🔆 ₹62,370-cr Deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Defence Ministry signed contract with HAL to supply 97 Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft (68 fighters + 29 twin-seaters).
✅ Deliveries from 2027–28, to be completed over six years.
✅ Jets have 64% indigenous content with 67 new items vs 2021 contract.
✅ Equipped with UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, indigenous actuators—boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
✅ Expected to generate 11,750 jobs, backed by supply chain of 105 Indian firms.
📍 Implications:
✅ Strengthens IAF’s combat preparedness & self-reliance.
✅ Positions Tejas Mk1A as the most advanced variant of India’s indigenous fighter jets.
✅ Mains Question:
“Examine the significance of the Tejas Mk1A deal for India’s defence preparedness and indigenisation goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat.” (150 words)
✨ #Defence #TejasMk1A #security
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Defence Ministry signed contract with HAL to supply 97 Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft (68 fighters + 29 twin-seaters).
✅ Deliveries from 2027–28, to be completed over six years.
✅ Jets have 64% indigenous content with 67 new items vs 2021 contract.
✅ Equipped with UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, indigenous actuators—boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
✅ Expected to generate 11,750 jobs, backed by supply chain of 105 Indian firms.
📍 Implications:
✅ Strengthens IAF’s combat preparedness & self-reliance.
✅ Positions Tejas Mk1A as the most advanced variant of India’s indigenous fighter jets.
✅ Mains Question:
“Examine the significance of the Tejas Mk1A deal for India’s defence preparedness and indigenisation goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat.” (150 words)
✨ #Defence #TejasMk1A #security
🔆 NITI Aayog Report: Pathways to Progress
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ NITI Aayog released “Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India’s Innovation Story” on Sept 23, 2025.
✅ Captures India’s achievements, challenges, and opportunities in science, technology, and innovation.
📍 Key Highlights
✅ Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Nurtures entrepreneurial talent, fosters startups, scales innovation culture nationwide.
✅ Strategic Role of Innovation: Dr. V.K. Saraswat stressed innovation as a driver of India’s development & policymaking.
✅ Government Push: Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted inclusive innovation addressing real-world challenges, promoting R&D, and commercialization.
✅ Education & Youth: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized India’s global brand of excellence in knowledge, science & technology.
📍 Report Insights
✅ Provides evidence-based roadmap for innovation-led growth.
✅ Focus areas:
• Scaling successful models across states.
• Deep technology innovation & commercialization.
• Industry-academia-government collaborations.
• Grassroots & state-level innovations.
✅ Reinforces commitment to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, aiming to position India as a global hub for science, tech, and entrepreneurship.
📍 Implications
✅ Strengthens India’s ambition to emerge as a top global innovation hub.
✅ Supports sustainable and inclusive growth through context-driven innovations.
✅ Enhances global competitiveness & integration.
✨ #Innovation #NITIAayog #science_technology
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ NITI Aayog released “Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India’s Innovation Story” on Sept 23, 2025.
✅ Captures India’s achievements, challenges, and opportunities in science, technology, and innovation.
📍 Key Highlights
✅ Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Nurtures entrepreneurial talent, fosters startups, scales innovation culture nationwide.
✅ Strategic Role of Innovation: Dr. V.K. Saraswat stressed innovation as a driver of India’s development & policymaking.
✅ Government Push: Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted inclusive innovation addressing real-world challenges, promoting R&D, and commercialization.
✅ Education & Youth: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized India’s global brand of excellence in knowledge, science & technology.
📍 Report Insights
✅ Provides evidence-based roadmap for innovation-led growth.
✅ Focus areas:
• Scaling successful models across states.
• Deep technology innovation & commercialization.
• Industry-academia-government collaborations.
• Grassroots & state-level innovations.
✅ Reinforces commitment to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, aiming to position India as a global hub for science, tech, and entrepreneurship.
📍 Implications
✅ Strengthens India’s ambition to emerge as a top global innovation hub.
✅ Supports sustainable and inclusive growth through context-driven innovations.
✅ Enhances global competitiveness & integration.
✅ Mains Question:
“Critically analyze the significance of NITI Aayog’s report Pathways to Progress in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. How can India leverage innovation to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth?” (250 words)
✨ #Innovation #NITIAayog #science_technology
🔆 Precipitation in Winter Season (India)
📍 Key Highlights
✅ Retreating winter monsoon picks up moisture from Bay of Bengal, causing rainfall in Tamil Nadu, SE Andhra Pradesh, SE Karnataka & SE Kerala (early November).
✅ Highest seasonal rainfall (~75 cm): Oct–Dec, mainly along SE coast of Tamil Nadu & adjoining Andhra Pradesh, then gradually decreases.
✅ Western Disturbances bring limited rainfall in north-west India.
✅ Rainfall decreases from north & NW → east (opposite to SW monsoon pattern).
✅ Northeast India also receives some winter rainfall.
✅ Mains Question:
“Discuss the spatial and temporal pattern of winter precipitation in India. How do retreating monsoons and western disturbances contribute to it?” (150 words)
✨ #IndianClimate #WinterRainfall
📍 Key Highlights
✅ Retreating winter monsoon picks up moisture from Bay of Bengal, causing rainfall in Tamil Nadu, SE Andhra Pradesh, SE Karnataka & SE Kerala (early November).
✅ Highest seasonal rainfall (~75 cm): Oct–Dec, mainly along SE coast of Tamil Nadu & adjoining Andhra Pradesh, then gradually decreases.
✅ Western Disturbances bring limited rainfall in north-west India.
✅ Rainfall decreases from north & NW → east (opposite to SW monsoon pattern).
✅ Northeast India also receives some winter rainfall.
✅ Mains Question:
“Discuss the spatial and temporal pattern of winter precipitation in India. How do retreating monsoons and western disturbances contribute to it?” (150 words)
✨ #IndianClimate #WinterRainfall
🔆 Drug-Resistant ‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Rising in U.S.: CDC
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ CDC report shows infections from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” rose by 70% (2019–2023), raising global public health concerns.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Caused mainly by the NDM gene, which makes bacteria highly resistant—only 2 costly IV antibiotics remain effective.
✅ Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria & fungi evolve to survive drugs meant to kill them.
✅ Misuse of antibiotics—unfinished or unnecessary prescriptions—made bacteria stronger.
✅ Likely worsened by excessive antibiotic use during Covid-19 pandemic.
✅ Many cases go undetected due to gaps in testing and reporting across states.
📍 Implications:
✅ AMR could turn routine infections into hard-to-treat illnesses.
✅ Risk of community spread due to unrecognized carriers.
✅ Highlights urgent need for responsible antibiotic use & stronger surveillance.
✅ Mains Question:
“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a looming public health crisis. Examine its causes, global implications, and strategies needed for India to combat AMR effectively.” (250 words)
✨ #AMR #CDCReport #PublicHealth
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ CDC report shows infections from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” rose by 70% (2019–2023), raising global public health concerns.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Caused mainly by the NDM gene, which makes bacteria highly resistant—only 2 costly IV antibiotics remain effective.
✅ Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria & fungi evolve to survive drugs meant to kill them.
✅ Misuse of antibiotics—unfinished or unnecessary prescriptions—made bacteria stronger.
✅ Likely worsened by excessive antibiotic use during Covid-19 pandemic.
✅ Many cases go undetected due to gaps in testing and reporting across states.
📍 Implications:
✅ AMR could turn routine infections into hard-to-treat illnesses.
✅ Risk of community spread due to unrecognized carriers.
✅ Highlights urgent need for responsible antibiotic use & stronger surveillance.
✅ Mains Question:
“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a looming public health crisis. Examine its causes, global implications, and strategies needed for India to combat AMR effectively.” (250 words)
✨ #AMR #CDCReport #PublicHealth
🔆 India’s First Bullet Train: Section by 2027
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ Railway Minister announced 50-km Surat–Bilimora section of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train will open by 2027.
✅ Full 508-km corridor expected operational by 2029.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ High-speed train to cover Mumbai–Ahmedabad in 2 hrs 7 min at speeds up to 320 kmph.
✅ Advanced tech deployed: special vibration systems, safety features against winds/earthquakes, and turnout innovations.
✅ Project to link economies of major cities, modeled on Japan’s Shinkansen success.
✅ Expansion planned: 3 more corridors (north, east, south).
📍 Implications:
✅ Game-changer for India’s transport & regional economies.
✅ Marks entry into modern high-speed rail era.
✅ Mains Question:
“Evaluate the potential economic and infrastructural impact of India’s bullet train project. What lessons can India draw from Japan’s Shinkansen model?” (250 words)
✨ #BulletTrain #HighSpeedRail
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ Railway Minister announced 50-km Surat–Bilimora section of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train will open by 2027.
✅ Full 508-km corridor expected operational by 2029.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ High-speed train to cover Mumbai–Ahmedabad in 2 hrs 7 min at speeds up to 320 kmph.
✅ Advanced tech deployed: special vibration systems, safety features against winds/earthquakes, and turnout innovations.
✅ Project to link economies of major cities, modeled on Japan’s Shinkansen success.
✅ Expansion planned: 3 more corridors (north, east, south).
📍 Implications:
✅ Game-changer for India’s transport & regional economies.
✅ Marks entry into modern high-speed rail era.
✅ Mains Question:
“Evaluate the potential economic and infrastructural impact of India’s bullet train project. What lessons can India draw from Japan’s Shinkansen model?” (250 words)
✨ #BulletTrain #HighSpeedRail
🔆 Swim to Safety: Marine Conservation & Dugongs
📌 Dugong populations across India (Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andamans, etc.) have declined due to poaching, by-catch, habitat loss, and pollution.
📌 A key step: Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022) protects 12,000 ha of seagrass meadows—model of integrated marine conservation.
📌 Positive outcomes: IUCN recognition, fisher engagement, reduced poaching, drone & satellite-based monitoring of seagrass.
📌 Challenges remain: mechanised fishing, port construction, dredging, storms, rising sea temperatures, and funding gaps.
📌 Broader lesson: Marine conservation needs cross-border collaboration (e.g., with Sri Lanka), blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology.
💡 Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of community engagement in marine conservation. How can blending traditional knowledge with modern technologies help address the challenges of protecting endangered species like dugongs?”
#environment
#Biodiversity
📌 Dugong populations across India (Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andamans, etc.) have declined due to poaching, by-catch, habitat loss, and pollution.
📌 A key step: Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022) protects 12,000 ha of seagrass meadows—model of integrated marine conservation.
📌 Positive outcomes: IUCN recognition, fisher engagement, reduced poaching, drone & satellite-based monitoring of seagrass.
📌 Challenges remain: mechanised fishing, port construction, dredging, storms, rising sea temperatures, and funding gaps.
📌 Broader lesson: Marine conservation needs cross-border collaboration (e.g., with Sri Lanka), blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology.
💡 Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of community engagement in marine conservation. How can blending traditional knowledge with modern technologies help address the challenges of protecting endangered species like dugongs?”
#environment
#Biodiversity
Swim to safety: On the dugong and conservation - The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/swim-to-safety-on-the-dugong-and-conservation/article70113059.ece
The Hindu
Swim to safety: On the dugong and conservation
The efforts and shortcomings in dugong conservation hold broader lessons for the conservation of other marine species that demand intact ecosystems while being directly threatened by human activity
🔆 Amazon Rainforest Trees Getting Bigger: New Study
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ A study in Nature Plants (2025) shows trees in the Amazon rainforest are increasing in size by ~3.3% every decade.
✅ This growth is linked to rising atmospheric CO2, which acts as a fertiliser (carbon fertilisation effect).
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Trees absorbing more CO2 → larger trees → stronger carbon sink capacity.
✅ Study based on long-term monitoring across 188 forest plots in the Amazon Basin.
✅ Amazon rainforest = world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning 9 countries; ~60% in Brazil.
✅ Stores 150–200 billion tonnes of carbon; home to 10% of known wildlife species.
📍 Challenges / Implications:
✅ Deforestation undermines carbon storage & biodiversity despite CO2-driven growth.
✅ Large old trees are irreplaceable; planting new ones can’t match their carbon & biodiversity functions.
✅ Climate change & human activity threaten Amazon’s role as the “lungs of the planet.”
✅ Mains Question:
Critically analyse the role of the Amazon rainforest as a global carbon sink. Discuss how rising CO2 levels and deforestation together shape its ecological significance. (250 words)
✨ #ClimateChange #Environment #Biodiversity
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ A study in Nature Plants (2025) shows trees in the Amazon rainforest are increasing in size by ~3.3% every decade.
✅ This growth is linked to rising atmospheric CO2, which acts as a fertiliser (carbon fertilisation effect).
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Trees absorbing more CO2 → larger trees → stronger carbon sink capacity.
✅ Study based on long-term monitoring across 188 forest plots in the Amazon Basin.
✅ Amazon rainforest = world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning 9 countries; ~60% in Brazil.
✅ Stores 150–200 billion tonnes of carbon; home to 10% of known wildlife species.
📍 Challenges / Implications:
✅ Deforestation undermines carbon storage & biodiversity despite CO2-driven growth.
✅ Large old trees are irreplaceable; planting new ones can’t match their carbon & biodiversity functions.
✅ Climate change & human activity threaten Amazon’s role as the “lungs of the planet.”
✅ Mains Question:
Critically analyse the role of the Amazon rainforest as a global carbon sink. Discuss how rising CO2 levels and deforestation together shape its ecological significance. (250 words)
✨ #ClimateChange #Environment #Biodiversity
🔆 PM E-Drive Scheme (2024–26)
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ Govt launched the ₹10,900 cr PM E-Drive to boost EV adoption, clean transport & domestic manufacturing.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Promotes EVs across 2W, 3W, 4W, e-buses, trucks & ambulances.
✅ ₹3,679 cr demand incentives via Aadhaar e-vouchers (capped at 15% ex-factory price).
✅ Subsidy: e-2W/3W at ₹5,000/kWh (2024–25) → ₹2,500/kWh (2025–26).
✅ 14,028 e-buses for 9 cities by 2026 under GCC/OPEX models.
✅ ₹2,000 cr for public charging infra in 9 cities & highways.
✅ ₹500 cr each for e-ambulances & e-trucks (with scrapping certificate).
✅ Builds on FAME-I (2015), FAME-II (2019), EMPS-2024.
📍 E-Truck Incentive Scheme:
✅ First inclusion under E-Drive; covers N2 (3.5–12T) & N3 (12–55T).
✅ Incentives up to ₹9.6 lakh per truck.
✅ 20% of allocation reserved for Delhi-registered vehicles.
📍 Complementary Measures:
✅ Linked with PLI-Auto, PLI-ACC, PM-eBus Sewa & Payment Security Mechanism.
✅ GST cut (12% → 5%); states encouraged to offer tax/toll waivers.
✅ TPEM platform to foster EV R&D & innovation.
✅ Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the PM E-Drive Scheme in accelerating India’s EV ecosystem and reducing transport emissions.
✨ #EVRevolution #GreenTransport
📍 Why in Focus?
✅ Govt launched the ₹10,900 cr PM E-Drive to boost EV adoption, clean transport & domestic manufacturing.
📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Promotes EVs across 2W, 3W, 4W, e-buses, trucks & ambulances.
✅ ₹3,679 cr demand incentives via Aadhaar e-vouchers (capped at 15% ex-factory price).
✅ Subsidy: e-2W/3W at ₹5,000/kWh (2024–25) → ₹2,500/kWh (2025–26).
✅ 14,028 e-buses for 9 cities by 2026 under GCC/OPEX models.
✅ ₹2,000 cr for public charging infra in 9 cities & highways.
✅ ₹500 cr each for e-ambulances & e-trucks (with scrapping certificate).
✅ Builds on FAME-I (2015), FAME-II (2019), EMPS-2024.
📍 E-Truck Incentive Scheme:
✅ First inclusion under E-Drive; covers N2 (3.5–12T) & N3 (12–55T).
✅ Incentives up to ₹9.6 lakh per truck.
✅ 20% of allocation reserved for Delhi-registered vehicles.
📍 Complementary Measures:
✅ Linked with PLI-Auto, PLI-ACC, PM-eBus Sewa & Payment Security Mechanism.
✅ GST cut (12% → 5%); states encouraged to offer tax/toll waivers.
✅ TPEM platform to foster EV R&D & innovation.
✅ Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the PM E-Drive Scheme in accelerating India’s EV ecosystem and reducing transport emissions.
✨ #EVRevolution #GreenTransport
🔆 National Dhanwantri Ayurveda Awards 2025
📍 Overview
✅ The Ministry of AYUSH conferred the National Dhanwantri Ayurveda Awards 2025 to Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T., and Vaidya Bhavana Prasher for their exceptional contributions to Ayurveda.
✅ The awards celebrate achievements in academic, clinical, and scientific progress in Ayurveda.
📍 Awardees and Contributions
✅ Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur: Recognized for advancing Ayurveda through language, literature, and academic research.
✅ Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T.: Custodian of Kerala’s Ayurvedic legacy, known for his work in community health and classical practices.
✅ Vaidya Bhavana Prasher: Recognized for integrating AI and genomics in Ayurveda, advancing predictive and personalized healthcare.
🔆 Celebrating Ayurveda’s Evolution
These awards highlight Ayurveda’s continuity and evolution, bridging classical and contemporary advancements.
#Ayurveda #TraditionalMedicine #Health #Research #Prelims #Mains #Innovation
📍 Overview
✅ The Ministry of AYUSH conferred the National Dhanwantri Ayurveda Awards 2025 to Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T., and Vaidya Bhavana Prasher for their exceptional contributions to Ayurveda.
✅ The awards celebrate achievements in academic, clinical, and scientific progress in Ayurveda.
📍 Awardees and Contributions
✅ Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur: Recognized for advancing Ayurveda through language, literature, and academic research.
✅ Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T.: Custodian of Kerala’s Ayurvedic legacy, known for his work in community health and classical practices.
✅ Vaidya Bhavana Prasher: Recognized for integrating AI and genomics in Ayurveda, advancing predictive and personalized healthcare.
🔆 Celebrating Ayurveda’s Evolution
These awards highlight Ayurveda’s continuity and evolution, bridging classical and contemporary advancements.
UPSC Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements about the National Dhanwantri Ayurveda Awards 2025 is/are correct?
A) Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur was recognized for his contributions to Ayurvedic education and literature.
B) Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T. is known for his work in integrating AI with Ayurveda.
C) Vaidya Bhavana Prasher was recognized for her contributions in genomics and Ayurveda.
D) The awards were given for achievements in Ayurvedic research, clinical practice, and scientific progress.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 1, 2, and 4 only
D) 1, 3, and 4 only
Answer: D) 1, 3, and 4 only
UPSC Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the National Dhanwantri Ayurveda Awards in promoting Ayurvedic knowledge and its integration with modern sciences. How do these awards reflect the evolving role of Ayurveda in global health?
#Ayurveda #TraditionalMedicine #Health #Research #Prelims #Mains #Innovation