The Daily Digest

UPSC

India-EU FTA

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a transformative step in their economic relations
Important International Institutions Government Policies & Interventions International Treaties & Agreements Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests For Prelims: European Union , Free Trade Agree…
For Mains: Key highlights of the India–EU FTA and India-EU relations, Opportunities and challenges associated with India–EU FTA and way forward.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Air Pollution in India

An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air using data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that 204 out of 238 Indian cities exceeded national PM2.5 limits during winter 2025–26
Environmental Pollution & Degradation An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finland-based independent research group, found that 204 out of 238 Indian cities failed to meet national ai…
The analysis used data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) collected through Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) , and the findings highlight the severity of winter air pollution acro…

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026

India hosted the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026 to promote the integration of solar energy and agriculture, enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen climate resilience
Recently, the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi , under the theme “Powering the Global South.
” It marked the first time the conference was hosted in the Global South.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Green Diwali Campaign 2026

WWF-India’s EIACP launched the Green Diwali Campaign 2026 to promote cracker-free celebrations, reduce pollution and encourage sustainable lifestyles
Government Policies & Interventions Environmental Pollution & Degradation Recently, WWF- India’s Environment Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Programme Centre–Resource Partner (…
Objective: The campaign aims to encourage environmentally responsible celebrations and reduce air pollution and waste generated during Diwali.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

International Conference on The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the two-day International Conference on "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics."
The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the two-day International Conference on "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics" in New Delhi.
The event was organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

France Reports 1st Human Case of Shamonda Virus

France reported the first human death linked to the Shamonda virus, previously known to infect livestock, prompting health investigations by the WHO.
France documented the world’s first-ever human fatality caused by the Shamonda virus , a pathogen previously known to infect only livestock, prompting health investigations by the World Health Organization (WHO) .
Classification: Shamonda virus is a vector-borne virus belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus (under the family Peribunyaviridae ) and is part of the Simbu serogroup .

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Transforming India’s Space Ecosystem

India’s space sector is moving towards global leadership through private participation, space startups, commercialisation, launch capability, lunar and planetary missions.
Government Policies & Interventions Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology As India marks its 80th Independence Day , the Government has highlighted the country’s growing space capabilities, expanding private s…
Rapid Growth of Space Start-ups: India’s registered space start-ups increased from just 1 in 2014 to around 440 by August 2026 , reflecting the rapid expansion of private participation in the space sector.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Rethinking India’s Strategy Against Aedes Mosquitoes

India faces rising cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, yet reliance on ineffective fumigation continues.
Government Policies & Interventions India faces rising dengue , chikungunya, and Zika cases transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, yet authorities still depend on less effective fumigation.
Experts call for personal protection, community action, and innovative, cost-effective measures.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy observed that the fast adoption of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana hinges on the active participation of state governments.
Government Policies & Interventions The Parliamentary Standing Committee highlighted the slow progress of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana , aimed at installing rooftop solar systems in one crore households by FY27.
As per the committee, as of June 2025 , 16 lakh rooftop solar units (16% of the target) were installed, though the government claims 24 lakh households (24% of the target) have benefited.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Living Planet Report: WWF

Living Planet Report: WWF
Environmental Pollution & Degradation According to the Living Planet Report 2020 released by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the population of vertebrate species has largely declined in the past half- century.
Vertebrates : Vertebrates are animals that have backbones or vertebral columns.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (2031-2035)

India’s updated NDC 3.0 outlines enhanced climate targets for 2031–35, including higher non-fossil capacity, emissions intensity reduction, and carbon sink expansion
Environmental Pollution & Degradation For Prelims: Nationally Determined Contributions , Paris Agreement , Green Hydrogen Mission , International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CD…
International Mandates: As a Paris Agreement signatory, India was required to issue an updated NDC by 2025.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Ukraine Strikes Oil Infrastructure in St. Petersburg

Ukraine’s large drone strike on St. Petersburg highlights the growing strategic role of long-range unmanned systems and energy infrastructure in the Russia–Ukraine war.
Ukraine launched a major long-range drone offensive against Russia, with strikes causing fires at an oil-export terminal and depot in St.
Petersburg is a major port city in northwestern Russia, situated on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland, which forms part of the Baltic Sea.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026

The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026 warns that overshooting the 1.5°C warming limit is inevitable, highlighting the gap between global climate commitments and the emission cuts required
Environmental Pollution & Degradation For Prelims: United Nations Environment Programme , Paris Agreement , G20 , Nationally Determined Contributions , Global Stocktake (GST) For Mains: Climate change, greenhouse gas em…
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 17th edition of its flagship Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2026 , titled “The Point of Return: Urgent emissions cuts needed to come back from overshoot of 1.…

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

Internet Access as a Fundamental Right

Recognizing internet access as a fundamental right empowers citizens, requiring India to ensure safe, affordable connectivity through proportionate safeguards
Government Policies & Interventions This editorial is based on " On right to internet, Supreme Court ruling isn’t enough " published in The Indian Express on 21/10/2026.
The article highlights that mere judicial recognition of internet access under Articles 19 and 21 remains ineffective unless actively enforced against arbitrary state-sponsored shutdowns and executive overreach.

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

US to Build Small Modular Reactors in India

The US has granted approval to Holtec International under its regulation 10 CFR Part 810, to transfer unclassified Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to 3 Indian private entities
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology Environmental Pollution & Degradation For Prelims: Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology , International Atomic Energy Agency , 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Deal or 123 Ag…
For Mains: SMR and India, Advancements of Indian in Nuclear Technology The US has granted approval to Holtec International under its regulation 10CFR810 , to transfer unclassified Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology…

drishtiias.com21d ago

UPSC

SCO: Opportunities and Challenges for India

India insists that dismantling cross-border terrorism is essential for meaningful SCO regional cooperation, trade, and Eurasian connectivity
Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests This editorial is based on " Peace for progress: on the SCO, regional cooperation…
The article highlights that regional economic integration, trade, and connectivity infrastructure like Chabahar require a secure, violence-free environment, urging SCO members to actively dismantle cross-border terror e…

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

Call for a New Treaty for Outer Space

The UN recommends the negotiation and development of a new treaty to ensure peace, security, and the prevention of an arms race in outer space
Government Policies & Interventions Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests Scientific Innovations & Discoveries For Prelims: United Nations , Outer Space, Outer Space Treaty 1967.
The United Nations (UN) has recently released a policy brief titled "For All Humanity — The Future of Outer Space Governance," recommending the development of a new treaty to ensure peace, security, and the prevention o…

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

India has been re-elected to the Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term.
Important International Institutions India has been re-elected to the Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term.
ICAO: The ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency established in 1944 through the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago , sets global standards for safe and peaceful air navigation.

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme

Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1st January 2013 as a way to reform the government delivery system.
Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies Government Policies & Interventions For Prelims: Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana For Mains : Benefits of Di…
Aim: It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries and to reduce the fraud in the delivery system.

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

US Retreat from Multilateralism

The US withdrew from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN bodies, citing them as “contrary to US interests” in line with Trump’s “America First” agenda
Bilateral Groupings & Agreements Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests For Prelims: Nations Framework Convention on Cli…
The US has withdrawn from 66 international organisations , including 31 UN bodies , citing national interest considerations under the “America First” approach —echoing similar exits during the earlier Trump presidency .

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

Global Positioning System

GPS operates through satellite-transmitted radio signals at specific frequencies, received and triangulated by GPS receivers, enabling precise location determination in three dimensions of space and one of time
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology For Prelims: Global Positioning System, Standard Positioning Service (SPS), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), Atomic clocks, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite…
For Mains: Global Positioning System, Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology.

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone

India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Government Policies & Interventions International Treaties & Agreements India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) .
This major step supports India’s Blue Economy vision and fulfills the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement to build a sustainable deep-sea fisheries framework .

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

Green Hydrogen

A new report has positioned India as a potential global leader in the green hydrogen economy, with the capacity to capture 10% of the worldwide market and export 10 million tonnes annually by 2030
Government Policies & Interventions Environmental Pollution & Degradation A new report has positioned India as a potential global leader in the green hydrogen economy , with the capacity to capture 10% of the worldwide…
About: Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis , where renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro are used to split water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) .

drishtiias.com22d ago

UPSC

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference-2030

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council accepted India’s proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference-2030 (PP-2030
Important International Institutions The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council accepted India’s proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference-2030 (PP-2030), a decision expected to receive final rati…
Also, India is actively seeking re-election to the ITU Council and has nominated Dr Revathi Mannepalli for the prestigious post of Director, Radiocommunication Bureau (BR).

drishtiias.com22d ago

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