Subject: Environment & Ecology
Why in News?
The Indian Grey Hornbill was in the news after a scientific study confirmed that the species has bred successfully for the fourth consecutive year in Gujarat’s Gir landscape, nearly 60 years after its local extinction. This marks a major milestone in India’s wildlife reintroduction and habitat restoration efforts.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about species in news, scientific names, IUCN status, and conservation programmes. Differentiate the Indian Grey Hornbill from the Malabar Grey Hornbill (Western Ghats endemic) and the Great Hornbill. Also revise the ecological role of hornbills as ‘forest gardeners’ or seed dispersers, making them keystone species essential for tropical forest regeneration.
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Subject: Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology
Why in News?
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) was in the news after a Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) analysis reported that around 81% of SO₂ emissions within a 300-km radius of Delhi-NCR originate from coal-fired power plants exempted from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems under the Union Government’s 2025 notification.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about major air pollutants, their sources, environmental impacts, and control technologies. Differentiate SO₂ from Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O₃), and Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅/PM₁₀). Also revise acid rain, secondary air pollutants, FGD technology, and India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Questions comparing primary vs. secondary pollutants and pollution-control technologies are common in prelims.
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Subject: Geography / International Relations
Why in News?
The Maldives was in the news following the announcement that India and the Maldives are expected to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The development reflects improving India–Maldives ties under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiatives.
Key Facts
India–Maldives Relations
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks map-based questions on India’s maritime neighbours, island nations, and strategic sea lanes. Revise the location of the Maldives, Lakshadweep, Sri Lanka, Chagos Archipelago, and nearby water bodies such as the Laccadive Sea, Arabian Sea, and Eight Degree Channel. Also prepare India’s maritime initiatives—SAGAR, MAHASAGAR, IORA, and the Colombo Security Conclave—as these are important static–dynamic linkages for prelims.
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Subject: International Organisations / Agriculture / Science & Technology
Why in News?
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was in the news after India achieved significant milestones at the 49th Session (CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland (6–10 July 2026). The Commission adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India’s chairmanship/co-chairmanship and approved India’s proposal to develop an international Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels, reinforcing India’s growing role in global food standard-setting.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about international organisations, their parent bodies, and food safety mechanisms. Remember that CAC is a joint FAO–WHO body, while its standards are voluntary but serve as the global benchmark under the WTO’s Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures for resolving food trade disputes. Also revise FSSAI, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and distinguish Codex standards from national food safety regulations, as these are recurring prelims themes.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284554®=3&lang=1
Subject: Science & Technology (Biotechnology)
Why in News?
Introns were in the news after scientists reported the horizontal transfer of a self-splicing intron from a fungal predator to its prey, providing fresh insights into gene evolution and the movement of genetic elements across species. The discovery has important implications for understanding genome evolution and molecular adaptation.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks conceptual questions on DNA, RNA, genes, and biotechnology. Remember:
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Subject: Environment & Ecology
Why in News?
Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) was in the news after Kerala launched an integrated initiative to manage the invasive African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Periyar Lake. The programme combines scientific monitoring, community participation, and value addition to control the invasive species and protect native aquatic biodiversity.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks map-based and species-based questions on Tiger Reserves, Western Ghats, and invasive alien species. Revise the distinction between native, endemic, exotic, and invasive species, and remember that the African Catfish is an invasive exotic species banned for aquaculture in India due to its ecological impacts. Also prepare the location, rivers, flagship species, and conservation programmes associated with Periyar Tiger Reserve, along with nearby protected areas such as Eravikulam National Park, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
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Subject: Environment & Ecology
Why in News?
Researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have discovered two new species of solitary bees—Elaphropoda triangulata and Habropoda adi—during the Siang Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh. The findings, published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, highlight the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya and the need for its conservation.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about newly discovered species, pollinators, and biodiversity hotspots. Remember that all bees are pollinators, but not all bees are social—most bee species are solitary. Revise the differences between honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees, along with the significance of pollination as an ecosystem service, Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot, and the role of indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation. Species discoveries from Arunachal Pradesh, a region of high endemism, remain important from the prelims perspective.
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GS II – International Relations / GS III – Economy
Bilateral Trade Agreements, Economic Integration, and Professional Mobility
Introduction
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), effective from 15 July 2026, is a landmark trade pact providing zero-duty access to nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK. It is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, expand market access for goods and services, and benefit Indian professionals through the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) by reducing dual social security costs.
Key Provisions and Market Access
Tariff Elimination and Sectoral Gains
Automotive and Alcoholic Beverages
Services and Professional Mobility
Strategic and Economic Significance
Benefits for Key Stakeholders
Balancing Market Access with Protection
Government Procurement and Investment
Challenges
Way Forward
Leveraging Export Opportunities
Strengthening Services and Mobility
Addressing Implementation Challenges
Conclusion
The India–UK CETA is a landmark agreement that expands market access for Indian goods and services, eases mobility for professionals, and strengthens bilateral economic ties. Its success will depend on effective implementation, compliance with trade rules, and addressing sector-specific challenges, making it a key pillar of India’s global trade strategy.
Practice Question
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284878®=3&lang=1
GS II – Governance / GS III – Economy
Skill Development, Employment, and Human Capital Formation
Introduction
India’s skill ecosystem is evolving through an integrated approach linking education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship. With a large young workforce and rising employability, initiatives such as PMKVY 4.0, PM Vishwakarma, and FutureSkills Prime aim to build a future-ready workforce and help realise the goal of a fully skilled workforce by 2047.
Early Skilling: Building Foundations from School
Integration in School Education
AI and Future Skills for Youth
Upskilling and Re-skilling the Workforce
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0)
Other Flagship Schemes
PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation)
FutureSkills and Digital Platforms
Entrepreneurship and Special Initiatives
PM Vishwakarma (Artisans and Craftspeople)
Women-Centric Skilling
Startup India and Entrepreneurship
PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)
Budget 2026-27: Key Skilling Initiatives
Challenges
Way Forward
Strengthening Quality and Industry Linkages
Expanding Reach and Inclusivity
Leveraging Technology and Innovation
International Mobility
Conclusion
India’s skill ecosystem has strengthened through rising employability and initiatives like PMKVY 4.0, FutureSkills Prime, and PM Vishwakarma. However, improving training quality, industry alignment, and rural access remains essential. Sustained investment in technology, quality skilling, and global partnerships will be key to realising the vision of a fully skilled workforce by 2047.
Practice Question
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284941®=3&lang=1
