Prelims Mantra – (12/03/2026)

Indian Polity & Governance

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure:

Context

India highlighted the global adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) frameworks.

• • DPI refers to digital systems enabling public and private services at scale.
  • India’s DPI includes Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface, and DigiLocker.
  • Aadhaar provides biometric digital identity.
  • UPI enables instant bank-to-bank digital payments.
  • DigiLocker allows secure digital storage of documents.
  • DPI improves financial inclusion and governance efficiency.
  • Several countries are studying India’s DPI model.
  • DPI reduces transaction costs and service delivery barriers.
  • Digital identity systems must address privacy and security concerns.
  • DPI supports e-governance and digital economy growth.

(PIB)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM

Concerns over Himalayan Glacier Retreat:

Context

Scientists warned that accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers may threaten long-term water security in Asia.

• • The Himalayas are often called the “Third Pole” due to extensive ice reserves.
  • Himalayan glaciers feed major rivers such as Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.
  • Glacial retreat is driven primarily by rising global temperatures.
  • Black carbon deposition accelerates glacial melting.
  • Glacier retreat may initially increase river discharge, followed by long-term decline.
  • Glacial lakes may expand and cause Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
  • Himalayan glaciers influence regional hydrological cycles.
  • Millions of people depend on glacier-fed rivers in South Asia.
  • Climate change impacts are particularly severe in high-mountain ecosystems.
  • Monitoring glaciers involves remote sensing and field observations.

(TH)

Coastal Ecosystem Protection:

Context

Experts highlighted the importance of mangrove ecosystems for coastal protection and climate resilience.

• • Mangroves grow in intertidal coastal zones of tropical regions.
  • They act as natural barriers against storm surges and cyclones.
  • Mangrove ecosystems support rich biodiversity.
  • Their roots stabilise coastal sediments.
  • Mangroves store large amounts of blue carbon.
  • India has major mangrove forests in the Sundarbans.
  • Mangroves provide habitat for fish, crustaceans and birds.
  • They improve coastal water quality.
  • Mangrove degradation increases coastal erosion risks.
  • Mangrove restoration is part of climate adaptation strategies.

(IE)

India’s Green Hydrogen Expansion:

Context

The government reviewed progress of the National Green Hydrogen Mission to position India as a global hub for hydrogen production.

• • Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity.
  • It produces no carbon dioxide emissions during production.
  • Hydrogen can be used in steel, fertiliser, refining and heavy transport sectors.
  • Electrolysers split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Hydrogen has high energy density per unit mass but low volumetric density.
  • Storage methods include compressed gas, liquefied hydrogen and chemical carriers.
  • Green hydrogen can help decarbonise hard-to-abate industries.
  • Ammonia derived from hydrogen can serve as an energy carrier.
  • India aims to become a major exporter of green hydrogen and derivatives.
  • Hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines is being studied.

(PIB)

Ocean Acidification Concerns:

Context

Scientists highlighted growing risks of ocean acidification affecting marine ecosystems.

• • Ocean acidification occurs when CO₂ dissolves in seawater forming carbonic acid.
  • Increased acidity lowers pH of seawater.
  • Acidification reduces availability of carbonate ions needed for shells.
  • Marine organisms like corals, molluscs and plankton are vulnerable.
  • Coral reefs rely on calcium carbonate skeletons.
  • Ocean acidification is linked to anthropogenic CO₂ emissions.
  • It affects marine food chains and fisheries.
  • The ocean absorbs about one-quarter of global CO₂ emissions.
  • Acidification can impair calcification processes.
  • Long-term changes may affect global marine biodiversity.

(TH)

Wetland Conservation Efforts:

Context

Experts emphasised conservation of wetlands for biodiversity and water security.

• • Wetlands include marshes, swamps, lakes and estuaries.
  • They act as natural water filters.
  • Wetlands support high biodiversity.
  • They provide habitat for migratory birds.
  • Wetlands help regulate floods and groundwater recharge.
  • Wetlands store significant amounts of carbon in sediments.
  • India participates in the Ramsar Convention.
  • Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance.
  • Wetland degradation occurs due to urbanisation and pollution.
  • Conservation improves ecosystem services and climate resilience.

(TH)

Science & Technology

Expansion of India’s Semiconductor Design Ecosystem:

Context

India emphasised strengthening semiconductor design capabilities under the Design Linked Incentive Scheme.

• • Semiconductor chips are essential for computers, smartphones and automobiles.
  • The Design Linked Incentive scheme supports chip design startups.
  • India already has strong presence in semiconductor design services.
  • The global semiconductor industry is highly capital-intensive.
  • Chip manufacturing requires ultra-clean fabrication facilities.
  • Semiconductor devices rely on controlled electrical conductivity of materials.
  • Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material.
  • Semiconductor supply chains are geopolitically significant.
  • Advanced chips require extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV).
  • Semiconductor design is critical for electronics manufacturing growth.

(ET)

Lithium Resource Exploration in India:

Context

India intensified exploration of lithium resources to support electric mobility and battery manufacturing.

• • Lithium is a light alkali metal belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table.
  • It is a key component of lithium-ion batteries.
  • Lithium occurs in brine deposits and hard-rock minerals such as spodumene.
  • Major lithium producers include Australia, Chile and Argentina.
  • Lithium brine extraction occurs mainly in salt flats (salars).
  • Lithium batteries are widely used in EVs, smartphones and grid storage.
  • Recycling lithium batteries can reduce critical mineral dependence.
  • Lithium demand is rising due to energy transition technologies.
  • Lithium-ion batteries operate through movement of lithium ions between electrodes.
  • Battery technology improvements aim to enhance energy density and safety.

(ET)

Expansion of India’s Space Economy:

Context

India’s space sector reforms continue to encourage private sector participation.

• • Space sector reforms were introduced in 2020.
  • Private companies can participate in satellite launches and manufacturing.
  • Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre authorises private space activities.
  • NewSpace India Limited handles commercialisation of ISRO technologies.
  • Indian Space Research Organisation focuses on research and development.
  • India operates its regional navigation system NavIC.
  • Satellites support communication, weather forecasting and navigation.
  • The global space economy is expanding rapidly.
  • Satellite data supports agriculture and disaster management.
  • India aims to increase its share of the global space economy.

(IE)

Government Schemes & Initiatives

National Bioenergy Mission Progress:

Context

The government reviewed the progress of the National Bioenergy Mission, which promotes biomass-based energy production.

• • Bioenergy refers to energy derived from biological materials (biomass).
  • Biomass sources include agricultural residues, forest residues, animal waste and organic municipal waste.
  • Bioenergy technologies include biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel and biomass gasification.
  • India promotes second-generation (2G) ethanol from agricultural residues.
  • Ethanol blending in petrol reduces fossil fuel dependence and emissions.
  • Crop residues like rice straw and wheat straw can be used for biofuel production.
  • Biomass energy contributes to circular economy and waste management.
  • Bioenergy projects can reduce stubble burning in northern India.
  • Bioenergy is considered carbon-neutral under certain lifecycle conditions.
  • The mission contributes to India’s renewable energy targets.

(PIB)

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