Current Affairs, 9 September 2026

Nature and implementer

PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme run by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.

Selection process

Schools are chosen by a three-stage Challenge Mode: State/UT MoU with the Centre, identification of eligible schools through UDISE+ data, then a challenge-based selection.

Final selection body

An Expert Committee headed by the Secretary (School Education and Literacy) makes the final selection.

Minimum scores

In the challenge, urban schools need at least 70% and rural schools at least 60%.

Teacher support

Up to ₹3 lakh per DIET and up to ₹2,500 per teacher is given for training.

Don’t confuse with PM SHRI vs PM POSHAN: PM SHRI upgrades schools into exemplars. PM POSHAN is the school meal scheme; it is only one item assessed in PM SHRI selection.

Don’t confuse with PM SHRI vs Samagra Shiksha: Samagra Shiksha is the broad umbrella scheme for school education. PM SHRI is a separate scheme for exemplar schools.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2020Mains GS2 · Q18Is NEP 2020 in conformity with SDG-4? Critically examine the statement.
2. 2020Mains GS4 · Q1Examine NEP 2020 in light of education as an all-round development tool.
3. 2013Mains GS2 · Q12Critically evaluate restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes for vulnerable sections.
4. 2025Prelims Q66Which 15th Finance Commission recommendations on education grants and state incentives are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Existing framework

The Seeds Act dates from 1966 and the Seeds Control Order from 1983.

Coverage gap

About 70% of seeds currently fall outside the ambit of the existing Act, and state procedures differ.

Three offence tiers

Serious offences such as selling fake seeds or trading without registration attract a penalty up to ₹30 lakh plus imprisonment.

Registration and QR code

All seeds and planting material must be in a national register, and every packet will carry a QR code.

State powers

States can release new varieties on the advice of state-level committees, within national standards.

Seed Security Fund

Each state gets a fund, fed by penalties and recoveries, and compensation is promised within 15 days of seed failure.

Consultation date

The minister will meet leaders of farmer organisations on 10 September at 4:00 PM at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, before the draft is finalised.

Penalties expected

The new Act is expected to provide stringent action against companies and traders selling fake, adulterated or substandard seeds, including heavy penalties and imprisonment.

Traceability and farmers' rights

The government's stated position is that the law must ensure high seed quality, end-to-end traceability, and safeguard farmers' rights over traditional seeds.

Seeds Act, 1966

The existing Act was passed in 1966. It set up the Central Seed Committee and the Central Seed Certification Board, and allows notification of kinds or varieties of seeds for regulation.

Related laws

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 separately protects plant breeders' and farmers' rights. Seeds are regulated under the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.

Don’t confuse with Seeds Act, 1966 vs Seeds Control Order, 1983: The Act is a parliamentary law on seed quality; the Order of 1983 is a control order for seed sale, issued under the Essential Commodities Act.

Don’t confuse with Seed Act vs PPV&FR Act, 2001: The Seed Act regulates seed quality and trade; the PPV&FR Act, 2001 protects plant breeders' and farmers' rights.

Don’t confuse with Seeds Act, 1966 vs PPV&FR Act, 2001: The first regulates seed quality and certification. The second gives rights to plant breeders and farmers over varieties.

Don’t confuse with Seeds Act vs Seeds (Control) Order, 1983: The Act is parliamentary law. The Control Order is made under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and covers licensing of dealers.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2024Mains GS3 · Q5Present world IPR scenario on life materials and reasons for low commercialization
2. 2015Prelims Q97Main objective of the Seed Village Concept for quality seed production and availability

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN)

Every land parcel gets a 14-digit unique identifier, called Bhu-Aadhaar or ULPIN.

Land Stack

State Land Stacks, built by linking datasets through APIs, will form a federated National Land Stack. Data ownership stays with the concerned authorities.

Registration Seva Kendras

75 high-footfall Sub-Registrar Offices will be modernised into Registration Seva Kendras, inspired by Passport Seva Kendras.

Funding and monitoring

100% central funding, performance-linked, paid through PFMS. The PS&MC oversees progress on the DILRMP-MIS dashboard.

Earlier progress

Earlier phases digitised 99.90% of Records of Rights and 97% of cadastral maps, and computerised 99% of Sub-Registrar Offices.

Scheme type and outlay

DILRMP 3.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an expected outlay of Rs 565.50 crore.

Universal Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN)

A 14-digit unique identification number for every land parcel.

Court case integration

A paperless revenue court case management system (RCCMS) will be linked to land records.

Don’t confuse with Bhu-Aadhaar vs Aadhaar: Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN) identifies a land parcel with 14 digits. Aadhaar identifies a person with 12 digits.

Don’t confuse with Central Sector vs Centrally Sponsored: A Central Sector Scheme is fully funded and run by the Centre. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme shares costs with States.

Don’t confuse with ULPIN vs Aadhaar: ULPIN (Bhu-Aadhaar) identifies a land parcel with 14 digits; Aadhaar identifies a person with 12 digits.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2015Mains GS3 · Q4How can Digital India help farmers improve productivity and income, and what steps taken?
2. 2013Mains GS3 · Q8Relate land reforms to agricultural productivity and poverty; discuss implementation difficulties.
3. 2023Mains GS3 · Q2Status of digitalisation in the economy, its problems, and suggested improvements.
4. 2019Mains GS2 · Q8Identify factors hindering ICT projects and suggest measures for effective implementation.
5. 2024Prelims Q98Which statements about DILRMP funding, cadastral mapping and record transliteration are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Action taken

The Director, FIU-IND issued notices to 15 VDA service providers under Section 13 of the PMLA for non-compliance.

When VDA SPs came under PMLA

VDA SPs were brought under the AML/CFT framework of the PMLA in March 2023.

Activity-based, not location-based

Obligations apply to offshore and onshore VDA SPs serving India. They do not depend on physical presence in India.

Takedown power

The Director, FIU-IND acts as nodal officer under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000 to seek takedown of illegal apps and URLs.

Obligations

Covered VDA SPs must register with FIU-IND as reporting entities, report transactions and keep records.

FIU-IND parent body

FIU-IND was set up in 2004 and reports to the Economic Intelligence Council headed by the Finance Minister.

Don’t confuse with Registration vs regulation: Registration with FIU-IND is only for AML/CFT compliance. It does not make crypto assets legally regulated or protected as a financial product.

Don’t confuse with FIU-IND vs Enforcement Directorate: FIU-IND analyses and disseminates financial intelligence and monitors reporting entities. The ED investigates and prosecutes money laundering offences.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2026Mains GS3 · Q20Money laundering and terror funding; FATF role and member state compliance
2. 2013Mains GS3 · Q21Significance of money laundering for India's sovereignty and steps to control it
3. 2021Mains GS3 · Q9How emerging technologies and globalisation aid money laundering, and countermeasures nationally and internationally
4. 2022Prelims Q69Which statements about NFTs as blockchain-based unique cryptographic tokens are correct?
5. 2026Prelims Q91Which statements about tokenising real-world assets using blockchain are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Builder and user

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), a defence PSU, is building it for NCPOR under MoES.

Research aim

It will explore Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges for multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide mineralisation and set environmental baselines.

Equipment

It has dynamic positioning, multibeam bathymetry, multichannel seismic systems, and facilities to deploy ROVs and AUVs.

Certification

It is built under dual-class certification by the Indian Register of Shipping and the American Bureau of Shipping.

Don’t confuse with ORV Sagar Manthan vs ORV Sagar Kanya: Sagar Manthan is the new Indian-built vessel being launched in 2026. Sagar Kanya is the older vessel, procured from Germany in 1983, which it will gradually replace.

Don’t confuse with NCPOR vs MoES: NCPOR is the institution that will operate the vessel. MoES is the parent ministry that funds it under the Deep Ocean Mission.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2014Mains GS1 · Q24Critically evaluate ocean resources that can be harnessed to meet world resource crisis.
2. 2018Mains GS1 · Q5Why is India taking keen interest in resources of the Arctic Region?
3. 2022Prelims Q77Which statement describes the Polar Code? (International safety code for ships in polar waters)

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Legal basis

ISA was set up under UNCLOS 1982 and the 1994 Implementing Agreement. It began functioning in 1994.

Headquarters

ISA is headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.

Mandate

It regulates mineral resources of the Area, the seabed beyond national jurisdiction, which is treated as the common heritage of mankind.

Organs

The main organs are the Assembly, the Council and the Secretariat, plus the Legal and Technical Commission and the Finance Committee. The Enterprise is the body meant to carry out mining on ISA's own behalf.

Head of ISA

Ms. Leticia Carvalho is the Secretary-General of ISA and was Chief Guest at the school.

Platform used

The school is organised under ISA's Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) platform, with CMLRE, IORA and Korea's MABIK as partners.

Don’t confuse with ISA vs ITLOS: ISA regulates seabed mineral activities in the Area. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), at Hamburg, settles disputes under UNCLOS.

Don’t confuse with CMLRE vs NIOT: CMLRE (Kochi) studies marine living resources and ecology. NIOT (Chennai) develops ocean technology such as deep-sea mining and submersible systems.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2023Mains GS2 · Q20Discuss IMO's role in protecting marine environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.
2. 2014Mains GS1 · Q24Critically evaluate ocean resources that can meet the world's resource crisis.
3. 2021Prelims Q56Which statements on seabed mining licences, India's exploration, and seafloor rare earths are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Cost and timeline

Total estimated cost is Rs. 10,783 crore, with completion planned up to 2029-30.

Coverage

The projects span 14 districts in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, adding about 656 km to the network.

Freight gain

Capacity augmentation will add freight traffic of 27 million tonnes per annum, mainly coal, cement, and iron and steel.

Planning framework

The projects are planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Environmental claim

The release claims savings of about 12 crore litres of oil imports and 62 crore kg of CO2 emissions, equal to planting 2.48 crore trees.

Don’t confuse with Multitracking vs. Dedicated Freight Corridor: Multitracking adds lines on existing routes shared by all trains. Dedicated Freight Corridors are separate new tracks built only for freight.

Don’t confuse with Doubling vs. third/fourth line: Doubling converts a single line to two lines. Third and fourth lines add to routes that already have two, to ease congestion.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2022Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss coordination between government and private sector needed for Gati Shakti connectivity
2. 2022Mains GS3 · Q1Why PPP is required in infrastructure and its role in railway station redevelopment
3. 2021Mains GS3 · Q12Discuss how infrastructure investment drives rapid and inclusive growth, using India's experience
4. 2025Prelims Q82Which statements on National Rail Plan and Kavach railway safety system are correct

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Nature

Participation does not bind any government. Each keeps its independent position in industry-driven standards bodies.

Venue and timing

Announced on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial, held 1-2 September 2026 under the US G20 Presidency.

Other participants

Includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK and the US, among others.

India's nodal agency

The Department of Telecommunications will coordinate India's engagement and follow-up with agencies, industry and academia.

India's 6G goal

India aims to contribute 10 percent of 6G global standards and patents.

Domestic base

India builds on the Bharat 6G Vision, the Bharat 6G Alliance and its indigenous 4G and 5G stack.

Don’t confuse with Call to Action vs binding treaty: The Call to Action is a voluntary political commitment. It creates no legal obligation, unlike a treaty.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2022Mains GS3 · Q19Elements of cyber security and India's National Cyber Security Strategy effectiveness
2. 2015Mains GS3 · Q20Critically evaluate National Cyber Security Policy 2013 and implementation challenges
3. 2017Mains GS3 · Q9Potential cyber attack threats and security framework to prevent them

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Plantation completion norm

Provisional completion certificate needs plantation on at least 80% of the RoW earmarked for plantation.

Plantation scale

Over 3.61 crore saplings were planted across about 1.32 lakh km of NHs in the last five years.

Miyawaki method

A dense-planting technique that packs trees and shrubs closely for fast, forest-like growth in small spaces.

Bio-bitumen

Developed by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP from rice straw by pyrolysis. A 100-metre trial was laid on NH-40 in Meghalaya.

Coverage threshold

Provisional completion needs plantation on at least 80% of the Right of Way earmarked for plantation.

Survival rate in O&M

O&M and annuity payments in EPC, HAM and BOT Annuity projects depend on keeping at least 90% survival throughout the O&M period.

Shortfall penalty

Any shortfall must be listed with completion timelines, and money is withheld under the agreement until the target is met.

Replacement of dead plants

Dead plants must be replaced with plants of similar age and growth to keep the plantation uniform.

Governing standards

Plantation must follow the Green Highways Policy, 2015 and IRC:SP:21-2009, besides MoRTH and NHAI guidelines.

Don’t confuse with Miyawaki method vs compensatory afforestation: Miyawaki is a dense-planting technique to raise green cover. Compensatory afforestation is a legal duty to replace forest land or trees lost to a project.

Don’t confuse with Plantation vs transplantation: Plantation means planting new saplings. Transplantation means moving existing trees to another site when felling is needed.

Don’t confuse with PCC vs PCOD: Provisional Certificate of Completion (PCC) is used for completion of works; Provisional Commercial Operation Date (PCOD) is used for the date tolling or commercial operation may begin. The new plantation threshold applies to both.

Don’t confuse with Coverage vs survival: 80% is the minimum area of earmarked ROW planted; 90% is the minimum survival of saplings.

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

1. 2016Mains GS3 · Q14Measures to mitigate environmental impacts like rehabilitation when planning major projects
2. 2015Mains GS2 · Q10Strengthening NGO role in environmental protection works and constraints
3. 2018Mains GS2 · Q6Policy contradictions among sectors causing inadequate environmental protection
4. 2017Mains GS2 · Q16Role of Self-Help Groups in development and government promotion measures
5. 1996Prelims Q63Which programmes are included in the National Forest Policy of 1988 (afforestation, reforestation)
6. 2016Prelims Q33Aim of Green India Mission: restoring forest cover and climate response

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Institute

The work was done at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

Mechanism

The amino acid gives extended hydrogen bonding, while the PDI unit gives π–π stacking and light absorption.

Performance

The self-assembled material gave nearly 18% higher photocurrent than its bulk form in solar-driven water splitting.

Why it matters

Most existing photocatalysts use inorganic semiconductors or precious metals, which are costly and hard to make.

Publication

The study appeared in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Don’t confuse with Photocatalysis vs electrolysis: Photocatalysis uses light absorbed by a material to drive water splitting directly. Electrolysis uses electricity, which may come from solar or wind power.

Don’t confuse with Green vs grey hydrogen: Green hydrogen is made by splitting water with renewable energy. Grey hydrogen is made from natural gas and releases carbon dioxide.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2026Prelims Q45Which statements about green hydrogen are correct: CCS-based, electrolysis, national mission goals
2. 2025Mains GS3 · Q6How can India achieve energy independence via clean technology, and biotechnology's role?
3. 2023Mains GS3 · Q6How can microorganisms help meet the current fuel shortage?
4. 2023Prelims Q60Which uses of green hydrogen as fuel are correct: engine, natural gas blend, fuel cell
5. 2024Prelims Q37Which is the exhaust emission from hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Aim of NPPCF

It seeks to prevent and control fluorosis through surveillance, capacity building, health education, early diagnosis and case management, plus inter-sectoral action on fluoride exposure.

Who organised the workshop

The Health Ministry organised it through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Stakeholders involved

Jal Shakti Ministry, ICAR, ICMR, AIIMS, the National Dental Commission and State Nodal Officers took part.

Link to water and sanitation

The Ministry stressed convergence with drinking water and sanitation sectors because excess fluoride exposure is closely linked to fluorosis.

Don’t confuse with Fluorosis vs arsenicosis: Fluorosis comes from excess fluoride in water; arsenicosis comes from arsenic contamination. Both are groundwater-linked health problems.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2013Mains GS2 · Q15Identify health-related MDGs and discuss government success in achieving them.
2. 2018Mains GS2 · Q7Explain how community-level healthcare intervention is prerequisite for Health for All.
3. 2013Mains GS3 · Q20Discuss water pollution control strategies, using Ganges, and hazardous waste legal provisions.
4. 1996Prelims Q112Which disease is not likely from shallow hand pump water? Fluorosis is an option.
5. 2023Prelims Q52Which non-nutritional anaemia causes does the strategy address, including fluorosis?
6. 2013Prelims Q8Which substances, including fluoride, are found as drinking water pollutants in India?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Run by

NCH is run by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Stage of relief

Refunds came at the pre-litigation stage, so consumers did not need to approach Consumer Commissions.

Working method

NCH forwards grievances digitally to the companies concerned, to be resolved within defined timelines.

Don’t confuse with NCH vs Consumer Commissions: NCH is an administrative, pre-litigation helpline. District, State and National Commissions are quasi-judicial bodies under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which adjudicate disputes.

Don’t confuse with NCH vs CCPA: The Central Consumer Protection Authority regulates unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements at the class level. NCH handles individual grievances.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2015Mains GS2 · Q6Major changes in Arbitration and Conciliation Act via ordinance, and their dispute resolution impact
2. 2023Prelims Q35Which listed bodies are statutory, including the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.