Daily Current Affairs - 10th & 11th July 2026
- Kaushal
- Jul 13
- 26 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India - Australia Summit, RBI NDS-OM, PROTACs, Mugger Crocodiles, Cyanobacteria, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation and more.
Table of Content
Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS)
During the Prime Minister of India's visit to Australia, the two countries signed the Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS). The agreement replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation.
The partnership reflects the growing strategic convergence between India and Australia in promoting a secure, resilient, and rules-based Indo-Pacific amid increasing geopolitical and technological competition.
About PACTS
The Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) is a comprehensive bilateral framework designed to strengthen cooperation in areas of cybersecurity, critical technologies, supply chain resilience, digital infrastructure, and defence research.
Core Objective
The primary objective of PACTS is to:
Enhance the national security of both countries;
Build resilient critical supply chains;
Strengthen global cyber resilience; and
Promote greater digital choices through secure, trusted, and diversified technological partnerships.
Critical supply chains are supply networks for strategically important goods and technologies whose disruption could adversely affect national security, economic stability, or industrial development.
Cyber resilience refers to the ability of governments, organizations, and digital systems to prevent, withstand, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks while maintaining essential services.
Governance Mechanism
The implementation of PACTS will be jointly led by:
Australia's Deputy Secretary (International and Security Group); and
India's Deputy National Security Advisor (DNSA).
The partnership will also be guided through Annual Senior Officials' Meetings, ensuring regular policy coordination, monitoring, and review of progress across different areas of cooperation.
Five Pillars of PACTS
Pillar 1: Supply Chain Resilience and Diversification
The first pillar focuses on strengthening and diversifying supply chains for strategically important resources and technologies.
It aims to secure supply chains relating to:
Critical minerals,
Semiconductors, and
Trusted undersea communication cables across the Indo-Pacific.
Critical minerals are minerals that are essential for modern technologies and national security but face significant risks of supply disruption. Examples include lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
Semiconductors are electronic components (computer chips) that form the foundation of modern electronics, telecommunications, defence systems, automobiles, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Undersea cables are submarine fibre-optic communication networks that carry the vast majority of global internet and international telecommunications traffic.
Pillar 2: Critical Technology Cooperation
The second pillar seeks to strengthen bilateral collaboration in a range of emerging and strategically important technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI),
Space technologies,
Telecommunications,
Biotechnology,
Advanced materials, and
Development of global technology standards.
Advanced materials are specially engineered materials possessing superior physical, chemical, or mechanical properties for use in sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, healthcare, and clean energy.
Developing common global technology standards helps ensure interoperability, security, and compatibility of emerging technologies across countries.
Pillar 3: Cybersecurity Cooperation
The third pillar aims to strengthen cooperation in addressing cyber threats by:
Deterring cybercrime,
Protecting critical infrastructure, and
Establishing a Cyber Technology Skill Incubator Hub.
— Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using computers, digital networks, or the internet, including hacking, ransomware attacks, financial fraud, and identity theft.
— Critical infrastructure includes essential systems and assets—such as power grids, banking systems, communication networks, transportation, and healthcare—whose disruption could severely affect national security or public safety.
— A Cyber Technology Skill Incubator Hub is a collaborative platform for developing skilled cybersecurity professionals, promoting innovation, and supporting research in cyber technologies.
Pillar 4: Digital Resilience
The fourth pillar focuses on strengthening digital resilience by promoting India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) solutions among developing countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Digital resilience refers to the ability of digital systems and public services to continue functioning effectively despite cyberattacks, technical failures, or other disruptions.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) comprises interoperable digital platforms that deliver public services securely and efficiently at scale.
Under this pillar, India will support the regional adoption of its DPI solutions, including:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India's real-time digital payment system; and
Digital identity platforms (Identity Stacks), which enable secure digital authentication and service delivery.
Pillar 5: Defence Research Collaboration
The fifth pillar seeks to deepen bilateral defence cooperation by promoting:
Joint defence research and development (R&D),
Technological innovation,
Development of maritime technologies, and
Collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).
Maritime technologies include technologies related to naval platforms, underwater systems, maritime surveillance, ocean observation, and coastal security.
Significance of PACTS for India
1. Strengthening Supply Chain Security
PACTS strengthens India's access to Australian critical minerals, particularly lithium and cobalt, which are essential for:
Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries,
Renewable energy storage systems, and
Advanced manufacturing.
— This supports India's green energy transition and complements the India Semiconductor Mission by promoting cooperation in semiconductor research and development.
— The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is the Government of India's flagship programme aimed at developing a robust domestic semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem.
2. Expanding India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Globally
The agreement provides formal support for expanding India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) across developing countries in the Indo-Pacific.
This strengthens India's position as a leading provider of digital governance solutions, particularly through platforms such as UPI and digital identity systems, while enhancing regional digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
3. Enhancing Security in the Indian Ocean
Greater collaboration between DRDO and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is expected to strengthen:
Maritime surveillance,
Defence research,
Scientific cooperation, and
Overall security presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Improved technological cooperation enhances India's capability to monitor and respond to evolving maritime security challenges.
4. Promoting Democratic Governance of Artificial Intelligence
PACTS also promotes collaboration in developing democratic and transparent frameworks for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The partnership seeks to ensure shared access to:
High-performance computing (compute power),
Large Language Models (LLMs), and
Advanced AI infrastructure.
— A Large Language Model (LLM) is an Artificial Intelligence model trained on massive volumes of text data to understand and generate human-like language for tasks such as translation, summarization, coding, and question answering.
— By encouraging open, democratic, and collaborative AI governance, the partnership enables India to reduce dependence on concentrated or monopolistic technology ecosystems while promoting secure and inclusive technological development.
3rd India–Australia Annual Summit 2026
The 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit 2026, held during the Prime Minister of India's visit to Australia, marked another significant milestone in the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries.
Both leaders agreed to fast-track negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and broaden cooperation across trade, defence, technology, education, culture, and sports.
The leaders also highlighted the evolution of bilateral relations from the traditional "Three Cs"—Cricket, Curry, and Commonwealth to the "Four Ds"—Democracy, Defence, Diaspora, and Dosti (Friendship), symbolizing a more mature, strategic, and multifaceted partnership.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is a broad-based trade agreement that aims to liberalize trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and economic cooperation, going beyond a conventional Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Key Outcomes of the Summit
1. Civil Nuclear Cooperation
One of the major outcomes of the summit was the operationalization of the 2015 India–Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement.
This enables the commercial export of Australian uranium to India for peaceful civilian purposes, particularly for clean energy generation through nuclear power.
The agreement supports India's objective of expanding its clean energy portfolio while ensuring compliance with international nuclear safety and non-proliferation commitments.
2. Defence and Maritime Security
The summit further strengthened defence and security cooperation between the two countries.
Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation
India and Australia adopted a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which renews the 2009 Security Declaration.
The declaration focuses on:
Improving force interoperability,
Strengthening capacity building, and
Expanding defence-industrial collaboration.
— Force interoperability refers to the ability of the armed forces of different countries to operate together effectively through compatible equipment, communication systems, doctrines, and operational procedures.
— Capacity building involves enhancing institutional, technological, and human resource capabilities to improve defence preparedness.
Maritime Security Cooperation
The two countries also agreed on the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap (MSCR).
The roadmap aims to strengthen:
Information sharing,
Maritime coordination, and
Regional maritime security cooperation.
In addition, India will post an Indian Military Instructor at the Australian Defence College during 2028–29, further enhancing military-to-military cooperation.
3. Technology and Space Cooperation
Recognizing the strategic importance of emerging technologies, both countries expanded collaboration in innovation and space.
Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) MoU
The summit advanced the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement promotes trilateral cooperation in:
Emerging technologies,
Scientific research, and
Innovation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a formal agreement expressing the intent of parties to cooperate in specified areas without necessarily creating legally binding obligations.
Space Cooperation
Australia also extended support to India's Gaganyaan Programme by establishing a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
A space tracking terminal monitors and communicates with spacecraft during different stages of their mission, supporting navigation, telemetry, and mission control.
4. Education and Skill Development
Education and skill development emerged as another major pillar of cooperation.
Foreign University Campuses in India
Both countries agreed to facilitate the establishment of Australian university campuses in India through Letters of Intent (LoIs) for:
Flinders University at Bengaluru, and
Victoria University at Gurugram.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) is a preliminary document indicating the intention of parties to proceed with a proposed collaboration or agreement.
Centre of Excellence in Mining
A Centre of Excellence in Mining will be established at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Bhubaneswar.
The centre will train students in:
Mining operations,
Advanced mining machinery, and
Industry-relevant technical skills.
5. Culture and Heritage
The summit also strengthened cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Repatriation of Antiquities
Australia agreed to return three Indian antiquities dating from the 11th–12th centuries, namely:
Stone Nandi,
Bronze Trident with Bhadrakali, and
Stone Karttikeya.
Repatriation of antiquities refers to the return of historically or culturally significant artefacts to their country of origin.
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
Australia's Intellectual Property (IP) Office will receive access to India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a digital repository documenting India's traditional medicinal knowledge to prevent the wrongful granting of patents based on existing traditional knowledge.
This cooperation will help prevent erroneous patents relating to India's traditional knowledge systems.
6. Sports Diplomacy
Sports cooperation was also significantly expanded.
India–Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap
The two countries adopted the India–Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap, which focuses on:
High-performance sports training,
Capacity building,
Sports science, and
Sports event management.
Support for India's 2036 Olympic Bid
The Australian Prime Minister announced Australia's support for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, reflecting growing cooperation in international sports governance.
Significance of the Summit
The 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit 2026 represents a significant advancement in bilateral relations by expanding cooperation across strategic, economic, technological, educational, cultural, and people-to-people domains.
Key implications include:
Economic Integration: Fast-tracking the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is expected to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Energy Security: Operationalizing the 2015 Civil Nuclear Agreement strengthens India's access to Australian uranium for peaceful nuclear energy generation.
Defence and Maritime Security: Enhanced defence cooperation, interoperability, maritime coordination, and defence-industrial collaboration contribute to a more secure Indo-Pacific.
Technology and Innovation: Collaboration in emerging technologies and support for the Gaganyaan Mission strengthen India's scientific and technological capabilities.
Education and Skill Development: Establishment of Australian university campuses and a mining Centre of Excellence promotes higher education, skill development, and knowledge exchange.
Cultural Cooperation: The return of antiquities and access to TKDL reinforce efforts to preserve India's cultural heritage and protect its traditional knowledge.
People-to-People Ties: Enhanced cooperation in education, sports, culture, and the emphasis on the "Four Ds"—Democracy, Defence, Diaspora, and Dosti—reflect the evolution of India–Australia relations into a broad-based strategic partnership.
India-Australia Relations
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Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM)
Bloomberg has launched an electronic trading platform that enables Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to directly trade Indian Government securities by connecting to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM).
This development is expected to improve foreign investor access to India's government bond market, enhance market liquidity, and strengthen the efficiency of the country's debt market.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are overseas investors who invest in a country's financial assets—such as shares, bonds, and government securities—without acquiring management control over the entities in which they invest.
About Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM)
The Negotiated Dealing System–Order Matching (NDS-OM) is a screen-based electronic anonymous order matching platform developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for trading Government securities (G-Secs) in the secondary market.
It was launched by the RBI in 2005 to improve transparency, efficiency, and liquidity in the government securities market.
A secondary market is a financial market where existing securities are bought and sold among investors after their initial issuance, without involving the original issuer.
Scope of Trading
The NDS-OM platform facilitates trading in various categories of Government securities (G-Secs), including:
Central Government Bonds,
State Development Loans (SDLs), and
Treasury Bills (T-Bills).
— Government Securities (G-Secs) are debt instruments issued by the Central or State Governments to borrow money from the public. They are generally regarded as low-risk investments because they carry the sovereign guarantee of the Government.
— State Development Loans (SDLs) are long-term debt instruments issued by State Governments to finance their fiscal requirements.
— Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are short-term Government securities, usually issued with maturities of 91 days, 182 days, or 364 days, and are sold at a discount to their face value.
Order Matching Mechanism
The NDS-OM operates through an anonymous order matching system, meaning that the identities of buyers and sellers remain undisclosed during trading.
The platform follows a transparent price-time priority mechanism:
Orders offering the best price are matched first.
If two or more orders are placed at the same price, the order that was entered earlier receives priority.
This price-time priority ensures fairness, transparency, and efficient price discovery in the market.
Price discovery is the process through which market participants determine the fair market price of a security based on demand and supply.
Settlement of Trades
Trades executed on the NDS-OM platform are settled on a T+1 basis.
T+1 settlement means that the transfer of securities and payment is completed one working day after the trade date (Transaction Day + 1).
The settlement of all transactions is guaranteed by the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
The Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL) is a financial market infrastructure institution that provides clearing and settlement services, guarantees settlement of eligible trades, and helps reduce counterparty risk in financial markets.
Counterparty risk refers to the possibility that one party to a financial transaction may fail to fulfil its contractual obligations.
Restriction on Gilt Account Holders (GAHs)
Under the NDS-OM framework, Gilt Account Holders (GAHs) are not permitted to undertake short selling of Government securities.
A Gilt Account is an account maintained with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or an authorized intermediary for holding Government securities in electronic form.
Short selling refers to the practice of selling a security that the seller does not currently own, with the expectation of repurchasing it later at a lower price to earn a profit.
This restriction helps maintain the stability and integrity of the Government securities market by limiting speculative trading by Gilt Account Holders.
National Programme for Issuance of LoA for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas
The Vice President of India launched the National Programme for Issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas. The initiative operationalizes the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement aimed at creating an enabling framework for the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas. It seeks to promote responsible deep-sea fishing, enhance fisher incomes, boost seafood exports, and strengthen India's Blue Economy.
High Seas Fisheries
The programme focuses on high seas fisheries, which involve fishing activities carried out in waters beyond areas of national jurisdiction.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline, within which the coastal State enjoys sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing marine resources.
The High Seas refer to all parts of the ocean lying beyond the EEZ of any country, where no single State exercises sovereignty. These areas are governed by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
High seas fisheries therefore involve the harvesting of marine resources found exclusively in waters beyond the EEZ.
National Programme for Issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoA)
To regulate and promote sustainable fishing in the High Seas, the Government has introduced the National Programme for Issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoA).
About the Letter of Authorisation (LoA)
A Letter of Authorisation (LoA) is a mandatory, vessel-specific, and non-transferable authorization issued to Indian-flagged fishing vessels, permitting them to undertake fishing operations in the High Seas.
The authorization is valid for three years.
It is mandatory under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025.
— Being vessel-specific means that the authorization is issued for a particular fishing vessel and cannot be used by another vessel.
— A non-transferable authorization cannot be transferred, assigned, or sold to any other individual or entity.
— Indian-flagged fishing vessels are fishing vessels registered in India and operating under the Indian national flag in accordance with Indian maritime laws.
Digital Processing through the ReALCraft Portal
The issuance and management of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) have been integrated with the ReALCraft (Registration and Licensing of Fishing Craft) Portal.
The ReALCraft Portal is a digital platform for the registration and licensing of fishing vessels, enabling transparent processing, efficient monitoring, and improved regulatory compliance.
The integration of LoAs with the portal enhances transparency, reduces administrative delays, and facilitates digital record management.
Priority Beneficiaries
The programme gives priority in the issuance of LoAs to:
Fisheries Cooperatives,
Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), and
Indian fishermen.
A Fish Farmer Producer Organisation (FFPO) is a collective organization of fish farmers formed to improve access to inputs, technology, finance, processing facilities, and markets, thereby enhancing their income and bargaining power.
Promoting Responsible and Sustainable Fishing
The programme emphasizes responsible and sustainable fishing practices by ensuring that Indian fishing vessels comply with internationally accepted conservation measures.
Accordingly, vessels operating under the programme must adhere to regulations prescribed by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), including:
Catch limits,
Bycatch mitigation measures, and
Other conservation and fisheries management requirements.
Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) are international organizations established by groups of countries to conserve and sustainably manage fish stocks in specific regions of the world's oceans.
— Catch limits specify the maximum quantity of fish that can be harvested from a fish stock during a given period to prevent overfishing.
— Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species such as dolphins, turtles, sharks, or juvenile fish during fishing operations.
— Bycatch mitigation involves adopting fishing techniques and technologies that reduce accidental capture of non-target species.
Expected Benefits of the Programme
The programme is expected to generate multiple economic and environmental benefits.
1. Harnessing India's High Seas Fishing Potential
It seeks to unlock India's largely untapped high seas fisheries, particularly high-value tuna fisheries, thereby expanding the country's marine resource utilization.
2. Increasing Fisher Incomes and Seafood Exports
Greater participation in high seas fishing is expected to improve the incomes of Indian fishermen while expanding India's seafood exports in international markets.
3. Improving Traceability and International Certification
The digital authorization system strengthens traceability and supports compliance with international certification standards.
Traceability refers to the ability to track seafood products throughout the supply chain—from harvesting and processing to export and final consumption—ensuring transparency, legality, and food safety.
International certification enhances the acceptance of Indian seafood in global markets by demonstrating compliance with sustainability and quality standards.
4. Strengthening India's Blue Economy
The programme contributes to the growth of India's Blue Economy by promoting the sustainable use of marine resources while supporting economic development and environmental conservation.
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, employment generation, and ecosystem conservation.
5. Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship
The initiative is also expected to attract young entrepreneurs into the fisheries sector by creating opportunities in deep-sea fishing, seafood processing, logistics, marine technology, and allied industries.
Related Initiative: Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036)
Complementing the national initiative, the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) has also been launched.
The mission is a flagship Blue Economy initiative aimed at transforming Odisha into a major deep-sea fishing and marine export hub.
Its key focus areas include:
Development of modern fishing infrastructure,
Promotion of scientific fisheries management, and
Strengthening market linkages for marine products.
Through these interventions, the mission seeks to:
Increase fish production,
Generate employment,
Enhance the incomes of fishermen, and
Promote the sustainable growth of marine fisheries in the State.
World Intangible Investment Report 2026
The World Intangible Investment Report 2026 reaffirms India's position as a global innovation powerhouse, recording the fastest growth in intangible investments among the world's 15 largest economies. The report highlights the increasing importance of investments in knowledge, innovation, technology, and intellectual assets as key drivers of long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
About the World Intangible Investment Report
The World Intangible Investment Report is published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with Italy's Luiss Business School (LBS).
The report assesses global trends in intangible investments, compares the performance of major economies, and examines how investments in knowledge-based assets contribute to innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic development.
Tangible and Intangible Investments
To understand the report, it is important to distinguish between tangible and intangible investments.
Tangible Investment
Tangible investment refers to expenditure on physical assets that have a visible and material existence.
Examples include:
Factories,
Machinery,
Buildings,
Equipment, and
Other physical infrastructure.
Such investments primarily expand a country's physical production capacity.
Intangible Investment
Intangible investment refers to expenditure on non-physical assets that generate knowledge, innovation, and long-term economic value.
These include investments in:
Research and Development (R&D),
Software,
Databases,
Organizational know-how,
Brands,
Design, and
Intellectual Property (IP).
— Research and Development (R&D) refers to systematic scientific and technological activities undertaken to develop new knowledge, products, processes, or technologies.
— Organizational know-how refers to the knowledge, managerial practices, business processes, and operational capabilities that improve an organization's efficiency and competitiveness.
— Intellectual Property (IP) refers to legally protected creations of the human intellect, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets.
Significance of Intangible Investment
The report emphasizes that intangible investments have become a major source of economic growth in the knowledge economy.
They contribute to:
Driving innovation,
Improving productivity,
Enhancing product quality,
Strengthening brand value, and
Increasing long-term economic competitiveness.
Unlike many physical assets, intangible assets often generate long-term value through continuous innovation, technological advancement, and knowledge creation.
Key Findings of the Report
1. Intangible Investment Growing Faster than Tangible Investment
The report finds that global intangible investment has grown more than three times faster than tangible investment since 2008.
It also observes that intangible investments have proven to be more resilient during economic shocks, as investments in knowledge, software, research, and innovation tend to continue even during periods of economic uncertainty.
Economic resilience refers to the ability of an economy to withstand, adapt to, and recover from economic disruptions such as financial crises, pandemics, or recessions.
2. Global Leaders in Intangible Investment
Among major economies:
The United States (US) leads the world in terms of total intangible investment, reflecting its strong innovation ecosystem and technology-intensive industries.
Sweden ranks highest in intangible investment intensity.
— Investment intensity refers to the proportion of intangible investment relative to the size of an economy, typically measured as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A higher intensity indicates that an economy invests a larger share of its resources in knowledge-based assets.
3. Asset Trends
The report also identifies important trends in the composition of intangible investments.
India
In India, the fastest-growing category of intangible investment is:
Software and databases.
The rapid growth of software and database investments reflects India's expanding digital economy, increasing technology adoption, and growing information technology sector.
Global Trends
At the global level, the fastest-growing categories are:
Organizational capital, and
Research and Development (R&D).
— Organizational capital refers to the collective value created through an organization's management systems, business processes, institutional knowledge, employee skills, and operational practices that enhance long-term productivity and innovation.
— The growing emphasis on organizational capital and R&D demonstrates that modern economies increasingly derive their competitive advantage from knowledge, innovation, and institutional capabilities rather than solely from physical assets.
Significance for India
The findings of the World Intangible Investment Report 2026 highlight India's transition towards a knowledge-driven economy.
The country's rapid growth in software and database investments reflects the expansion of its digital economy, information technology sector, startup ecosystem, and innovation capacity. Increased investment in intangible assets is expected to enhance productivity, strengthen global competitiveness, promote high-value employment, and support India's long-term objective of becoming a leading innovation-driven economy.
As intangible assets become increasingly important in determining economic success, continued investment in research, digital technologies, intellectual property, and organizational capabilities will be critical for sustaining India's future growth trajectory.
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved vepdegestrant, the world's first PROTAC-based therapy, for the treatment of ESR1-mutated, Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
Unlike conventional drugs that merely block the activity of disease-causing proteins, this therapy works by degrading the estrogen receptor itself, marking a major advancement in targeted cancer treatment.
ESR1 mutation refers to mutations in the ESR1 gene, which encodes the estrogen receptor (ER). These mutations often make hormone-positive breast cancers resistant to conventional endocrine (hormonal) therapies.
ER-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer in which cancer cells possess estrogen receptors, allowing the hormone estrogen to stimulate their growth.
HER2-negative breast cancer refers to breast cancer that does not overexpress the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) protein, and therefore does not respond to therapies targeting HER2.
About Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC)
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) is an innovative class of targeted protein degradation technology that selectively destroys disease-causing proteins instead of simply inhibiting their activity.
A PROTAC is a specially designed bifunctional molecule, meaning it contains two functional ends connected by a chemical linker.
One end binds to the target protein responsible for disease.
The other binds to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, an enzyme involved in the cell's natural protein degradation system.
By bringing these two molecules together, PROTAC directs the cell to destroy the harmful protein.
Mechanism of Action (Targeted Protein Degradation)
PROTACs function through a process known as Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD).
Instead of blocking the function of a disease-causing protein, PROTAC physically removes it from the cell.
The process occurs in the following steps:
The PROTAC molecule binds to the target protein.
Simultaneously, it binds to an E3 ubiquitin ligase.
E3 ubiquitin ligase is an enzyme that identifies proteins destined for degradation and attaches ubiquitin molecules to them.
Ubiquitin is a small regulatory protein that acts as a molecular "tag," signalling that a protein should be destroyed.
The E3 ligase attaches ubiquitin molecules to the target protein in a process called ubiquitination.
The ubiquitin-tagged protein is then recognized by the proteasome, the cell's protein recycling machinery.
The proteasome is a large protein complex that degrades unwanted, damaged, or misfolded proteins into smaller peptides for recycling.
As a result, the disease-causing protein is completely removed from the cell rather than merely inactivated.
Catalytic Action
A major advantage of PROTAC technology is its catalytic mode of action.
After delivering a target protein to the proteasome for degradation, the PROTAC molecule is released unchanged and can bind to another copy of the same protein.
Consequently, a single PROTAC molecule can degrade multiple copies of the target protein, making it reusable.
This catalytic behaviour enables effective treatment with lower drug doses compared to many conventional therapies.
Advantages of PROTAC Technology
PROTAC technology offers several advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs.
1. Targets Previously "Undruggable" Proteins
Many disease-causing proteins lack suitable binding sites for conventional drugs.
Since PROTACs eliminate the protein instead of merely inhibiting its function, they can target proteins that were previously considered "undruggable."
Undruggable proteins are proteins that cannot be effectively targeted by conventional medicines because they lack accessible or functional drug-binding sites.
2. Complete Protein Removal
Unlike conventional inhibitors that temporarily suppress protein activity, PROTACs completely remove the disease-causing protein from the cell.
This may produce longer-lasting therapeutic effects and reduce the likelihood of disease recurrence due to residual protein activity.
3. Lower-Dose Therapy
Because PROTAC molecules are reusable and act catalytically, smaller quantities of the drug may achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
Lower-dose therapy may help reduce drug toxicity and improve patient compliance.
Challenges of PROTAC Technology
Despite its significant therapeutic potential, PROTAC technology faces several challenges.
1. Poor Absorption
PROTAC molecules are relatively large and structurally complex, making it difficult for them to be efficiently absorbed by the body.
This may reduce their oral bioavailability, i.e., the proportion of a drug that reaches the bloodstream after oral administration.
2. Reduced Efficacy at High Concentrations
PROTACs may exhibit reduced therapeutic efficacy when administered at very high concentrations.
This phenomenon, known as the "Hook Effect", occurs when excessive PROTAC molecules independently bind to either the target protein or the E3 ligase without forming the productive three-part complex required for protein degradation.
As a result, protein degradation decreases despite increasing drug concentration, making dose optimization critical for effective therapy.
Species at Risk of Extinction
IUCN stated that Molluscs and Desert Rain Frog are at risk of extinction due to deep-sea mining and diamond mining respectively.
About Molluscs
Molluscs are invertebrates, which mean they’re animals that don’t have a backbone.
All molluscs have a mantle, a cavity for breathing and excretion, and a nervous system.
Classes of Molluscs:
Cephalopods: Includes octopuses, squids, cuttlefishes, nautiluses and an extinct group known as ammonites.
Gastropods: Includes slugs and snails.
Bivalves: Includes Clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
About Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops)
Fossorial: Adapted for burrowing and underground life, spending most of its time beneath sandy soils.
Habitat: Sand dunes with sparse vegetation along the Namaqualand coast of South Africa and coastal south-western Namibia.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
Mugger Crocodiles
A banned pesticide Aldrin led to deaths of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Chandraloi river of Rajasthan’s Kota district.
Aldrin is a banned organochlorine pesticide in India due to its persistent nature, soil and water contamination, bioaccumulation in the food chain, and toxic effects on the nervous system of humans and wildlife.
About Mugger Crocodiles
Medium-sized crocodile (up to 4–5 m) with the broadest snout among living Crocodylus species.
Distribution: Mainly Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran).
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, marshes, reservoirs, irrigation canals, and man-made ponds.
Status:
Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
CITES: Appendix I
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Characteristics: Hole-nesting species; known to dig burrows etc.
Threats: Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and transformation, mortality due to increased fishing activities.
Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
Researchers from IIT Guwahati have demonstrated that cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae) can effectively remove lead from contaminated water, highlighting their potential application in bioremediation for treating polluted water bodies.
The study reinforces the growing importance of biological methods for pollution control, which are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional chemical or physical treatment techniques.
Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that can contaminate water through industrial discharge, mining, batteries, paints, and electronic waste. Prolonged exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Bioremediation
The use of cyanobacteria for removing lead is an example of bioremediation.
Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, or fungi, to remove, degrade, transform, or neutralize pollutants into less harmful or non-toxic substances.
Unlike conventional treatment methods, bioremediation relies on natural biological processes, making it an environmentally sustainable approach to pollution management.
About Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are photosynthetic, prokaryotic microorganisms belonging to the Kingdom Monera (Bacteria).
Although commonly called algae because they perform photosynthesis, cyanobacteria are true bacteria and not algae, as they lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Photosynthetic organisms produce their own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis, releasing oxygen as a by-product.
Prokaryotic organisms are organisms whose cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic organisms such as plants and animals.
Habitat
Cyanobacteria are widely distributed in nature and are commonly found in:
Freshwater ecosystems,
Marine environments, and
Moist terrestrial habitats.
— Their ability to survive under diverse environmental conditions makes them one of the earliest and most adaptable life forms on Earth.
Nitrogen-Fixing Ability
One of the most important characteristics of many cyanobacteria is their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Nitrogen fixation is the biological process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia and other usable nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb for growth.
Examples of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria include:
Anabaena, and
Nostoc.
— Because atmospheric nitrogen cannot be directly utilized by most plants, cyanobacteria play a vital role in improving soil fertility.
Role as Biofertilisers
Due to their nitrogen-fixing ability, cyanobacteria are widely used as biofertilisers, particularly in paddy cultivation.
Biofertilisers are preparations containing living microorganisms that enhance soil fertility by increasing the availability of essential nutrients to plants through natural biological processes.
By enriching the soil with biologically available nitrogen, cyanobacteria reduce dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, improve crop productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Other Bioremediation Techniques
Besides cyanobacteria-based remediation, several other biological approaches are used to remove pollutants from the environment.
1. Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove, absorb, stabilize, or degrade pollutants from contaminated soil, water, or air.
Certain plants can accumulate heavy metals or break down harmful chemicals, making them useful for environmental cleanup.
2. Mycoremediation
Mycoremediation involves the use of fungi to degrade or detoxify hazardous pollutants.
Many fungi produce enzymes capable of breaking down complex toxic compounds, including pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and industrial chemicals.
3. Microbial Bioremediation
Microbial bioremediation utilizes bacteria and other microorganisms to break down organic and inorganic pollutants into less harmful substances.
Microorganisms can naturally metabolize contaminants such as oil spills, sewage, pesticides, and industrial wastes.
4. Bioaugmentation
Bioaugmentation is a specialized form of microbial bioremediation in which selected microorganisms are deliberately introduced into a contaminated environment to accelerate pollutant degradation.
This technique is particularly useful when the naturally occurring microbial population is insufficient to effectively remove contaminants.
Indus River
An IIT-Gandhinagar study found a 20% decline in precipitation (1951–2024) in the eastern Indus basin (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), reducing reservoir inflows to Pong, Bhakra, and Thein, while the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) recorded only a 6% decline with largely stable flows and better groundwater conditions.
About the Indus River
Origin: Glacier near Bokhar Chu (near Lake Mansarovar) in the Kailash Range, Tibet; known as Singi Khamban.
Course: Flows through Ladakh, enters Pakistan near Chilas, and drains into the Arabian Sea east of Karachi.
Left-bank Tributaries: Zanskar, Astor, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
Right-bank Tributaries: Shyok, Shigar, Gilgit, Kabul, Khurram, Tochi, Gomal, Viboa, Sangar.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) has significantly accelerated the adoption of farm mechanization across India. Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated the distribution of 21.61 lakh agricultural machines, worth ₹9,404 crore, to individual farmers.
Between 2014–15 and 2025–26, the scheme also supported the establishment of 27,554 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), 25,608 Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs), and 646 Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs, besides conducting 40,928 drone demonstrations covering 40,918 hectares.
These initiatives have improved farmers' access to modern agricultural machinery while promoting precision farming and reducing dependence on manual labour.
About the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare in 2014–15 under the umbrella of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) is a scheme jointly funded by the Central and State Governments, with implementation primarily carried out by the States in accordance with centrally prescribed guidelines.
The scheme aims to promote inclusive farm mechanization by ensuring that modern agricultural machinery is accessible to farmers of all categories, particularly those with limited landholdings and financial resources.
Objectives of SMAM
The primary objective of SMAM is to promote farm mechanization in order to improve agricultural productivity while making farming more efficient and economically viable.
Specifically, the scheme seeks to:
Improve agricultural productivity through greater use of modern machinery.
Reduce labour drudgery, particularly during labour-intensive farm operations.
Labour drudgery refers to physically demanding, repetitive, and time-consuming manual work that reduces labour efficiency and increases fatigue.
Lower the cost of cultivation by improving operational efficiency.
Extend the benefits of mechanization to small and marginal farmers, as well as:
Women farmers,
Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Scheduled Tribes (STs),
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs),
Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and
Rural entrepreneurs.
— A Small Farmer generally owns 1–2 hectares of cultivable land, while a Marginal Farmer owns less than 1 hectare.
— A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a collective organization of farmers formed to improve access to inputs, technology, markets, credit, and value addition while increasing farmers' bargaining power.
— A Self-Help Group (SHG) is a community-based group, usually comprising women, that promotes savings, credit access, livelihood activities, and social empowerment.
Key Features of SMAM
1. Financial Assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
The scheme provides subsidies for the purchase of agricultural machinery through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a system through which government financial assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiary's bank account, thereby reducing leakages and improving transparency.
The subsidy structure is as follows:
40% subsidy for general category farmers.
50% subsidy for:
Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Scheduled Tribes (STs),
Small and Marginal Farmers, and
Beneficiaries from the North-Eastern Region (NER).
In addition, small and marginal farmers receive ₹2,000 per hectare for accessing mechanized agricultural services, including drone-based services, through:
Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs),
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and
Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
2. Establishment of Farm Mechanization Infrastructure
To improve farmers' access to expensive agricultural machinery, the scheme provides financial assistance for establishing:
Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs),
Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs), and
Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs.
— A Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) is a facility where farmers can rent agricultural machinery on a pay-per-use basis, enabling small farmers to access expensive equipment without purchasing it.
— A Farm Machinery Bank (FMB) is a centralized facility that stores and rents agricultural implements and machines for use by individual farmers or farmer groups.
— A Hi-Tech Equipment Hub provides access to advanced and specialized agricultural machinery, including precision farming equipment and high-capacity farm implements.
3. Capacity Building and Technology Demonstration
SMAM also supports:
Training programmes,
Testing of agricultural machinery,
Field demonstrations,
Post-harvest mechanization, and
Crop residue management.
— Post-harvest mechanization involves the use of machines for operations such as threshing, cleaning, grading, drying, storage, processing, and packaging after crops have been harvested.
— Crop residue management refers to the scientific collection, utilization, or recycling of crop residues instead of burning them, thereby reducing air pollution and improving soil health.
4. Special Support for the North-Eastern Region (NER)
Recognizing the unique geographical and agricultural challenges of the North-Eastern Region (NER), the scheme provides enhanced financial assistance.
Up to 100% subsidy is provided for small agricultural machinery.
Up to 95% financial assistance is provided for establishing Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs).
These provisions are intended to accelerate mechanization in the region despite difficult terrain and fragmented landholdings.
5. Special Focus on Women Farmers
To promote gender-inclusive agricultural development, 30% of the total funds under SMAM are earmarked for women farmers.
This provision encourages greater participation of women in mechanized agriculture while reducing their physical workload.
6. Promotion of Kisan Drones
The scheme actively promotes the adoption of Kisan Drones for precision agriculture.
A Kisan Drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for agricultural purposes such as:
Crop monitoring,
Precision spraying of fertilizers and pesticides,
Crop health assessment,
Land mapping, and
Yield estimation.
Under SMAM:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and
State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
can receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh per drone.
Additionally, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) receive a 75% grant for procuring Kisan Drones.
About Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) was launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to promote comprehensive agricultural development across the country.
In 2017–18, the scheme was restructured as RKVY–RAFTAAR.
RAFTAAR stands for Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation.
Objectives of RKVY
The primary objective of RKVY is to promote holistic agricultural development by:
Increasing public investment in agriculture,
Improving agricultural productivity,
Developing agricultural infrastructure, and
Enhancing farmers' income.
— Unlike many centrally designed schemes, RKVY provides considerable flexibility to State Governments to formulate and implement need-based projects in agriculture and allied sectors based on local priorities.
Major Components Supported under RKVY
RKVY serves as an umbrella scheme supporting several important agricultural programmes, including:
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM),
National Food Security Mission (NFSM),
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and
Other agriculture and allied sector initiatives.
The scheme also promotes:
Agricultural mechanization,
Value addition,
Innovation,
Agri-startups, and
Post-harvest infrastructure,
thereby contributing to a more productive, technology-driven, and market-oriented agricultural sector.
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