1 . Pulsing Signals Reveal Hidden Structure Around Centaurus X-3
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Science & Technology | Space Research | Scientific Discoveries
- Scientists from the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), identified evidence of an accretion stream associated with an accretion disk in Centaurus X-3, a prominent high-mass X-ray binary.
- Centaurus X-3 (Cen X-3) is located in the constellation Centaurus, approximately 24,000 light-years away, and was among the first X-ray pulsars discovered. It was identified using observations by the Uhuru X-ray satellite in the early 1970s.
- Cen X-3 contains a highly magnetised neutron star orbiting a massive O-type supergiant companion, V779 Centauri. The companion has approximately 20 times the Sun’s mass, while the neutron star has about 1.34 solar masses.
- The system is an eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB): the companion periodically passes in front of the X-ray source, allowing scientists to study its orbital geometry and surrounding material.
- The neutron star has a spin period of approximately 8 seconds, while the binary system completes one orbit in about 2.1 days.
- A pulsar is a rotating, highly magnetised neutron star that emits radiation from its magnetic poles. The observed pulses occur as its radiation beams sweep across the observer’s line of sight.
- XMM-Newton observes the Universe in X-rays and helps scientists investigate energetic phenomena such as neutron stars, black holes and accreting binary systems.
- The researchers identified the accretion stream as the likely source of the changing emission lines. It transports matter from the accretion disk towards the neutron star, where magnetic field lines channel the material towards its poles.
- Primary emission originates from the pulsar, whereas secondary emission arises when surrounding matter absorbs and re-emits radiation. Its study can help determine the geometry and physical conditions of distant binary systems.
- The finding is important because HMXBs commonly accrete matter through direct capture of stellar wind, whereas Cen X-3 shows evidence of disk-mediated accretion.
2. Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Agriculture | Renewable Energy | Sustainable Development | Farmers’ Income- India hosted the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026 for the first time in the Global South. It was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on 21 October 2026.
- Agrivoltaics (AgriPV) combines solar electricity generation with continued agricultural cultivation on the same land, following the principle of “one land, two harvests.”
- A TERI study estimated that 47.5 million hectares of Indian cropland were technically suitable for agrivoltaics. Six states—Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh—account for nearly 50% of the estimated potential.
- AgriPV can reduce competition between food and energy production for land. Partial shading may also reduce evaporation and heat stress for suitable crops, although outcomes vary by crop and panel configuration.
- Field studies cited at the conference indicated 10–20% potential yield improvement for certain crops and approximately 30% lower water consumption under suitable systems.
- The next phase of PM-KUSUM is expected to expand solar energy in agriculture through an ambitious agrivoltaic programme. Under PM-KUSUM, approximately 30 lakh agricultural pumps had been connected to solar energy.
- PM-KUSUM components: Component A—decentralised grid-connected renewable power plants; Component B—standalone solar agricultural pumps; Component C—solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps, including feeder-level solarisation.
- Elevated AgriPV structures may cost 25–30% more than conventional ground-mounted solar. Some assessments estimate AgriPV generation costs at ₹3.20–₹3.30 per unit; comparisons should account for differences between project-generation costs and electricity supply costs.
- India’s installed non-fossil electricity capacity reached 03 GW, exceeding 55% of total installed capacity of approximately 560 GW. The conference also highlighted the potential to connect AgriPV planning with mandis, warehouses and cold-chain infrastructure.
- According to the CSTEP AgriPV Manual, agrivoltaics could generate an estimated 10 lakh–3.32 lakh full-time-equivalent jobs. The conference also highlighted Italy’s funding programme, Japan’s farmland support and Germany’s crop-yield-linked requirements.
- The Global Agrivoltaics Climate-Zone Technical Framework aims to support context-specific planning. India’s priority is to adapt international practices to smallholder farming, water stress and local agricultural conditions.
3. Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
Syllabus Mapping: GS-II: Social Justice | Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections | Government Policies and Interventions
- The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. It has been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
- NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995 and provides 100% central assistance for social assistance to eligible households below the poverty line in rural and urban areas.
- The four renamed schemes cover old-age pensions, widow pensions, disability pensions and family benefits. The first, second and fourth continue in their existing forms; the major revision concerns the disability pension.
- Article 41 (DPSP) provides for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, subject to the State’s economic capacity and development.
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, the benchmark disability threshold has been reduced from 80% to 40%, and the minimum age of 18 years has been removed, extending eligibility from birth.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Section 2(r) defines benchmark disability as at least 40% of a specified disability, certified by the competent authority.
- Central assistance has increased from ₹300 to ₹375 per month for beneficiaries aged 0–79 years, and from ₹500 to ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above. The disability pension’s beneficiary coverage has expanded from 33 lakh to 27.48 lakh.
- The reform extends potential coverage to children with benchmark disabilities and persons previously excluded by the higher disability threshold. Disability certification and the below-poverty-line household criterion remain applicable.
- NSAP covers approximately 20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories. States and UTs may supplement central assistance through their own pension top-ups.
- Implementation: State welfare departments, Gram Panchayats and municipalities participate in beneficiary identification, with payments largely made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Revised guidelines are to be issued within three months.
4. Modified UDAN Scheme – Viksit UDAN
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Infrastructure | Civil Aviation | Inclusive Growth | Regional Connectivity
- The Prime Minister launched the next phase of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) on 4 July 2026. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026, with an outlay of approximately ₹29,000 crore over 10 years, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- UDAN, launched in October 2016, aims to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity to underserved and unserved regions. The scheme has operationalised 687 regional routes across 95 aerodromes, including heliports and water aerodromes, and facilitated air travel for 72 crore passengers.
- The Modified UDAN Scheme provides ₹12,159 crore for developing 100 aerodromes, ₹2,577 crore for regional airport operations and maintenance, and ₹3,661 crore for developing 200 modern helipads.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of ₹10,043 crore will support regional airline operations, helping sustain routes that may not initially be commercially viable.
- The scheme promotes indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, to strengthen connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
- Regional air connectivity can support tourism, trade, emergency services and access to markets, while generating employment and improving economic integration of smaller cities and remote areas.
- The Prime Minister also inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of ₹480 crore. Spread across 23,342 sq. metres, it can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually.
- The terminal includes 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges and parking for approximately 320 cars. Its capacity addresses rising passenger demand, as the previous terminal could handle around four lakh passengers annually.
- The new terminal incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and green-building practices, with a target of achieving a 5-Star GRIHA rating. Its architecture combines modern infrastructure with traditional elements reflecting Rajasthan’s heritage.
5. Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026
Syllabus Mapping: GS-II: India–Australia Relations | GS-III: Defence and Security
- The 5th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced on 19 October 2026 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and will continue until 1 November 2026. Approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian and Australian armies are participating.
- The Indian contingent includes troops from the Garhwal Rifles, while the Australian contingent includes troops from 13 Brigade. The 2025 edition was held in Perth, Australia.
- Theme: Joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
- Chapter VII of the UN Charter concerns action in response to threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression.
- Training includes joint planning, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, coastal and island operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- First-time feature: An observer delegation from New Zealand is participating in the exercise.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation between India and Australia, supporting regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
