Subject: International Relations – India-UAE Bilateral; Energy Security; Defence Partnership; AI Supercomputing; Strategic Chokepoint.
Why in News?
Key Outcomes
Energy Cooperation
Defence Partnership
Technology & AI
Trade & Logistics
Maritime Sector
Strategic Significance
Strait of Hormuz Context
India AI Mission
MAITRI Virtual Trade Corridor
Key Terms for Prelims
Source/Reference:
Subject: Polity – Civil Services Reforms; Governance – Capacity Building; Mission Karmayogi; iGOT; AI Integration.
Why in News?
What is Mission Karmayogi?
Full Name
Launched
Nodal Ministry
Objective
Key Components
iGOT Karmayogi (Integrated Government Online Training)
Capacity Building Commission (CBC)
HR Management Module
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
AI Integration (2026 Update)
Governance Reforms Impact (2014-2026)
CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System)
Digital Life Certificates (Jeevan Pramaan)
Key Terms for Prelims
Source/Reference:
Subject: Economy – Foreign Trade Policy; Advance Authorisation; Gold Imports; Export Promotion; DGFT.
Why in News?
What is Advance Authorisation Scheme?
Definition
Key Features
New Restrictions (DGFT Notification)
| Provision | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capping gold imports | Maximum 100 kg per Advance Authorisation |
| First-time applicants | Mandatory physical inspection of manufacturing facility by regional authority |
| Export performance linkage | Subsequent authorisations only after fulfilling 50% of export obligation of preceding AA |
| Fortnightly reporting | Certified by independent chartered accountant (gold import/export details) |
| Monthly reporting | Regional authorities to submit consolidated reports to DGFT HQ |
Why These Restrictions?
Import Surge Context
Recent Duty Hikes
Macroeconomic Pressure
Gems & Jewellery Sector Context
Key Terms for Prelims
Source/Reference:
Subject: Environment – Wildlife Sanctuary; Himalayan Biodiversity; IBA; Critically Endangered Brown Bear; Kinnaur.
Why in News?
About Rakchham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
Establishment
Area
Altitude
Unique Climate
Trekking Route
Ecological Significance
Flora
Fauna
Avifauna
Himalayan Brown Bear (Key Facts)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ursus arctos isabellinus |
| Other Names | Himalayan Red Bear, Isabelline Bear; Denmo (Ladakhi) |
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered |
| Distribution in India | Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (small, fragmented populations) |
| Altitude | 3,000 – 5,500 metres (above timberline) |
| Diet | Omnivorous (grasses, roots, insects, small mammals like marmots, pikas) |
| Hibernation | Winters in dens |
| Yeti Legend | Believed by some that its ability to walk upright gave rise to Yeti legend |
Recent Sighting (May 2026)
Key Terms for Prelims
Source/Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakchham_Chitkul_Wildlife_Sanctuary
Subject: Health – Women’s Health; Non-Communicable Diseases; Diabetes Prevention; Metabolic Syndrome; PCOS.
Why in News?
What is PCOS?
Definition
Prevalence in India
Why Rename PCOS to PMOS?
The Metabolic Link
| Parameter | PCOS | PMOS (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Reproductive (cysts, infertility) | Metabolic (insulin resistance, diabetes risk) |
| Key driver | Hormonal imbalance | Insulin resistance (underlying cause) |
| Long-term risk | Infertility | Type 2 diabetes (50-70% of PCOS women develop by age 40) |
Scientific Rationale
Proposed Name: PMOS (Polycystic Ovary Metabolic Syndrome)
Diabetes Prevention in PCOS Women
Why Early Intervention Matters
Prevention Strategies
| Intervention | Key Action |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle modification | Weight loss (5-10% reduces insulin resistance significantly) |
| Diet | Low glycemic index; reduce refined carbs and sugars |
| Exercise | 150-300 minutes/week (improves insulin sensitivity) |
| Metformin | First-line medication to improve insulin sensitivity |
| Screening | Regular HbA1c and fasting glucose from age 18 |
Policy Implications
Current Status of PCOS in India
Awareness Gap
Government Initiatives (Relevant)
Key Terms for Prelims
Source/Reference:
GS Paper II – International Relations (Bilateral Relations)
India-UAE Strategic Partnership; Energy Security; Defence Cooperation; Maritime Infrastructure; AI and Supercomputing
Introduction
India-UAE strategic partnership is built on political trust, economic cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s May 2026 visit to the United Arab Emirates deepened cooperation in energy, defence, AI, infrastructure, investment, and skill development. Bilateral trade crossed US$100 billion in FY 2025–26, with both nations aiming to reach US$200 billion by 2032.
Main Body
Historical Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Historical Background:
Current Status:
Trade, Investment and Energy Cooperation
Investment Ties:
Energy Trade:
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Defence Cooperation:
Maritime Infrastructure:
Strategic Energy Agreements
Outcome 1: MoU between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC):
Outcome 2: Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Indian Oil Limited (IOCL) and ADNOC on LPG supplies:
Technology and Supercomputing
Outcome: Term Sheet for setting up 8 Exaflop Super Computing Cluster in partnership between C-DAC (India) and G-42 (UAE):
Strategic Defence Partnership Framework
Outcome: Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership:
Investment Commitments and People-to-People Ties
Investment Commitments:
People-to-People Ties:
Conclusion
India-UAE merchandise trade crossed US$101.25 billion in FY 2025–26, with a target of US$200 billion by 2032. The United Arab Emirates is India’s seventh-largest investor, with cumulative FDI of US$25.19 billion, while the Local Currency Settlement system reduces dollar dependence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s May 2026 visit strengthened cooperation in energy security, defence, maritime infrastructure, AI, supercomputing, skill development, and long-term investment, making the partnership increasingly future-oriented.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2261611®=3&lang=1
https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India_UAE2024n.pdf
GS Paper III – Infrastructure (Water Resources) | GS Paper III – Disaster Management | GS Paper II – Governance
Dam Safety; Ageing Infrastructure; Rehabilitation Projects; Institutional Framework
Introduction
India has 6,628 large dams, with over 26% older than 50 years, highlighting the need for rehabilitation and safety upgrades. The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) and the Dam Safety Act, 2021 strengthen dam safety through inspection, maintenance, and disaster prevention, while digital platforms like DHARMA and Early Warning Systems enhance real-time monitoring.
Main Body
Status of Dams in India
Scale and Distribution:
Age Profile:
Ownership Pattern:
State-wise Distribution:
Sedimentation Challenge:
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
DRIP Phase I (2012–2021):
DRIP Phase II and III (2021 onwards):
Coverage of DRIP Phases II and III:
Four Components of DRIP Phases II and III:
Institutional Framework: Dam Safety Act, 2021
Key Provisions:
Four-Tier Institutional Mechanism:
Key Safety Provisions Mandated by the Act:
Key Achievements under the Act:
Mandatory Inspections and Classification
Inspection Regime:
Classification of Dams:
2025 Inspection Results:
Capacity Building and Centres of Excellence
Centres of Excellence on Dam Safety:
Academic Programmes:
Offences and Penalties
Chapter X of the Dam Safety Act, 2021:
Conclusion
India, home to 6,628 specified dams, faces growing safety concerns as over 26% are more than 50 years old. DRIP Phases I–III and the Dam Safety Act, 2021 strengthen rehabilitation, monitoring, and regulation through institutions like NDSA and digital platforms such as DHARMA. Annual inspections and technical support from institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and Indian Institute of Science aim to improve dam safety, though effective large-scale implementation remains crucial.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
