UPSC GS Paper 3

JAL JEEVAN MISSION: STATUS, CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD

The Jal Jeevan Mission has raised rural tap water access from 17% in 2019 to over 81% by October 2025, saving 5.5 crore hours daily and averting 4 lakh deaths. Through community participation and digital monitoring, it strengthens sustainability, water quality, and rural empowerment nationwide.

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HYGROCYBE PELLUCIDA: NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES FROM TELANGANA

Hygrocybe pellucida, a rare waxcup fungus, has been found for the first time in Telangana's Kawal Tiger Reserve, extending its known range from Kerala. This discovery signifies the existence of undisturbed habitats and emphasizes the importance of preserving India's fungal biodiversity.

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PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAYEE YOJANA (PMKSY): PER DROP MORE CROP (PDMC) SCHEME

The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme supports micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems. It provides financial assistance to facilitate state-driven water conservation initiatives. This, in turn, enhances agricultural productivity, optimizes water usage, and increases farmer incomes.

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CLIMATE CRISIS AND WESTERN GHATS: WHY IUCN DOWNGRADED THE STATUS

The IUCN’s World Heritage Outlook lists the Western Ghats, Manas National Park, and Sundarbans under “significant concern,” citing climate change, habitat loss, and development pressures. The report warns of declining conservation prospects across Asia, urging urgent action to protect these vital biodiversity hotspots.

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STATE OF FINANCE FOR FORESTS (SFF) 2025 REPORT EXPLAINED

The State of Finance for Forests 2025 report shows forest investments are underfunded. To achieve 2030 climate and biodiversity goals, governments must triple annual funding from $84 billion to $300 billion, redirect harmful subsidies, and mobilize private capital toward nature-based solutions to fully protect and restore forests.

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INNOVATION DRIVES ECONOMIC GROWTH: LESSONS FOR INDIA

The 2025 Economics Nobel honored Joel Mokyr for showing sustained growth needs a constant feedback loop between theoretical and practical knowledge, mass skilling, and societal openness. Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt formalized Creative Destruction, demonstrating that temporary monopoly power fuels competitive, cyclical innovation and progress.

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MAITRI-II PROJECT: INDIA’S NEW ANTARCTIC RESEARCH STATION

India will build Maitri-II to replace the three-decade-old Maitri station, boosting polar and climate research. Equipped with advanced facilities and managed by NCPOR, it reinforces India’s Antarctic Treaty commitment, scientific leadership, and active role in global environmental monitoring and exploration.

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INDIA’S RED LIST ROADMAP: LATEST BIODIVERSITY UPDATE

India launched the National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 to assess 11,000 species by 2030 under IUCN norms. Led by ZSI and BSI, it builds a digital platform and Red Data Books to guide evidence-based biodiversity conservation.

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TANZANIA HALTS SODA ASH MINING TO PROTECT LESSER FLAMINGOS

Tanzania halted soda ash mining at Lake Natron, safeguarding Lesser Flamingos’ sole breeding site. Driven by Maasai protests and global pressure, it prioritizes biodiversity and eco-tourism, highlighting balance between development and conservation leadership.

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SMALL MODULAR REACTORS: MEANING SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with up to 300 MWe capacity, enable rapid, flexible, factory-built clean power. Despite higher costs, they offer fast deployment, reliable baseload, and emissions-free energy, supporting India’s decarbonization, energy security, and global climate goals.

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AGE OF PROTECTIONISM: INDIA BALANCING SELF-RELIANCE AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Protectionism is fragmenting trade and reshaping supply chains, posing risks and opportunities for India. By advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat, diversifying markets, and boosting technology-driven manufacturing, India can balance self-reliance with global integration, securing resilience and leadership in a protectionist world economy.

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PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE(PLI) SCHEME FOR WHITE GOODS

The reopening of the PLI Scheme for White Goods highlights India’s push for self-reliance by boosting domestic manufacturing, reducing imports, and promoting innovation. With growing market demand, success depends on streamlined policies, technology transfer, and global competitiveness to strengthen supply chains and exports.

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