Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
September 2026 — 14 Categories
September is observed as Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) under the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission). The mission targets reduction of stunting, wasting, low birth weight, and anaemia in children under 6, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across India.
Exam Tip: Poshan Abhiyaan: Launched March 8, 2018 (International Women's Day). Targets: Reduce stunting by 2%, undernutrition by 2%, anaemia by 3% per year. Managed by Ministry of Women and Child Development. Poshan Tracker: Real-time monitoring app. Umbrella ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) is the backbone.
PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) provides ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 directly to small and marginal farmers with landholding up to 2 hectares. The Kharif season instalment is typically disbursed during July-October. Over 11 crore farmer families are covered.
Exam Tip: PM-KISAN: Launched December 2018 (effective Feb 2019). ₹6,000/year in 3 instalments of ₹2,000 each via DBT. Eligibility: Landholding families up to 2 hectares. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Scheme covers all states and UTs. Farmers must e-KYC for continued benefit.
Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation. The scheme targets the bottom 40% of India's population (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries from 10.74 crore families).
Exam Tip: AB-PMJAY: Launched September 23, 2018 (World Rose Day / Ayushman Bharat Diwas). ₹5 lakh/family/year. Covers 1,929+ medical procedures. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare + NHA (National Health Authority). Beneficiaries identified via SECC 2011 data. Portable across India.
Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975), India's first Vice-President and second President, and a distinguished philosopher and educator. The National Teachers' Awards are presented by the President of India on this day.
Exam Tip: Teachers' Day: September 5. Dr. Radhakrishnan: Born 1888, died 1975. 1st VP of India (1952–62), 2nd President (1962–67). Bharat Ratna awardee (1954). World Teachers' Day: October 5 (UNESCO). National Award to Teachers: Ministry of Education. Recognises 50 outstanding teachers annually.
Hindi Diwas is observed on September 14 every year to commemorate the Constituent Assembly's adoption of Hindi (written in Devanagari script) as one of India's official languages on September 14, 1949. Hindi is the official language of the Union under Article 343 of the Constitution. World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10.
Exam Tip: Hindi Diwas: September 14. Constitutional provision: Article 343 — Official language of the Union is Hindi (Devanagari script). Adopted: September 14, 1949 by Constituent Assembly. Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar: Award for promotion of Hindi. Ministry of Home Affairs runs Rajbhasha Division. English remains associate official language under Article 343(2).
Engineers' Day is celebrated on September 15 to mark the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962), known as Sir MV, the legendary civil engineer and statesman. He served as Diwan of Mysore (1912–18) and is credited for designing the flood protection system for Hyderabad and the Krishna Raja Sagara dam.
Exam Tip: Engineers' Day: September 15. M. Visvesvaraya: Born 1861, died April 14, 1962. Bharat Ratna (1955). Diwan of Mysore. KRS Dam: Krishna Raja Sagara on River Kaveri, Karnataka. Block System irrigation: Prevented over-irrigation. Architect of modern Mysore. Also celebrated as Engineers' Day in Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
The United Nations General Assembly convenes its General Debate every year in late September in New York. World leaders address the Assembly on global issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, and multilateralism. India uses UNGA to articulate its foreign policy positions and multilateral agenda.
Exam Tip: UNGA: 193 member states. General Debate: Starts on 3rd Tuesday of September. UNGA President elected annually. India elected to UNGA in 1945 as founding member. SDG Summit held during UNGA high-level week. India's priorities: Reform of UN Security Council, terrorism, climate finance, South-South cooperation.
The United Nations International Day of Peace (World Peace Day) is observed on September 21 every year. Established by UN resolution in 1981, it was moved to September 21 in 2001. The day calls for a global ceasefire and non-violence. India's tradition of Ahimsa (non-violence) is rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.
Exam Tip: World Peace Day: September 21. UN resolution: 36/67 (1981). Changed to September 21: Resolution 55/282 (2001). Theme changes annually. Related: World Disarmament Day (October 24). Gandhi Jayanti: October 2 — International Day of Non-Violence. India: Panchsheel (5 Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, 1954).
World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 every year, established by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization, now UN Tourism) to raise awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic value. India's tourism sector is a major foreign exchange earner, with the "Incredible India" campaign promoting heritage and cultural tourism globally.
Exam Tip: World Tourism Day: September 27. UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO): Headquartered in Madrid, Spain. India's Incredible India campaign: Ministry of Tourism. India's key tourism circuits: Buddhist circuit, Heritage circuit, Rural circuit. Prasad scheme: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive. Swadesh Darshan scheme: Thematic tourism circuits.
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) holds its bi-monthly meeting (typically August-September cycle). The MPC decides on the policy repo rate, reverse repo rate, and the monetary policy stance. The committee uses CPI inflation targeting with a target of 4% (±2% band) as mandated by the RBI Amendment Act 2016.
Exam Tip: RBI MPC: 6-member committee (3 RBI + 3 government nominees). Inflation target: 4% CPI ±2% (2% floor, 6% ceiling). Policy repo rate: Key lending rate by RBI. SDF (Standing Deposit Facility): Floor of corridor. MSF (Marginal Standing Facility): Ceiling. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor: SDF to MSF. Bi-monthly meetings: 6 per year.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister with all state finance ministers as members, periodically reviews tax rates, compliance, and revenue distribution. GST was introduced on July 1, 2017 (GST Day), replacing a complex web of indirect taxes. The Compensation Cess regime supports states through revenue transition.
Exam Tip: GST introduced: July 1, 2017. Article 279A: Constitutional provision for GST Council. Four rate slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%. GST types: CGST, SGST, IGST, UTGST. E-way bill: For goods movement above ₹50,000. GSTR-1, GSTR-3B: Return filings. GST Network (GSTN): IT backbone. Composition scheme: For small businesses up to ₹1.5 crore turnover.
Advance tax is paid in instalments by taxpayers with tax liability above ₹10,000. The third instalment (cumulative 75%) is due by December 15, but the second instalment (cumulative 45%) falls due by September 15. Advance tax applies to salaried individuals with non-salary income and businesses. It prevents lump-sum tax burden at year-end.
Exam Tip: Advance Tax instalments: 15% by June 15, 45% by Sept 15, 75% by Dec 15, 100% by March 15. Threshold: ₹10,000+ tax liability. Interest under Sec 234B/234C for non-payment. Senior citizens (75+) with only pension/interest income: Exempt from advance tax. Self-assessment tax: Paid before filing ITR.
The Reserve Bank of India's Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework classifies NBFCs into four layers: Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL), and Top Layer (NBFC-TL). Larger and systemically important NBFCs face bank-like regulation. The framework was introduced to address regulatory gaps and reduce systemic risk.
Exam Tip: NBFC SBR Framework: Effective October 2022. 4 layers: Base (NBFCs with asset size < ₹1,000 crore), Middle (deposit-taking, investment, infrastructure), Upper (top 10 by asset size), Top (extreme risk). NBFCs in Upper Layer: Must maintain CET1 of 9% from March 2025. PCA framework applies to upper-layer NBFCs.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), launched in September 2018, leverages the vast postal network (1.55 lakh post offices, 3 lakh postmen/grameen dak sewaks) to deliver banking services to unbanked and underbanked populations, especially in rural areas. IPPB offers savings accounts, money transfers, direct benefit transfer facilitation, and insurance products.
Exam Tip: IPPB: Launched September 1, 2018 by PM Modi. Headquarters: New Delhi. 100% Government of India stake. Network: 1.55 lakh+ access points. Payments Bank: Cannot lend, deposits capped at ₹2 lakh. Products: Savings account, QR-based payments, AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment System). Ministry of Communications.
The Jan Dhan Darshak app (JDD) helps citizens locate nearest banking touchpoints — bank branches, ATMs, post offices, banking correspondents — using GPS. It supports the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity which underpins India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) architecture. Over 53 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened since 2014.
Exam Tip: PMJDY: Launched August 28, 2014 (Financial Inclusion Day). 53 crore+ accounts. Zero-balance accounts. RuPay debit card. ₹10,000 overdraft facility. ₹2 lakh accidental insurance. ₹30,000 life insurance. JAM Trinity: Jan Dhan + Aadhaar + Mobile. DBT: Direct Benefit Transfer uses JAM to eliminate leakage. Ministry of Finance.
ISRO's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission demonstrates autonomous space rendezvous and docking technology — a critical capability for future crewed missions, space stations, and lunar surface sample return. Mastering docking is essential for Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return), Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and long-duration human spaceflight.
Exam Tip: SpaDeX: India's space docking demonstration mission. India becomes 4th country to demonstrate docking (after USA, Russia, China). ISRO headquarters: Bengaluru. IN-SPACe: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (regulates private space). NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL): Commercial arm. Gaganyaan: India's human spaceflight mission target.
India's National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with a budget of ₹6,003 crore for 8 years, aims to develop quantum computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits, quantum communication networks, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Four Technology Hubs (T-Hubs) at premier institutions anchor research and development.
Exam Tip: NQM: ₹6,003 crore, 2023–2031. 4 T-Hubs: Quantum Computing (IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (IIT Madras), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT Bombay), Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT Delhi). DST: Department of Science and Technology is nodal ministry. Quantum key distribution (QKD): Unhackable communication.
IndiaAI Mission (approved March 2024, ₹10,372 crore) focuses on building AI compute infrastructure, promoting AI startups, creating India-specific datasets, and skilling 5 million people in AI by 2027. AI is being deployed in healthcare diagnostics, crop advisory, judicial processes (SUPACE), and citizen grievance redressal (CPGRAMS).
Exam Tip: IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,372 crore over 5 years. Components: AI Compute Facility (10,000+ GPUs), AI Innovation Centre, FutureSkills, AI Startups, Datasets Platform. Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). SUPACE: Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Courts Efficiency. National AI Portal: ai.gov.in.
World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer) is observed on September 16 every year to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on September 16, 1987. The protocol has successfully phased out 99% of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The ozone layer is recovering and is expected to return to pre-1980 levels by 2066.
Exam Tip: World Ozone Day: September 16. Montreal Protocol: Signed 1987, entered force 1989. India signatory: 1992. Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer: 1985 (framework). Kigali Amendment (2016): Phases down HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Ozone layer: 15–35 km altitude. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are the main ODS. UNEP administers.
September marks the commencement of southwest monsoon withdrawal from northwest India (typically from Rajasthan around September 17). India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues seasonal assessments. Kharif crops — paddy, maize, cotton, soybean, groundnut — are harvested starting September-October. Agricultural performance heavily influences India's GDP and rural income.
Exam Tip: SW Monsoon: Onset Kerala (June 1), withdrawal NW India (mid-September). Kharif crops: Sown June-July, harvested Sept-Oct. Key Kharif crops: Paddy, Maize, Bajra, Cotton, Groundnut, Soybean. Rabi crops: Sown Oct-Nov, harvested March-April (Wheat, Mustard, Gram). IMD: India Meteorological Department, under MoES. Agriculture's GDP share: ~18%.
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched January 2023 with a budget of ₹19,744 crore, targets production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen per year by 2030. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) funds electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production. India aims to become a global green hydrogen hub.
Exam Tip: NGHM: January 4, 2023. Budget: ₹19,744 crore. Target: 5 MMT/year green hydrogen by 2030. SIGHT programme: Two components — domestic electrolyser manufacturing + green hydrogen production. Electrolyser target: 5 GW/year by 2025. Green hydrogen: H2 produced using renewable energy. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The Agnipath scheme (launched June 2022) recruits Agniveers for 4 years into the Army, Navy, and Air Force. After 4 years, 25% are retained as regular soldiers while 75% receive a Seva Nidhi package (approximately ₹11.71 lakh tax-free) and priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police recruitment. Subsequent cohorts continue the military modernisation programme.
Exam Tip: Agnipath Scheme: Launched June 14, 2022. Agniveers: 17.5–21 years (relaxed 23 years for initial batches). Service: 4 years. Retention: 25% as regulars. Seva Nidhi: ~₹11.71 lakh. CAPF reservation: 10% for Agniveers. Eligibility: Class 10/12 pass as per trade. Ministry of Defence. Aim: Younger, fitter military profile.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), launched 2018 under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), funds Indian startups and MSMEs for defence technology development. Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) rounds identify solutions for specific military problems. India's defence exports target ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29, up from ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24.
Exam Tip: iDEX: Launched April 2018. Run by DIO under DRDO. DISC: Annual challenge for startups. Defence exports FY2024: ₹21,083 crore (~$2.5 billion). Target: ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29. Positive Indigenisation List: 300+ items banned for import. OFB (Ordnance Factory Board): Corporatised into 7 DPSUs in 2021. DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protects India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.37 million sq km, ensuring maritime safety, preventing smuggling and piracy, and preserving marine environment. The ICG coordinates with the Navy under the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) framework. India's blue economy is estimated at $1.6 trillion potential.
Exam Tip: Indian Coast Guard: Established February 1, 1977 (ICG Day). EEZ: 200 nautical miles from baseline. India's EEZ: 2.37 million sq km. ICG operates under Ministry of Defence. Director General: Heads ICG. UNCLOS: UN Convention on Law of the Sea (1982). India ratified UNCLOS: 1995. Deep Ocean Mission: Explores EEZ resources.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) operates on a 2-year cycle with Test matches between member nations earning points. India participates in home and away Test series during the September-November period, including scheduled series against visiting teams. The WTC Final is played every 2 years at Lord's, London, between the top two teams.
Exam Tip: WTC: Launched 2019. Cycle: 2 years. Final: Lord's, London. India won WTC 2021 Final: Lost to New Zealand. WTC 2023 Final: India lost to Australia. Points system: Percentage of points won. BCCI: Board of Control for Cricket in India. ICC: International Cricket Council, Dubai HQ. Test cricket: Oldest format, 5 days.
India's para-sports ecosystem has expanded significantly following strong performances at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (19 medals) and Paris 2024 Paralympics (29 medals — 7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze). The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) run talent identification and training programmes for para-athletes.
Exam Tip: Paris 2024 Paralympics: India — 29 medals (7G, 9S, 13B). Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: India — 19 medals (5G, 8S, 6B). PCI: Paralympic Committee of India. IPC: International Paralympic Committee (Bonn, Germany). Khelo India Para Games: Annual domestic event. Target Podium Scheme: Funds elite Olympic/Paralympic athletes. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
The National Games of India, organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and hosted by a state government, is a major multi-sport event held every 2-3 years. It includes 36 disciplines covering Olympic and non-Olympic sports. The Games serve as a talent hunt for the Indian contingent to international events and promote sports culture in host states.
Exam Tip: National Games: Organised by IOA (Indian Olympic Association). First edition: 1924 (as Indian Olympic Games). 37th National Games: Uttarakhand 2024 (38th ongoing). Motto: Sports for Nation Building. IOA president: Elected every 4 years. Sports Authority of India (SAI): Training support. Khelo India scheme: Grassroots talent pipeline.
The National Award to Teachers (NAT), presented by the President of India on Teachers' Day (September 5), recognises exceptional contributions to teaching and education. Approximately 50 teachers from across India are selected by a Selection Committee at the national level. The award includes a medal, certificate, and cash prize of ₹50,000.
Exam Tip: National Teachers' Award: September 5, presented by President. About 50 awardees per year. Prize: Silver medal + certificate + ₹50,000. Ministry of Education administers. Separate awards: National ICT Award (for IT-integrated teaching), State-level teachers' awards by state governments. Nobel Prize announcements also begin in October — watch for science categories.
UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in India number 42 (as of 2024) — 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed. India is home to 8 of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements on UNESCO's Representative List. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for conserving 3,693 centrally protected monuments.
Exam Tip: India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 42 (as of 2024). Cultural: 34. Natural: 7 (includes Western Ghats, Kaziranga, Manas). Mixed: 1 (Khangchendzonga NP). UNESCO HQ: Paris. World Heritage Convention: 1972. ASI: Archaeological Survey of India, under MoC. India joined UNESCO: 1946. Intangible heritage includes Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Vedic chanting.
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated on September 23 every year as part of the International Week of the Deaf. Established by the UN in 2017, it recognises the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf people worldwide. India has its own Indian Sign Language (ISL) with a national dictionary developed by ISLRTC.
Exam Tip: Sign Languages Day: September 23. UN resolution: 2017. World Federation of the Deaf (WFD): Founded 1951, Rome. ISLRTC: Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, New Delhi. ISL: Indian Sign Language. RPWD Act 2016: Rights of Persons with Disabilities — includes Deaf. 21 categories of disability under RPWD Act.
The Indian Parliament operates in three sessions: Budget Session (Feb-May), Monsoon Session (July-August), and Winter Session (November-December). September falls in the inter-session gap. During this period, the President can promulgate Ordinances under Article 123 (Union) and Article 213 (States) when Parliament is not in session, provided there is urgency.
Exam Tip: Three sessions: Budget (longest), Monsoon, Winter. Ordinance under Article 123: Presidential ordinance. Must be placed before Parliament within 6 weeks of reassembly. Lapses if not ratified. Joint Session: Article 108. Prorogation: Ends a session; Adjournment: Temporary suspension; Dissolution: Ends Lok Sabha's term. Parliamentary privileges: Article 105.
NITI Aayog's SDG India Index tracks India's progress towards all 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the national and state level. The index scores states from 0–100 across 115 indicators. It promotes competitive and cooperative federalism by encouraging states to learn from each other's best practices. India's composite score has improved steadily since 2018.
Exam Tip: SDG India Index: Launched 2018 by NITI Aayog. 17 SDGs, 115 indicators. Scores: Aspirant (0-49), Performer (50-64), Front-Runner (65-99), Achiever (100). NITI Aayog replaced Planning Commission in 2015. SDG 2030: 17 goals, 169 targets, 232 indicators. India volunteered VNR (Voluntary National Review) in 2017, 2020.
The Right to Information Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities within 30 days (48 hours if life and liberty involved). The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) heads the Central Information Commission. Over 30 lakh RTI applications are filed annually, making it one of the world's most used freedom of information laws.
Exam Tip: RTI Act: June 15, 2005 (assented); October 12, 2005 (effective). Time limit: 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty). First Appeal: Within the same authority. Second Appeal/Complaint: to CIC/SIC. CIC: Chief Information Commission. PIO: Public Information Officer. Exemptions: Article 19(2), national security, personal info. J&K: RTI since 2019 (after Art 370 abrogation).
September-October is the Kharif harvest season. Paddy (rice), maize, cotton, soybean, groundnut, and bajra are the major Kharif crops. The government announces Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 23 Kharif and Rabi crops annually based on CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices) recommendations. MSP ensures remunerative prices to farmers.
Exam Tip: MSP: Minimum Support Price. CACP: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (advisory body). MSP for 23 crops (14 Kharif + 6 Rabi + 2 others + Jute + Copra). Kharif crops: Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Groundnut, Sunflower, Soybean, Cotton. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Government procures at MSP. NAFED: Procures pulses, oilseeds.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched 2016, provides comprehensive crop insurance covering pre-sowing to post-harvest losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Farmer premium: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial crops. The rest is shared by Centre and State. Over 5 crore farmer applications are enrolled each season.
Exam Tip: PMFBY: Launched January 2016 (replaced NAIS). Premium: 2% (Kharif), 1.5% (Rabi), 5% (commercial/horticulture). Actuarial premium: Rest paid by Centre/State. Technology: Satellite, drones for crop cutting experiments. Area-based approach: Village/Village Panchayat as insurance unit. Ministry of Agriculture. Smart Sampling Technology for loss assessment.
e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that networks existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. It enables farmers to get competitive prices by allowing buyers from across states to bid online. Over 1,000 mandis are integrated with e-NAM across 22 states.
Exam Tip: e-NAM: Launched April 2016. Managed by SFAC (Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium). 1,000+ APMCs integrated. 22 states/UTs. Online bidding: Farmers get better price discovery. FPO: Farmer Producer Organisations also trade on e-NAM. Commodities: Grains, pulses, oilseeds, fibres, spices. Ministry of Agriculture. Target: 22,000 APMCs eventually.
World Heart Day, established by the World Heart Federation (WHF) and co-sponsored by WHO and UNESCO, is observed on September 29 each year to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). CVDs are the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.9 million lives annually. In India, heart disease accounts for ~28% of all deaths.
Exam Tip: World Heart Day: September 29. World Heart Federation HQ: Geneva. CVDs: Leading cause of death globally — 17.9 million/year. Risk factors: Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity. India: Cardiovascular diseases responsible for ~28% mortality. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD & Stroke (NPCDCS): Ministry of Health.
The National Health Mission (NHM) encompasses the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM, 2005) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM, 2013). It strengthens primary healthcare through Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs/Ayushman Arogya Mandirs), ASHA workers, and Reproductive Child Health (RCH) programmes. India targets Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under SDG 3.
Exam Tip: NHM: Launched 2013 (merged NRHM + NUHM). NRHM: 2005. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly HWCs): 1.6 lakh target, provide 12 essential services. ASHA: Accredited Social Health Activist — village-level health worker. ASHA incentive: Performance-based. RCH: Reproductive Child Health. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Ministry of Health & FW.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a component of NHM, promotes institutional deliveries by providing cash incentives to pregnant women (especially BPL and SC/ST) for delivering in government or accredited private facilities. India's institutional delivery rate has increased from ~39% in 2005 to over 89% in 2020, significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Exam Tip: JSY: Launched 2005 under NRHM. Incentive: ₹1,400 (rural, LPS), ₹700 (rural, HPS), ₹600 (urban). LPS: Low Performing States (UP, MP, Raj, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Odisha, J&K, Assam). ANC: Antenatal Care — 4 visits recommended. MMR target: <70/lakh live births by 2030. IMR target: <12/1,000 live births by 2030. JSSK: Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (free delivery services).
September marks peak flood season in river systems fed by the retreating southwest monsoon, particularly in eastern India (Brahmaputra, Ganga), Bihar, Assam, and Odisha. NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and state SDRFs coordinate relief. India's disaster management framework is guided by the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Exam Tip: NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority. Chairperson: Prime Minister (ex-officio). NDRF: National Disaster Response Force — 16 battalions. DM Act 2005: Legal framework. SDRMA: State Disaster Management Authorities (CM as chairperson). CEEW: Council on Energy, Environment and Water. Major floods: Brahmaputra, Kosi, Mahanadi, Godavari systems.
The Western Ghats, one of India's two global biodiversity hotspots (the other being the Indo-Burma region in Northeast India), spans 6 states — Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu — over 1,600 km. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) covering 39 serial properties. Home to 5,000+ flowering plants, 139 mammals, 508 birds, and 179 amphibians.
Exam Tip: Western Ghats: UNESCO WHS 2012. 39 serial properties. Biodiversity hotspot: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) criteria — >1,500 endemic vascular plants + lost >70% original habitat. India's 2 biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats (+ Sri Lanka) and Indo-Burma (NE India). Gadgil Committee Report (2011): Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel. Kasturirangan Report (2013): Modified recommendations.
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched June 2015, aims to develop 100 smart cities with sustainable and inclusive development focusing on core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment, and smart solutions. Area-Based Development (ABD) and Pan-City initiatives drive technology-enabled governance, mobility, water supply, and waste management in participating cities.
Exam Tip: Smart Cities Mission: Launched June 25, 2015. 100 selected cities. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle): Executes each city's plan. ABD: Area-Based Development — retrofit, redevelop, or greenfield. Pan-City: IT-enabled solutions. AMRUT: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation — covers 500 cities. Smart City criteria: Minimum 500 per sq km density.