State PCS Current Affairs

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 reveals a significant increase in the Female Labour Force Participation rate (FLFPR) since 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall FLFPR for those aged 15 years and above increased from 30% in 2019-20 to 40% in 2025. The increase was more pronounced in rural areas, where the FLFPR rose from 33% to 45.9%, compared with an increase from 23.3% to 27.7% in urban areas.

The Tribal Council of Great and Little Nicobar has raised concerns over alleged remarks that the Shompen should adopt a “modern lifestyle” in the context of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project. The issue highlights tensions between infrastructure development, tribal rights and conservation. Shompen: An indigenous Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) inhabiting Great Nicobar Island.

As of August 20, 2026, 29 FDI proposals worth ₹4,895.65 crore have been reported under **India**’s revised framework, highlighting a shift towards facilitating investment while retaining safeguards. About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) It refers to investment by an entity or individual of one country into a business located in another country with a lasting interest and significant influence over management.

**India** and the United Kingdom reviewed their defence-industrial cooperation, military exchanges and maritime security partnership during the 25th **India**–U. Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting held in New Delhi. Defence Industrial Cooperation: **India** and the U.

**India** is looking to bring five additional nuclear reactors online in this decade and to increase its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047. Installed Capacity: **India** has 25 active nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 8.7 gigawatt-electric (GWe). Nuclear power reactors in the country generated 56,681 million units of energy in 2024-25.

The diversion of sugarcane and foodgrains towards ethanol production has raised concerns over rising sugar and food prices, highlighting the trade-off between energy security and food security under **India**’s ethanol-blending programme. Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol. It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.

**India** and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Diplomatic Relations: Relations were established in 1948, and the two countries have been Strategic Partners since 2006. Both sides also have several Joint Working Groups to take forward sectoral cooperation.

The **Supreme Court** is hearing a plea challenging the constitutional legality of polygamy under the Muslim Personal Law. It is the practice of having more than one married spouse — wife or husband. Types: Polygyny: One man having multiple wives.

**India**’s coconut sector, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural economy and cultural traditions, is steadily evolving from a predominantly traditional farming activity into a diversified, export-oriented industry. It is often described as the “Kalpavriksha” or “Tree of Life” because almost every part of the plant has economic or practical uses. Type of Plant: Coconut is a perennial plantation crop and a monocotyledonous palm belonging to the family Arecaceae.

Syllabus: GS3/Renewable Energy/Infrastructure Insufficient transmission lines have emerged as a major obstacle to **India**’s rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity. Close to 21 gigawatts (GW), that is about 9% of the country’s installed renewable energy capacity, is currently transferred from plants through temporary grid connections while awaiting dedicated transmission infrastructure.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed introducing a Unique Identification (UID) number for doctors, aimed at creating a uniform digital identity for medical professionals and improving transparency in registration and verification. The proposal is significant for strengthening the digital governance of the medical profession. Established under the National Medical Commission **Act**, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of **India** (MCI).

The Gaganyaan mission will require **India** to demonstrate the safe re-entry of a crew module carrying astronauts, making its Thermal Protection System (TPS) one of the most critical technologies for ensuring crew safety during the return journey to Earth. Why is Thermal Protection Critical During Re-entry? Handles extreme heat: During Gaganyaan’s return from LEO, the capsule enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, converting most of its kinetic energy into intense heat.

**India** and Japan signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) on Maritime Security Cooperation and agreed to deepen operational cooperation including information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair and logistics support. Historical Linkages of **India**-Japan Ties The historical links between **India** and Japan go back to the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism into Japan, which fostered a strong cultural affinity among the Japanese.

The Ministry of Defence notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), comprising 405 items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore. The list is notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and covers Line Replaceable Units (LRU), sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials for key defence platforms. These include Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters; fighter jets including the Su-30MKIs, Jaguars and MiG-29s; the Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine.

The NSO’s ‘Annual **Report** on Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS) **Scheme**, 2023-24’ has flagged serious procedural lapses in Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs), the backbone of **India**’s crop production estimates. How Production Estimates Are Derived? Final production = Area under crop × Average yield per hectare.

Context: The **Supreme Court** upheld the constitutional validity of execution by hanging, rejecting a PIL that challenged it as cruel and violative of the right to dignity under Article 21. About Hanging as a Constitutional Mode of Execution: Execution by hanging is the statutory procedure prescribed under Section 393(5) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (formerly Section 354(5) of the CrPC, 1973), which directs that a condemned prisoner be hanged by the neck till he is dead.

Polity and Governance SHANTI_Rules_2026 The draft SHANTI Rules 2026 propose a framework for nuclear operator liability, insurance, and financial security as **India** plans to expand its nuclear power sector and increase private participation. The rules emphasize mandatory financial protections and periodic liability reviews. Syllabus: GS2/Government Policies & Interventions; GS3/Energy

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance Punjab’s new sacrilege law has reignited debate over the criminalisation of reli­gious offence in a sec­u­lar state. Recently, the Gov­ernor of Punjab gave his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) **Act**.

Corporate investment, as a share of GDP, has been declining in **India**. It refers to the acquisition of financial assets, business operations, or strategic projects by a company to generate financial returns or add long-term value. Corporate investment as a percentage of **India**’s GDP has fallen, especially following the 2016 demonetisation.

The government has introduced the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers–Disclosure **Scheme** (FAST-DS), providing a limited window for eligible taxpayers to disclose certain previously undisclosed foreign assets/income. The scheme opened on 16 August 2026 and remains available until 31 December 2026. Target: Small taxpayers with certain undisclosed foreign assets/income.

A new freshwater crab species, Ghatiana karnataka, has been scientifically described from Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Udupi, Karnataka. It was discovered by a beat forester and described with a scientist from the Zoological Survey of **India** (ZSI). Location: Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Central Western Ghats, Karnataka.

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance As per the report submitted before the **Supreme Court**, a total of 4,192 cases against sitting and former MPs and MLAs are pending trial across the country. Chief Ministers of 14 of 28 states have criminal cases against them pending trials.

Friedreich ataxia (FA) has gained attention as a rare inherited neurological disorder for which newer disease-modifying treatment options are emerging. The disease remains an important example of how understanding genetic mutations can guide targeted therapies. Nature: Rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder affecting coordination and movement.

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Infrastructure A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of railway passenger amenities for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found major deficiencies in basic facilities, drinking-water quality, implementation of passenger-amenity works and monitoring mechanisms. The Railway Board introduced Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) in 2003, with the norms revised in 2018.