1. India Registers Its 100th Ramsar Wetland Site

Why in News?

The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh was designated as India's 100th Ramsar site, marking a landmark in wetland conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement on the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5, 2026).

Key Points

• Location: Ballia district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, in the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains.
• Wetland type: A large, perennial oxbow lake (Surha Tal) formed when the Ganges River shifted course centuries ago.
• Protected Area: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by Uttar Pradesh government in 1991; subsequently renamed in honour of freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan.
• Ecological significance: Critical habitat for resident and migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway; rich in indigenous fish species and wetland biodiversity.
• India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982; the convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
• The Ramsar Convention entered into force in 1975; India now has the highest number of Ramsar sites among South Asian nations.
• India's previous Ramsar milestones: 75th (2022), 100th (2026).
• Ramsar Criteria: A wetland must satisfy at least one of nine criteria — including being home to threatened species, supporting large waterbird populations, or constituting an important wetland type.
• The Montreux Record under Ramsar lists endangered Ramsar sites requiring priority conservation.

Static Knowledge

• India has the largest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and among the highest globally.
• Other notable Ramsar sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) — first Indian Ramsar site (1981); Sundarbans (WB); Loktak Lake (Manipur); Wular Lake (J&K); Harike Lake (Punjab).
• World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 every year.
• Ramsar Convention is one of the oldest intergovernmental environmental treaties, covering approximately 2,400+ sites globally covering over 250 million hectares.
• The Wise Use Principle under Ramsar promotes sustainable use of wetlands without ecological harm.

2. India's GDP Growth at 7.7% in FY 2025–26 – MoSPI Provisional Estimates

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released Provisional Estimates of National Income confirming India's GDP growth at 7.7% in FY 2025–26, surpassing the 7.6% advance estimate and signalling accelerated economic expansion.

Key Points

• GDP Growth FY 2025–26: 7.7% (Provisional) vs 7.6% (Advance Estimate, February 2026).
• Q4 FY 2025–26 Growth: 7.8% — exceeding prior projections and being the fastest in two years.
• Manufacturing: Expanded 7%; Services (Trade, Transport, Hotels, Communication): Grew 11%.
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): 7% growth — indicating stronger household demand.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): Rose 8.2% — signalling stronger investment activity.
• Agriculture growth: Moderated to 3% in FY 2025–26, reflecting sectoral divergence.
• Comparison: FY 2024–25 GDP growth was 7.1%; FY 2025–26 at 7.7% shows clear upward trajectory.
• MoSPI is the nodal agency for national income accounting in India.
• GDP is measured at constant prices (base year 2011–12) in India's national accounts.

Static Knowledge

• GDP = C + I + G + (X – M) (Expenditure method); India follows expenditure and production methods.
• MoSPI publishes four rounds of GDP estimates: Advance, First Revised, Second Revised, and Final.
• India's GDP base year for national accounts is 2011–12.
• GVA (Gross Value Added) + Taxes on Products – Subsidies = GDP at market prices.
• India ranks as the 5th largest economy globally by nominal GDP.

3. RBI MPC Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% – Neutral Stance Maintained

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to hold the policy repo rate at 5.25%, maintaining a neutral stance at its June 2026 meeting (June 3–5). RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited global uncertainty, elevated energy prices, and subdued inflation as key considerations.

Key Points

• Repo Rate: Unchanged at 5.25% (neutral stance retained).
• RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision on June 5, 2026.
• MPC deliberations: June 3–5, 2026 (three-day meeting); decision was unanimous.
• CPI inflation remains below target with an upward bias; elevated energy prices are weighing on moderate growth.
• The RBI retained FY27 GDP growth forecast at 6.6% — a downward revision from earlier projections, reflecting global headwinds.
• India's domestic economic activity remains steady despite supply-side disruptions.
• MPC stance shift history: Accommodative → Neutral (2025); remains Neutral in 2026.
• The MPC consists of 6 members: 3 from RBI and 3 external experts appointed by the Government.
• SDF Rate: 5.00%; MSF Rate/Bank Rate: 5.50% (implied corridor around 5.25%).

Static Knowledge

• MPC was constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934 (amended 2016).
• India follows a Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework with CPI target of 4% (±2%).
• RBI's inflation target range: 2%–6%; the primary mandate is CPI inflation at 4%.
• Repo Rate is the rate at which RBI lends to commercial banks for short-term; Reverse Repo is opposite.
• The Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor is bounded by SDF (floor) and MSF (ceiling).

4. UNSC Non-Permanent Members Elected for 2027–28 Term

Why in News?

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elected five new non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027–28 term. Germany suffered an upset loss, with Austria securing the contested European seat.

Key Points

• Newly elected (2027–28 term): Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.
• Replaced countries (outgoing, end-2026): Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
• Election held on June 3, 2026 by secret ballot in the UNGA.
• Minimum votes required: 129 (two-thirds of 193 members, if all present and voting).
• Kyrgyzstan secured its seat in a runoff, defeating the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific contest.
• Austria (131 votes) defeated Germany (104 votes) in the contested Western Europe seats.
• India's position: India congratulated the new members; has declared candidature for 2028–29 term.
• The UNSC has 15 members: 5 Permanent (P5) + 10 Non-Permanent (elected for 2-year terms).
• P5 veto-wielding members: USA, UK, France, China, Russia.
• India last served as non-permanent member in 2021–22.

Static Knowledge

• UNSC is the only UN body whose resolutions are legally binding on all member states.
• India has been UNSC non-permanent member 8 times: 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, 2021-22.
• Non-permanent seats are distributed regionally: Africa (3), Asia-Pacific (2), GRULAC (2), Eastern Europe (1), WEOG (2).
• The UNSC was established by the UN Charter (1945), which entered into force on October 24, 1945.
• India has long advocated for UNSC permanent membership and a reformed Security Council.

5. India Protests Pakistan's Planned Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan

Why in News?

India's Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong diplomatic protest against Pakistan's unilateral plan to hold General Elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, reaffirming the region as an integral part of India's territory under the 1947 Instrument of Accession.

Key Points

• India regards Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Jammu & Kashmir, which legally acceded to India in October 1947.
• Pakistan has administered the region since November 16, 1947, after the Gilgit Scouts Mutiny (November 1, 1947) led by Major William Brown.
• The Karachi Agreement (1949) transferred administrative control from Azad Kashmir to the Federal Government of Pakistan.
• India's stand: Any attempt to alter the demographic or constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan is legally invalid and opposed.
• Gilgit-Baltistan's strategic significance:
  • Situated at the convergence of Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Western Himalayas.
  • Gateway to CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) via the Karakoram Highway.
  • Hosts K2 (8,611 m) — world's second-highest peak.
  • Contains Deosai Plateau — second-highest alpine plateau globally.
• India highlights alleged restrictions on political freedoms and human rights concerns in the region.
• Pakistan avoids formal merger to keep the Kashmir issue internationally disputed and maintain its stance on a UN-backed plebiscite.

Static Knowledge

• Gilgit-Baltistan covers 72,496 sq km; bordered by China (Xinjiang), Afghanistan (Wakhan Corridor), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Indian UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
• K2 (also called Mount Godwin-Austen) at 8,611 m is the world's second-highest peak, located in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• The Karakoram Highway — the highest paved road globally — connects Pakistan to China through Gilgit-Baltistan.
• The region was formerly called Northern Areas of Pakistan; renamed Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009.
• India's Instrument of Accession was signed on October 26, 1947 by Maharaja Hari Singh.

6. G-Sec Market Deepening & FPI Reforms Announced

Why in News?

The Ministry of Finance announced a comprehensive reform package to deepen the Government Securities (G-Sec) market and attract greater Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) through liberalised access, reduced restrictions, and tax exemptions effective April 1, 2026.

Key Points

• Equity Market Liberalisation: Individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) — i.e., non-NRI foreign nationals — can now invest directly in listed Indian equities via the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS).
  • Per-company ceiling raised from 5% → 10% for individual PROIs.
  • Aggregate ceiling for all PROIs in a single listed firm raised from 10% → 24%.
• G-Sec Market Reforms:
  • Fully Accessible Route (FAR) expanded to include 15, 30, and 40-year G-Sec issuances and Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs).
  • Three restrictions permanently removed for FPIs under General Route: short-term limit, concentration limit, and security-wise limit.
  • Overall quantitative caps retained: 6% for Central Government Securities; 2% for State Government Securities (SGS).
  • 'General' and 'Long-term' investment sub-buckets merged into one pool per security category.
• Tax Exemption:
  • Complete income tax exemption for FPIs on interest and capital gains from G-Sec investments.
  • Effective retroactively from April 1, 2026.
  • Extended to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) as well.
• Amendment to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.

Static Knowledge

• Government Securities (G-Secs) are debt instruments issued by the central government to finance fiscal deficits; they are virtually risk-free.
• The Fully Accessible Route (FAR) was introduced by RBI in March 2020 to allow unrestricted foreign investment in select G-Sec series.
• FPI refers to investment by foreign entities in Indian stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments; regulated by SEBI.
• FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999 governs cross-border capital transactions in India.
• Sovereign Green Bonds are government bonds specifically for green/sustainable projects; India first issued them in January 2023.

7. Nilgiri Tahr Population Rises to 1,364 in Tamil Nadu

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu's third synchronised survey (April 24–27, 2026) under Project Nilgiri Tahr recorded a population of 1,364 individuals — a 4.68% rise from 1,303 in 2025 and over 32% increase from 1,031 in 2024 — demonstrating the success of targeted conservation measures.

Key Points

• Survey Period: April 24–27, 2026; covered 177 survey blocks across 14 Nilgiri Tahr-bearing forest divisions.
• Population Trend: 1,031 (2024) → 1,303 (2025) → 1,364 (2026).
• Anamalai Hills account for 44.87% of the total population; Nilgiris landscape holds 29.25%.
• Male-to-Female ratio: 55:100; Female-to-Young ratio: 100:66.
• Elevation range documented: 270 m to 2,630 m above sea level.
• New technology used: VARUDAI (Android-based mobile app) for real-time data collection — deployed for the first time.
• Survey conducted in collaboration with Kerala Forest Department, IUCN-India, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), TANUVAS.
• Forest fires were cited as a constraint that limited further population growth.
• Nilgiri Tahr is Tamil Nadu's State Animal.
• Conservation status: Endangered (IUCN Red List); Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Static Knowledge

• Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India.
• It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India.
• Project Nilgiri Tahr is Tamil Nadu's focused conservation programme modelled on Project Tiger.
• The Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) is the stronghold of the Nilgiri Tahr globally.
• The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots.

8. ICMR's PreVenTB Trial – Indigenous Vaccines Against Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Why in News?

ICMR's landmark PreVenTB Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that two indigenous vaccines — VPM1002 and Immuvac — provide significant protection against extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), offering a breakthrough in India's TB elimination efforts.

Key Points

• Trial scale: 18 sites; 12,700 household contacts of TB patients enrolled.
• VPM1002 efficacy: 50.4% against extrapulmonary TB; 64.6% protection for children aged 6–14.
• Immuvac also showed comparable protective signals in the trial.
• Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB): Infects organs beyond lungs (lymph nodes, spine, brain, kidneys); harder to diagnose; missed by standard sputum tests.
• TB remains the world's leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19 peak fatality rates.
• India's baseline incidence: 200–300 TB cases per 100,000 population (LMICs).
• TB elimination threshold: 10–20 cases per 100,000 population.
• Existing global vaccine: BCG (infant dose only); no adult/adolescent TB vaccine exists commercially.
• India's programme: National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP); target to eliminate TB by 2025 (ahead of WHO's 2030 goal).
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides nutritional support (₹500/month) to TB patients.

Static Knowledge

• ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) is India's apex body for biomedical research under the Ministry of Health.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of TB; spreads via airborne respiratory droplets.
• WHO End TB Strategy targets 90% reduction in TB deaths and 80% reduction in incidence by 2030.
• TrueNat — an indigenous molecular TB diagnostic — was developed and deployed by India ahead of WHO pre-qualification.
• India bears approximately 26% of the world's TB burden (WHO Global TB Report).

9. Navachar Mantra – MSDE's National Grassroots Innovation Initiative

Why in News?

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched Navachar Mantra on June 3, 2026, at IIT Delhi. Minister Jayant Chaudhary unveiled the programme aimed at nurturing grassroots innovators from Tier-2/3 cities, aspirational districts, and rural India.

Key Points

• Launched by: Jayant Chaudhary, MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, at IIT Delhi.
• Implementing Agency: National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) under MSDE, in collaboration with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT).
• Target group: Innovators from Tier-2, Tier-3 cities, aspirational districts, rural/underserved regions.
• Focus sectors: Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech, Climate & Sustainability, and other impact-driven sectors.
• Application deadline: July 5, 2026 (via dedicated digital platform).
• Evaluation: Multi-stage process involving academia, industry, government, and investment experts.
• Support offered: Year-long engagement — mentorship from industry leaders, funding guidance, market access, regulatory support, pilot project opportunities.
• Emphasis on innovations that are "imagined in India" and address local and global challenges.

Static Knowledge

• MSDE was established in 2014 under PM Modi's first term; its mandate covers skill development, apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship.
• NIESBUD (National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development) is under MSDE; focuses on training and entrepreneurship development.
• India's Startup India programme (launched 2016) is the broader flagship for startup promotion.
• Aspirational Districts Programme (now Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme) was launched in 2018 to transform underdeveloped districts.
• Skill India Mission under MSDE aims to train 400 million people by 2022 (now extended with revised targets).

10. MSV-2035 Report – India's Climate Science Instrument Crisis

Why in News?

The Mega Science Vision-2035 (MSV-2035) report on climate research, released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Union Government, has flagged a critical warning: India is at risk of losing its domestic scientific instrument-making capacity, threatening its climate observation and research self-sufficiency.

Key Points

• Released by: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
• Core warning: India's climate studies rely on data generated using foreign-origin data (from temperate zones) that is not validated for Indian geographic conditions like the Gangetic plains and the Bay of Bengal.
• Proposed MSPs (Mega Science Projects): 8 priority projects between 2026–2035.
• Infrastructure gaps identified:
  • Need for 75 Automated Weather Stations (AWS)
  • 40 GHG (Greenhouse Gas) observatories
  • 10 ocean monitoring buoys
• Key pillars: Expand observational networks; deploy dedicated remote sensing satellites; upgrade Earth System Models (ESMs); integrate AI/ML into climate forecasting.
• Calls for domestic manufacturing of climate instrumentation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Linked to India's 2070 Net-Zero target and NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) commitments.
• The report also invites private sector participation to build shared scientific data infrastructure.

Static Knowledge

• Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) is the senior-most science adviser to the Government of India, currently advising on inter-ministerial science and technology policy.
• Earth System Models (ESMs) are complex computer models simulating Earth's climate interactions (atmosphere, ocean, land, ice).
• India's NDC (2022 update) commits to 50% non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030 and 45% reduction in emissions intensity vs. 2005 levels.
• India submitted its 2035 NDC to UNFCCC in April 2026, targeting 60% non-fossil capacity.
• UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) entered into force in 1994; India is a signatory.

11. Jan Samarth Portal Completes 4th Anniversary

Why in News?

The Ministry of Finance marked the 4th anniversary of the Jan Samarth Portal (launched June 6, 2022), highlighting its role as India's unified single-window digital platform for credit-linked government scheme delivery.

Key Points

• Type: Single-window digital gateway for 16 central government credit-linked schemes across 8 sectors.
• Languages: Available in 8 languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada.
• Key schemes hosted: PMEGP, PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY), PM SVANidhi, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Startup Loans, ECLGS 5.0, Rooftop Solar financing, e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi (EKUN), and more.
• Unique features:
  • Intelligent eligibility matching (rule-based engine).
  • Real-time database integration for fast loan processing.
  • Automated in-principle approval; direct forwarding to bank branches.
  • Assisted mode for rural, digitally illiterate users via Bank Business Correspondents.
• Supports financial inclusion as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative.

Static Knowledge

• PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) provides micro-credit to street vendors.
• PMEGP (PM Employment Generation Programme) promotes self-employment for MSMEs.
• KCC (Kisan Credit Card) provides short-term credit to farmers for agricultural needs.
• ECLGS (Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme) was introduced during COVID-19 to support MSMEs.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) includes Aadhaar, UPI, and Jan Samarth — India's techno-governance backbone.

12. Oil India Confirms Natural Gas in Andaman Offshore — Vijayapuram-3 Well

Why in News?

State-owned Maharatna company Oil India Limited (OIL) confirmed natural gas discovery in its third exploratory well Vijayapuram-3 (OAEB) in the Andaman shallow offshore block, reinforcing the hydrocarbon potential of the region.

Key Points

• Well: Vijayapuram-3 (Location: OAEB); approximately 15 km off eastern coast of Andaman Islands.
• Water depth: 355 metres; drilled to 1,900+ metres into the Eocene geological formation.
• OIL's second discovery in the same block: Vijayapuram-2 (OAEA) — confirmed natural gas in September 2025.
• Out of 3 exploratory wells, 2 have confirmed commercial-grade hydrocarbon reserves.
• 600 sq km of 3D seismic data acquired and being integrated with 2D vintage data.
• OIL is a Maharatna company under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands sit on a seismically active zone at the convergence of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.

Static Knowledge

• Oil India Limited (OIL) was incorporated in 1959; headquartered in Duliajan, Assam; holds Maharatna status.
• Eocene Epoch (56–33.9 million years ago) is a geological period associated with significant hydrocarbon formation globally.
• India's Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) was introduced in 2016 to boost domestic exploration.
• The Andaman Microplate is a distinct tectonic block; the Andaman Sea floor spreading makes it geologically active.
• India's primary oil and gas producing basins: Krishna-Godavari (KG Basin), Bombay Offshore, Rajasthan (Barmer), Assam, and now potentially Andaman.

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