Prelims Mantra – (12/05/2026)

Indian Polity & Governance

NITI Aayog Policy Report on School Education:

Context: NITI Aayog released a comprehensive policy report detailing recommendations for reforming India’s school education system.

• • Proposes “Composite Schools” (combining primary, middle, and secondary) for better resource utilization.
  • Recommends “Evidence-based Rationalisation” of schools with low enrolment.
  • Calls for the institutionalization of State and District Task Forces on School Quality.
  • Focuses on ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) as a foundation for learning.
  • Advocates for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for pedagogical innovation.
  • Emphasizes “holistic assessment” rather than rote-learning-based exams.
  • The report includes over 125 Performance Success Indicators (PSIs) to track progress.
  • Suggests reimagining vocational education starting from the middle school level.
  • Supports the strengthening of School Management Committees (SMCs) under the RTE Act.
  • Aims to align the school system with the targets of SDG 4 (Quality Education).

 

(DD)

International Relations

India as Chair of IORA (Maritime Security):

Context: As the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), India emphasized maritime stability amid West Asian tensions.

• • IORA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1997 to foster regional cooperation.
  • It consists of 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners rimming the Indian Ocean.
  • India’s 2026 priority: Addressing threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Diego Garcia: A key island in the Chagos Archipelago (hosting a US-UK base) was noted for its strategic proximity.
  • IORA’s apex body is the Council of (Foreign) Ministers which meets annually.
  • The IORA Secretariat is based in Ebene, Mauritius.
  • Focus areas include Maritime Safety, Trade Facilitation, and Blue Economy.
  • The “IORA Vision 2030” aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
  • India is promoting the “Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Information Fusion Centre” for real-time tracking.

 

(TH)

Economy

GSTAT Empowered as National Appellate Authority (NAAAR):

Context: The Ministry of Finance issued a notification empowering the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to act as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings.

• • The Principal Bench of GSTAT in New Delhi will now handle national-level advance ruling appeals.
  • The President of GSTAT will serve as the Presiding Officer of this authority.
  • Advance Ruling: A written interpretation of tax laws provided by tax authorities to corporations to provide certainty.
  • The move aims to resolve conflicting rulings given by different State-level Authorities for Advance Rulings (AARs).
  • It reduces litigation by providing a single, unified appellate forum for GST issues.
  • The GSTAT itself is a statutory body mandated by the CGST Act, 2017.
  • It acts as the second appeal forum in GST laws and the first common forum between Centre and States.
  • This empowerment is expected to significantly improve the Ease of Doing Business in India.
  • Ensures uniformity in the application of GST across diverse business sectors.

 

(GSTAT)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM

Coal Gasification: Talcher Plant and National Mission:

Context: The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers reviewed the progress of the Talcher Fertilizers Ltd (TFL) plant, India’s first coal gasification-based urea project.

• • Coal Gasification: A process of converting coal into Syngas (Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, and CO2).

• • Syngas is used as a feedstock for producing urea, methanol, and other chemicals.
  • National Coal Gasification Mission: Targets gasifying 100 Million Tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030.
  • The Talcher plant in Odisha uses high-ash Indian coal, which is otherwise difficult to use cleanly.
  • The project aims to reduce India’s urea import bill and dependence on expensive imported Natural Gas.
  • Includes a “Clean Coal” pathway by stripping pollutants like sulfur and mercury before combustion.
  • Aligns with India’s Panchamrit goals for climate action by reducing direct coal burning.
  • Government offers a 50% rebate on revenue share in coal auctions if the coal is used for gasification.
  • India has the 5th largest coal reserves in the world, making this critical for energy security.

 

(IE)

Science & Technology

National Technology Day 2026:

Context: Celebrated annually on 11 May to commemorate India’s technological advancements and scientific spirit.

• • Marks the anniversary of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) in 1998.
  • The 2026 theme focuses on “Sustainable Technology for a Resilient Bharat.”
  • Honours the flight of Hansa-3, India’s first indigenous aircraft.
  • Commemorates the successful test firing of the Trishul
  • The Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body, organizes the national award ceremony.
  • TDB provides financial assistance to Indian industrial concerns for the commercialization of indigenous technology.
  • Focus in 2026 is on deep-tech startups and green hydrogen integration.
  • The day emphasizes the “Viksit Bharat” vision through technological self-reliance.
  • Awards are given across categories like Main, MSME, and Startup for innovative indigenous products.
  • Highlights the role of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in fostering an R&D ecosystem.

 

(TOI)

Mission Drishti: World’s First OptoSAR Private Satellite:

Context: The Prime Minister congratulated the Bengaluru startup GalaxEye for the successful orbital performance of Mission Drishti, launched earlier in May 2026.

• • Mission Drishti features the world’s first OptoSAR satellite.
  • OptoSAR Technology: Combines Optical (visual) sensors and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on a single platform.
  • Optical sensors provide high-resolution colour images but are blinded by clouds or darkness.
  • SAR can “see” through clouds, rain, smoke, and total darkness using radar waves.
  • By fusing both, the satellite provides all-weather, 24/7 monitoring
  • It is the largest satellite ever built by a private Indian company.
  • Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.
  • Eliminates the need for separate satellites to verify radar data with visual imagery.
  • The data resolution is approximately 8 meters, high enough for strategic surveillance.
  • Developed by a team of engineers from IIT Madras, showcasing the success of Indian academia-industry links.

 

(PIB)

Defence

Advanced Agni Missile Test (MIRV Capability):

Context: India successfully test-fired an advanced Agni ballistic missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology from APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

• • MIRV Technology: Allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of hitting different targets.
  • Developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
  • Strengthens India’s “credible minimum deterrence” and “No First Use” policy.
  • The Agni series consists of solid-fuelled, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
  • Agni-V, the flagship, has a range of over 5,000–5,500 km, placing it in the ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) category.
  • MIRV capability is critical for bypassing advanced Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems.
  • India joins a select group of nations (USA, Russia, China, UK, France) with this technology.
  • The test confirms the miniaturization of nuclear warheads for multiple payloads.
  • It enhances the survival of India’s second-strike capability.
  • The system uses a redundant high-accuracy navigation system for precision strikes.

 

(PIB)

ICGS ACHAL Commissioned:

Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned ICGS Achal, a new indigenous vessel, enhancing maritime security.

• • The commissioning took place as part of the ICG’s fleet expansion in the Western Region.
  • Indigenization: The ship is built under the “Make in India” initiative in the defence sector.
  • Role: Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-piracy, and coastal surveillance.
  • The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems.
  • A ‘Girdle Laying’ ceremony for indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (Hovercrafts) also took place in Goa on May 11.
  • ICG operates under the Ministry of Defence.
  • It follows the “Yayam Rakshamah” (We Protect) motto.
  • The commissioning highlights the growing capability of Indian shipyards in high-tech naval construction.
  • The ship will be stationed to monitor the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
  • It integrates with the National Command Control Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) network.

 

(PIB)

Release of Indian Navy Maritime Security Strategy-2026 (INMSS-2026):

Context: The Indian Navy officially released its third maritime strategy document, INMSS-2026, titled “Securing the Blue Frontiers,” reflecting shifts in global geopolitics.

• • This is the third such document, following Freedom to Use the Seas (2007) and Ensuring Secure Seas (2015).
  • Introduces the concept of “Grey-Zone Warfare” as a primary challenge in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Follows an “Ends–Ways–Means” construct to align naval operations with national strategic objectives.
  • Aligns with the “No War No Peace” doctrinal articulation introduced in the Indian Maritime Doctrine – 2025.
  • Includes a new chapter on “Enablers”, focusing on technological means like AI and quantum communication.
  • Prioritizes “Jointness and Integration” with the Indian Army and Air Force for multi-domain operations.
  • Highlights the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
  • Addresses non-traditional threats including climate change-induced migration and maritime terrorism.
  • The strategy was unveiled by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
  • Emphasizes India’s role as a “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indo-Pacific.

 

(TH)

Government Schemes

Jan Suraksha Schemes: 11-Year Milestone:

Context: The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of the Jan Suraksha social security schemes upon completing 11 years of their launch (2015–2026).

• • PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana): Life cover of ₹2 lakh at a premium of ₹436/year for age group 18-50.
  • PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana): Accident insurance of ₹2 lakh at just ₹20/year for age group 18-70.
  • APY (Atal Pension Yojana): Guaranteed minimum pension (₹1,000–₹5,000) for subscribers joining between 18-40 years.
  • As of April 2026, combined enrolments exceed 94 crore
  • Significantly high penetration among women, with over 27 crore subscribers in PMJJBY.
  • The schemes leverage the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) for direct benefit transfers and auto-debits.
  • They align with Article 41 of the Constitution (Right to public assistance in cases of old age/disablement).
  • A new “Jan Suraksha Portal” has been launched for digital claim processing.
  • The schemes aim to reduce “distress borrowing” among informal workers.
  • Payouts under PMJJBY alone have crossed ₹21,000 crore to over 10 lakh families.

 

(TOI)

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