Environment & Ecology + Science & Technology

Why in News?

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with ICAR-CMFRI and international experts, recently discovered and described Dipturus dhritiae, a new species of deep-sea skate from the southeastern Arabian Sea under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Deep Ocean Mission.

About Dipturus dhritiae

• Commonly called the Arabian Skate.
• A deep-sea skate, belonging to the group of shark- and ray-related cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes).
• Found at depths of around 400–600 metres off the Kerala coast and Wadge Bank region.
• Maximum known length: about 131.5 cm.
• Distinguished by five rows of thorn-like structures along its tail.
• Earlier specimens had reportedly been misidentified as Dipturus springeri; morphological and genetic studies confirmed it as a distinct species.
• Named after Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI.

Conservation Significance

Deep-sea skates and rays are vulnerable to overexploitation because of their slow reproduction, low reproductive output and slow population recovery. The discovery highlights the relatively unexplored biodiversity of India’s deep-sea ecosystems.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Likely MCQs may test the organism type, discovery location, associated institutions and Deep Ocean Mission. Remember: a skate is a cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, not a bony fish. Static–dynamic linkage: deep-sea exploration → taxonomy → marine biodiversity → conservation of vulnerable species.

Source/Reference:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/zsi-scientists-discover-new-deep-sea-skate-species-in-arabian-sea/amp_articleshow/133684933.cms

Indian Geography + Environment

Why in News?

The Lohit River was recently in news after a vehicle carrying passengers fell into the river in Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in casualties and missing persons.

About Lohit River

• A major and among the easternmost tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.
• Originates in eastern Tibet, in the Zayal Chu region/range.
• A transboundary river, flowing through China and India.
• Enters India through Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Flows through the rugged Mishmi Hills, characterised by deep valleys and dense forests.
• Travels roughly 200 km through Arunachal Pradesh before joining the Brahmaputra river system in Assam.

Why is it called the ‘River of Blood’?

The Lohit often acquires a reddish appearance due to iron-rich lateritic soil and sediments carried from the Lohit Valley and Mishmi Hills, particularly during periods of high flow.

Important Tributaries

• Right bank: Dau, Dalai and Tidding.
• Left bank: Lang.

Other Important Fact

Parashuram Kund, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, is located on the lower reaches of the Lohit River.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Possible MCQs may test the origin, states traversed, tributary relationship with Brahmaputra and map location in Arunachal Pradesh. Static–dynamic linkage: Eastern Himalayas → transboundary rivers → Brahmaputra drainage system → strategic geography of Arunachal Pradesh.

Source/Reference: 

https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/one-dead-six-injured-three-missing-after-vehicle-falls-into-lohit-river-in-arunachal20260815203902/

Economy + Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan recently released the “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development at a Fisheries Outreach Programme in Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August 2026.

About the Mission

• A Strategic Action Plan to provide an organised and scientific framework for India’s ornamental fisheries sector.
• Implemented under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Covers the entire value chain: breeding → hatchery → rearing → health management → transport → domestic trade → exports.
• Promotes uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and management standards nationwide.

Key Features

• Biosecurity, quarantine and disease-management protocols.
• Quality assurance, certification and traceability systems.
• Promotion of captive breeding and sustainable ornamental-fish production.
• Capacity building for fishers, farmers, traders, youth and women-led enterprises.
• Supports access to international markets and development of a globally competitive ornamental-fish industry.

Lakshadweep Connection

Lakshadweep has over 300 ornamental fish species and significant potential for sustainable ornamental fisheries. The islands possess around 4,200 sq km of lagoon area and an EEZ of nearly 4 lakh sq km, making them important to India’s Blue Economy.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Likely MCQs may test the nodal ministry, nature of the initiative, launch location and its focus on ornamental fisheries. Static–dynamic linkage: marine biodiversity → sustainable aquaculture → fisheries livelihoods → exports → Blue Economy.

Source/Reference:

https://ddindia.co.in/2026/08/v-p-radhakrishnan-releases-mission-rangeen-machhli-2031-in-lakshadweep-calls-for-sustainable-fisheries-led-blue-economy/

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

A recent study highlighted that the rare Myristica Swamps of the Western Ghats are on the cusp of extinction, mainly due to habitat conversion, logging and human interference.

What are Myristica Swamps?

• Rare freshwater swamp forests dominated by evergreen trees of the Myristicaceae family.
• Often called “living fossils” because of the primitive and ancient evolutionary characteristics of Myristica plants.
• Characterised by waterlogged soils and trees with specialised protruding roots, including adaptations for permanently inundated conditions.
• Occur mainly in the Western Ghats, with smaller occurrences in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Meghalaya.

Ecological Significance

• Act as natural sponges, regulating floods and maintaining perennial freshwater flows.
• Help in groundwater recharge and have relatively high carbon-sequestration potential.
• Support diverse vertebrate and invertebrate fauna under stable, humid ecological conditions.

Major Threats

Logging + agricultural conversion + plantations + habitat fragmentation → rapid ecosystem decline. Recent concerns particularly relate to conversion into paddy fields and commercial plantations.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Likely MCQs may test the plant family, freshwater nature, geographical distribution and ecological functions. A key trap: Myristica Swamps are not confined exclusively to the Western Ghats. Static–dynamic linkage: wetland conservation → biodiversity protection → climate resilience → water security.

Source/Reference: 

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rare-freshwater-swamps-in-the-western-ghats-are-on-the-cusp-of-extinction/article71383842.ece

Science & Technology + International Relations

Why in News?

Russia recently warned Japan over the deployment of the U.S. Typhon Missile System during joint military exercises involving the United States, Japan and Australia, calling the deployment a threat to Russian security.

About the Typhon Missile System

• Also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC).
• A U.S.-developed ground-based surface-to-surface missile system.
• Manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
• Uses a modular, containerised and road-mobile design.
• Designed for rapid deployment and dispersal of long-range precision-strike capabilities.

Missiles Launched

1. SM-6: Can engage targets at ranges exceeding approximately 320 km.
   2. Tomahawk Cruise Missile: Provides long-range precision strike capability of around 1,500 km.

The system can target both land and maritime threats, supporting precision land attacks and sea-denial operations.

Key Components

• Four trailer-mounted launchers;
• Four vertical launch cells per launcher;
• Mobile command post;
• Reload and support vehicles.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Likely MCQs may test whether Typhon is developed by the U.S. (not Japan), its classification as a surface-to-surface system, and the missiles it can launch. Static–dynamic linkage: missile technology → Indo-Pacific military balance → Japan-U.S. defence cooperation → regional strategic deterrence.

Source/Reference: 

https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-sees-red-over-deployment-of-typhon-missile-system-1788286833103

Science & Technology + Health

Why in News?

A proposed “Peptide Party” in Bengaluru was cancelled after the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration sought details regarding the composition, dosage, source, regulatory status and intended use of peptide preparations proposed at the event. The episode highlighted concerns regarding unregulated wellness and biohacking products.

What are Peptides?

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked primarily through peptide bonds.
• They are generally smaller than proteins; longer polypeptide chains can fold into functional proteins.
• Peptides perform diverse biological functions, including cell signalling, hormonal regulation and immune responses.
• Examples include peptide hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Medical and Scientific Significance

Peptide-based medicines are used in areas such as diabetes, cancer treatment and metabolic disorders. However, every peptide is not automatically an approved medicine; safety and efficacy depend on scientific evidence, clinical trials and regulatory approval.

Regulatory Concerns

Some products marketed for weight loss, muscle growth, anti-ageing and recovery may lack adequate human clinical evidence. Depending on their composition and intended use, peptide preparations may fall under the regulatory framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

UPSC Prelims Analysis

Likely MCQs may test the relationship between amino acids, peptides and proteins, and distinguish approved peptide medicines from unregulated wellness products. Static–dynamic linkage: biochemistry → biotechnology → pharmaceuticals → drug regulation and public health.

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/why-was-a-peptide-party-banned-in-bengaluru-explained/article71413555.ece

GS III – Science & Technology / GS III – Economy
Semiconductor Ecosystem, Indigenous Innovation, and Strategic Autonomy

Introduction

Semicon 2.0, with a ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, shifts India’s semiconductor strategy towards chip design and indigenous IP. It aims to promote fabless companies, strategic technologies and skilled talent, strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem and technological self-reliance.

Chip Design: The Core of Semicon 2.0

Strategic Technologies Track

• Objective: Develop IP, chips, SoCs, and modules for national security and critical infrastructure (compute, memory, RF, power, networking, sensors).
• Eligibility: Companies must be Indian-incorporated, headquartered, owned/controlled by Indian citizens, with significant operational presence.
• Flexibility: Can work with global companies, research organisations, and academic institutions in consortiums.
• Implementation: C-DAC will invite bids; provide financial support and access to design infrastructure.
• IP Ownership: Jointly owned by C-DAC and the company; C-DAC will not commercially exploit unless the company fails to meet obligations.

Commercial Chip Design Track

• Support: Access to EDA tools, multi-project wafer fabrication services, and other systems.
• Seed Funding: Up to ₹15 crore (or 50% of project cost, whichever is lower) for start-ups/MSMEs, disbursed in milestones.
• Equity Co-Investment: Government can co-invest alongside VC/PE investors.
• Royalty Financing: Larger companies pay 5% of net revenue from supported product until 1.5x government assistance is recovered.
• Eligibility: Widened to OCI-owned companies (incorporated/headquartered in India, significant presence), provided IP and design files remain in India.

Deployment-Linked Incentive

• Objective: Help Indian chips find buyers at scale.
• Benefit: 9% reimbursement of net sales for five years (for IP/chips/SoCs launched after scheme announcement).
• Cap: ₹30 crore per application; ₹120 crore per company (including group entities) across multiple products.
• Relevance: Crucial for young fabless companies to convince electronics manufacturers to switch from established suppliers.

Broader Ecosystem Support

Equipment and Materials

• Capex Support: 30% for R&D facilities, plants for wafers, photomasks, photoresists, substrates, chemicals, gases, testing, and equipment/components.
• Production-Linked Incentive: Equipment manufacturers get PLI declining from 10% to 2% over five years on domestically sourced bill of materials.

Fabrication and Packaging

• Silicon Wafer Fabs: 40% capex support.
• Compound Semiconductor/Photonics/Sensor/Discrete Fabs: 35% capex support.
• Advanced Chip Packaging: 35% capex support (vs. 25% for legacy packaging).
• Reduction: Lower than uniform 50% capex subsidy in Semicon 1.0.

Talent Development

• Separate Pillar: Focus on training chip designers, engineers, researchers, technicians, and shop-floor operators.
• Achievement: India achieved 85,000 semiconductor engineers target in 4 years (vs. 10-year target).
• New Target: 1 lakh more engineers.
• Student Achievement: Students from tier-II/III cities have designed 250+ chips.
• Job Creation: Semiconductor ecosystem expected to create 50,000-60,000 direct jobs.
• Support: Advanced design tools, multi-project wafer services, post-silicon validation, and dedicated training infrastructure (up to 75% support, including state incentives).

Progress Under Semicon 1.0

Manufacturing Projects

• Approvals: 12 projects, including Micron’s assembly/testing facility and Tata Electronics’ wafer fab (with Taiwan’s PSMC).
• Commercial Production: Micron, Kaynes Semicon, CG Semi have started.
• Under Construction: Tata fab.

Investment Projection

• Potential: Semicon 2.0 could catalyse over ₹5 lakh crore of cumulative private/industry investment over 5-7 years across fabs, packaging, equipment, materials, design, R&D, and supply chain.

Challenges

• Reduced Capex Support: 40-35% vs. 50% in Semicon 1.0.
• Global Competition: Taiwan, South Korea, US, China have entrenched ecosystems.
• Talent Gap: Need for continuous training; global competition for skilled engineers.
• Commercialisation: Deployment-linked incentive helps, but market adoption remains a hurdle.

Way Forward

• Focus on Fabless: Encourage start-ups and MSMEs in chip design.
• Global Partnerships: Leverage OCI and international consortiums.
• Supply Chain: Develop equipment, materials, and chemicals ecosystem.
• R&D: Increase investment in R&D; support academic-industry collaboration.
• Market Access: Government procurement and PLI for electronics to create demand for Indian chips.

Conclusion

Semicon 2.0 represents a strategic shift from manufacturing to chip design, with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay to build Indian-owned IP and fabless companies. It offers seed funding, equity co-investment, royalty financing, and deployment-linked incentives, while expanding eligibility to OCI-owned companies. The programme also supports equipment, materials, talent development, and a reduced capex for fabs/packaging. While Semicon 1.0 achieved 12 manufacturing projects, Semicon 2.0 aims to catalyse over ₹5 lakh crore investment. Success will depend on talent development, global partnerships, and market adoption.

Practice Question

2. Semicon 2.0 shifts India’s semiconductor strategy from manufacturing to chip design, aiming to build Indian-owned IP and fabless companies. Critically examine the provisions, incentives, and challenges of India’s new semiconductor mission. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/semicon-2-push-chip-semiconductor-design-incentives-10858657/?ref=iers_storiesyoulike

GS III – Economy / GS II – Governance
Export Promotion, MSME Development, and Inclusive Growth

Introduction

India’s goods and services exports reached a record US$863.11 billion in 2025–26. The Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, building on ODOP, aims to make over 770 districts export centres by promoting locally competitive products, strengthening MSMEs, generating jobs, and enabling more inclusive export growth.

Evolution and Institutional Architecture

From ODOP to DEH

• ODOP: Began as a UP state initiative (2018), scaled nationally; selects, brands, and promotes one distinctive product per district.
• DEH: Expands focus from product promotion to comprehensive export promotion and ecosystem strengthening.
• Coverage: More than 770 districts (as of January 2026).

Institutional Framework

• Centre: Department of Commerce (policy direction); DGFT (implementation, coordination, monitoring).
• State: State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) – guide implementation, ensure convergence.
• District: District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) – identify opportunities, resolve challenges, coordinate with stakeholders.
• District Export Action Plans (DEAPs): Map products/services, assess infrastructure/logistics, identify bottlenecks, recommend interventions.
• Status (March 2026): Draft DEAPs for 590 districts; 249 formally adopted.

Convergence Framework

• Not a Funding Scheme: Leverages funding from ongoing central and state schemes.
• Focus: Promotes exports, manufacturing, and employment at grassroots level.

Building District-Level Export Ecosystems

Product Mapping

• GI-Tagged Products: Agriculture clusters, toy clusters, engineering goods, etc.
• Examples:
  • Sabarkantha (Gujarat): Ceramic & Tiles, Potato
  • Jalgaon (Maharashtra): Jalgaon Banana, Bharit Brinjal
  • Bastar (Chhattisgarh): Iron Craft, Rice, Jowar, Maize
  • Jamtara (Jharkhand): Bamboo Craft, Cashew

Capacity Building and Market Access

• Quality Standards: Awareness on testing, packaging, branding, certification.
• Digital Export: Partnerships with e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Shiprocket, DHL); Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras for low-cost postal export.
• Awareness Programmes: DGFT, ECGC, EPCH, FIEO, India Post, Exim Bank – covering logistics, procedures, packaging, compliance.

Grassroots Initiatives for Development (GRID)

• Partnership: DGFT with EXIM Bank.
• Selected Districts: Anantapur, Raipur, Solan, Tiruppur, Kanpur, Kolhapur.
• Focus: Address sector-specific constraints; develop district-specific interventions.

Focused Implementation (From 1 June 2026)

• Phase 1: 27 States/UTs; 24 DGFT Regional Authorities; 11 partner agencies.
• Outcomes: New exporter registrations; increased export value; convergence with GI products and MSME clusters.

Impact and Success Stories

Tiruppur Textile Cluster

• Achievement: Record exports of ₹46,000 crore (FY 2025-26).
• Target: ₹1 trillion by 2030 (aligns with India’s goal of $100 billion textile exports).

Other Successes

• Bastar Iron Craft: GI-tagged products reaching international markets.
• Jalgaon Banana: Export potential being realised through DEH support.

Challenges

• Infrastructure: Logistics, testing facilities, and cold chains in remote districts.
• Awareness: Limited knowledge of export procedures among local producers.
• Quality Compliance: Meeting international standards requires sustained investment.
• Coordination: Effective convergence across multiple ministries and agencies.

Way Forward

• Infrastructure: Develop export-oriented infrastructure in identified districts.
• Quality: Strengthen testing and certification facilities.
• Market Access: Leverage FTAs and global partnerships for district products.
• Digital: Expand e-commerce and digital payment solutions for exporters.
• Monitoring: Track outcomes (new exporters, export value, job creation).

Conclusion

The Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative promotes inclusive, district-led export growth by leveraging ODOP and connecting local producers to global markets. Covering 770+ districts, it can transform districts into engines of trade, investment and employment, supporting India’s US$1 trillion export target.

Practice Question

1. The Districts as Export Hubs Initiative marks a paradigm shift in India’s export strategy, moving from concentrated clusters to inclusive, district-led growth. Critically examine the framework, achievements, and challenges of the DEH Initiative. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2305826&reg=3&lang=1