Concept • Fiscal deficit is the excess of total government expenditure over total non borrowing receipts• It represents the amount the government needs to borrow in a financial year Role in public finance • Used to fund infrastructure, welfare schemes, and counter economic slowdowns• Acts as a tool for demand management during downturns Economic implications • Leads to higher government borrowing• Increases interest payments and future repayment obligations Policy and governance relevance • Indicator of fiscal discipline under FRBM framework• Closely tracked by investors, rating agencies, and central banks
Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize: What It Is Founder and Vision Place of Award Nature of the Prize Selection Authority Responsible Body Independence Nomination Process Selection Criteria Areas of Recognition Conflict Resolution Human Rights Disarmament and Security International Cooperation Global Significance Moral Authority Diplomatic Impact Symbolic Value Soft Power Role
East China Sea
The East China Sea is a semi-enclosed marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, lying between East Asia and the Pacific Rim. It is strategically vital due to overlapping territorial claims, rich marine resources, and critical sea lanes. Geographical Extent Strategic Importance Key Disputes Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) Maritime Boundary Security Dynamics International Law Context Conclusion The East China Sea remains a flashpoint in East Asian geopolitics, where economic interests, sovereignty claims, and security concerns intersect. Managing disputes through diplomacy and confidence-building is crucial to prevent escalation in one of the world’s busiest maritime regions.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Background The Ministry of Jal Shakti was created in May 2019 by merging: The merger was aimed at ensuring integrated water governance across drinking water, irrigation, river rejuvenation, and sanitation. To ensure holistic, sustainable, and integrated management of water resources for drinking water security, irrigation efficiency, river rejuvenation, sanitation, and climate resilience. Broad Mandate Key Departments Major Schemes & Missions Institutional & Technical Bodies Key Policy Instruments Focus Areas Technology & Governance Tools Role in Cooperative Federalism Key Challenges Way Forward
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal
Ministry: Ministry of Jal ShaktiType: Centrally Sponsored SchemeLaunch: 2019Target: Functional tap water to every rural household Core Vision To ensure safe, adequate, and regular drinking water through functional household tap connections (FHTCs), using decentralised planning, community participation, and technology-enabled monitoring. Key Objectives What is FHTC? A household tap connection that provides: Salient Features Transparency & Accountability Mechanisms Capacity Building & Technical Support Priority Areas Financing Support Key Initiatives Progress (Important for Mains Answers) Significance Challenges Way Forward
Thalassemia
What is Thalassemia? Thalassemia is an inherited haemoglobin disorder in which the body is unable to produce normal or sufficient haemoglobin, leading to chronic anaemia. This causes chronic anaemia, fatigue, organ stress, and reduced quality of life. Genetic Basis Types of Thalassemia Classification depends on which globin chain is affected: Alpha Thalassemia Beta Thalassemia Epidemiology Pathophysiology (Conceptual Clarity) Symptoms Severity varies from mild to life-threatening. Common Symptoms of Anaemia Severe Thalassemia Complications Treatment Options There is no universally accessible cure, but long-term management improves survival. Blood Transfusions Iron Chelation Therapy Curative Option Emerging Gene-Based Therapies Public Health Challenges Prevention Strategy Thalassemia vs Sickle Cell Disease (Quick Comparison) Aspect Thalassemia Sickle Cell Disease Cause Reduced haemoglobin production Abnormal haemoglobin structure RBC Shape Normal but fragile Sickle-shaped Main Issue Anaemia Vaso-occlusion + anaemia Prevalence in India Widespread Tribal populations Way Forward
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
What are iPSCs? Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult (somatic) cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to revert to a pluripotent stem-cell–like state, meaning they can differentiate into almost any cell type of the human body. They functionally resemble embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but are created without destroying embryos. Discovery iPSCs were first developed in 2006 by , who showed that mature cells could be reprogrammed by introducing specific genes. This discovery revolutionised regenerative medicine and earned the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. How are iPSCs Created? Adult cells (commonly skin fibroblasts or blood cells) are reprogrammed by introducing a set of transcription factors known as Yamanaka Factors: These factors reset the cell’s gene expression profile, converting it into a pluripotent state. Key Characteristics iPSCs vs Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) Aspect iPSCs Embryonic Stem Cells Source Adult somatic cells Inner cell mass of embryo Ethical concerns Minimal Significant Immune rejection Low (autologous) Higher Clinical acceptability High Controversial Applications of iPSCs Regenerative Medicine Disease Modelling Drug Discovery & Toxicity Testing Gene Therapy iPSCs and Sickle Cell Disease Advantages of iPSCs Limitations & Risks Ethical Dimensions Regulatory Framework in India National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017 National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development, 2019 Global Developments Way Forward
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by differences in brain development and functioning. It affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, behaves, and learns. ASD is called a “spectrum” because individuals can experience a wide range of symptoms and levels of severity, from mild to severe. Key Characteristics ASD is primarily characterised by difficulties in three core domains: 1. Social Interaction 2. Communication 3. Behaviour and Interests Age of Onset Learning and Cognitive Aspects Epidemiology Causes There is no single cause of ASD. Major contributing factors: Vaccines do not cause autism, this has been conclusively disproven by scientific studies. Diagnosis Treatment and Management There is no standard cure, but early and sustained intervention significantly improves quality of life. Common Interventions Medication Autism in Adulthood Awareness and Global Frameworks Legal and Policy Framework in India Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Key Challenges in India Emerging Perspective: Neurodiversity Way Forward
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
Why in News? The unavailability of essential drugs for treating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at district healthcare institutions has highlighted the systemic challenges faced by marginalised Indigenous Tribal communities in accessing timely and effective treatment. What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that alters the structure of red blood cells. As a result, SCD leads to chronic anaemia, recurrent pain crises, organ damage, increased infection risk, and reduced life expectancy. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, tribal and marginalised populations are the most vulnerable. Symptoms of SCD Treatment Options SCD has no universal cure, but long-term management reduces complications. Conventional Treatments Advanced Therapies However, advanced treatments remain prohibitively expensive (USD 2–3 million) and limited by donor availability and infrastructure. India’s Current Status of SCD Key Challenges in Treatment and Accessibility Limited Awareness Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure High Cost of Treatment Limited Access to Medicines Weak Screening Mechanisms Geographical and Social Barriers Government Initiatives on SCD National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission National Health Mission (NHM), 2013 National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017 National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development, 2019 State-level Initiatives Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 International Developments Both therapies involve: Way Forward Early Detection and Screening Affordable Treatment Access Awareness and Community Engagement Research and Innovation Health Equity Focus
Economic Survey 2025–26
The Economic Survey 2025–26 is the Government of India’s annual assessment of the country’s economic performance, prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, under the supervision of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). It is released prior to the Union Budget to provide an analytical foundation for fiscal and policy decisions. Key Features Historical Background Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2025–26 1. Overall State of the Economy 2. Consumption and Investment 3. Fiscal Developments 4. Monetary Management and Banking Sector 5. Financial Inclusion and Capital Markets 6. External Sector 7. Inflation Trends 8. Agriculture and Allied Sectors 9. Services Sector 10. Industry and Manufacturing 11. Infrastructure and Connectivity 12. Social Sector: Education, Health, Employment 13. Poverty Reduction and Rural Development 14. Strategic Vision Economic Survey vs Union Budget The Economic Survey 2025–26 highlights India’s macroeconomic resilience, structural transformation, and strategic ambition, while emphasising the need for sustained reforms, productivity growth, and global integration to achieve long-term development goals.
