NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Indian Air Force Retires MiG-21 Jets – End of an Era After 60 Years
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- The Indian Air Force will retire its MiG-21 jets on September 26, ending nearly 60 years of service. The aircraft, crucial in various conflicts and key to India’s aerospace growth, will be succeeded by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A
- Historic aircraft served in 1965, 1971, and 1999 Kargil conflicts with distinction
- Over 874 MiG-21 aircraft inducted since 1963, becoming backbone of IAF fighter fleet
- Aircraft earned nickname “Flying Coffin” due to high accident rates in later years
- Tejas LCA Mk1A indigenous replacement represents quantum leap in technology
- Phase-out marks significant step toward reducing import dependence in defense
- Final farewell ceremonies conducted at Bhubaneswar air base marking emotional closure
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- MiG-21 Aircraft Legacy:
- Introduction: 1963, first supersonic fighter in IAF inventory
- Origin: Soviet Union (Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau)
- Service Period: 60+ years (1963-2025)
- Variants: MiG-21 FL, M, MF, bis, Bison upgraded versions
- Combat History and Achievements:
- 1965 Indo-Pak War: First combat use, air superiority missions
- 1971 Bangladesh War: Decisive role in air campaigns
- 1999 Kargil Conflict: Ground attack and air defense missions
- Peacetime Role: Air defense, training, ceremonial flights
- Technical Specifications:
- Speed: Mach 2.05 (2,175 km/h) maximum speed
- Combat Radius: 370 km with internal fuel
- Armament: 23mm twin-barrel cannon, missiles, bombs
- Crew: Single pilot, delta wing configuration
- Safety Concerns and Challenges:
- Accident Rate: High attrition due to technical obsolescence
- Maintenance: Increasing difficulty in spares availability
- Pilot Safety: Enhanced training protocols implemented
- Upgrade Programs: Bison upgrade extended service life
- Tejas LCA Mk1A Replacement:
- Indigenous Development: HAL manufactured under Make in India
- Advanced Avionics: Modern radar, electronic warfare systems
- Weapon Systems: Beyond Visual Range missiles, precision weapons
- Production: 83 aircraft ordered, delivery commenced 2024
- Strategic Implications:
- Force Modernization: Transition to 4th generation fighter fleet
- Indigenous Capability: Reduced foreign dependence in defense
- Cost Effectiveness: Lower lifecycle costs compared to imports
- Technology Mastery: Foundation for future fighter development
Global Innovation Index 2025 – India Climbs to 38th Position
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- India has climbed to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, improving from 48th place in 2020
- Remarkable progress from 81st position in 2015 to 38th in 2025, showcasing consistent innovation ecosystem development
- India ranks 1st among lower-middle-income economies and in Central & Southern Asia region
- Strengths identified in Knowledge & Technology Outputs (22nd rank) and Market Sophistication (38th rank)
- Weaknesses persist in Business Sophistication (64th), Infrastructure (61st), and Institutions (58th)
- Top five most innovative economies: Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), USA (3rd), South Korea (4th), Singapore (5th)
- China enters top 10 for first time, securing 10th position globally
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Global Innovation Index (GII) Framework:
- Launch: 2007, comprehensive innovation assessment methodology
- Publisher: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Recognition: UN General Assembly authoritative reference for STI policies
- Coverage: 139+ economies worldwide annually
- India’s Innovation Ecosystem Status:
- R&D Investment: 0.65% of GDP (compared to China 2.43%, Brazil 1.15%)
- Patent Rankings: 6th globally in patent applications
- Patent-to-GDP Ratio: Improved from 144 (2013) to 381 (2023)
- Startup Ecosystem: 100+ unicorns, 3rd largest globally
- Key Government Initiatives:
- Startup India: Hub connecting 1,140+ incubators and accelerators
- Make in India: Manufacturing and innovation integration
- PLI Scheme: Production Linked Incentive for strategic sectors
- Fund of Funds: ₹10,000 crore corpus for startup funding
- Strategic Sector Investments:
- National Semiconductor Mission: ₹76,000 crore allocation
- IndiaAI Mission: Artificial intelligence development program
- RDI Scheme: ₹1 lakh crore for private sector R&D
- Quantum Technologies: PLI scheme for quantum computing
- Innovation Challenges:
- Financial Investment: GERD remains ~0.7% vs advanced nations (3.5%+)
- Private Sector Role: Only 36.4% private funding vs industry-led economies
- Academia-Industry Gap: Limited collaboration and commercialization
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Technology transfer challenges from labs to market
- Geographical Diversification:
- Atal Tinkering Labs: Decentralizing innovation across India
- Tier-2/3 Cities: 45%+ DPIIT-recognized startups from smaller cities
- Regional Innovation: State-wise innovation ecosystem development
- Rural Innovation: AgTech and social enterprise support
National Mission on Quantum Technologies – Expanded Funding Allocation
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Union Government announces additional ₹5,000 crores funding for National Mission on Quantum Technologies (NM-QT) taking total allocation to ₹13,000 crores
- Enhanced focus on indigenous quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies development
- Collaboration agreements signed with leading international quantum research institutions
- Public-private partnership model introduced for quantum technology commercialization
- National quantum communication network pilot project launched connecting major cities
- Quantum-safe cryptography standards development initiated for critical infrastructure protection
- Timeline accelerated for 100-qubit quantum processor development by 2027
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- National Mission on Quantum Technologies (NM-QT):
- Launch: 2020 with initial ₹8,000 crores over 5 years
- Expanded Funding: ₹13,000 crores total allocation (2025)
- Timeline: 2020-2030 comprehensive development program
- Implementing Agencies: DST, DRDO, ISRO, BARC, C-DAC
- Quantum Technology Applications:
- Quantum Computing: Exponential computational power for complex problems
- Quantum Communication: Ultra-secure communication networks
- Quantum Sensing: Precision measurements beyond classical limits
- Quantum Cryptography: Unbreakable encryption methods
- Global Quantum Landscape:
- Investment: $25+ billion global quantum technology investment
- Leading Nations: USA, China, EU quantum supremacy competition
- Commercial Timeline: Quantum advantage expected by 2030
- Strategic Importance: National security and economic competitiveness
- India’s Quantum Capabilities:
- Research Institutions: IISc, TIFR, IITs leading quantum research
- Current Status: 50+ qubit quantum processor under development
- Target: 100-qubit system by 2027, 1000-qubit by 2030
- Applications: Drug discovery, financial modeling, cryptography
🌍 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
India-Morocco Defence Partnership – First Overseas Manufacturing Facility
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Defence Minister inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) defence manufacturing facility in Morocco, marking India’s first overseas defence facility by private company
- Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation signed strengthening India-Morocco strategic partnership
- Largest defence manufacturing plant in Morocco supporting regional security requirements
- Production facility for Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 jointly designed by TASL and DRDO
- Morocco’s strategic location as gateway to Africa and Europe enhances export potential
- Make in India, Make with Friends, Make for the World strategy implementation
- Indigenous defence technology export showcasing Aatmanirbhar Bharat success
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- India-Morocco Relations Profile:
- Diplomatic Relations: Established 1957, consistent friendly ties
- Trade Volume: $1.2+ billion bilateral trade (2024-25)
- Key Sectors: Defence, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals
- Cooperation Areas: Counter-terrorism, energy, space technology
- Morocco Geographic and Strategic Significance:
- Location: Northwestern Africa, Strait of Gibraltar proximity
- Borders: Western Sahara (south), Algeria (east)
- Coastlines: Atlantic Ocean (west), Mediterranean Sea (north)
- Strategic Value: Only African country with dual ocean access
- Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8:
- Development: Joint TASL-DRDO indigenous design
- Capability: Modular combat vehicle platform
- Configurations: IFV, reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier
- Protection: Advanced armor, NBC protection systems
- Defence Export Initiatives:
- Export Target: $5 billion defence exports by 2025
- Key Products: Missiles, radar systems, naval platforms
- Partner Countries: Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, African nations
- Competitive Advantage: Cost-effective, proven technologies
- Make in India Defence Success:
- Indigenous Content: 70%+ in major defence platforms
- Private Participation: 1,000+ private companies in defence sector
- FDI Policy: 74% FDI under automatic route
- Defence Corridors: UP and Tamil Nadu manufacturing hubs
India-US Semiconductor Partnership – Advanced Technology Collaboration
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- High-level dialogue on semiconductor ecosystem development with $20 billion US private sector investment commitment
- Technology transfer agreements for advanced chip fabrication and design processes
- Joint research initiatives in next-generation semiconductor technologies including AI chips
- Talent exchange programs for semiconductor engineering professionals
- India Semiconductor Mission alignment with US CHIPS Act for strategic partnership
- Supply chain resilience focus addressing critical mineral sourcing challenges
- Export control coordination ensuring technology security and strategic alignment
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Global Semiconductor Industry Landscape:
- Market Size: $600+ billion global semiconductor market (2025)
- Regional Distribution: Taiwan (54%), South Korea (28%), China (7%)
- Growth Projections: 8-10% annual growth through 2030
- Strategic Importance: Foundation of digital economy and defense systems
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
- Launch: December 2021 with ₹76,000 crores outlay
- Components: Fab facilities, ATMP units, design ecosystem
- Timeline: First operational fab by 2027-28
- Employment: 3+ lakh direct and indirect jobs potential
- US CHIPS and Science Act:
- Funding: $280 billion for domestic semiconductor production
- Objective: Reduce dependence on Asian supply chains
- Security Focus: Critical technology protection measures
- Innovation: Advanced R&D in emerging semiconductor technologies
🔬 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO Chandrayaan-4 Sample Return Mission – International Collaboration Framework
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Indian Space Research Organisation finalizes international collaboration framework for Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission
- Advanced mission design includes sample collection from lunar south pole and safe Earth return
- Partnership agreements with JAXA (Japan) and ESA (European Space Agency) for critical mission components
- Indigenous cryogenic upper stage development completed for deep space trajectory requirements
- Mission timeline confirms 2028 launch window with 18-month mission duration
- Scientific objectives focus on lunar water ice analysis and geological composition studies
- Technology demonstration for future Mars sample return and human spaceflight programs
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Chandrayaan Programme Evolution:
- Chandrayaan-1: 2008 lunar orbiter mission, water discovery
- Chandrayaan-2: 2019 orbiter success, lander partial achievement
- Chandrayaan-3: 2023 successful south pole soft landing
- Chandrayaan-4: Sample return mission planned 2028
- Sample Return Mission Complexity:
- Collection Phase: Robotic drilling and sampling systems
- Ascent Vehicle: Lunar surface to orbit transportation
- Earth Return: Trans-Earth injection and atmospheric entry
- Recovery: Parachute landing and sample containment
- International Space Partnerships:
- JAXA Collaboration: Lunar surface operations expertise
- ESA Partnership: Deep space communication and navigation
- NASA Coordination: Lunar Gateway station compatibility
- Technology Sharing: Non-sensitive technology exchange protocols
- Scientific Objectives and Benefits:
- Lunar Geology: Understanding Moon’s formation and evolution
- Water Resources: Confirming lunar water ice availability
- Future Missions: Technology validation for human spaceflight
- Commercial Applications: Space resource utilization potential
National Supercomputing Mission – Exascale Computing Achievement
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- India achieves exascale computing capability through National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) with 1 exaflop performance milestone
- Indigenous supercomputer “Param Pravega” installed at IISc Bangalore achieves global top-10 ranking
- Advanced applications in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and drug discovery demonstrated
- Public-private partnership model enables technology transfer to Indian IT industry
- International collaboration with leading supercomputing nations for knowledge exchange
- Next-generation quantum-classical hybrid computing systems under development
- Strategic applications in defense, space, and critical infrastructure sectors initiated
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):
- Launch: 2015 with ₹4,500 crores investment over 7 years
- Objective: Build supercomputing ecosystem in India
- Achievement: 1 exaflop computing capability (2025)
- Network: 70+ supercomputing facilities across institutions
- Param Series Supercomputers:
- Param Pravega: IISc Bangalore, 3.3 petaflops capacity
- Param Shakti: IIT Kharagpur, AI and ML applications
- Param Brahma: IISER Pune, multi-disciplinary research
- Indigenous Components: 60%+ Indian hardware and software
- Applications and Benefits:
- Weather Forecasting: Enhanced monsoon and cyclone prediction
- Climate Research: Global warming and environmental modeling
- Drug Discovery: Molecular simulation and protein folding
- Space Research: Satellite data processing and mission planning
- Global Supercomputing Landscape:
- Top Performers: Frontier (USA), Aurora (USA), Fugaku (Japan)
- Competition: US-China supercomputing rivalry
- Technology Trends: Exascale computing, quantum integration
- Strategic Importance: National competitiveness and security
🌱 ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE
National Action Plan on Climate Change – Third Phase Launch
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launches third phase of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC 3.0)
- Enhanced focus on climate adaptation measures with ₹1 lakh crore funding allocation
- Integration of artificial intelligence and satellite technology for climate monitoring
- State-wise climate action plans aligned with nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
- Public-private partnership model for clean energy transition and green infrastructure
- International climate finance mobilization targeting $100 billion by 2030
- Carbon credit trading mechanism establishment for emission reduction incentives
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- National Action Plan on Climate Change Evolution:
- NAPCC 1.0: 2008 launch with 8 national missions
- NAPCC 2.0: 2014 expansion with enhanced targets
- NAPCC 3.0: 2025 launch with AI integration and ₹1 lakh crore funding
- Eight National Missions Framework:
- Solar Mission: 500 GW renewable energy by 2030
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: PAT scheme and standards
- Sustainable Habitat: Green buildings and urban planning
- Water Mission: Conservation and efficient utilization
- Himalayan Ecosystem: Biodiversity and ecosystem protection
- Green India: Afforestation and forest conservation
- Sustainable Agriculture: Climate-resilient farming practices
- Strategic Knowledge: Research and technology development
- India’s Climate Commitments:
- NDC Targets: 50% non-fossil fuel electricity by 2030
- Net Zero: Carbon neutrality by 2070 commitment
- Emission Intensity: 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity
- Forest Cover: Additional 2.5-3 billion tons CO2 sequestration
- Climate Finance and Technology:
- Green Climate Fund: Access to international climate finance
- Technology Transfer: Clean technology adoption and development
- Carbon Markets: Article 6 mechanisms under Paris Agreement
- Private Investment: Green bonds and sustainable finance instruments
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2030 – Protected Area Network Expansion
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- National Biodiversity Framework 2030 targets 30% protected area coverage through community-based conservation models
- Traditional knowledge documentation covers 1,000+ indigenous conservation practices
- Technology integration includes AI-powered wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching systems
- International funding mobilized worth $3 billion for biodiversity conservation projects
- Ecosystem restoration program covers 10 million hectares of degraded landscapes
- Marine protected area network expansion includes 50+ coastal and marine ecosystems
- Community conservation incentive programs support 20+ lakh local communities
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- India’s Biodiversity Significance:
- Species Richness: 91,000+ documented species (7% global biodiversity)
- Endemism: 4,000+ endemic plant species, 62% endemic fish
- Ecosystems: 10 biogeographic zones, 26 biotic provinces
- Hotspots: 4 of 36 global biodiversity hotspots
- Conservation Network Infrastructure:
- Protected Areas: 990+ areas covering 5.06% geographical area
- National Parks: 106 parks protecting critical ecosystems
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: 565 sanctuaries for species protection
- Biosphere Reserves: 18 UNESCO MAB designated reserves
- Global Biodiversity Framework Alignment:
- 30×30 Target: 30% land and ocean protection by 2030
- Restoration Goals: Ecosystem restoration and degradation reversal
- Indigenous Rights: Traditional knowledge respect and integration
- Finance Mobilization: $200 billion annual biodiversity funding
💰 ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Digital Banking Revolution – Account Aggregator Framework Extension
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Reserve Bank of India extends Account Aggregator framework to include insurance, investment, and government services integration
- Comprehensive financial data portability enables seamless customer experience across institutions
- Enhanced MSME lending facilitated through aggregated financial data for improved credit assessment
- Open Banking ecosystem development with standardized APIs and security protocols
- Consumer protection strengthened with granular consent management and data portability rights
- Integration with India Stack including UPI, DigiLocker, and Aadhaar for unified digital experience
- Financial inclusion impact targets 50+ million previously underserved customers
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Account Aggregator (AA) Framework:
- Launch: September 2021 with RBI regulation
- Licensed Entities: 8 operational account aggregators
- Data Types: Banking, investment, insurance, tax information
- Technology: API-based secure data sharing with consent
- Digital Financial Infrastructure:
- India Stack: Unified digital infrastructure platform
- UPI Success: 12+ billion monthly digital transactions
- JAM Trinity: Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile integration
- Financial Inclusion: 80%+ adult population with bank accounts
- Open Banking Benefits:
- Customer Empowerment: Data portability and control
- Innovation Catalyst: FinTech product development
- Competition Enhancement: Better products and services
- Cost Reduction: Efficient service delivery mechanisms
- Regulatory Framework Components:
- Data Protection: Personal Data Protection Act compliance
- Security Standards: ISO 27001, encryption requirements
- Consent Management: Granular permission controls
- Interoperability: Standard data formats and protocols
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 – Rural Energy Transition Acceleration
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Union Government approves 50 lakh additional LPG connections under expanded Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
- Enhanced coverage includes migrant workers, tea garden workers, and forest dwelling communities
- Digital application process with Aadhaar integration reduces processing time to 24 hours
- EMI facility for cylinder refills ensures sustained clean cooking fuel usage
- Women’s empowerment focus with 85% connections allocated to women beneficiaries
- Environmental co-benefits include indoor air pollution reduction and forest conservation
- Budget allocation increased to ₹12,000 crores for comprehensive implementation
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Evolution:
- Launch: May 1, 2016 targeting BPL households
- Achievement: 9.6+ crore LPG connections distributed
- Ujjwala 2.0: Enhanced coverage with migrant workers inclusion
- Current Target: 10.5+ crore total beneficiaries
- Clean Cooking and Health Impact:
- Health Benefits: 50% reduction in respiratory diseases
- Women’s Health: Reduced exposure to harmful indoor smoke
- Time Savings: 2-3 hours daily time savings for women
- Child Health: Lower pneumonia risk in under-5 children
- LPG Infrastructure Development:
- Distribution Network: 30,000+ LPG distributors nationwide
- Coverage Achievement: 99.8% household LPG coverage
- Refinery Capacity: 23 refineries producing LPG
- Import Dependency: 45% LPG import requirements
- Sustainable Development Goals Alignment:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being achievement
- SDG 5: Gender Equality and women’s empowerment
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy access
- SDG 13: Climate Action through emission reduction
🏛️ STATE AFFAIRS
Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2025 – Investment Attraction Initiative
📰 NEWS ANALYSIS
- Tamil Nadu announces Global Investors Meet 2025 targeting ₹5 lakh crore investment commitments
- Focus sectors include electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace, and biotechnology
- Single-window clearance system enhancement with 30-day approval timeline guarantee
- Industrial land bank development with 50,000+ acres across 15 districts
- Skill development program alignment with industry requirements through public-private partnerships
- International cooperation agreements with Germany, Japan, and Singapore for technology transfer
- Employment generation target of 25+ lakh direct and indirect jobs over 5 years
📚 STATIC BACKGROUND – EXAM ESSENTIALS
- Tamil Nadu Industrial Profile:
- GSDP Contribution: ₹25+ lakh crores (2024-25)
- Manufacturing Share: 23% of state GSDP
- Export Performance: $60+ billion annual exports
- Industrial Parks: 50+ operational industrial estates
- Key Industrial Sectors:
- Automobile: 35% of India’s automobile production
- Textiles: 40% of India’s textile exports
- Information Technology: ₹2.8 lakh crores IT revenue
- Leather: 60% of India’s leather exports
- Infrastructure Advantages:
- Ports: 3 major, 15 minor ports handling 20% India’s cargo
- Connectivity: 6,000+ km state highways, 4 international airports
- Power: 99.9% village electrification, surplus power state
- Education: 950+ engineering colleges, 500+ polytechnics
- Investment Facilitation Mechanisms:
- Guidance Bureau: Single-point investment facilitation
- Online Portal: TN-PASS for digital approvals
- Industrial Promotion: TIDCO, SIPCOT development agencies
- Policy Support: Industrial policy 2021, sectoral policies
🎯 EXAM STRATEGY TIPS – SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Today’s Focus Areas for Competitive Exams:
Defence and Security:
- MiG-21 Retirement: 60-year service history, combat achievements, Tejas replacement
- India-Morocco Partnership: First overseas defence facility, strategic implications
- Defence Export Growth: $5 billion target, Make in India success stories
Innovation and Technology:
- Global Innovation Index: India’s 38th position, innovation ecosystem challenges
- Quantum Mission Expansion: ₹13,000 crores total funding, strategic applications
- Semiconductor Partnership: US collaboration, supply chain resilience
Space and Science:
- Chandrayaan-4 Mission: International collaboration framework, sample return technology
- Supercomputing Achievement: Exascale capability, Param series development
- ISRO Capabilities: Deep space exploration, indigenous technology development
Environmental and Climate Action:
- NAPCC 3.0 Launch: ₹1 lakh crore funding, AI integration in climate monitoring
- Biodiversity Strategy: 30% protected area target, community conservation models
- Climate Commitments: NDC targets, net zero by 2070, emission intensity reduction
Economic and Financial Reforms:
- Digital Banking Extension: Account Aggregator expansion, open banking ecosystem
- PMUY 2.0 Expansion: 50 lakh additional connections, rural energy transition
- Financial Inclusion: Digital infrastructure, JAM trinity benefits
State Development Initiatives:
- Tamil Nadu Investment: ₹5 lakh crore target, manufacturing hub development
- Industrial Policy: Single-window clearance, skill development alignment
- Infrastructure Advantages: Port connectivity, power surplus, education ecosystem
Key Statistical Memory Points:
- 60 Years: MiG-21 service period (1963-2025)
- 38th Position: India’s Global Innovation Index ranking
- ₹13,000 Crores: Enhanced quantum mission funding
- 1 Exaflop: Supercomputing capability achieved
- 30%: Biodiversity protected area target by 2030
- ₹5 Lakh Crore: Tamil Nadu investment target