Based on the uploaded current affairs material
1. 150th Birth Anniversary of Pingali Venkayya
GS Paper: I (Modern History) | Prelims: Important Personalities
Why in News?
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Pingali Venkayya on his 150th Birth Anniversary (2 August), remembering his contribution as the designer of India’s National Flag.
Key Points
- Born on 2 August 1876 in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Served in the British Army during the Second Boer War (1899–1902).
- Met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.
- Designed the Swaraj Flag during the 1921 INC Session at Vijayawada.
- Original flag had red and green bands with a Charkha.
- Gandhi suggested adding the white band.
- The 1931 Tricolour became the basis for India’s National Flag.
- On 22 July 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted the present National Flag by replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra.
Prelims Facts
- Known as Japan Venkayya, Patti Venkayya, and Diamond Venkayya.
- Commemorative postage stamp issued in 2009.
UPSC Mains Value Addition
Q. Discuss the contribution of Pingali Venkayya in India’s freedom movement and the evolution of the National Flag.
2. Indian Rupee: From Overvaluation to Undervaluation
GS Paper III: Economy
Why in News?
The RBI Governor stated that the Indian Rupee is currently undervalued based on the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER).
Important Terms
NEER (Nominal Effective Exchange Rate)
- Trade-weighted average of the rupee against major currencies.
- Does not adjust for inflation.
REER (Real Effective Exchange Rate)
- Inflation-adjusted NEER.
- Measures India’s actual trade competitiveness.
Interpretation
- REER > 100 → Overvalued Currency
- REER < 100 → Undervalued Currency
Current REER is around 91, indicating the rupee is undervalued.
Advantages
- Boosts exports.
- Supports Make in India.
- Encourages domestic manufacturing.
Challenges
- Imported inflation.
- Costlier crude oil imports.
- Higher external debt servicing.
- Possible widening of Current Account Deficit.
Mains Question
“Explain the significance of Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) in assessing currency valuation and external competitiveness.”
3. Leptospirosis in Kerala
GS Paper II: Health
Why in News?
Kerala has reported a high number of Leptospirosis cases during the monsoon season.
Key Facts
- Caused by Leptospira bacteria.
- A zoonotic disease.
- Reservoirs include:
- Rats
- Cattle
- Dogs
- Pigs
- Spread through contaminated water and animal urine.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Jaundice (severe cases)
Treatment
- Doxycycline
- Penicillin
- Ceftriaxone
Prelims Pointer
Human-to-human transmission is rare.
4. Shipki La Pass
GS Paper I: Geography
Why in News?
India-China border trade through Shipki La Pass resumed after six years.
Key Facts
- Located in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Elevation: Above 4,000 metres.
- Connects India with Tibet.
- Sutlej River enters India through this region.
Significance
- Ancient Silk Route.
- Strategic military location.
- Trade conducted through the barter system.
Prelims Trick
Among India’s border trade routes:
- Shipki La → Barter
- Nathu La & Lipulekh → Currency-based trade.
5. Ceuta
GS Paper I: Geography
Why in News?
Spain’s autonomous city Ceuta witnessed a major migration crisis.
Key Facts
- Spanish territory located in North Africa.
- Borders Morocco.
- Near the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Along with Melilla, forms the EU’s only land border with Africa.
Importance
- Migration hotspot.
- Maritime security.
- Human trafficking issues.
- Spain–Morocco diplomatic disputes.
6. India’s Solar Growth Enters a New Era
GS Paper III: Environment & Energy
Why in News?
India’s solar capacity reached 162.15 GW, becoming the largest contributor to renewable energy capacity.
Highlights
- Capacity increased from 3 GW (2014) to 162 GW (2026).
- Added 37 GW in 2025.
- India became the second-largest solar growth market globally.
Important Schemes
- National Solar Mission
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- PM-KUSUM
- Solar Parks Scheme
- Green Energy Corridor
- PM Surya Sarovar Yojana
Global Initiatives
- International Solar Alliance
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
Prelims Facts
- Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan)
- Pavagada Solar Park (Karnataka)
- Rewa Solar Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Mains Question
“Discuss India’s policy framework for achieving rapid solar energy expansion and its role in achieving Net Zero by 2070.”
7. Revival of India’s Private Capex
GS Paper III: Economy
Why in News?
Private sector investment is showing strong revival with industrial credit growth reaching 19.2%.
Reasons
- Manufacturing capacity utilization crossed 75%.
- Healthy corporate balance sheets.
- Government infrastructure spending.
- PLI Scheme.
- PM Gati Shakti.
- Strong bank credit growth.
Challenges
- Imported inflation.
- High interest rates.
- Global uncertainty.
- Regulatory delays.
- Weak rural demand.
Important Concepts
- Capital Expenditure (Capex)
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
- Crowding-in Effect
- Twin Balance Sheet Problem
Mains Question
“Private capital expenditure is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth in India. Discuss.”
UPSC Prelims Quick Revision
- Pingali Venkayya → Designer of National Flag.
- REER <100 → Currency undervalued.
- Leptospirosis → Bacterial zoonotic disease.
- Shipki La → Himachal Pradesh, barter trade.
- Ceuta → Spanish enclave in Africa.
- Solar Capacity → 162.15 GW.
- Private Capex Revival → Capacity utilisation >75%.
Possible UPSC Mains Questions
- Examine the role of the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) in determining India’s external competitiveness.
- Discuss India’s solar energy transition and evaluate the role of government initiatives in achieving renewable energy targets.
- Explain the factors responsible for the revival of private capital expenditure in India.
- Discuss the significance of Pingali Venkayya’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
- Why do zoonotic diseases remain a major public health challenge in India? Discuss with reference to Leptospirosis.
