Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined in 2010, giving rise to BRICS.

The grouping expanded in 2024 with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, followed by Indonesia in 2025, taking the total membership to 11 countries.

In 2025, BRICS also introduced the category of Partner Countries, comprising Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Collectively, BRICS countries account for approximately 49.5% of the world's population, around 40% of global GDP, and nearly 26% of global trade, making it one of the most influential groupings of emerging economies.

In News:

The World Bank Group Country Income Classifications for Fiscal Year 2027 (released in July 2026) retained India in the Lower-Middle-Income category, a position it has held since 2009. In contrast, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines were upgraded to the Upper-Middle-Income category.

What is the World Bank Country Income Classification?

The World Bank classifies economies every year on 1 July into four income groups based on their Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the previous calendar year. The classification serves as an operational and analytical tool for development financing and cross-country comparison rather than a measure of overall development.

To improve comparability, GNI per capita is calculated using the Atlas Method, which smoothens the effects of exchange-rate fluctuations and inflation by averaging exchange rates over time. The income thresholds are revised annually using the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) deflator to account for global inflation.

Income Classification (FY 2027)

• Low Income: USD 1,175 or less
• Lower-Middle Income: USD 1,176–4,635
• Upper-Middle Income: USD 4,636–14,375
• High Income: Above USD 14,375

India's GNI per capita stood at USD 2,760 (2025), keeping it within the Lower-Middle-Income category.

Key Highlights

The latest classification reflects continued improvements in the global income landscape. While nearly 30% of economies were classified as low income in 1987, the share has declined to 11% by 2026.

This year, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Philippines, Jordan and Micronesia moved from the Lower-Middle-Income to the Upper-Middle-Income category, while Togo graduated from Low Income to Lower-Middle Income.

Vietnam and the Philippines achieved the upgrade through sustained export-led industrial growth, while Sri Lanka recovered from its recent economic crisis through the revival of tourism and financial services. Jordan and Togo benefited largely from revised statistical methodologies and updated national accounts.

Why Does India Continue to Remain a Lower-Middle-Income Economy?

Despite being one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India's per capita income remains relatively low because of its large population, which dilutes gains in aggregate national income.

Significant regional disparities also persist. High-income States such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat coexist with relatively poorer States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, lowering the national average.

Another structural challenge is the dominance of the informal sector, where nearly 85% of the workforce is employed. Low labour productivity, disguised unemployment in agriculture and limited formal employment constrain growth in average incomes.

India also entered the Lower-Middle-Income category only in 2009. Historically, moving into the next income bracket requires sustained high economic growth over several decades.

In News:

Researchers in the United States have developed SpudCell, a laboratory-made synthetic cell constructed entirely from non-living chemical components. The artificial cell can grow, replicate its DNA, divide and undergo Darwinian evolution, representing a major breakthrough in synthetic biology.

What is SpudCell?

SpudCell is a synthetic (artificial) cell created entirely from non-living chemicals, unlike conventional biotechnology, which modifies existing living organisms.

The artificial cell mimics several essential characteristics of life, including growth, DNA replication, cell division and natural selection. However, it is not a fully living organism, as it depends on externally supplied nutrients and molecular machinery to survive.

Key Features

SpudCell has been designed to imitate fundamental biological processes through engineered chemical systems.

• Constructed from a liposome (artificial lipid membrane) that functions as the cell membrane.
• Contains a cell-free protein synthesis system (PURE system) capable of producing proteins from a synthetic DNA genome.
• Uses a minimal artificial genome of approximately 90,000 base pairs.
• Produces the alpha-hemolysin protein, which forms molecular pores enabling nutrient uptake through fusion with smaller lipid vesicles.
• Replicates its DNA using specialised copying enzymes.
• Divides into daughter cells through physical pressure and mechanical stress, rather than using a natural cytoskeleton.
• Demonstrates Darwinian evolution, where genetically advantageous variants reproduce more efficiently and outcompete others.

How Does SpudCell Function?

The artificial cell follows a simplified life cycle:

• Growth: Absorbs nutrients through membrane pores formed by alpha-hemolysin proteins.
• Protein Synthesis: The PURE system translates genetic information into functional proteins.
• DNA Replication: The synthetic genome is accurately copied before division.
• Cell Division: Mechanical forces generated by protein crowding split the enlarged cell into two daughter cells.
• Evolution: Beneficial genetic mutations improve nutrient uptake, allowing faster reproduction and natural selection.

Why is SpudCell Not Considered Fully Alive?

Although SpudCell exhibits several life-like properties, it lacks complete biological autonomy.

It still depends on:

• External supply of nutrients.
• Externally provided ribosomes and molecular machinery.
• Laboratory-controlled conditions for survival.

Unlike natural cells, it cannot independently maintain metabolism or reproduce indefinitely.

Significance

SpudCell represents a landmark achievement in synthetic biology, demonstrating that fundamental characteristics of life can be recreated from entirely non-living components.

Its potential applications include:

• Development of programmable drug delivery systems.
• Precision medicine and targeted therapeutics.
• Sustainable industrial biomanufacturing.
• Environmental remediation using engineered artificial cells.
• Better understanding of the origin and evolution of life.
• Advancing synthetic biology and bioengineering research.

In News:

The Prime Minister recently launched Viksit UDAN, the next phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, in Rajasthan. Earlier, in March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme, which serves as the framework for this expanded phase. The initiative aims to strengthen regional air connectivity, develop world-class aviation infrastructure and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

What is Viksit UDAN?

Viksit UDAN is the modified version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), originally launched in October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016. It seeks to make air travel affordable, accessible and inclusive, while extending aviation services to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, hilly regions, islands, remote areas and aspirational districts.

The scheme will be implemented from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 with a total budgetary support of ?28,840 crore.

Key Features

The modified scheme focuses on expanding regional aviation infrastructure while ensuring long-term operational sustainability.

• 100 airports will be developed from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ?12,159 crore.
• Around 441 aerodromes will receive Operation and Maintenance (O&M) support for three years to ensure viability.
• 200 modern helipads will be developed in hilly, remote, island and aspirational regions to improve connectivity and emergency services.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ?10,043 crore will be provided to airlines for ten years, with support gradually reduced after the third year.
• Airports will be developed through the Challenge Mode, encouraging timely execution, innovation and quality infrastructure.
• The scheme also promotes indigenous aviation by encouraging the use of HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft for regional operations.

Expected Impact

Viksit UDAN is expected to deepen regional connectivity and stimulate balanced economic development. Improved air connectivity is likely to boost tourism, trade, investment, healthcare access, disaster response and employment generation, particularly in underserved regions. By connecting remote areas with the national aviation network, the scheme seeks to make aviation a catalyst for inclusive growth.

About the UDAN Scheme

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is the flagship regional connectivity programme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, launched in 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the nodal implementing agency.

The scheme operates through a market-driven model supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF), which helps airlines operate on commercially unviable regional routes while maintaining affordable airfares. The scheme is further supported through concessions such as reduced airport charges and lower VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) by participating States.

Since its launch, India's airport network has expanded significantly, increasing from 74 airports in 2014 to 159 airports in 2024. Over successive phases, UDAN has broadened its scope—from connecting underserved airports to including helipads, tourism routes, North-Eastern and island regions, and seaplane operations.

In News:

India's ranking in the Global Passport Index (GPI) 2026 has slipped to 125th, down one position from the previous year. The index assesses not only the international travel freedom offered by a passport but also the opportunities it provides for living, working and investing abroad.

What is the Global Passport Index?

The Global Passport Index (GPI) is an annual ranking published by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), a residency and citizenship advisory firm. Unlike conventional passport rankings that focus mainly on visa-free travel, the GPI provides a broader assessment by evaluating the overall value of a passport in terms of mobility, investment opportunities and quality of life.

The index measures passports across three broad parameters:

• Enhanced Mobility (50%) – Visa-free access, visa-on-arrival and ease of international travel.
• Investment (25%) – Business environment and investment opportunities available to passport holders.
• Quality of Living (25%) – Indicators such as healthcare, education, human development, safety and environmental quality.

The rankings are based on 14 indicators using data from organisations such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Sustainable Development Report.

Key Highlights of GPI 2026

The top-ranked passports in 2026 are those of Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, reflecting their strong performance across all three dimensions.

India is ranked 125th, indicating relatively lower performance not only in international mobility but also in investment opportunities and quality-of-life indicators.

Significance

The Global Passport Index provides a more comprehensive assessment of passport strength than traditional mobility rankings. It highlights that the value of a passport depends not only on visa-free travel but also on the economic opportunities, living standards and global competitiveness associated with the issuing country. For policymakers, the index serves as an indicator of India's progress in areas such as economic development, governance, human capital and international engagement.

In News:

The eSARAS platform is emerging as a key initiative for promoting women-led rural entrepreneurship, preserving India's traditional crafts and strengthening digital commerce under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

What is eSARAS?

eSARAS is the official e-commerce platform developed by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). It serves as a dedicated online marketplace for products manufactured by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations across India.

The platform connects rural producers directly with consumers, eliminating intermediaries and enabling wider market access for women-led enterprises.

Objectives

The platform aims to:

• Promote women-led rural entrepreneurship.
• Provide nationwide market access to SHG products.
• Increase income opportunities for rural women.
• Preserve India's traditional handicrafts and handloom products.
• Promote digital inclusion and financial empowerment.
• Strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods.

Key Features

eSARAS supports women entrepreneurs by providing end-to-end market linkage services.

Its major features include:

• Exclusive marketplace for Women SHGs and their federations.
• Direct business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing platform.
• Support for branding, packaging, processing, logistics and shipping.
• Digital platform accessible across India.
• Promotes authentic handmade and indigenous products.

The platform caters to a wide range of rural artisans, including:Weavers, Potters, Marble artisans, Pashmina producers, Women-led cooperatives, and Other traditional craft clusters

Product Categories

eSARAS offers a diverse range of products such as:

• Home décor and lifestyle products
• Apparel and fashion accessories
• Personal care products
• Food and processed food items
• Toys and children's products
• Traditional handicrafts and handloom products

Some notable products include:Chanderi sarees, Pashmina products, Marble handicrafts, Handmade rural crafts

Platform Evolution

About DAY-NRLM

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is the flagship rural poverty alleviation programme of the Ministry of Rural Development.

It seeks to reduce rural poverty by organising poor households into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and enabling them to access sustainable livelihood opportunities through self-employment, skill development and financial inclusion.

Objectives

• Mobilise poor rural households into SHGs.
• Promote women's financial inclusion.
• Facilitate access to institutional credit.
• Strengthen rural livelihoods through entrepreneurship.
• Enhance household income and reduce poverty.
• Build strong community-based institutions for long-term socio-economic development.

In News:

The Government of Telangana has declared cancer a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for all public and private healthcare facilities to report every diagnosed cancer case to a designated state portal within one month. The initiative aims to improve cancer surveillance, generate reliable epidemiological data and strengthen evidence-based public health planning.

What is a Notifiable Disease?

A notifiable disease is a disease that is mandatorily reported by healthcare providers to government authorities under the law. Disease notification enables continuous surveillance, early detection, monitoring of disease trends and timely public health interventions.

In India, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 provides the legal framework for disease notification, while State Governments determine which diseases are notified within their jurisdictions.

Commonly notified diseases include Tuberculosis, Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis, Measles and Polio. During the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 was declared a notifiable disease across the country.

Telangana's New Initiative

Under the new policy:

• Every diagnosed cancer case must be reported within one month.
• Reporting is mandatory for both government and private healthcare institutions.
• The data will be validated by the Centre of Excellence – MNJ Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad.
• Validated information will be integrated with the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• The initiative seeks to accurately map cancer incidence, mortality and geographical distribution across the State.

Why is this Initiative Important?

India currently does not classify cancer as a nationally notifiable disease. Consequently, reliable nationwide cancer surveillance remains limited.

The present system relies primarily on:

• Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), which estimate cancer incidence within defined populations.
• Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs), which collect information from hospitals for clinical and research purposes.

However, these registries collectively cover only 10–16% of India's population and are largely concentrated in urban and public-sector institutions, resulting in significant under-reporting, particularly from the private healthcare sector.

Recognising this gap, 17 States, including Telangana, have independently notified cancer under their respective public health frameworks.

National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)

The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) was launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1981 to systematically collect, analyse and disseminate data on cancer incidence, mortality and survival across India.

It functions through two major components:

• Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) – Monitor cancer occurrence in defined populations.
• Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs) – Record detailed clinical information on patients treated in hospitals.

The programme is implemented by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru, under the ICMR.

Concerns with Existing Cancer Surveillance

Despite continuous improvements, several challenges persist:

• Limited population coverage (10–16%).
• Under-reporting from the private healthcare sector.
• Urban-centric registry network with inadequate rural representation.
• Delayed reporting affecting policy formulation.
• Incomplete mortality and survival statistics.

These limitations hinder accurate estimation of India's cancer burden and resource allocation.

Cancer Burden in India

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO):

• India recorded approximately 1.41 million cancer cases in 2022.
• The number is projected to increase to nearly 2.46 million by 2045, representing a rise of over 74%.

The increase is attributed to:

• Ageing population.
• Rising life expectancy.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Urbanisation.
• Increased prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity and physical inactivity.

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the first ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiment (SOLVE) solid motor at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The successful test marks a significant milestone in validating critical technologies for India's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission.

What is SOLVE?

The Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiment (SOLVE) is a specialised test platform developed by ISRO to validate the deceleration and recovery systems of the Gaganyaan Crew Module under realistic flight conditions before undertaking human spaceflight.

Unlike an orbital launch vehicle, SOLVE performs sub-orbital missions, reaching lower altitudes without entering Earth's orbit. These missions are intended to test critical systems that ensure the safe return of astronauts.

Key Features

• Developed specifically for Gaganyaan qualification tests.
• Carries the Crew Module to an altitude of 10–17 km before separation.
• Designed to validate the Integrated Parachute Deceleration System.
• Uses a solid propulsion stage derived from the PSLV Strap-on Motor, with modifications to meet human spaceflight requirements.
• Incorporates:
  • Slow burn-rate solid propellant for controlled performance.
  • Straight nozzle configuration.
  • Secondary Injection Thrust Vector Control (SITVC) for improved flight stability and control.

How the Test Mission Works

During a SOLVE mission:

• The launch vehicle carries the Crew Module to an altitude of 10–17 km.
• The Crew Module separates from the vehicle.
• A carefully sequenced parachute deployment system is activated.
• A total of 10 parachutes deploy in different stages to progressively reduce the module's speed.
• The Crew Module finally performs a safe splashdown in the sea, simulating the recovery phase of the Gaganyaan mission.

These tests help verify the reliability of the deceleration system under different flight conditions before astronauts are flown.

About the Gaganyaan Mission

Gaganyaan is India's first indigenous human spaceflight programme, aimed at demonstrating the country's capability to safely send humans into space and return them to Earth.

Objectives

• Demonstrate India's indigenous capability to undertake human spaceflight.
• Send a crew of three astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 400 km.
• Keep the crew in orbit for about three days before ensuring their safe return through splashdown and recovery.
• Promote scientific research by conducting microgravity experiments.
• Lay the foundation for a long-term Indian human space exploration programme, including future space stations and deep-space missions.

In News:

Renowned Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, who popularised Chhattisgarh's traditional storytelling art on national and international platforms, recently passed away. She played a transformative role in bringing this unique oral folk tradition to global recognition and was one of India's most celebrated folk artists.

What is Pandavani?

Pandavani is a traditional oral storytelling and musical performance tradition originating from Chhattisgarh. The word "Pandavani" literally means "the story of the Pandavas" and revolves around episodes from the Mahabharata, particularly highlighting the lives, struggles and heroism of the Pandava brothers.

Blending music, narration, acting and improvisation, Pandavani occupies a unique place among India's folk performing arts. Unlike classical theatre, it is centred on the expressive abilities of a single lead performer, who narrates the epic while portraying multiple characters through changes in voice, facial expressions and dramatic gestures.

Features of Pandavani

The performance combines storytelling with music and theatrical elements, making it a powerful medium of oral tradition.

Some of its important features include:

• Narration is based on episodes from the Mahabharata, especially the exploits of the Pandavas.
• A single lead performer narrates, sings and enacts different characters.
• Accompanied by musicians playing instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, dholak and manjira.
• The performer usually carries a tambura or ektara, which serves both as a musical instrument and a symbolic prop.
• During the performance, the tambura may represent a bow, mace, sword, chariot or other objects, depending on the scene being enacted.
• The narration often includes improvisation, audience interaction and spontaneous dramatic expression.

Styles of Pandavani

Pandavani is traditionally performed in two distinct styles:

Vedamati Style

• The performer remains seated throughout the performance.
• Greater emphasis is placed on simple narration and singing.
• Dramatic enactment is minimal, with the focus on the oral narration of the epic.

Kapalik Style

• The performer moves across the stage, enacting various characters and battle scenes.
• Uses dramatic gestures, voice modulation and expressive acting.
• The tambura is creatively used as different symbolic objects during the performance.
• This style is more theatrical and visually engaging.

Teejan Bai's Contribution

Teejan Bai is widely regarded as the greatest exponent of the Kapalik style of Pandavani. She broke traditional gender barriers by performing a style that was historically dominated by male artists and transformed Pandavani into a globally recognised folk art form.

Her contributions include:

• PopularisedPandavani across India and internationally.
• Revitalised interest in Chhattisgarh's folk traditions.
• Inspired generations of women artists to enter the field.
• Elevated an oral folk tradition to national cultural prominence.

Another noted contemporary exponent of Pandavani is Ritu Verma.

In News:

An Assam tea estate has sold India's first commercially produced matcha tea, marking a significant diversification of the Indian tea industry beyond conventional black and green teas. The initiative reflects the growing demand for premium specialty teas in domestic and international markets and opens new avenues for value addition in the tea sector.

What is Matcha Tea?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder prepared from specially cultivated shade-grown leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant species used to produce black, green, oolong and white teas. Unlike conventional green tea, where the leaves are infused in hot water and discarded, matcha is whisked into water and consumed entirely, resulting in higher intake of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

The practice of consuming powdered tea originated in China during the Song Dynasty and was later introduced to Japan by Zen Buddhist monks, where it evolved into an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, Japan remains the world's leading producer of high-quality matcha.

How is Matcha Produced?

The distinctive quality of matcha lies in its unique cultivation and processing method.

• Tea plants are shade-grown for about 3–4 weeks before harvest, with nearly 90% of sunlight blocked.
• Reduced sunlight increases the concentration of chlorophyll and L-theanine (an amino acid), giving the leaves their vibrant green colour and characteristic umami flavour.
• Only the young, tender leaves are harvested.
• The leaves are steamed immediately to prevent oxidation, preserving their green colour.
• After drying and removing stems and veins, the processed leaves are known as tencha.
• The tencha is then slowly stone-ground into an ultra-fine green powder called matcha.

Why is Matcha Different from Regular Green Tea?

Unlike ordinary green tea, which is prepared by steeping leaves in hot water, matcha is consumed as the whole leaf in powdered form. As a result, it provides higher concentrations of:

• Antioxidants (especially catechins such as EGCG)
• Chlorophyll
• L-theanine
• Natural caffeine
• Vitamins and minerals

This combination has made matcha popular as a functional beverage in the global health and wellness market.

In News:

A consortium comprising Microsoft, Singtel, Tata Communications and Lightstorm has signed agreements to develop the India–Southeast Asia (I-2SEA) Submarine Cable System, a major digital infrastructure project connecting India, Malaysia and Singapore. Expected to be operational by Q4 2029, it seeks to meet the growing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing and hyperscaler connectivity across the India–Southeast Asia corridor.

What is the I-2SEA Submarine Cable System?

The I-2SEA is an approximately 3,600-km submarine fibre-optic cable system that will connect India's east coast with Southeast Asia through a carrier-neutral landing infrastructure. It is designed to provide high-capacity, low-latency and resilient digital connectivity for AI, cloud services and enterprise data traffic.

Submarine cables are undersea fibre-optic cables that transmit data using light signals and carry nearly 99% of global international internet and telecommunications traffic, making them the backbone of the global digital economy.

Key Features

• Connects India, Malaysia and Singapore, strengthening regional digital connectivity.
• Dual landing stations in India at Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and South Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
• Machilipatnam offers the shortest subsea route to Hyderabad, enabling faster connectivity to India's growing AI and data centre ecosystem.
• Provides onward connectivity to Mumbai and over 80 data centres through Lightstorm's terrestrial fibre network.
• Features carrier-neutral landing infrastructure, allowing multiple telecom operators and service providers to use the network.
• Uses interoperable cable architecture, ensuring seamless integration with various international networks.
• Incorporates deep cable burial to protect against damage from anchors, fishing activities and natural hazards.
• Integrated with Lightstorm's SmartNet AI Fabric and Polarin platform for intelligent network management and real-time monitoring.

Purpose

The project has been designed to address the rapid growth in international data traffic driven by AI and cloud computing. It will support:

• Hyperscalers and cloud service providers.
• GPU infrastructure for AI model training and inference.
• High-performance computing workloads.
• Enterprises requiring high-capacity, low-latency digital connectivity.

In News:

The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) released the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2026 during the Third Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026, where India improved its ranking to 94th in the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index.

About the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC)

• The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform that seeks to accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering practical cooperation among governments, businesses, financial institutions, civil society, academia, and international organisations.
• The conference aims to strengthen partnerships between the Global North and the Global South, promote sustainable economic development, and build collaborative solutions to emerging global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical conflicts, and sustainable finance.
• The inaugural conference was held in October 2024, while the 2026 edition marks its third annual session.
• The theme of HSC 2026 is "Together we co-create sustainable development."

Major Focus Areas

The conference discussions are organised around three broad pillars:

• Resilient Economies, Technology and the Future of Our Planet, focusing on industrial decarbonisation, sustainable investments, responsible Artificial Intelligence, and digital transformation.
• Risk, Uncertainty and Conflict, addressing the impact of geopolitical tensions on global supply chains, food security, energy security, and critical minerals.
• Ensuring the Future of Human Collaboration, which seeks to strengthen multilateral cooperation and bridge the trust deficit between developed and developing countries.

Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2026

• The Sustainable Development Report is published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
• It assesses countries' progress towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The report ranks countries using the SDG Index, which measures performance across social, economic, and environmental indicators.

India's Performance

India has continued to improve its position in the SDG Index.

India's SDG Score in 2026 stands at 68.3 out of 100, reflecting an improvement of 18 positions since 2015.

Key Achievements

The report recognises India's progress in several areas, particularly:

• Expansion of rural electrification under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Rapid improvement in digital connectivity under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Overall improvement in SDG performance compared to many other emerging economies.

Major Challenges

Despite improvements, the report highlights that India continues to face significant developmental challenges.

Key concerns include:

• Only about 3% of SDG targets are currently on track for achievement by 2030.
• Rising levels of child wasting, stunting, and undernourishment, affecting progress under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Increasing adult obesity, indicating the growing burden of malnutrition in all its forms.
• Higher per capita carbon dioxide (CO?) emissions and continued deterioration in air quality, affecting progress under SDGs 13, 14, and 15.
• Declining scores on press freedom and institutional indicators, posing challenges under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2012 to mobilise scientific expertise, academic institutions, businesses, and civil society in support of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The network promotes evidence-based policy solutions, publishes the annual Sustainable Development Report, and supports governments in designing strategies for sustainable development.

In News:

Astronomers have recently discovered a new millisecond pulsar using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) as part of the ongoing Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-metre (SMART) survey. The discovery is expected to enhance our understanding of neutron stars and support future radio astronomy missions.

About Murchison Widefield Array (MWA)

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a low-frequency radio telescope located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in Western Australia, which also hosts the future Square Kilometre Array-Low (SKA-Low).

It is an international collaboration involving 20 research institutions from Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the United States, led by Curtin University, Australia.

The telescope consists of 4,096 spider-like antennas that operate in the 70–300 MHz frequency range. It is designed with a very wide field of view, high angular resolution, nanosecond time resolution, and digital pointing capability, enabling it to rapidly scan large portions of the sky and detect faint or short-lived cosmic phenomena.

Major Scientific Applications

The MWA is used to study a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, including:

• The Epoch of Reionization, when the first stars and galaxies formed.
• Structure and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
• The Sun and space weather, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
• Transient radio sources such as pulsars and Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).
• The interstellar medium and cosmic magnetic fields.

Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-metre (SMART) Survey

The SMART Survey is an ongoing pulsar search programme using the MWA to identify previously unknown pulsars in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is the only pulsar survey currently operating at low radio frequencies (140–170 MHz) in the Southern Hemisphere. Once completed, the survey is expected to discover hundreds of new pulsars and will provide an important reference database for future observations with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA-Low).

Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is an international project to build the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope for exploring the universe.

The telescope is being developed across two continents:

• SKA-Low in Australia
• SKA-Mid in South Africa

Its operational headquarters are located in the United Kingdom, while construction officially commenced on 5 December 2022.

The SKA aims to investigate some of the most fundamental questions in astronomy, including the origin of the Universe, formation and evolution of galaxies, cosmic magnetism, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

India became a member of the SKA project in December 2022.

What are Pulsars?

Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit highly regular beams of electromagnetic radiation, primarily in the radio wavelength.

Neutron stars are extremely dense remnants formed after the gravitational collapse of massive stars during a supernova explosion. Although they possess masses between 1.18 and 1.97 times that of the Sun, they are only about 20 km in diameter, making them among the densest known objects in the Universe.

Pulsars possess extremely strong magnetic fields, which channel charged particles towards the magnetic poles, producing narrow beams of radiation. Since the magnetic axis is usually inclined relative to the rotational axis, these beams sweep across space like a lighthouse. When the beam points toward Earth, it is detected as a pulse of radiation.

The interval between successive pulses—ranging from milliseconds to several seconds—is known as the pulsar period.

In News:

China's LineShine supercomputer has topped the latest TOP500 rankings, replacing the United States' El Capitan as the world's fastest publicly ranked supercomputer. The achievement marks China's growing leadership in high-performance computing despite restrictions on advanced semiconductor technologies.

What is the TOP500 List?

The TOP500 is the globally accepted ranking of the world's most powerful supercomputers. Published twice every year since 1993, it evaluates supercomputers using the High Performance LINPACK (HPL) benchmark, which measures a system's ability to solve large-scale mathematical computations at high speed.

The ranking serves as the global benchmark for assessing advances in High-Performance Computing (HPC) and is widely used by governments, research institutions, and industry.

About LineShine

LineShine is located at the National Supercomputing Center, Shenzhen (China) and has achieved a computing performance of approximately 2.19 exaflops, enabling it to perform more than two quintillion (2 × 10¹?) calculations per second.

Its entry into the TOP500 expands the number of exascale supercomputers worldwide from four to five. It is also the first time that Asia, North America, and Europe simultaneously host publicly ranked exascale computing systems.

Key Features

One of LineShine's most distinctive features is that it operates entirely on general-purpose Central Processing Units (CPUs) without relying on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). It is the first CPU-only supercomputer to exceed the two-exaflop performance mark, demonstrating the continued potential of CPU-based architectures for scientific computing.

The system also reflects the growing convergence of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling both traditional numerical simulations and AI-driven computational workloads on a single platform.

Applications

LineShine supports a wide range of advanced scientific and engineering applications, including:

• AI-assisted weather forecasting.
• Rainfall prediction across East Asia.
• Atomic-scale simulations of magnetic and advanced materials.
• Large-scale scientific modelling and engineering research.
• Artificial Intelligence and machine learning applications.

In News:

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India emerged as the world's largest ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 ahead of schedule. Simultaneously, growing cooperation with South Korea is expected to accelerate India's ambition of becoming a global shipbuilding hub.

Current Status of India's Shipbuilding Sector

India has made significant progress in ship recycling, increasing its global share from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025 by recycling 2.99 million Gross Tonnes (GT) of ships. Building on this success, the Government aims to transform India into a leading shipbuilding nation under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with the target of becoming one of the world's top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and top five by 2047.

Despite handling nearly 95% of India's trade volume through maritime transport, the country accounts for less than 1% of global shipbuilding output, highlighting the need for large-scale capacity expansion and technological advancement.

Government Initiatives

To strengthen the sector, the Government has introduced several policy measures: