UPSC GS–2 | GOVERNANCE & SCIENCE POLICY

1. SUJVIKA Portal

Subtopic: Biotechnology Trade Intelligence & Indigenisation

Value Addition:

• Launched By: Ministry of Science & Technology (40th Foundation Day of DBT).

• Nature: AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal.

• Developed With: Industry stakeholders incl. ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises).

• Core Function: Structured database on biotech import statistics.

• Utility:

  • Identifies high-value & high-volume imports.

  • Maps import dependence.

  • Supports R&D prioritisation.

  • Encourages indigenisation.

• Policy Significance: Enables data-driven industrial & bioeconomy planning.

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

• Established: 1986.

• Role: Nodal agency for biotech research & large-scale application.

Subject Analysis:

• Important for prelims under AI-enabled governance platforms.

• Mains relevance: Bioeconomy growth, Atmanirbhar Bharat in biomanufacturing, PPP models.

UPSC GS–3 | BIODIVERSITY

2. Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca)

Subtopic: Migratory Waterbirds

Value Addition:

• Type: Medium-sized diving duck (Eurosiberian origin).

• Habitat: Shallow freshwater bodies with dense vegetation.

• Distribution: Europe, Asia, Africa; winters in Mediterranean & sub-Saharan Africa.

• Diet: Aquatic plants + molluscs, insects, small fish.

• IUCN Status: Near Threatened.

Subject Analysis:

• Frequently asked under bird species–habitat matching.

• Mains linkage: Wetland degradation & migratory flyways protection.

3. Contarinia icardiflores

Subtopic: Agricultural Pest – Blossom Midge

Value Addition:

• Discovered By: ICAR–Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune.

• Category: Blossom midge (Genus: Contarinia).

• Impact Crop: Jasmine (major economic losses).

• Life Cycle: 16–21 days.

• Size: 1.5–2 mm.

• Distinct Feature: Genetically distinct from C. maculipennis.

• Feeding Behaviour: Larvae feed inside flower buds → yield reduction.

Subject Analysis:

• Prelims focus: New species discovery & pest classification.

• Mains relevance: Integrated Pest Management & floriculture economy.

UPSC GS–3 | AGRICULTURE & FOOD SAFETY

4. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Subtopic: Coffee Additives & Food Labelling

Value Addition:

• Family: Asteraceae.

• Nature: Perennial temperate plant.

• Edible Parts: Leaves, flowers, roots.

• Use in Coffee:

  • Adds colour & earthy flavour.

  • Caffeine-free & cheaper substitute.

• Nutritional Value: Fibre, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds.

• Regulatory Context: FSSAI mandates front-label disclosure of chicory content.

Subject Analysis:

• Prelims relevance: FSSAI regulatory frameworks.

• Mains angle: Food transparency, consumer rights & labelling norms.

UPSC GS–3 | DEFENCE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

5. Exercise Dharma Guardian

Subtopic: India–Japan Military Cooperation

Value Addition:

• Participants: Indian Army + Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

• Nature: Annual joint military exercise.

• Edition: 7th edition (2026).

• Focus Area: Joint operations in semi-urban terrain.

• Hosting Pattern: Alternates between India & Japan.

• Location (Current): Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.

Subject Analysis:

• Prelims: Country–exercise pairing.

• Mains: Indo-Pacific strategic partnership & QUAD alignment context.

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

6. International Mother Language Day

Subtopic: UNESCO Observance & Linguistic Diversity

Value Addition:

• Observed On: 21 February.

• Declared By: UNESCO (1999); celebrated since 2000.

• Commemorates: 1952 Bengali Language Movement (Bangladesh).

• Global Concern: ~40% of world’s 6,000–7,000 languages at risk.

• Linked Initiative: International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).

• Theme 2026: Youth voices on multilingual education.

Subject Analysis:

• Prelims: Important days + UNESCO role.

• Mains: Cultural preservation, multilingual education & inclusive development.