1. International Women’s Day 2026 2. India’s Semiconductor Mission 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission 4. Artificial Intelligence in Governance 5. Blue Economy in India

1. International Women’s Day 2026

Why in News?

The world celebrates International Women’s Day on 8 March every year to recognize women’s achievements and promote gender equality.

Key Facts

• The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911.

• The United Nations officially recognized the day in 1975.

• The day highlights gender equality, women’s empowerment and leadership.

Government Initiatives in India

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

• Mission Shakti

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

• Self Help Groups under DAY-NRLM

Significance

• Promotes gender equality and inclusive growth.

• Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.

Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding International Women’s Day:

1. It is celebrated every year on 8 March.

2. The United Nations officially recognized the day in 1975.

3. It focuses only on environmental protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Question

Women’s empowerment is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Discuss the major initiatives taken in India to promote gender equality.

2. India’s Semiconductor Mission

Why in News?

India is accelerating investments under the India Semiconductor Mission to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

About the Mission

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched in 2021 as part of the Semicon India Programme.

Objectives

• Establish semiconductor fabrication plants.

• Promote chip design and innovation.

• Encourage global companies to invest in India.

Importance

1. Strategic & National Security

Semiconductors are the “brains” of modern hardware.

• Defense & Aerospace: Critical for missiles, satellites, and secure communication. Domestic production ensures these systems aren’t vulnerable to “kill switches” or supply blocks from foreign entities.
• Technological Sovereignty: Reduces reliance on a few dominant players (Taiwan, South Korea, USA), especially during geopolitical tensions.

2. Economic Growth

The Indian semiconductor market is projected to reach $100–110 billion by 2030.

• Import Substitution: India currently imports nearly 70% of its electronic components. Local manufacturing significantly reduces the current account deficit.
• Job Creation: The mission is expected to create over 35,000 high-quality jobs and indirect employment for 100,000 people.
• Multiplier Effect: Semiconductors power the $300 billion electronics manufacturing target, including EVs, 5G, and AI infrastructure.

3. Talent & Innovation

• Chips to Startups (C2S): Aims to train 85,000 engineers in VLSI and embedded system design.
• Academic Integration: Over 100 institutions are now equipped with industry-grade design tools to bridge the gap between research and commercial startups.

Prelims Question

The India Semiconductor Mission primarily aims to:

(a) Promote agricultural exports

(b) Develop semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India

(c) Improve satellite communication

(d) Promote renewable energy technologies

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Discuss the importance of semiconductor manufacturing for India’s technological and economic development.

3. National Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in News?

India is expanding projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to reduce carbon emissions.

About the Mission

Launched in 2023, the mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Targets

• Production of 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030.

• Development of electrolyser manufacturing capacity.

Significance

1. Energy Independence (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)

India currently imports over 80% of its oil and 50% of its natural gas.

• Import Substitution: The mission aims to reduce fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 lakh crore by 2030.
• Security: By shifting to indigenous green hydrogen, India insulates its economy from global energy price volatility and geopolitical supply chain disruptions.

2. Decarbonizing “Hard-to-Abate” Sectors

While solar and wind can power homes, certain heavy industries cannot easily run on electricity alone.

• Industrial Feedstock: Green hydrogen is essential for replacing “Grey Hydrogen” (produced from natural gas) in oil refineries and fertilizer plants.
• Green Steel: It enables low-carbon steel production by using hydrogen instead of coal as a reducing agent.
• Heavy Mobility: It provides a viable zero-emission solution for long-haul shipping, heavy-duty trucking, and potentially aviation.

3. Global Export Hub

India aims to capture approximately 10% of the global green hydrogen market.

• Strategic Location: Proximity to high-demand markets in Europe, Japan, and South Korea positions India as a primary exporter.
• Green Derivatives: By establishing clear standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol (notified in February 2026), India is simplifying the logistics for exporting energy in liquid form.

Prelims Question

Green Hydrogen is produced through:

(a) Combustion of hydrogen gas

(b) Electrolysis of water using renewable energy

(c) Coal gasification

(d) Natural gas processing

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Discuss the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission for India’s energy security and climate commitments.

4. Artificial Intelligence in Governance

Why in News?

India is increasingly using Artificial Intelligence to improve governance and digital public services.

Key Areas

• Agriculture – crop monitoring and yield prediction

• Healthcare – AI-assisted diagnostics

• Smart Cities – traffic management

• Digital Governance – automated grievance redressal

Government Initiatives

• National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence by NITI Aayog

• IndiaAI Mission

• Digital India Programme

Challenges

• Data privacy concerns

• Shortage of skilled professionals

• Ethical issues in AI use

Prelims Question

Which organization released the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in India?

(a) RBI

(b) NITI Aayog

(c) ISRO

(d) DRDO

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform governance in India. Discuss its benefits and associated challenges.

5. Blue Economy in India

Why in News?

India is focusing on the Blue Economy as part of its strategy for sustainable economic growth.

What is Blue Economy?

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Key Components

• Fisheries and aquaculture

• Marine tourism

• Offshore renewable energy

• Shipping and maritime trade

Government Initiatives

• Sagarmala Programme

• Deep Ocean Mission

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Significance

India has a coastline of more than 7,500 km and millions depend on marine resources for livelihoods.

Prelims Question

The concept of Blue Economy refers to:

(a) Economic development through space technology

(b) Sustainable use of ocean resources

(c) Development of freshwater resources

(d) Industrial development in coastal cities

Answer: (b)

Mains Question

Discuss the concept of Blue Economy and its importance for sustainable development in India.