5th September 2026

Explanation - Reverse Vaccinology is an emerging concept in the field of vaccine development. It is defined as an innovative approach to vaccine development that utilises bioinformatics and computational analysis. It identifies potential vaccine targets within pathogen genomes, allowing for the modelling of epitopes and the creation of tailored vaccines for improved efficacy and safety. Reverse vaccinology is a term coined by Rino Rappuoli in 2000. He described it as a method for vaccine design that uses the information obtainable from whole-genome analysis. It was first applied to the development of a vaccine against serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). The concept of reverse vaccinology has also successfully been applied to many other pathogens, for example, Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pneumonia, M. tuberculosis. Mechanism — Genome Sequencing: It involves the cloning and expression of all the proteins in an organism’s genome sequence that are predicted in silico to be surface exposed or secreted. Screening: Then each protein is screened, through high-throughput immunisation. Laboratory Testing: Scientists make the chosen proteins in a lab and test them in animal models to see if they safely cause immunity

Explanation - ‘RAKSHA’ framework is a comprehensive strategic framework outlining India’s road map and vision for defence diplomacy and global defence partnerships over the next 10 years. The document seeks to strengthen India’s strategic engagement with friendly nations by aligning national security objectives with proactive international cooperation. It lays down an actionable vision aimed at promoting long-term stability, strengthening partnerships, and advancing India’s role in an evolving global security environment. Key pillars highlighted in the strategic blueprint include — Strategic Partnerships: Deepening bilateral and multilateral security cooperation. Capacity Building: Enhancing joint military exercises, training programmes, and sharing best practices with friendly nations. Indigenous Exports: Promoting Make-in-India defence platforms to establish the nation as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub. Maritime security: Strengthening India’s role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

Explanation - BIO-NIVESH Platform is aimed at connecting biotechnology startups with investors and increasing private capital for innovations that are ready for scale-up and commercialisation. It is envisaged as a recurring platform, with subsequent editions proposed across different cities to broaden participation. It has been designed as a two-way engagement mechanism which enables innovators to understand the investment lens while giving investors deeper insight into the scientific, regulatory and development pathways of biotechnology. The inaugural BIO-NIVESH edition brought together 20 high-potential biotechnology and deep-tech startups and around 50 investors. The first session featured direct startup-investor interactions, with startups selected on the basis of innovation, development stage, market potential, scalability and regulatory readiness. The second session involved an interaction between minister, investors and startups on access to capital, commercialisation, scale-up and measures to support innovation-led growth. Significance: It would help build the bridge required to take promising ideas from research and entrepreneurship to industry, scale and markets.

Explanation - AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the farm sector. It is an initiative under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM). It comprises three foundational registries or databases in the agriculture sector, all created and maintained by the State Governments or Union Territories. Farmer Registry — Under the AgriStack, farmers are given digital identities (Farmer ID) which are linked dynamically to the State’s land records, livestock ownership, crops sown, demographic details, family details, schemes and benefits availed. Crop Sown Registry — It includes details on crops planted by farmers. This is recorded through mobile-based Digital Crop Surveys on the ground each season. Geo-referenced Village Maps data — It comprises geographic information of land records linked with their locations (latitudes and longitudes).

Explanation - India is the second-largest fish producer in the world, accounting for 8% of global production. Total fish production in FY25 was 19.77 million metric tonnes (MMT) — 77% from inland sources and 23% from marine sources. The sector contributed an estimated ₹1.76 lakh crore, or 1.09% of national GVA, in 2023-24. Marine fish production rose from 34.43 lakh tonnes (2013-14) to 46.15 lakh tonnes (2024-25). Fisheries support nearly 30 million livelihoods. Over 350 varieties of marine products reach 130 countries; FY25 exports stood at 1.7 MMT worth ₹62,408.45 crore, growing 3.11% annually in volume.