Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 12&13 April, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
12&13 April, 2026

National Affairs

1. Womaniya Initiative

Source: PIB

Context:

The Womaniya initiative, launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is a transformative feature of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). It aims to bridge the gap between women-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and the massive procurement needs of the Indian government.

THE GEPC (GeM) ADVANTAGE

Womaniya acts as a digital storefront specifically for women entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and artisans. It allows them to sell directly to Central and State Ministries, Departments, and PSUs.

• Direct Access: Eliminates exploitative middlemen, ensuring that the profit stays with the woman entrepreneur.
• Product Range: Focuses heavily on handicrafts, handloom, office stationary, and catering services.
• Verified Growth: By February 2026, over 2.1 lakh women MSEs were registered, securing orders worth ₹28,000 crore.

KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

To support micro-entrepreneurs who may not have advanced IT departments, Womaniya simplifies the complex world of government bidding.

• Standardized Cataloguing: Uses simple templates so that a rural artisan’s product is just as discoverable as a large corporation’s.
• Paperless & Contactless: Reduces “red tape” and administrative hurdles that often discourage small-scale women entrepreneurs.
• Time-Bound Payments: Critical for those with limited working capital; the system ensures payments are credited within a set timeframe after delivery.
• Udyam Integration: Seamless onboarding using existing MSME (Udyam) registrations.

CHALLENGES: THE “LAST MILE” BARRIERS

While the platform is ready, the users often face non-technical hurdles:

• Time Poverty: Balancing business with disproportionate household responsibilities limits active market engagement.
• Digital Readiness: A gap in technical skills can make navigating complex procurement tools difficult without help.
• Decision-Making Autonomy: In some rural settings, women may lead the business on paper but lack full control over financial investments.

CONCEPTUAL MCQs FOR REVISION

Q1. Under which Ministry was the “Womaniya” initiative launched on the GeM platform?

A) Ministry of Women and Child Development

B) Ministry of Finance

C) Ministry of Commerce & Industry

D) Ministry of MSME

Q2. What is the current mandated procurement target for women-led MSEs, and what has Womaniya achieved?

A) Target 3%; Achievement 5.6%

B) Target 5%; Achievement 10%

C) Target 1%; Achievement 3%

D) Target 10%; Achievement 15%

Q3. Which feature of Womaniya is most critical for micro-entrepreneurs with limited cash flow?

A) International Shipping

B) Time-Bound Payments

C) Premium Membership

D) Television Advertising

Q4. As per the latest data, how many women have been mobilized into SHGs in India?

A) 1 Crore

B) 5.5 Crore

C) 10.05 Crore

D) 25 Crore

Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C

2. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025

Context:

The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, marks a historic overhaul of India’s higher education governance. By consolidating the powers of the three major regulators into a single apex body, the Bill seeks to fulfill the “Light but Tight” regulatory vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

THE NEW REGULATORY ARCHITECTURE

The Bill replaces the fragmented system managed by the UGC (General Education), AICTE (Technical Education), and NCTE (Teacher Education) with a single Commission.

The Three Specialized Verticals

The Commission operates through three distinct councils to ensure a separation of powers:

• Regulatory Council: Focuses on institutional governance and compliance.
• Accreditation Council: Manages quality assessments (replacing the current NAAC-style functions).
• Standards Council: Sets the academic benchmarks and learning outcomes for degrees.

CORE SHIFTS IN GOVERNANCE

• Separation of Funding: In a departure from the UGC’s dual role, the new Commission will not handle money. Funding powers are moved to the Ministry, sparking debates over academic independence.
• Purview: It covers almost all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) but excludes Medical and Legal education, which remain under the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Bar Council of India (BCI).
• Strict Penalties: The Regulatory Council is empowered to impose heavy fines (up to ₹70 lakh) and can even order the permanent closure of non-compliant institutions.

WHY THE OVERHAUL?

• Unified Window: To end the “Inspector Raj” where institutions had to seek overlapping approvals from multiple bodies.
• Multidisciplinary Focus: To allow universities to easily offer cross-disciplinary courses (e.g., Engineering with Liberal Arts) without jurisdictional conflicts.
• Global Standards: To streamline Indian research and education to compete with global rankings.

CONCEPTUAL MCQs FOR REVISION

Q1. Which of the following existing bodies will be replaced by the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA)?

A) SEBI, RBI, and IRDAI

B) UGC, AICTE, and NCTE

C) CSIR, ICAR, and ICMR

D) UPSC, SSC, and NTA

Q2. Which two sectors of education are EXEMPTED from the purview of the VBSA Bill, 2025?

A) Engineering and Management

B) Teacher Education and Vocational Training

C) Legal and Medical Education

D) Research and Agriculture

Q3. Under the new Bill, which body holds the authority to allocate grants and funding to HEIs?

A) The Regulatory Council

B) The Standards Council

C) The Ministry (Government)

D) The Accreditation Council

Q4. The “Separation of Funding” from the regulator is a recommendation of which policy?

A) National Education Policy 1986

B) Right to Education Act 2009

C) National Education Policy 2020

D) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C

3. India Becomes World’s 3rd Largest Renewable Energy Power

Source: HT

Context:

India has achieved a historic milestone in its energy transition, officially climbing to the 3rd position globally in installed renewable energy (RE) capacity. By surpassing Brazil, India now trails only behind China and the United States, cementing its status as a global green energy powerhouse.

India Becomes World’s 3rd Largest Renewable Energy Power

• Source: Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 (IRENA) & Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Ranking: India ranks 3rd globally in installed renewable capacity, surpassing Brazil.
• Top 3 Leaders: 1. China (2,258 GW) | 2. USA (468 GW) | 3. India (250.52 GW).
• Key Achievement: India reached 50% non-fossil fuel installed capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 NDC target.

BACKGROUND CONCEPT

Understanding India’s Energy Transition Goals

• Panchamrit Targets (COP26): Prime Minister Modi announced five key elements at Glasgow, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): These are climate action plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts under the Paris Agreement. India recently upgraded its targets for the 2031–2035 period.
• Non-Fossil vs. Renewable Energy: “Non-fossil” is a broader category that includes Renewables (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Bio) plus Nuclear power. As of March 2026, India’s non-fossil capacity stands at ~283 GW (274.68 GW Renewables + 8.78 GW Nuclear).

CONCEPT BUILDER

Composition of India’s Renewable Mix (as of March 31, 2026):

• Solar Power: The dominant leader at 150.26 GW.
• Wind Power: 56.09 GW.
• Large Hydropower: 51.41 GW (Classified as “Renewable” since 2019 to help meet targets).
• Bioenergy & Small Hydro: Combined total of ~17 GW.

New Climate Pledges (2031–2035 NDC Upgrade):

1. Emissions Intensity: 47% reduction (from 2005 levels).
2. Electricity Capacity: 60% from non-fossil sources by 2035.
3. Carbon Sink: Creating 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of $CO_2$ equivalent sink through additional forest and tree cover.

MCQs (EXAM LEVEL – IMPROVISED)

Q.1) Which of the following best describes the “Non-Fossil Fuel” installed capacity milestone achieved by India in June 2025?

[1] India became the first country to reach 100% renewable energy generation.

[2] Non-fossil sources contributed to over 50% of the actual electricity generated during the year.

[3] Over 50% of India’s total power-producing infrastructure is now based on non-fossil sources.

[4] India surpassed China to become the world’s largest renewable energy producer.

Q.2) Consider the following components of India’s energy mix. Which of these is included in “Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity” but excluded from the “Renewable Energy Capacity” statistics provided by IRENA?

[1] Large Hydropower

[2] Biomass Energy

[3] Nuclear Power

[4] Off-shore Wind Energy

Q.3) Regarding India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2031–2035 period, which statement is scientifically accurate?

[1] India will completely stop the construction of coal-fired power plants by 2031.

[2] The target for carbon sink creation has been set at 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of $CO_2$ equivalent.

[3] Emissions intensity will be reduced by 47% compared to 2025 levels.

[4] Renewables must meet 100% of the peak electricity demand by 2035.

Q.4) Despite having nearly 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources, their share in actual electricity generation (FY 2025-26) was approximately 29.2%. What is the primary reason for this gap?

[1] Most renewable energy plants were under maintenance during the year.

[2] Export of renewable energy to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.

[3] Intermittency of solar and wind energy and the higher capacity utilization factor of thermal power.

[4] Lack of transmission lines to connect renewable clusters to the national grid.

Q.5) India’s leap to the 3rd global rank in renewable capacity was facilitated by surpassing which country in 2026?

[1] Germany

[2] Brazil

[3] Vietnam

[4] Canada

[ANSWERS]

Q.1: [3] | Q.2: [3] | Q.3: [2] | Q.4: [3] | Q.5: [2]

4. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Source: TOI

Context:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently made headlines by issuing a notice to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The notice concerns potential safety risks to users on the dating platform Gleeden, highlighting the Commission’s evolving role in protecting the “dignity and safety” of citizens in the digital age.

FOUNDATION AND LEGAL STATUS

The NHRC is not a constitutional body, but a statutory body, meaning it was created by an Act of Parliament.

• Established: October 12, 1993.
• Governing Law: The Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• Paris Principles: The NHRC’s structure is compliant with the “Paris Principles,” a set of international standards for national human rights institutions to ensure their independence and effectiveness.

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION

To ensure a balanced and expert perspective, the Commission consists of members from the judiciary and civil society:

• Chairperson: Must be a retired Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court.
• Members: Includes one Judge of the Supreme Court, one Chief Justice of a High Court, and three members (at least one woman) with practical experience in human rights.
• Ex-officio Members: Chairpersons of various National Commissions (Minorities, SC, ST, Women, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights) and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

POWER AND FUNCTIONS

The NHRC is often described as a “Civil Court” because it has the power to summon witnesses and examine documents, though it cannot punish violators directly.

• Suo Motu Power: The NHRC can take up a case on its own based on news reports or social media, even if no victim has filed a formal complaint.
• The One-Year Rule: The NHRC cannot investigate any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act of human rights violation is alleged to have been committed.
• Advisory Nature: Its recommendations are not binding on the government. However, the government must inform the Commission about the action taken on its recommendations within one month.

WHAT ARE “HUMAN RIGHTS”?

Under the PHRA 1993, Human Rights are defined as the rights relating to Life, Liberty, Equality, and Dignity of the individual.

1. Life & Liberty: Protection against illegal arrest or extrajudicial killings.
2. Equality: Non-discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.
3. Dignity: The right to live a life free from abuse, whether by the state or private entities (like digital platforms).

CONCEPTUAL MCQs FOR REVISION

Q1. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is which type of body?

A) Constitutional Body

B) Statutory Body

C) Executive Body

D) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

Q2. Who is eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson of the NHRC?

A) The Prime Minister of India

B) A retired Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court

C) The Attorney General of India

D) Any sitting Member of Parliament

Q3. What is the time limit (statute of limitations) for the NHRC to take up a case of human rights violation?

A) 6 Months

B) 1 Year

C) 3 Years

D) No time limit

Q4. True or False: The recommendations made by the NHRC are legally binding on the Government.

A) True

B) False

ANSWERS

1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B

5. The Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project

Source: TH

Context:

The Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project is a massive infrastructure venture in Arunachal Pradesh, recently approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). With an investment exceeding ₹14,000 crore, it represents a strategic move to harness the immense hydropower potential of India’s Northeast while strengthening the national grid.

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY

The project is situated in one of the most remote yet ecologically and strategically significant regions of India.

• State: Arunachal Pradesh.
• District: Anjaw District (located near the easternmost tip of India).
• The River: It is built on the Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.

PROJECT ARCHITECTURE & CAPACITY

Kalai-II is designed to be a “Run-of-the-River” style project, utilizing the natural flow and elevation of the river to generate electricity.

• Total Capacity: 1200 MW.
• Unit Configuration: The plant will feature 7 units in total (six 190 MW units and one 60 MW unit).
• Annual Output: It is expected to generate 4852.95 Million Units (MU) of clean energy every year.
• Implementation: Developed by a Joint Venture between THDC India Limited and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

The project goes beyond just electricity generation; it is a catalyst for regional development.

• Infrastructure Boost: The government is funding the construction of 29 km of new roads and bridges to reach the site. This “enabling infrastructure” improves connectivity for local tribal communities in Anjaw.
• State Equity: To ensure Arunachal Pradesh benefits directly, the Centre is providing ₹750 crore in financial assistance to cover the State’s equity share in the project.
• Peak Load Management: Hydropower can be switched on and off much faster than coal or nuclear plants, making Kalai-II essential for balancing the grid during “peak hours” (when demand is highest).

BACKGROUND CONCEPT

The Lohit River enters India from Tibet and flows through steep, narrow gorges. This geography is ideal for hydropower because:

1. Head (Vertical Drop): The steep terrain allows water to fall from a significant height, creating high pressure to turn turbines.
2. Water Volume: Fed by Himalayan glaciers and heavy monsoon rains, the Lohit has a consistent, high-volume flow.

CONCEPTUAL MCQs FOR REVISION

Q1. On which river is the Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project being constructed?

A) Subansiri River

B) Siang River

C) Lohit River

D) Dibang River

Q2. In which district of Arunachal Pradesh is the Kalai-II project located?

A) Tawang

B) Anjaw

C) Lower Subansiri

D) Papum Pare

Q3. What is the total installed capacity of the Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project?

A) 500 MW

B) 1200 MW

C) 2000 MW

D) 3000 MW

Q4. Who are the primary partners in the Joint Venture implementing the Kalai-II project?

A) NHPC and Government of Assam

B) THDC India Limited and Government of Arunachal Pradesh

C) NTPC and Tata Power

D) NEEPCO and Ministry of Power

Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B

6. Exercise Cyclone – IV

Source: PIB

Context:

An elite contingent of the Indian Army has arrived in Egypt for the fourth edition of Exercise Cyclone. This bilateral maneuver is the premier military exchange between the Special Forces of India and Egypt, designed to sharpen the “tip of the spear” for both nations through rigorous joint operations.

MISSION PARAMETERS

Unlike general infantry drills, Exercise Cyclone is a mission-oriented exercise, meaning it focuses on specific, high-risk objectives rather than broad movements.

• Location: The 2026 edition (Cyclone – IV) is being hosted at Anshas, Egypt.
• Participants: India has deployed 25 elite Special Forces personnel to match with their Egyptian counterparts.
• Terrain focus: The training is set in desert and semi-desert environments, which are strategically relevant to the security challenges faced by both countries in their respective regions.

CORE OBJECTIVES & TACTICS

The exercise is built around the exchange of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)—the specialized “playbook” used by commandos.

• Counter-Terrorism: Simulating raids on terrorist hideouts and urban combat scenarios.
• Reconnaissance: Sharing methods for stealthy intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.
• Joint Planning: Ensuring that commanders from both nations can sit in a single room and plan a complex mission using a unified military language.
• Interoperability: The ability of different military organizations to conduct joint operations effectively, despite differences in equipment and language.

BACKGROUND CONCEPT

Standard military units are designed for large-scale “conventional” warfare. In contrast, Special Forces (like India’s Para SF or Egypt’s Unit 777) focus on:

1. Surgical Strikes: Achieving high-impact goals with a very small number of troops.
2. Unconventional Warfare: Operating in civilian-dense areas or extreme climates where large tanks and artillery cannot go.
3. High Mobility: Using specialized insertion methods like HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) parachuting or fast-roping from helicopters.

CONCEPTUAL MCQs

Q1. Exercise Cyclone is a bilateral Special Forces exercise between India and which other nation?

A) UAE

B) Egypt

C) Oman

D) France

Q2. Where is the 2026 edition (Cyclone – IV) of the exercise being conducted?

A) Jodhpur, India

B) Anshas, Egypt

C) Pokhran, India

D) Cairo, Egypt

Q3. What is the primary terrain focus for Exercise Cyclone – IV?

A) High-altitude mountain warfare

B) Tropical jungle warfare

C) Desert and semi-desert terrain

D) Amphibious/Maritime warfare

Q4. What does the term “Interoperability” refer to in the context of joint military exercises?

A) The ability to buy weapons from the same manufacturer.

B) The ability of different military units to operate together effectively using shared standards.

C) The process of one country taking over the other’s military command.

D) The manufacturing of indigenous aircraft.

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B

Banking/Finance

1. New BIS Security Standards for QR-Code & Digital Payments

Source: Mint

Context:

India is moving to position its QR (Quick Response) code-based payment system on the global stage. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced fresh norms covering biometric authentication, QR code-based payments and digital currency security to reduce fraud risks and enhance interoperability according to two people aware of the development.

BACKGROUND CONCEPT

Understanding the Digital Payment Infrastructure

• The Role of BIS: While RBI regulates the monetary aspect and NPCI manages the operational aspect (UPI network), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) acts as the national standards body. These new norms provide the technical “blueprint” that all banks and fintechs must follow to ensure hardware and software interoperability and security.
• QR Code Vulnerability: Traditional QR codes are “static” or “dynamic” images. Fraudsters often use “QR Phishing” (Quishing), where a malicious QR code is pasted over a legitimate merchant’s code, redirecting payments to a fraudulent account. The new standards mandate encryption and verification to stop this “redirection.”
• Biometric vs. OTP: India is moving from SMS-based One-Time Passwords (OTPs)—which are vulnerable to SIM swapping and phishing—to Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint/Iris/Face). These standards ensure that this sensitive biological data is stored and transmitted without the risk of “spoofing” (using photos or molds to bypass security).

CONCEPT BUILDER

The Three Pillars of the 2026 Framework:

• Biometric Security: Lays down requirements for secure storage and protection against identity manipulation. It ensures the reliability of authentication systems used by financial institutions.
• QR-Code Integrity: Provides guidance on secure QR generation, encryption practices, and safeguards to avoid fake codes and unauthorized transaction processing.
• Digital Currency (CBDC): Outlines cryptographic safeguards and system resilience for the Digital Rupee, ensuring it is safe from cyber threats as it moves out of the pilot phase.

MCQs (EXAM LEVEL)

Q.1) Which of the following statements regarding the new BIS standards for digital payments is/are correct?

1. It includes safeguards against “spoofing” in biometric authentication.
2. It provides a security framework for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
3. These standards are issued directly by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

[1] 1 only

[2] 1 and 2 only

[3] 2 and 3 only

[4] 1, 2, and 3

Q.2) In the context of digital payments, what does “payment redirection” through QR codes refer to?

[1] Sending a payment from a bank account to a digital wallet.

[2] Routing a transaction through an international server.

[3] Fraudulently diverting funds to an unauthorized account via a fake QR scan.

[4] Automatically investing spare change from a transaction into stocks.

Q.3) As of early 2026, which of the following countries is NOT mentioned as an active or upcoming market for India’s QR-based payment system?

[1] Singapore

[2] France

[3] Japan

[4] USA

Q.4) The “cryptographic safeguards” mentioned in the new BIS norms are primarily intended to protect:

[1] Physical currency notes from counterfeiting.

[2] Digital currency infrastructure from cyber threats.

[3] The physical locations of ATM machines.

[4] The interest rates of short-term crop loans.

Q.5) What is the primary reason for India tightening its digital payment security standards according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs?

[1] To increase the tax on digital transactions.

[2] To make the Indian UPI system globally acceptable and build trust.

[3] To discourage the use of physical cash entirely.

[4] To reduce the number of banks operating in the country.

[ANSWERS]

Q.1: [2] (Statement 3 is incorrect; BIS issues them, not NPCI)

Q.2: [3]

Q.3: [4]

Q.4: [2]

Q.5: [2]

Agriculture

1. Blue Revolution 2.0

Source: PIB

Context:

The Union Budget 2026-27 has signaled a major push for the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. Led by the Department of Fisheries, this initiative aims to transform India’s vast freshwater resources into high-productivity hubs, empowering fish farmers through technology and market access.

INDIA’S POSITION IN GLOBAL FISHERIES

India has undergone a massive transformation in its “Blue Economy” over the last decade.

• Global Rank: India is the 2nd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture producer in the world.
• Production Surge: National fish production has increased by 106% since 2013-14, reaching a record 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
• Inland Dominance: Interestingly, 75% of India’s total fish production now comes from inland fisheries (freshwater, brackish, and saline) rather than the sea.

THE POWER OF RESERVOIRS

Reservoirs are the “sleeping giants” of Indian fisheries, covering over 31.50 lakh hectares.

• Productivity Gains: Average productivity in reservoirs has doubled from 50 kg/hectare in 2006 to 100 kg/hectare today.
• Regional Leaders: Madhya Pradesh holds the largest area under reservoirs (6 lakh hectares), while Tamil Nadu boasts the highest number (over 8,000).
• Key Species: Stocking primarily focuses on Indian Major Carps (Catla, Rohu, Mrigal) alongside high-growth species like Tilapia and Pangasius.

CAGE CULTURE TECHNOLOGY

The shift from traditional “capture” fishing to “culture” fishing in reservoirs is driven by cage technology.

• Design: Cages are made of synthetic mesh supported by floating structures (rectangular or circular).
• Advantages: Ensures natural water flow for oxygen and nutrient exchange.
  • Easier monitoring, feeding, and disease management.
  • High density: Productivity can reach up to 3 tonnes of fish from just a few cages, as seen in the success stories from Jharkhand’s Chandil reservoir.

VALUE CHAINS & CLUSTERS

To reach the ICAR-CIFRI vision of 300 kg per hectare, the government is moving away from isolated stocking to an “End-to-End” value chain approach.

• Cluster-Based Strategy: Implemented by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), this involves creating integrated hubs (e.g., the new cluster at Indra Sagar dam, MP).
• Infrastructure Loop: Converged development of hatcheries, feed mills, ice plants, refrigerated trucks, and auction centers.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar: Integrating fisheries into the 50,000+ ponds developed for water conservation. Even ornamental fish farming is being successfully tested in regions like Arunachal Pradesh.

THE BLUE REVOLUTION (PMMSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme driving these changes. It follows the “Cluster approach” to create economies of scale.

1. Input Support: Subsidized seeds, feed, and cages for farmers.
2. Aggregation: Forming Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to give small farmers better bargaining power in the market.
3. Modernization: Using technology (like circular cages) to diversify species and increase export potential.

CONCEPTUAL MCQs FOR REVISION

Q1. What is India’s global rank in both total fish production and aquaculture production?

A) 1st

B) 2nd

C) 3rd

D) 5th

Q2. Which state in India has the maximum area covered by reservoirs?

A) Jharkhand

B) Tamil Nadu

C) Madhya Pradesh

D) Arunachal Pradesh

Q3. What is the primary technology being used to increase fish productivity in large reservoirs like Chandil?

A) Deep-sea Trawling

B) Cage Culture Technology

C) Bottom-set Gillnets

D) Traditional Angling

Q4. According to ICAR-CIFRI, what is the potential productivity goal for Indian reservoirs per hectare?

A) 50 kg

B) 100 kg

C) 300 kg

D) 1000 kg

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-C

2. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
• Why in News: Approved as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme in late 2024; received a major budgetary boost in the Union Budget 2025–26.
• Focus: Scaling up chemical-free, climate-resilient agriculture through traditional Indian practices.

What is NMNF?

The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a structured mission to institutionalize Natural Farming (NF)—a chemical-free approach based on livestock (local cows), diversified cropping, and on-farm biomass recycling. It transitions the previous Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) into a full-scale mission.

Why is it important?

• Cost Reduction: Eliminates dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers (Urea, DAP) and pesticides.
• Soil Health: Restores soil organic carbon and beneficial microbial activity.
• Climate Resilience: Improves water retention and reduces the carbon footprint of agriculture.

Key Features

• Cluster-Based Approach: Aims to establish 15,000 clusters (each ~50 hectares) across the country.
• Financial Incentive: Farmers receive ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years to support the transition.
• Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs): 10,000 BRCs are being set up to provide ready-to-use natural inputs like Jeevamrut and Beejamrut.
• Certification & Branding: Development of a simple certification system and a single national brand for natural produce.

Static Linkage

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).
• Agro-ecology: Aligns with the principles of minimal tillage and multi-cropping.
• RKVY Integration: Often implemented in synergy with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

MCQs (EXAM LEVEL)

Q.1) Which of the following is a primary objective of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?

[1] To provide 100% subsidy on nano-urea.

[2] To reduce farmers’ dependency on externally purchased chemical inputs.

[3] To convert all Indian farmland into organic certified land by 2030.

[4] To provide free tractors to small and marginal farmers.

Q.2) Under NMNF, what is the total number of Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) targeted for establishment?

[1] 5,000

[2] 10,000

[3] 15,000

[4] 20,000

[SOLUTION Q1] NMNF emphasizes “freedom from purchased inputs” by using on-farm resources like cow dung and urine.

[SOLUTION Q2] The mission aims to set up 10,000 BRCs to ensure easy availability of natural bio-inputs.

Facts To Remember

1. Asha Bhosle, versatile singer, dies in Mumbai

Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on Sunday. She was 92.

2. Poshan Tracker monitors over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres and 9 crore beneficiaries under POSHAN Abhiyaan

The Poshan Tracker Application is monitoring over 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres and nearly nine crore beneficiaries under the POSHAN Abhiyaan. 

3. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy launches 7th tranche of critical mineral blocks

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, spearheaded a high-profile roadshow in Gachibowli on Monday to launch the 7th tranche of critical mineral blocks and the 2nd tranche of exploration licenses. 

4. PM Modi to inaugurate Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun, Uttarakhand today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor from Dehradun today, along with the country’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant of one thousand megawatt capacity in Tehri.  

5. President Droupadi Murmu to participate Samajik Samarasata Mahotsav in Gujarat

The President Draupadi Murmu who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, will participate in the Samajik Samarasata Mahotsav at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar today to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar. 

6. Govt notifies Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a corpus of ten thousand crore rupees to boost startup ecosystem

The government has notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a corpus of ten thousand crore rupees to boost capital flow into the country’s startup ecosystem.

7. Retail inflation rises to 3.4% last month

Country’s retail inflation accelerated to 3.4% in the last month, up from 3.21% recorded in February this year. According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, inflation in rural areas edged higher to 3.63%, while in urban regions it rose to 3.11%.

8. India-France consultations in Paris review progress under Special Global Strategic Partnership

India-France Foreign Office Consultations held in Paris yesterday, which was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Martin Briens. 

9. Nation pays homage to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 136th birth anniversary

The nation pays homage to the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, on his 136th birth anniversary.