Subject: Art & Culture – Civilian Awards; Polity – Article 18(1); Padma Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri; Civil Investiture Ceremony.
Why in News?
About the Padma Awards
Establishment
Categories
Award Composition
Fields of Recognition
Selection Process (Key Points for Prelims)
Nominations
Selection Committee
Vetting and Approval
Announcement
Key Awardees of 2026 (Phase I)
Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous)
Padma Bhushan
Padma Shri
Note: Honourees like Mammootty (Padma Bhushan), Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan), R. Madhavan (Padma Shri), and late Satish Shah (Padma Shri) will receive their awards in the second phase of the ceremony
Legal and Operational Restrictions (Article 18)
Key Terms for Prelims
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1: Who chairs the Padma Awards Committee that evaluates nominations?
Q2: As per Article 18(1) of the Constitution, which of the following is prohibited for Padma awardees?
Q3: For which field is the Padma Award NOT typically given?
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265244®=3&lang=1
Subject: Geography – Eastern Ghats; Energy – Hydroelectric Power; Inter-State Cooperation; Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Border.
Why in News?
About Machkund Hydroelectric Project
Basic Details
Historical Significance
Inter-State Project
Power Sharing Arrangement
Strategic Importance
Key Terms for Prelims
Possible Prelims MCQs
Q1: The Machkund Hydroelectric Project (120 MW) is located on the border of which two states?
Q2: Machkund River is a tributary of which major river system?
Q3: Which dam supports the Machkund Hydroelectric Project?
Q4: The Machkund Hydroelectric Project was originally proposed in the 1920s by:
Q5: Who formally inaugurated the Machkund Hydroelectric Project?
Q6: The well-known Duduma Falls is located near which hydroelectric project?
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Tech – Semiconductors; Economy – Aatmanirbhar Bharat; ISM 2.0; Investors Support Portal; MeitY.
Why in News?
What is India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?
Launch
Nodal Ministry
Implementing Agency
Total Outlay (ISM 1.0)
Progress Under ISM 1.0 (as of May 2026)
ISM 2.0 (Announced in Budget 2026-27)
Budgetary Allocation for FY 2026-27
Key Focus Areas
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Manufacturing | Production of semiconductor equipment, chemicals, gases, and materials within India (reduce import dependence) |
| Full-Stack IP Development | Promotion of end-to-end Indian semiconductor intellectual property for secure and globally competitive chip solutions |
| Research & Skills | Establishment of industry-led research and training centres for applied R&D and advanced manufacturing skills |
| Supply Chain Resilience | Strengthening domestic and global semiconductor supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties |
Targets
Investors Support Portal (Launched May 26, 2026)
Purpose
Complementary Initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme | Supports fabless companies, semiconductor IP development, and expansion of design manpower |
| Digital India RISC-V Programme | Promotes open-source processor development without licence costs |
| Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme | Enables access to advanced design tools and fabrication for universities and startups |
| Indigenous Microprocessor Development | Development of processors such as DHRUV64 to reduce dependence on imported chips |
| Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem | ₹8,000 crore outlay for 2026-27 to accelerate investments, expand fabrication/packaging capacity, and generate high-quality employment |
Key Terms for Prelims
Possible Prelims MCQs
Q1: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is implemented under which ministry?
Q2: Which indigenous microprocessor has been developed by IIT Madras to reduce dependence on imported chips?
Q3: The Digital India RISC-V Programme promotes:
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265285®=3&lang=1
Subject: Geography – Himalayan State; Polity – 36th Amendment; Art & Culture – UNESCO Site; Environment – Organic Farming.
Why in News?
About Sikkim
Location
Bordering Countries (3)
Bordering Indian State
Capital
Geography
Highest Peak
Glaciers
Major Rivers
Lakes
Hot Springs
Passes
National Parks and Sanctuaries
Demographics and Culture
Population
Tribes
Official Languages
Religion
Famous Monasteries
Famous Festivals
History and Politics
Monarchy Era
Accession to India
Economy
Organic Farming
Agriculture
Hydropower
Tourism
Flora and Fauna
Unique Facts (Prelims Special)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Organic State | Sikkim (2016) – all farming organic |
| First Mixed UNESCO Site | Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) – natural and cultural |
| Highest Lake (India) | Gurudongmar Lake (5,430 m) |
| Largest Glacier (Eastern Himalaya) | Zemu Glacier |
| Oldest Monastery in Sikkim | Tashiding Monastery |
| Only open border trade post with China | Nathu La (along with Shipki La and Lipulekh) |
Strategic Importance (Current Affairs)
Key Terms for Prelims
Possible Prelims MCQs
Q1: Sikkim became the 22nd state of India through which Constitutional Amendment?
Q2: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sikkim is India’s first “mixed” heritage site (both natural and cultural)?
Q3: What is the state animal of Sikkim?
Q4: Which pass in Sikkim is one of the three open border trade posts between India and China?
Q5: Which glacier in Sikkim is the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas?
Q6: What is the official state flower of Sikkim?
Q7: The Teesta River, flowing through Sikkim, is a tributary of which major river system?
Q8: Which monastery in Sikkim is the seat of the Karmapa (one of the most important in Tibetan Buddhism)?
Source/Reference:
Subject: Economy – Multilateral Development Banks; International Relations – AIIB; India’s Shareholding; Middle East Conflict Facility.
Why in News?
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) |
| Established | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Beijing, China |
| Objective | Promote sustainable economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, mobilise capital for infrastructure investments |
| Membership | 111 approved members worldwide |
| Capitalisation | $100 billion |
| Rating | AAA-rated by major global rating agencies |
India’s Position
Voting Rights (Shareholding)
| Member | Voting Rights |
|---|---|
| China | 26.54% |
| India | 7.58% |
| Russia | 5.9% |
| Germany | 4.1% |
Member Countries (Partial List)
Key Terms for Prelims
Possible Prelims MCQs
Q1: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was established in which year?
Q2: What is the authorised capital of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)?
Q3: Which country is the largest shareholder in AIIB?
Q4: India is the ___ largest shareholder in AIIB.
Q5: The AIIB headquarters is located in:
Source/Reference:
GS Paper II – Social Justice (Health) | GS Paper I – Society (Demographics)
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR); Total Fertility Rate (TFR); Demographic Dividend; Rural-Urban Disparities
Introduction
The just-released Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 report reflects India’s demographic transition: birth and infant mortality rates have declined significantly, but sharp rural-urban and interstate disparities persist. Rather than one uniform demographic story, the data reveals two Indias progressing at unequal speeds.
Main Body
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Gains and Disparities
National Trend:
State-Level Disparities:
Rural-Urban Gap:
Persistent Local Failures:
Contributing Factors to Gains:
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Below Replacement but Divergent
National Trend:
State-Level Disparities:
Implication:
Two Demographic Realities: Moving at Different Speeds
Demographic Reality 1 (Advanced States):
Demographic Reality 2 (Lagging States):
The Consequence:
Policy Implications
Resist the Comfort of National Averages:
What Is Needed:
The Demographic Dividend Risk:
Conclusion
India’s IMR has declined sharply and TFR remains below replacement level, signalling demographic transition. Yet stark rural-urban and interstate disparities persist — from Kerala’s low IMR to Chhattisgarh’s high IMR, and Delhi’s low TFR to Bihar’s high TFR. With rapid ageing in advanced states, the data reflects not one India, but two demographic realities moving at unequal speeds.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Pollution) | GS Paper II – Governance
Air Pollution; Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5); Dust Control; Urban Governance
Introduction
Delhi’s air pollution is driven by multiple sources, but dust pollution is among the easiest to control through measures like road sweeping, water sprinkling, and covering construction sites. Yet the city’s dust-control infrastructure, especially Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines, remains severely underutilised — an area where the government cannot claim helplessness.
Main Body
The Scale of Dust Pollution in Delhi
Contribution to PM Load (Summer):
Primary Sources:
The Problem:
Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSM): Underutilised
What the Investigation Revealed:
Why This Skewed Usage Fails:
The Reactive Approach:
What Needs to Be Done: A Coordinated Strategy
Key Components:
The Indore Example:
Advantage Over Other Pollution Sources:
The Role of the Judiciary
Past Interventions by the Court:
What the Court Can Do Now:
Conclusion
Dust is a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, yet Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines remain underutilised and unevenly deployed across the city. The reactive, seasonal approach to dust control ignores that pollution crosses administrative boundaries. Since dust management is neither technologically difficult nor financially prohibitive, Delhi needs a coordinated, year-round strategy with monitoring, audits, and stronger judicial oversight.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
