UPSC Current Affairs for 9ᵗʰ June 2026

By Educrat IAS Academy
June 9, 2026

Accelerating India’s Solar Energy Transition India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets, with solar power accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s installed electricity capacity. To accelerate the transition towards clean energy and enhance energy security, the government has launched flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Yojana and PM-KUSUM.......

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Accelerating India’s Solar Energy Transition

India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets, with solar power accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s installed electricity capacity. To accelerate the transition towards clean energy and enhance energy security, the government has launched flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Yojana and PM-KUSUM. While these initiatives have achieved notable progress, several implementation challenges continue to limit their full potential.

India’s Expanding Solar Ambitions

Growing Importance of Solar Energy

Solar power has become a central pillar of India’s renewable energy strategy.
India has added significant solar generation capacity over the last decade.
Solar energy helps reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Expansion of solar power supports India’s climate and energy security goals.

Need for Decentralised Energy Generation

Decentralised solar systems can reduce pressure on conventional power infrastructure.
Localised generation improves energy access in remote and underserved regions.
Distributed solar power can strengthen resilience against supply disruptions.
Rooftop solar systems enable consumers to become energy producers.

Major Challenges Facing Solar Adoption

High Upfront Installation Costs

The initial cost of solar systems remains a major barrier.
Many households struggle to mobilize funds despite available subsidies.
Farmers often face difficulties arranging capital for solar investments.
Financial constraints slow the pace of solar adoption significantly.

Uneven Regional Performance

Solar adoption varies considerably across different states and regions.
States with stronger institutional support generally perform better.
Administrative inefficiencies often delay project implementation.
Less developed regions continue to lag behind national leaders.

Awareness and Information Gaps

Many potential beneficiaries remain unaware of available government schemes.
Lack of technical knowledge discourages adoption among consumers.
Rural households often face difficulties navigating application procedures.
Greater awareness campaigns are necessary to improve participation.

Infrastructure Constraints

Grid infrastructure is not uniformly prepared for large-scale solar integration.
Distribution companies often face operational and financial challenges.
Delays in approvals can discourage prospective solar consumers.
Technical bottlenecks affect smooth implementation of solar projects.

Demand and Supply Implications

Meeting Rising Electricity Demand

India’s electricity demand continues to rise due to economic growth.
Solar power can help meet increasing energy requirements sustainably.
Peak demand periods increasingly require additional clean energy capacity.
Renewable energy reduces dependence on conventional power generation.

Supporting Energy Security

Domestic solar generation reduces vulnerability to global fuel price shocks.
Solar energy decreases dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Diversified energy sources strengthen long-term energy security.
Renewable expansion improves resilience against geopolitical disruptions.

Need for Better Incentive Design

Addressing Financial Barriers

Innovative financing mechanisms can improve solar affordability.
Low-interest loans can complement existing subsidy programmes.
Flexible payment models can encourage wider consumer participation.
Financial institutions should expand credit access for solar investments.

Improving Consumer Incentives

Incentives should be designed to maximize long-term adoption rates.
Timely subsidy disbursement can improve programme effectiveness.
Simplified procedures can reduce administrative burdens on beneficiaries.
Consumer confidence increases when benefits are delivered efficiently.

Way Forward

Strengthening Financial Support

Affordable financing should be made available for households and farmers.
Credit support mechanisms can accelerate rooftop solar installations.
Innovative financial products should target smaller consumers.
Public and private investment must complement government subsidies.

Improving Implementation

States should streamline approval and installation procedures.
Greater coordination between agencies can improve project delivery.
Digital platforms should simplify scheme applications and monitoring.
Capacity-building initiatives should strengthen local implementation systems.

Expanding Awareness

Awareness campaigns should educate citizens about solar benefits.
Local governments should actively promote available schemes.
Technical support services should assist first-time solar adopters.
Community participation can improve programme outreach and acceptance.

India’s solar energy transition is critical for achieving energy security, climate commitments, and sustainable economic growth. Schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Yojana and PM-KUSUM have laid a strong foundation for expanding decentralised solar generation across households and farms. However, challenges related to financing, awareness, infrastructure, and implementation continue to constrain progress. Addressing these bottlenecks through targeted reforms and stronger institutional support will be essential for unlocking the full potential of India’s solar revolution.

Prelims Boosters

Barren Island

Context:

Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea, remains the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia and the only active volcano in India.

About Barren Island

What is it?

Barren Island is a volcanic island located in the Andaman Sea.
It is the only active volcano in India.
It is also the only active volcano in South Asia.
The island forms part of the Indian Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Location

Geographical Position

Located in the Andaman Sea.
Lies about 138 km northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Situated in the eastern part of the Andaman archipelago.

Tectonic Setting

Located above the subduction zone between the Indian Plate and the Burmese Plate.
A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate moves beneath another.
Such zones are commonly associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Geological Features

Volcanic Structure

Barren Island is the exposed summit of a large underwater volcano.
The volcano rises approximately 2,250 metres from the sea floor.
Its peak stands about 354 metres above sea level.

Island Size

The island is about 3 kilometres in diameter.
It contains a large volcanic crater near the coastline.

0.5 kilometre from the shore

Stratovolcano

Barren Island is a stratovolcano.
A stratovolcano is a steep volcanic cone formed by repeated layers of lava, volcanic ash, and rock fragments.
Such volcanoes are known for explosive eruptions.

Volcanic Activity

Active Volcano

Barren Island is the only active volcano in the chain of islands extending from Myanmar to Sumatra.
It has experienced several eruptions in recent history.

Recent Eruptions

The volcano has erupted multiple times over the years.
The most recent significant eruptions occurred in 2017.

Physical Environment

Vegetation

The volcanic zone is largely barren and devoid of vegetation.
Frequent volcanic activity makes plant growth difficult.

Surface Features

Large areas are covered with sharp basaltic rocks.
Basalt is a dark volcanic rock formed from cooled lava.
These rocks cover nearly half of the island’s surface.

Human Presence

Uninhabited Nature

The island is extremely remote.
It is largely uninhabited due to active volcanic conditions.
Human access is limited because of safety concerns and ecological sensitivity.

Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs)

Context:

A joint study by Punjabi University, Patiala, and PGIMER, Chandigarh has developed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methods to assist in the diagnosis of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs).

About Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs)

What are AIBDs?

Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) are a group of rare skin disorders.
They are also known as Autoimmune Bullous Disorders.
They occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin and mucous membranes.
This abnormal immune response leads to the formation of blisters and sores.

Cause

Autoimmune Reaction

The immune system attacks proteins that help bind skin cells together.
This weakens the connection between skin layers.
As a result, fluid-filled blisters develop on the skin or mucous membranes.

Affected Areas

Skin

Some types of AIBDs mainly affect the skin surface.
Blisters may appear on different parts of the body.

Mucous Membranes

Other forms primarily affect mucous membranes (soft inner lining of body passages).

Commonly Affected Sites: Mouth, Nose, Throat, Eyes, Genital region

Symptoms

Skin-related Symptoms

Fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
Painful sores after blisters rupture.
Itching and irritation.
Skin redness and discomfort.

Mucosal Symptoms

Blisters and ulcers inside the mouth.
Difficulty eating or swallowing.
Eye irritation and inflammation.
Lesions in the nose, throat, or genital region.

Why are AIBDs Serious?

Potential Complications

Though rare, AIBDs can become severe if left untreated.

Extensive Skin Loss

Large areas of skin may become damaged.

Secondary Infections

Open wounds increase the risk of bacterial infections.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Painful mouth ulcers may reduce food intake.

Eye Damage

Eye involvement can lead to vision-related complications.

Mucosal Damage

Long-term injury to mucous membranes may occur.

Life-Threatening Potential

Severe untreated cases can become life-threatening due to infections and systemic complications.

Treatment

Main Objective

To suppress the abnormal immune response.
To prevent the formation of new blisters.
To promote healing of existing lesions.

Corticosteroids

Commonly used to reduce inflammation and immune activity.
Help control blister formation.

Immunosuppressive Drugs

Reduce excessive immune system activity.
Used in moderate to severe cases.

Biologic Therapy

Rituximab is an important biologic medicine used in treatment.
Targets specific immune cells responsible for the disease.

Supportive Care

Wound Care

Proper cleaning and dressing of affected areas.
Promotes healing and prevents complications.

Infection Prevention

Reduces the risk of secondary infections.

Nutritional Support

Helps patients maintain adequate nutrition, especially when oral lesions are present.

Pyroprocessing

Context:

Pyroprocessing is being widely used across various industries around the world, including cement manufacturing, metallurgy, and the nuclear sector.

About Pyroprocessing

What is it?

Pyroprocessing is a process that changes the physical or chemical properties of a material using very high temperatures.
It is a dry processing technique.
It is highly energy-intensive (requires a large amount of energy).
It is mainly used in cement production, metal extraction, and nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Key Features

High-Temperature Process

Involves heating materials to extremely high temperatures.
Causes chemical reactions or physical transformations in the material.

Dry Process

Does not rely on water-based chemical reactions.
Uses heat as the primary processing medium.

Energy Intensive

Requires significant energy input to achieve and maintain high temperatures.

Applications of Pyroprocessing

Cement Manufacturing

Process

Finely ground limestone, clay, and iron ore are fed into a rotary kiln (a large rotating furnace).
At around 900°C, limestone releases carbon dioxide (CO₂).
At about 1,450°C, the mixture partially melts.
This forms marble-sized nodules known as clinker.
The clinker is then ground into fine powder to produce cement.

Importance

Forms the core manufacturing process in the cement industry.
Accounts for the largest use of pyroprocessing globally.

Metallurgy (Metal Extraction)

Roasting

Sulphide ores are heated in the presence of air.
This converts sulphide ores into metal oxides.
Example: Zinc sulphide is converted into zinc oxide.

Smelting

Ore is melted at high temperatures.
The desired metal is separated from impurities.
The waste material removed during the process is called slag.

Importance

Enables extraction and purification of metals from ores.
Widely used in iron, copper, zinc, and other metal industries.

Nuclear Industry

Reprocessing of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Used nuclear fuel is cut into small pieces.
The pieces are placed in a molten salt bath.

Salt Bath Composition

Usually contains lithium chloride and potassium chloride.
Temperature is maintained at 500°C or higher.

Electrochemical Separation

Electric current is passed through the molten salt.
Different elements separate according to their electrochemical properties.
Useful elements are recovered in separate streams.

Importance

Helps recover valuable materials from spent nuclear fuel.
Reduces nuclear waste volume.
Supports efficient utilization of nuclear resources.

Advantages of Pyroprocessing

Industrial Efficiency

Suitable for large-scale industrial operations.
Enables rapid processing of materials.

Resource Recovery

Helps extract valuable products from raw materials and waste.

Nuclear Fuel Recycling

Allows recovery and reuse of useful nuclear materials.

Challenges

High Energy Requirement

Consumes large amounts of energy.
Can increase production costs.

Environmental Concerns

May release greenhouse gases and industrial emissions.
Requires pollution-control measures.

High Infrastructure Cost

Needs specialized high-temperature equipment and facilities.

Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali

Context:

The Executive Council of Barkatullah University, Bhopal, has passed a proposal to rename the institution as Vagdevi Bhojpal University.

About Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali

Who was he?

Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali (1854–1927) was a prominent freedom fighter, revolutionary, scholar, and journalist.
He dedicated his life to India’s struggle against British colonial rule.
He served as the Prime Minister of India’s first Provisional Government in Exile established in Kabul in 1915.
He spent most of his adult life abroad building international support for India’s independence.

Early Life

Birth and Education

Born on 7 July 1854 in Bhopal, present-day Madhya Pradesh.
He was a brilliant student with knowledge of multiple languages.
Pursued higher studies in Bombay and later in London.

Political Awakening

Worked as a teacher of Arabic and Persian in Liverpool, England.
Came into contact with Indian revolutionary nationalists.
Published anti-British articles and delivered speeches against colonial rule.
Due to increasing British surveillance, he moved to the United States in 1899.

Ideology

Hindu-Muslim Unity

Strongly believed in Hindu-Muslim unity.
Opposed the British policy of divide and rule.
Argued that colonial exploitation affected all Indians regardless of religion.
Emphasized united action by all communities for achieving independence.

Major Contributions to the Freedom Movement

Provisional Government of India in Kabul (1915)

Co-founded the Provisional Government of India in Kabul on 1 December 1915.
It was the first Indian government established outside British control.

Key Members

• Raja Mahendra Pratap – President.
Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali – Prime Minister.
Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi – Home Minister.

Role in the Ghadar Party

Became an important leader of the Ghadar Party.
Supported armed revolution against British rule.
Rejected constitutional and gradual methods of achieving independence.
Worked to inspire revolt within the British Indian Army.

Activities During World War I

Collaborated with Germany during World War I.
Considered Britain’s enemies as potential allies in India’s freedom struggle.
Visited Indian prisoner-of-war camps in Europe.
Encouraged captured Indian soldiers to join the anti-British revolutionary movement.

Meeting with Lenin

Met Vladimir Lenin in Moscow in 1919.
Sought international support for India’s independence movement.

Last Years

Continued Revolutionary Activities

Remained active in anti-colonial efforts despite health problems.
Continued working against British rule while living abroad.

Death

Died in September 1927 in San Francisco.
Passed away while attending a gathering of the Ghadar Party.
Was buried in California, United States.

Key Achievements

Prime Minister of Government-in-Exile

Served as Prime Minister of India’s first Provisional Government in Kabul.
Led diplomatic efforts to gain international recognition for India’s independence.

Internationalization of the Freedom Struggle

Expanded India’s freedom movement beyond national boundaries.
Built revolutionary networks across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Inspiration for Future Revolutionaries

His efforts influenced later revolutionary movements.
Inspired the activities of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Contributed indirectly to the development of the Indian National Army.

E85 Fuel

Context:

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas launched E85 fuel at a retail outlet in New Delhi.

About E85 Fuel

What is it?

E85 is a high-ethanol biofuel blend.
It contains 80%–85% ethanol and 14%–19% petrol.
It is a high-octane fuel (fuel with better combustion performance).
It is designed for specially modified internal combustion engines (engines that burn fuel inside the engine).
It is not meant for ordinary petrol vehicles.

Context and Evolution

Global Experience

The E85 model draws inspiration from Brazil.
More than 80% of Brazil’s light vehicles use flexible high-ethanol fuel technology.
Brazil has successfully used high-blend ethanol fuels for several decades.

India’s Ethanol Journey

India’s ethanol blending level was 1.53% in 2014.
India achieved the E20 standard (20% ethanol and 80% petrol) nationwide in 2026.
The target was achieved five years ahead of the original schedule.

Objectives

Reducing Fuel Costs

To pass the economic benefits of domestically produced ethanol to consumers.
To provide a cheaper alternative to conventional petrol.

Energy Security

To reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
To lower the country’s oil import bill.

Environmental Benefits

To promote cleaner and renewable fuel usage.
To support urban decarbonization (reduction of carbon emissions in cities).

Key Features of the E85 Ecosystem

Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Exclusivity

E85 can only be used in Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).
FFVs are vehicles designed to run on different ethanol-petrol mixtures.
These vehicles can operate on fuel blends ranging from E20 to E100.
E85 cannot be used in conventional petrol vehicles.
High ethanol content may damage standard engines because of its corrosive properties.

Competitive Pricing

E85 is priced around ₹20 per litre cheaper than conventional petrol.
Lower pricing aims to encourage consumer adoption.

Phased Rollout Plan

Initial launch covers 48 public sector oil marketing retail outlets.
Expansion target is 500 outlets by December 2026.
Further expansion aims for 5,000 outlets by December 2027.

Retail Safety Measures

Fuel dispensers will carry clear warning labels.
Labels will indicate that E85 is meant only for E85-compatible vehicles.
This will help prevent accidental misfueling.

Future Target

Ethanol Blending Goal 2030–31

E85 rollout is part of India’s long-term biofuel strategy.
India aims to increase overall ethanol blending to nearly 26% by 2030–31.
The initiative supports cleaner energy transition and reduced fossil fuel dependence.