16th June 2026

Explanation – Ship recycling refers to the dismantling of old or decommissioned ships for recovering valuable materials such as steel, machinery, spare parts, and reusable equipment. It also ensures the environmentally safe disposal of hazardous substances present in ships. Ship recycling is economically important because ships contain large quantities of recyclable steel and equipment, making the sector valuable for the metal, manufacturing, and shipping industries. India is one of the world's leading ship recycling nations and plays an important role in the global maritime economy.

Major Ship Recycling Centres in India:

• India's ship recycling industry is concentrated primarily in: Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard, Gujarat, and ship recycling facilities in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• Among these, Alang in Gujarat is globally significant and represents one of the largest ship recycling clusters in the world.
• The region hosts around 120 operational plots, representing one of the highest concentrations of Hong Kong International Convention (HKC)-compliant ship recycling facilities worldwide.

Explanation – Ethanol blending means mixing ethanol (a fuel made mainly from sugarcane or grain) with petrol. The number after "E" tells the ethanol percentage — so E20 means 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. India achieved the 20% blending target in 2025, five years ahead of schedule.

The government's new measures point in two different directions:

• The first move — shifting from E20 to higher blends like E25 — affects most existing petrol cars on Indian roads today.
• The second move — recognising E85 and E100 — is meant for a completely new category of vehicles called flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on varying combinations of petrol and ethanol. These vehicles are still not widely available in India.

Explanation – Atal Innovation Mission is led by the NITI Aayog and was established in 2016 as an opportunity to improve the entrepreneurial and innovative culture of Indian administration. It aims to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India.

Objectives:

• Encourage creativity as the foundation for strategic planning across various sectors
• Facilitating collaboration by providing a platform for diverse stakeholders
• Serving as a central body to oversee and integrate the nation's technological infrastructure

The NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched several key initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship:

• Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) — It is designed to spark creativity and innovation among young minds. It provides access to advanced technology for students who are 12 years and above. It focuses on teaching concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using modern tools and equipment.
• Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) — It actively supports innovative entrepreneurs to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and scalability. It aims to establish world-class startups and long-term businesses in 110 smart cities and the top five institutions in each state. It provides infrastructure, mentorship, and access to funding to help innovators thrive in their fields.
• Atal Research and Innovation for Small Businesses (ARISE) — It aims to enhance the performance of Indian startups and MSMEs by fostering research and technology-driven initiatives. It focuses on creating a steady pipeline of innovative products, with initial clients being Central Government Ministries/Departments.

Explanation – Zardalu mango, also called Jardalu, is a unique mango variety from Bhagalpur, Bihar. It is known for its light yellow skin and distinct special aroma. Its story dates back to the early 19th century when Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan Bahadur of Haveli Kharagpur introduced its cultivation in the Bhagalpur region. The first sapling, planted between 1810 and 1820, still stands in Tagepur village, serving as a living testament to this mango's enduring legacy.

• The Jardaloo mangoes are available from mid-April through the end of June.
• The fruits have a rich, creamy, tender texture, and delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp.
• As the fruit matures, the skin of the Zardalu mango turns golden-yellow with a tinge of red across the top of the fruit.
• Jardalu mangoes are rich with fibre & enzymes; it is highly beneficial to the digestive system.
• In 2018, the Jardalu mango received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Explanation – Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the body's nervous system. It is caused by a poison (toxin) made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).

• The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure. They can also be found in the human intestine and other places.
• Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.
• It is not spread from person to person.
• Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunised with tetanus-toxoid containing vaccines.

Treatment: There is no cure for tetanus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve. People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.

Prevention:

• Tetanus is completely preventable by being immunised (vaccinated).
• Immunisation usually protects against tetanus infection for 10 years.
• The childhood schedule includes five doses, followed by boosters in adolescence and every 10 years.
• Pregnant women are also advised to receive Tdap to protect their newborns.