Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) TRIFED Category: Polity and Governance Context: Tribal communities are not just “beneficiaries” of government schemes, but “drivers of India’s progress”, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs said on Tuesday, speaking on the eve of the Tribal Business Conclave 2025, which was different from events routinely organised by institutions like the TRIFED. About TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India): Nodal ministry: TRIFED is an organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, dedicated to the socio-economic development of tribal communities through the marketing development of tribal products. Establishment: It was established in August 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984, by the Government of India as a national-level cooperative body. Mandate: It aims to bring about the socio-economic development of the tribals of the country by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them. Objectives: To develop the socio-economic welfare of the tribal community. To act as a facilitator and service provider for the tribal community to uplift production. Provide training to enhance artistic skills with modern technology to meet the requirements of the global market. To increase the promotion of tribal art and crafts for a stable livelihood. To identify target groups to monitor and evaluate the process and activities and provide input to the Ministry. Focus on SHGs: The approach involves capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization, formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and imparting training to them for undertaking a particular activity, exploring marketing possibilities in national as well as international markets, creating opportunities for marketing tribal products on a sustainable basis, and creating a brand. Retail Marketing: TRIFED has been doing the retail marketing of tribal products under the brand name of TRIBES INDIA. TRIFED promotes and creates a sustainable market through retail outlets, exhibitions such as Aadishilp, Aadichitra, OCTAVE; international fairs, and e-marketing. Implementation of MSP: TRIFED has also been entrusted by the Govt. of India to implement its proposed Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme for Minor Forest Produce. Source: The Hindu Indian National Army (INA) Category: History and Culture Context: A new book claims that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose didn’t establish the Indian National Army (INA) and that it was initially set up by the Japanese Army intelligence and Indian nationalists outside India to fight a common enemy — the British. About First INA: Formation: The first Indian National Army (INA) was formed in September 1942 under Captain Mohan Singh. Composition: It comprised around 12,000 Indian PoWs willing to secure independence from British rule in alliance with Japanese assistance. Thе Japanеsе sought cooperation with nationalists in Southeast Asia, including Indians, to hеlp thеm in thеir war effort. Role of Mohan Singh: Captain Mohan Singh was taskеd with organising an Indian national army using Indian prisonеrs of war. Mohan Singh’s lеadеrship and thе promisе of control by Indian officеrs ralliеd Indian soldiеrs to join thе INA. Reasons for rise of first INA: Thе rеasons for Indian soldiеrs and civilians joining thе INA includеd nationalism, fееlings of bеtrayal by thе British, racial discrimination, and fеar of Japanеsе atrocitiеs. Dissolution of first INA: However, disagreements and distrust arose over control of the army’s leadership and roles. Conflict also emerged over policies of the Japanese military administration in occupied territories. Mohan Singh refused to provide INA soldiers for Japan’s campaign in Burma against the British. This led him to resign and dissolve the first INA by December 1942. About Second INA: Arrival of SC Bose in Singapore: In July 1943, Bose arrived in Singapore and took leadership of the INA, reshaping it as a nationalist force rather than just supporting Japanese military goals. Formation of second INA: The Azad Hind Fauj, or second INA, was formed by unifying the residual soldiers of the first INA with the large influx of Indian civilian volunteers in Southeast Asia electrified by Bose’s leadership and call to arms against British oppression. Difference with first INA: Unlike the first INA, which had multiple centres of authority, the second INA, under Bose’s leadership, was solely committed to him. Ethnic and regional loyalties were subsumed under national sentiments through mixed regiments and political training. The practice of naming regiments after nationalist leaders continued, fostering a sense of unity. Structure: The INA was structured into three brigades – Gandhi, Azad and Nehru. At its peak strength, the INA had around 60,000 troops, including the Rani Jhansi regiment comprising women soldiers headed by Captain Lakshmi Sehgal. Own currency: The INA had its own currency, postage stamps and symbols portraying a vision of a liberated India. National flag: Subhas Chandra Bose, through the first national army, introduced the Indian tricolour as the national flag and Tagore’s song ‘Jan Gan Man Adhinayak’ as the national anthem. The INA flag with the springing tiger symbol and the motto ‘Ittefaq, Etemad, Qurbani’ inspired nationalist sentiment. Source: The Hindu Great Indian Bustard Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Supreme Court judge recently said many environmental law principles imported from the West such as “inter-generational equity” are anthropocentric and would hardly be of any assistance in protecting an endangered species such as Great Indian Bustard. About Great Indian Bustard: State bird of Rajasthan: The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird. Flagship species: It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology. Spread: Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Threats: The bird is under constant threats due to collision/electrocution with power transmission lines, hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan), habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc. Slow breeding species: Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) are slow-reproducing species. They lay a few eggs and have almost a year-long parental care of chicks. The GIB achieves maturity in around 3-4 years. Breeding season: They breed mostly during the monsoon season, when females lay a single egg on open ground.  Physical features: It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long, bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance. The sexes are roughly the same size, with the largest

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Exercise Malabar 2025 Category: Defence and Security Context: The participation of INS Sahyadri in Exercise Malabar-2025 reaffirms India’s enduring partnership and its commitment to strengthening coordination, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard regional security. About Exercise Malabar: Origin: It started as an annual bilateral naval drill between India and the US in 1992. Expansion of membership: Japan joined in 2015, and Australia participated in Malabar 2020, making it a four-nation exercise under the Quad framework. Location: It takes place annually in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans alternatively.  Evolution: It has evolved into a key multilateral event aimed at enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. Objective: It aims to improve interoperability, coordination, and communication, focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and airborne maritime missions.  Focus areas: It highlights the convergence of views among the participating countries on maritime issues and their shared commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.  Strategic Significance: It strengthens Quad military interoperability, coordinated maritime operations, and freedom of navigation. 2 phases of Exercise Malabar 2025: Harbour Phase: It will feature operational planning and discussions, alignment on communication protocols, familiarisation visits between participating nations, and sports fixtures. Sea Phase: Following the harbour phase, all participating units will proceed in this phase, wherein ships and aircraft will take part in naval drills, focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery serials and flying operations. Source: PIB Ricin Category: Science and Technology Context: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad has busted a suspected terror syndicate by arresting a ‘doctor’ with a Chinese MBBS degree, who was allegedly preparing highly-lethal chemical poison, ‘Ricin’, and whose handler is associated with the Islamic State.           About Ricin: Source: Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans. If castor beans are chewed and swallowed, the ricin that comes out can cause injury. Ricin can also be made from the waste material left over from processing castor beans. Forms: Ricin can be in the form of a powder, a mist, or a pellet. It can also be dissolved in water or weak acid. Nature: It is stable under normal conditions. However, it will not work if temperatures are over 80 degrees centigrade (176 degrees Fahrenheit). Toxicity: It is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or injected. As few as five to ten micrograms per kilogram can be lethal. Mechanism: Ricin works by getting inside the cells of a person’s body and preventing the cells from making the proteins they need. Without the proteins, cells die. Eventually this is harmful to the whole body, and death may occur. Potential of a biological weapon: It is of special concern because of its potential use as a biological weapon. Accidental exposure to ricin is rare and results primarily from the ingestion of castor seeds. Treatment: Presently, no antidote exists for ricin. Symptomatic ricin poisoning is treated by providing supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning. Source: NDTV Piprahwa Relics Category: History and Culture Context: A portion of the holy Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, brought from India, were enshrined at Thimpu’s prominent monastery, Tashichhodzong, considered the seat of Bhutan’s highest spiritual and political institutions. About Piprahwa Relics: Location: The Piprahwa Relics are a collection of sacred artifacts discovered in 1898 at the Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the site believed to be associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the homeland of Gautama Buddha. Significance: These relics, unearthed by British colonial engineer William Claxton Peppe in 1898, include bone fragments believed to be those of Lord Buddha, along with crystal caskets, gold ornaments, gemstones, and a sandstone coffer. Archaeological evidence: An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets links the relics directly to the Sakya clan, to which Buddha belonged, indicating that these remains were enshrined by his followers around the third century BC.  Classification: Piprahwa Relics are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. Discovery: The British crown claimed Peppe’s find under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, with the bones and ash presented to the Buddhist monarch King Chulalongkorn of Siam. Most of the 1,800 gems went to what is now the Indian Museum in Kolkata, while Peppe was permitted to retain approximately a fifth of them. Repatriation to India: A part of the Piprahwa Relics was passed down for generations in the Peppe family. These were put up for auction in Hong Kong in May 2025. However, it was successfully repatriated back to India through a public-private collaboration between the Government and the Godrej Industries Group. Source: Deccan Herald ReALCRaft Portal Category: Government Schemes Context: In a major step towards realizing the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Blue Economy, the Government of India has introduced the ReALCRaft Portal for the registration and licensing of fishing vessels and related processes. About ReALCRaft Portal: Nature: The Registration And Licensing of Fishing Craft (ReALCRaft) portal is developed as a national online platform under open-source technology.  Development: It is developed by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Objective:  It aims to develop a modern, comprehensive and transparent vessel data management system in the country with the aim to enhance security features and to bring efficiency, transparency, accountability and reliability in services. Focus areas: It focuses on providing web-based, citizen-centric services to marine fishers and coastal States/UTs for the registration and licensing of fishing vessels, transfer of ownership, and related processes. Does away the requirement to visit any government office: The system is designed to be fully digital, transparent, and time-bound, allowing applicants to submit minimal documentation, track the status of their application in real time, and complete the process without visiting any government office. Strengthens coastal security: Fishermen and their vessels are identified using QR-coded Aadhaar Cards or Fisher ID Cards, ensuring proper verification and monitoring at sea. These digital features help marine enforcement agencies, including the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy, in strengthening coastal security and

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Carbon Sequestration Category: Environment and Ecology. Context: There is a need to increase carbon sequestration in the soil, which is 0.15% at present against the preferred figure of 2% to 5 %, Sultan Ahmed Ismail, Member, State Planning Commission, said. About Carbon Sequestration: Definition: Carbon sequestration is the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean. It occurs both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic activities and typically refers to the storage of carbon. Significance: Carbon Farming (Carbon Sequestration) involves practices that are known to improve the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and converted to plant material and soil organic matter.  It promises a bold new agricultural business model — one that fights climate change, creates jobs, and saves farms that might otherwise be unprofitable. Important for SDGs: Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13: Climate Action), which focuses on taking immediate action to address climate change and its effects, is in line with research into carbon sequestration.  Types of Carbon Sequestration: Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration: It is the process through which CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis and stored as carbon in soils and biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage, and roots) Geologic Carbon Sequestration: Under this, CO2 is stored in areas such as oil reservoirs, gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, saline formations and shale formations with high organic content. Ocean Carbon Sequestration: Under this, oceans absorb, release and store large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. This can be done in two ways- enhancing productivity of ocean biological systems through Iron fertilization, and injecting CO2 into the deep ocean. Different Methods of Carbon Sequestration: Natural Carbon Sequestration: It is the process by which nature has achieved a balance of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere suitable for sustaining life. All organic life on this planet is carbon based and when plants and animals die, much of the carbon goes back into the ground where it has little impact on contributing to global warming. Artificial Carbon Sequestration: It refers to a number of processes whereby carbon emissions are captured at the point of production (e.g., Factory Chimneys) and then buried. One example is ocean sequestration whereby carbon dioxide is injected deep into the ocean, forming lakes of CO2. Source: The Hindu Fujian Aircraft Carrier Category: Defence and Security Context: China has commissioned its latest aircraft carrier Fujian after extensive sea trials, state media reported. About Fujian Aircraft Carrier: Nature: The Fujian is China’s third carrier and the first that it both designed and built itself. First two carriers: China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was Soviet-made and its second, the Shandong, was built in China but based on the Soviet model. Both use older-style ski-jump type systems to help planes take flight. In sync with objective of a modernised force by 2035: It is perhaps the most visible example of China’s massive military overhaul and expansion that aims to have a modernised force by 2035 and one that is “world class” by mid-century. Significance: For China’s navy, one goal is to dominate the near waters of the South China Sea, East China Sea and Yellow Sea around the so-called First Island Chain, which runs south through Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. But deeper into the Pacific, it also wants to be able to contest control of the Second Island Chain, where the U.S. has important military facilities on Guam and elsewhere. Technology used: The Fujian skips past the steam catapult technology used on most American carriers to employ an electromagnetic launch system found only on the latest U.S. Navy Ford-class carriers. The system causes less stress to the aircraft and the ship, allows for more precise control over speed and can launch a wider range of aircraft than the steam system. Comparison to carriers of US: Numerically it only has three carriers compared to the U.S. Navy’s 11, and while China’s carriers are all conventionally powered, the U.S.’s are all nuclear powered — they can operate almost indefinitely without being refuelled, increasing their range. Aircraft carriers of India: The Indian Navy operates two aircraft carriers namely the INS Vikramaditya, a refurbished Russian carrier commissioned in 2013, and the INS Vikrant, an indigenously designed and built carrier commissioned in 2022. Source: The Hindu Baliyatra Festival Category: ScHistory and Culture Context: President Droupadi Murmu has extended her greetings on the occasion of the historic ‘Baliyatra’ festival to all the countrymen, especially the people of Odisha. About Baliyatra Festival: Nomenclature: Baliyatra, literally ‘voyage to Bali’ is one of the country’s largest open-air fares. Location: It is celebrated annually in Cuttack, Odisha. Occasion: It is celebrated every year on Kartika Purnima (full moon night in the month of Kartik) that marks the day that the seafaring traders departed for the Indonesian islands. Reason behind festival: It is organised every year to commemorate the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between ancient Kalinga (today’s Odisha) and Bali and other South and Southeast Asian regions like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Significance: The Bali Yatra celebrates the ingenuity and skill of those expert sailors who made Kalinga one of the most prosperous empires of its time. It is a time when people purchase everything from automobiles and electronic devices to local artisanal products at prices that are comparatively low. Methods of celebration: The celebration features grand fairs, elaborate rides, food and dance. Indian women perform ‘Boita Bandana’, they make boats of paper or banana leaf (sholapith) with lighted lamps inside and float them down the Mahanadi as a part of the celebrations. Source: News on AIR Project Suncatcher Category: Science and Technology Context: With Project Suncatcher, Google joins the club to put AI data centres in space, but feasibility remains a challenge. About Project Suncatcher: Nature: Called Project Suncatcher, Google’s new moonshot is a research initiative exploring how constellations of solar-powered satellites could host data centres in space. The idea is similar to satellite constellations like Starlink,

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Khangchendzonga National Park Category: Environment and Ecology. Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently rated Khangchendzonga National Park as “good” in its latest global review of natural World Heritage sites. It is the only Indian park to receive this rating. About Khangchendzonga National Park: Location: It is located in the north of Sikkim. It lies entirely along the Sikkim-Nepal border. Area: It encompasses an area covering 1784 sq.km. It exhibits one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide. The park has an extraordinary vertical sweep of over 7 kilometres (1,220 m to 8,586 m). Part of UNESCO’s MAB: It is a part of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), which is one of the 13 biosphere reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. One of the biodiversity hotspots: It is a part of one of the 4 biodiversity hotspots in India (the Himalayas global biodiversity hotspot). The other 3 biodiversity hotspots are the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland region. Uniqueness: KBR is India’s first “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 2016 for its combination of natural beauty and cultural importance.  Home to third highest mountain peak: It is home to Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world. Contains some of the largest glaciers: It has, in total, 18 glaciers, the largest one being Zemu Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Asia.  Lepcha tribe: It is one of the very few places where one can find the Lepcha tribal settlements.  Flora: It mostly contains subtropical to alpine vegetation such as oak, fir, birch, maple, and rhododendron. Fauna: It is home to important flagship species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, red panda, blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, and mainland serow, among many. It is home to nearly half of India’s bird diversity. Source: News on AIR Koraga Tribe Category: History and Culture Context: A groundbreaking genomic study led by researchers from Mangalore University and Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University) has identified a distinct ancestral source in the Koraga tribe that may date back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. About Koraga Tribe: Location: The Koraga is an indigenous tribal community that is basically found mainly in the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts of Karnataka and the Kasaragod district of Kerala state. Classified as PVTGs: The Koragas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Population: As per the 2011 census, their total population is 1582, in which 778 were males and 804 females. Language: People communicate either in their language, known as Koraga Bhasha, or in Tulu. Economy: The Koragas mainly depend on agriculture and forest resources for their livelihoods.  Culture: They are known for their traditional crafts, such as basket-making, and actively participate in folk dances and rituals that reflect their rich cultural heritage.  Society: The Koraga community follows a matrilineal family system and a unique clan structure called “bali,” which plays an important role in their social organization. Koragas are led by the most senior person in the village, often known as Mooppan. He ensures the well-being of the members of the community.  Rituals: Drumming and traditional music are integral to their rituals and community celebrations. Dholu and Voote (Drum and Flute) were two important musical instruments of the Koragas. The rhythmic drum-beating, especially with the “dholu,” is a significant aspect of their cultural identity, used in various ceremonies and gatherings. Religious Beliefs: The Koragas follow Hinduism but have distinct tribal religious beliefs and practices. They worship spirits known as “Bhutas” and believe in the power of magic and rituals to ward off evil. About Indus Valley Civilization: Nomenclature: The Indus Valley in the Indian subcontinent was one of the first places where humans settled down and advanced to a highly civilised lifestyle. Its contemporary name comes from its location in the Indus River valley, but it is also known as the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization. Discovery: It was in 1924 that John Marshall announced to the world the existence of an ancient civilization in the Indus Valley. Area: It encompassed an area of approximately 1,299,600 square km. It covered a considerably broader region than the ancient Egyptian or Mesopotamian cultures did. Expanse: It extended from Sutkagendor (in Balochistan, Pakistan) in the West to Alamgirpur (UP) in the East; and from Mandu (Jammu) in the North to Daimabad (Maharashtra) in the South. Important sites: The Indus Valley Civilization, situated in the river basins of the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra, featured several key cities such as Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhigarhi, Chanhudaro, Banawali, Dholavira, etc. Uniqueness: One of the most outstanding features of the Indus cities was their well-planned town planning. The excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have revealed a great deal of evidence of this. Economy: Agriculture was the primary employment of the Indus Valley people. They cultivated wheat, barley, peas, and, in some places, rice. Art and craft: Most human figurines were handmade and made from bronze, terracotta, steatite, and faience material. The Harappan people were also good craftsmen. They used more copper than bronze. Brick-making and masonry were other important occupations. Script: The Indus seals are a unique source available to us to learn about the Harappan culture. Since this pictorial script is yet to be deciphered, our understanding of the Harappans is largely limited to those images used in the script. Source: The New Indian Express National Technical Textiles Mission Category: Government Schemes Context: The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has successfully supported the development of 03 indigenous instruments for testing Convective, Radiant, and Contact (Conductive) Heat Resistance of protective textiles.   About National Technical Textiles Mission: Nodal ministry: NTTM is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles to promote the growth and development of the technical textiles sector in the country.  Objective: It aims to position India as a global leader in technical textiles.   Implementation Period: It was launched for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.1,480 crores. Components: The Mission has four components. Research, Innovation and Development: Fundamental research is

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Right to Vote Category: Polity and Governance. Context: The Centre has argued in the Supreme Court that the ‘right to vote’ in an election is different from the ‘freedom of voting’, and while one is a mere statutory right, the second is a part of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. About Right to Vote: Significance: It is the cornerstone of our democracy, allowing citizens to have a say in who governs them and how they are governed. The ability to vote is not only a right, but a responsibility, as it ensures that the voices of all citizens are heard and that their interests are represented in the government. Protected by UDHR: The right to vote is not just a privilege, but a basic human right. It is protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). Constitutional provision: The Constitution of India, under Article 326, guarantees universal adult franchise, stating that every citizen aged 18 or above is entitled to vote, provided they are not disqualified under law. Amendment: The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years (earlier it was 21 years). Legal provisions: Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act, 1950): Section 16 disqualifies non-citizens from being enrolled in electoral rolls. Further, Section 19 requires voters to be ordinarily resident and aged 18 or more on the qualifying date. Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act, 1951): Section 62 allows voting for all enrolled individuals unless disqualified by law or imprisoned. Important judgements by SC: N.P. Ponnuswami Case (1952): The Supreme Court held that the right to vote is purely statutory. PUCL Case (2003): Justice P.V. Reddy observed that even if not fundamental, the right to vote could be considered a constitutional right. Kuldip Nayar Case (2006): The Supreme Court reverted to viewing voting as a statutory right. Anoop Baranwal Case (2023): Majority opinion once again concluded that the right to vote is statutory. Source: The Hindu This is box title Category: Geography Context: Meghalaya’s Umngot river, famed for its picturesque crystal-clear water, is murky this year, triggering alarm in the state. :   About Umngot River: Origin: It originates from the Eastern Shillong Peak, which is located 1,800 m above sea level. The river is in the village of Mawlynnong (“God’s Own Garden”) in Meghalaya, close to India’s border with Bangladesh, which is touted as Asia’s Cleanest Village. Uniqueness: Popularly known as Dawki river, the Umngot river is regarded as the cleanest river in India as well as Asia with its crystal-clear water. Its water is so clear that boats appear to be floating on air, with the riverbed visible even at depths of 15–20 feet. Natural divide: It acts as a natural divide between Jaintia and Khasi hills, before finally flowing into Bangladesh. Prominent tourist destinations: The river flows through the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya and its pristine water in the winter makes locations along it such as Dawki and Shnongpdeng among the top tourist attractions in the state. Boat race: It is also known for the annual boat race in the month of March-April. Transportation: The suspension bridge over the Dawki River on NH-40 was constructed way back in 1932 and it is one of the busiest bilateral trade routes between India and Bangladesh. Source: The Indian Express Scrub Typhus Disease Category: Science and TechnologyContext: A Gulf Keralite’s impulsive decision to return home to treat a persistent fever turned out to be life-saving after he was diagnosed with scrub typhus. This has become the first documented case of scrub typhus contracted in the Gulf and diagnosed in India. About Scrub Typhus Disease: Nomenclature: Typhus (or typhus fever) is the name used for several different types of bacterial infections spread by bug bites that cause similar symptoms, like high fever and rash. Causing agent: It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi. Transmission: It is not directly communicable from person to person. Instead, it is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected chiggers (young mites). Reasons: Several factors, like vector abundance, climatic factors, exposures like farming and owning domestic animals, outdoor activities and sanitation, affect its prevalence. Also, this disease is more prevalent in cooler months. Symptoms: The symptoms typically include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. In severe cases, the infection can lead to respiratory distress, brain and lung inflammation, kidney failure, and multi-organ failure, ultimately resulting in death. Vaccine: Presently, there is no vaccine available for this disease. Treatment:  It is treated with doxycycline, which is most effective when administered early. Source: The Indian Express INS Ikshak Category: Defence and Security Context: The third vessel of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class, INS Ikshak, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at a ceremonial event held at Naval Base in Kochi.        About INS Ikshak: Nomenclature: The ship’s name, Ikshak, meaning “The Guide”, symbolises its purpose: to chart unexplored waters, ensure safe navigation for mariners. Construction: It is constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata. Objective: It is the indigenously built Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) which will study underwater hydrography. Indigenous: It boasts over 80% indigenous content. Structure: The Survey Vessel (Large) ships are 110 m long, 16 m wide with deep displacement of 3400 tons. Speed: The propulsion system of the ship consists of two Main Engines in twin shaft configuration and is designed with cruise speed of 14 knots and maximum speed of 18 knots. HADR capability: Beyond its primary role in hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is also equipped with dual-role functionality, enabling it to operate as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and a hospital ship during emergencies. Uniqueness: It is the first vessel in the SVL class to feature dedicated accommodation for

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Anti-Defection Law Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Legislature Secretariat of Telangana has summoned four more MLAs of the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) who are facing charges of defection to the ruling Congress.             About Anti-Defection Law: Evolution: In post-Independence India, frequent defections led to political instability. The phrase “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” became popular in the 1960s after a Haryana MLA switched parties multiple times in a single day.  To address this issue, the Anti-Defection Law was introduced as the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985.  Objective: It aimed to stop political defections for personal gain. It applies to both Parliament and State Assemblies.  Amendment: The 91st Amendment Act (2003) amended the anti-defection law by scrapping the one-third split provision, allowing mergers only if two-thirds of a party’s members agreed, and disqualifying defectors from holding ministerial or paid political posts until they are re-elected.  Grounds for Disqualification:  A member voluntarily gives up party membership (can be inferred from conduct, not just resignation).   A member votes or abstains from voting against the party whip can lead to disqualification.  A legislator can further be disqualified if he is an independently elected member and joins a political party.  A nominated member is disqualified if they join a political party after six months of becoming a legislator.  Exceptions to Disqualification: A party can merge with another if two-thirds of its legislators agree, with no disqualification for those who merge or stay.  No disqualification for Speaker/Chairman/Deputy Chairman resigning from the party to remain neutral.  Deciding authority: Disqualification cases are decided by the Speaker/Chairman. There’s no legally binding time frame for the Speaker to decide on disqualification cases, allowing for strategic delays. Judgements by SC: In Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu (1992), the SC ruled that the Speaker’s decisions are subject to judicial review. This means Courts can intervene in the Speaker’s decision if there’s mala fide intent, procedural lapse, or constitutional violation, ensuring fairness and transparency. In Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs The Hon’ble Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors (2020), the SC directed Speakers to decide defection cases within 3 months and suggested an independent tribunal to ensure neutrality and speed. The SC noted that delaying disqualification proceedings violates the intent of Tenth Schedule and undermines trust in the Speaker’s office by failing to uphold the standard of timely decision-making. Source: The Hindu QS Asia University Rankings Category: Miscellaneous Context: China has overtaken India as the most-represented location in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, according to the rankings released this week. About QS Asia University Rankings: Nature: The QS Asia University Rankings is an annual regional assessment that evaluates Asia’s leading higher education institutions based on academic reputation, employability, research productivity, and international outlook. Released by: It is compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based higher education analytics firm, known globally for its QS World University Rankings. Objectives: To benchmark Asian universities using globally comparable indicators. To highlight academic excellence, innovation, and research impact in the region. To promote quality, global competitiveness, and collaboration in Asian higher education. About QS Asia Rankings 2026: The top 10 positions in the 2026 rankings were dominated by universities from Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. While India added 132 universities and institutes to the list this year, taking its tally to a record high of 294, China added 259 institutions, bringing its total to 394. Seven Indian institutions feature in the top 100, with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, ranked highest at 59. China has 25 universities in the top 100, while India retained the same number of institutes in the top 100 as last year. Source: The Hindu APEDA Category: Polity and Governance Context: APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica. About APEDA: Establishment: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. Nodal ministry: It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. Secretariat to NAB: It also functions as the Secretariat to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the implementation of accreditation of the Certification Bodies under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) for Organic exports. Objective: APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the scheduled products viz. fruits, vegetables and their products, meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, floriculture and floriculture products, herbal and medicinal plants, etc. Conducting surveys and studies: It looks after the development of industries relating to the scheduled products for export by way of providing financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking surveys and feasibility studies, participating through subsidy schemes. Inspection of slaughterhouses: It carries out inspection of meat and meat products in slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage premises and improving packaging of the scheduled products. Composition of APEDA Authority: The APEDA Authority consists of the following members namely: A Chairman appointed by the Central Government The Agricultural Marketing Advisor to the Government of India, ex-official One member appointed by the Central Government representing the Niti Aayog Three members of Parliament of whom two are elected by the House of People and one by the Council of States Eight members appointed by the Central Government representing respectively, the Ministries of the Central Govt. Source: PIB Vijayanagara Empire Category: History and Culture Context: One hundred and three punch-marked gold coins dated to Vijayanagara era were found in a earthen pot around 10 kms from Jamunamarathur village atop Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai. About Vijayanagara Empire: Foundation: According to tradition, the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire belonged to a family of five brothers who were feudatories of the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama Dynasty, Vijayanagara became a prominent cultural and political centre in

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) BRICS Category: International Relations Context: For over a decade, the BRICS have taken a series of steps showing their increasing determination to reduce dependence on the dollar-dominated international financial system. About BRICS: Nomenclature: The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to represent the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.  Evolution: BRIC began functioning as a formal group during the G-8 Outreach Summit in 2006, held its first summit in Russia in 2009, and became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.  Members: The initial five BRICS members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Ethiopia joined the group while Indonesia joined in 2025. Saudi Arabia has not yet formalised its BRICS membership, while Argentina, initially expected to join in 2024, later opted out.   Significance: BRICS accounts for 45% of the world’s population and 37.3% of global GDP, surpassing the EU’s 14.5% and the G7’s 29.3%. Important for energy security: With Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining, BRICS now accounts for around 44% of global crude oil production positioning it as a key player in ensuring energy security and influencing oil prices and supply chains. Key Initiatives of BRICS: These include New Development Bank (2014), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), BRICS Grain Exchange, BRICS Rapid Information Security Channel, STI Framework Programme (2015) etc. About New Development Bank: Focus on developing countries: NDB is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). Fortaleza declaration: The Agreement was signed during the BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza in 2014, and the Bank started operations in 2015. Headquarters: Its headquarters is in Shanghai, China, with regional offices in South Africa and Brazil. Members: Apart from the founding members, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Uruguay are the new members. The membership is open to members of the United Nations. Voting power: The voting power of each member shall equal its subscribed shares in the capital. However, the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of the voting power. Also, none of the countries will have veto power. Source: The Hindu Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed revised airfare refund norms requiring airlines to issue a full refund or credit note if a passenger cancels a flight due to a medical emergency, among several other changes. About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Nodal ministry: It is the regulatory body in the field of civil aviation primarily dealing with safety issues. It is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Objective: It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards. It also coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. Functions: It ensures the safety of passengers and crew members on all flights operating in India. It also conducts regular safety inspections of all airlines and aircraft to meet the required safety standards. In addition to safety, the DGCA also plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the Indian aviation industry. Manages air traffic control systems: The DGCA also plays a key role in developing new air traffic control systems and technologies to improve the overall efficiency of Indian airspace. Awards certificates to pilots: The DGCA is also responsible for issuing licenses and certificates to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and other aviation personnel. Works closely with AAI: The DGCA is also responsible for the regulation of air traffic in India. It works closely with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure air traffic is managed safely and efficiently. About Airports Authority of India (AAI): Nature: It is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. Establishment: It was constituted by an Act of Parliament and came into being on 1st April, 1995, by merging the erstwhile National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India. Function: The merger brought into existence a single Organization entrusted with the responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and air space in the country. Source: The Hindu CITES Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A committee of CITES has recommended that India’s wildlife authorities pause the issue of permits that allow endangered animals to be imported by zoos, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres. About CITES: Nomenclature: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is also known as the Washington Convention. Establishment: It was signed on 3rd March 1973 during the World Wildlife Conference and came into force on 1st July 1975. It was drafted following a 1963 resolution adopted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to regulate wildlife trade.   Members: The Convention now has 185 Parties, including India (a member since 1976) and the European Union.  Administration: Administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva, CITES regulates international trade in over 40,000 species of wild animals and plants, including live specimens and wildlife-derived products.   Objective: The treaty aims to ensure that such trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable, supporting biodiversity, local livelihoods, and national economies in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Working Procedure: CITES regulates international trade through permits for export, import, re-export, and sea introduction. Each member country appoints management and scientific authorities to oversee licensing and conservation advice.  Appendices System:  Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction. Trade is highly restricted.  Appendix II: Species not endangered but need controlled trade to avoid risk.  Appendix III: Species protected by at least one country that seeks cooperation to regulate trade.  Amendments: Changes to Appendices I and II are decided at the Conference of the Parties (CoP), while Appendix III can be amended unilaterally by individual Parties.  Importance: Wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global industry, and unregulated trade alongside habitat loss threatens many species with extinction.

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nipah Virus Category: Science and Technology Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies, and manufacturers for the development and production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Nipah viral disease. About Nipah Virus: Nature: Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. Family: The organism that causes Nipah Virus encephalitis is an RNA or Ribonucleic acid virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus. Genome structure: The NiV genome is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA. It generates structural proteins like N, P, M, F, G, and L. Global spread: Nipah virus was first recognized in 1998-99 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. The traces of the virus have been identified in various countries like Cambodia, Ghana, and Thailand. First spread in India: In India, the first Nipah virus outbreak occurred in Siliguri, West Bengal, in the year 2001. Hosts: NiV initially appeared in domestic pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. Transmission: It spreads through fruit bats (genus Pteropus). The virus is found in bat urine, faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. Fatality: The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%. Symptoms: It causes encephalitic syndrome in humans, presenting with fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. Diagnosis: Its diagnosis can be established through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).  Prevention: Presently, there are no vaccines available for humans or animals. However, Ribavirin, an antiviral, may play a role in lowering mortality in patients with Nipah virus encephalitis. Source: The Hindu Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Conservationists, wildlife officials, academicians, and students have got together to push for the Ramsar site tag for Rowmari-Donduwa wetland complex, which is within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. About Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is located on the southern part of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaon District of Assam. Area: It covers an area of around 70.13 sq.km. Associated with Kaziranga tiger reserve: It was declared as a buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in 2007 and became an integral part of the larger Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem.  Encapsulated by human-dominated areas: It is a part of the Brahmaputra valley and the sanctuary is surrounded by human-dominated areas on all sides except for the north. Flora: Laokhowa is rich in flora, with diverse plant species including grasslands, tropical moist deciduous forests, and semi-evergreen forests. Fauna: Its main attraction is the Great Indian one horned Rhinocerous. Other animals found here are Indian royal Bengal tiger, elephant, Wild Boar, Civet Cat, Leopard Cat, Hog Deer, Asian water buffalo, about 200 species of birds, including the Bengal Florica, Leopard, Asiatic Buffalo, etc. Source: The Hindu UNESCO Creative Cities Network Category: History and Culture Context: Lucknow has been declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan. The recognition celebrates the city’s centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and living food traditions. About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Creation: It was created in 2004 to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural diversity and strengthen resilience to threats such as climate change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanisation. Objective: It aims to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Coverage: The network covers seven creative fields: crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music. The network is aimed at leveraging the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural industries. In sync with SDGs: It is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities. Involves participation of private sector: It allows member cities to recognise creativity as an essential component of urban development, notably through partnerships involving the public and private sectors and civil society. Formation of hubs of creativity: It envisages developing hubs of creativity, innovation and broadening opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector. Indian Cities in the UCCN: Kozhikode (Literature), Gwalior (Music), Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Lucknow (Gastronomy), and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts) are included in this list. Source: The Hindu Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), opened its Bengaluru Centre recently. About Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP): Nature: It is an autonomous body in the field of packaging and working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.  Establishment: It was established on 14th May, 1966, and the institute set up its first branch office at Chennai in 1971, followed by branches at Kolkata, Delhi, and Hyderabad in 1976, 1986, and 2006, respectively. Headquarters: Its headquarters and principal laboratories are located in Mumbai. Objective: The main objective of the Institute is to promote the export market by way of innovative package design and development as well as to upgrade the overall standards of packaging in the country. Activities involved: The Institute is involved in various activities like testing and evaluation of packaging materials and packages, consultancy services, and research & development related to packaging. Besides this, the Institute is involved in training and education in the field of packaging.  Closely associated with export promotion councils: It imparts training in innovative and aesthetic packaging to the artisans, weavers, exporters, stakeholders, etc. It is closely working with various commodity boards and export promotion councils such as APEDA, Spices Board, MPEDA, Tea Board, MoFPI, and others. Member of various packaging federations: The Institute has linkages with international organisations and is a founding member of the Asian Packaging Federation (APF); a member of the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IOPP), USA; the Institute Packaging (IOP), UK; Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), USA. Events: The Institute organizes a biannual event i.e. International Packaging Exhibition, i.e., INDIAPACK, and a national contest

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Cauvery River Category: Geography Context: Heavy metals are polluting the Cauvery River and its fish, researchers from Tamil Nadu have reported. They have also cautioned against consuming “regular” or “excessive” amounts of fish from here. About Cauvery River: Nature: It is the third largest river – after Godavari and Krishna – in southern India, and the largest in the state of Tamil Nadu, known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil. Basin states: The Cauvery River is one of the major rivers of the peninsula. It extends over states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry. Boundary: It is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west, by the Eastern Ghats on the east and the south and by the ridges separating it from Krishna basin and Pennar basin on the north. Origin: It rises at an elevation of 1,341 m at Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range near Cherangala village of Kodagu district of Karnataka. The river drains into the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. Length: Spanning approximately 800 kilometres, the Cauvery is a crucial lifeline for the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Significance: Known as the “Ganga of the South,” the Cauvery has historical, cultural, and economic significance, playing a pivotal role in the irrigation and water supply for millions of people in the region. Major left bank tributaries: These include Harangi, the Hemavati, the Shimsha and the Arkavati. Major right bank tributaries: These include Lakshmantirtha, the Kabbani, the Suvarnavati, the Bhavani, the Noyil and the Amaravati. Division: The basin can be divided into three parts, viz. the Western Ghats, the Plateau of Mysore and the Delta. The delta area is the most fertile tract in the basin. Soil types: The principal soil types found in the basin are black soils, red soils, laterites, alluvial soils, forest soils and mixed soils. Red soils occupy large areas in the basin. Alluvial soils are found in the delta areas. National Parks in this basin: These include Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park and Bannerghatta National Park. Source: The Hindu High Seas Treaty Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The High Seas Treaty was ratified by over 60 countries in September; it will now be enforced in January 2026. The treaty sets rules to preserve and use marine biodiversity sustainably and addresses threats from climate change, overfishing and pollution. About High Seas: Definition of high Seas: According to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas, parts of the sea that are not included in the territorial waters or the internal waters of a country are known as the high seas. It is the area beyond a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (that extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline) and till where a nation has jurisdiction over living and non-living resources. Significance of high seas: The high seas cover over 64% of the world’s oceans and 50% of the Earth’s surface, making them vital for marine life. They are home to around 270,000 known species, with many yet to be discovered. Influence on climate: The high seas regulate climate, absorb carbon, store solar radiation, and distribute heat, crucial for planetary stability and mitigating climate change. About High Seas Treaty: Formal name: It is formally called the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. In short, known as BBJN or High Seas Treaty. Under UNCLOS: It is a new international legal framework under UNCLOS for maintaining the ecological health of the oceans. Objective: The treaty was negotiated in 2023 and is meant to reduce pollution, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and other marine resources in ocean waters outside the national jurisdiction of any country. Focus on fair and equitable sharing: It identifies Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) as the common heritage of humankind, and insists on a fair and equitable sharing of benefits. Includes EIAs: The treaty also entails Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for events potentially affecting these areas, especially when cumulative and transboundary impacts are taken into account. Evolution: The first steps for the treaty began two decades ago. In 2004, the UN General Assembly formed an ad-hoc working group to fix the gap in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, which did not have clear guidelines on protecting BBNJ. By 2011, states had agreed to negotiate on four key issues, mainly MGRs, ABMTs, EIAs, and capacity building and technology transfer. Following this, four Intergovernmental Conference sessions were held between 2018 and 2023. The parties to these discussions finally reached an agreement in March 2023, which led to the adoption of the treaty in June 2023. Source: The Hindu National Beekeeping and Honey Mission Category: Government Schemes Context: The National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) launched in 2021 by the Government of India is driving the ambitious “Sweet Revolution” in the country. About National Beekeeping and Honey Mission: Nature: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India. Objective: It focuses on overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping and the production of quality honey and other beehive products. Implementation: It is implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) through 3 Mini Missions (MMs). Mini Mission-I: Under this Mission, thrust will be given on production & productivity improvement of various crops through pollination assisted by adoption of scientific beekeeping; Mini Mission-II: This Mission will concentrate on post-harvest management of beekeeping/beehive products including collection, processing, storage, marketing, value addition, etc. Mini Mission-III: This Mission will concentrate on research & technology generation for different regions/states/agro-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Funding: The scheme has a total budget outlay of ₹500 crore for three years (2020–21 to 2022–23) and has been extended for another three years (2023–24 to 2025–26). Major objectives: Promoting holistic growth of the beekeeping industry for providing livelihood support to farm and non-farm households. Developing additional infrastructural facilities for developing quality nucleus stock of honeybees, multiplication of stock by bee breeders and post-harvest and marketing infrastructures. Setting up of state-of-the-art