State PCS - Assam (APSC)

• 20 Mar 2026

IIT Guwahati Develops Material for Hydrogen and Water Purification

Why in News? 

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative dual‑purpose material that can both produce clean hydrogen fuel and enable solar‑powered desalination, addressing major global challenges of sustainable energy and safe drinking water access. 

Key Points: 

• Innovation: A research team at IIT Guwahati has created a novel MXene‑based catalyst material capable of generating hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis while also supporting efficient desalination using solar energy. 
  • The material’s dual‑use performance promises to advance both clean energy production and water accessibility, offering an integrated solution to environmental and resource challenges. 
• Publication: The study detailing this breakthrough has been published in the scientific journal Advanced Functional Materials, highlighting its academic credibility and innovation. 
• Low Overpotential: The developed catalyst exhibits an ultra‑low hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) overpotential of just 12 mV, which indicates high efficiency in hydrogen production. 
  • Hydrogen is considered a clean fuel because its use produces only water, making it crucial for decarbonising energy systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Desalination Power: The material’s ability to harness solar energy for desalination could reduce the cost and environmental footprint of producing potable water from seawater, especially in water‑scarce regions. 
• Applications: Potential applications include renewable energy plants, rural water supply systems, and hydrogen fuel stations, particularly in water-scarce or energy-constrained regions. 
• Significance: By combining sustainable fuel generation and water purification in a single technology, this development supports global efforts toward clean energy transitions and water security. 

Read More:  Hydrogen fuel, Greenhouse gas emissions,  Renewable energy 

India Emerged as World’s Largest Coconut Producer

Why in News? 

India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of coconuts, contributing about 30.37% of global coconut production, and the Government of India has announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme in Union Budget 2026‑27 to boost production and productivity in the sector. 

Key Points: 

• Global Leadership: India accounts for approximately 30.37% of the world’s coconut output, making it the leading producer globally. 
• Major Coconut‑Growing States: The key producing states are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, which together account for the bulk of production. 
  • Coconut cultivation in India covers about 2,165.20 thousand hectares out of the global 12,390 thousand hectares of coconut‑growing area. 
  • The country produces around 21,373.62 million nuts annually, highlighting the crop’s importance to agricultural output. 
• Livelihood Support: Nearly 30 million people, including about 10 million farmers, depend on coconut cultivation and allied activities for their livelihoods. 
• Scheme: The Government has introduced the Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026‑27 to increase production and enhance productivity through interventions like replacing old and unproductive trees with high‑yielding varieties. 
  • This initiative is part of a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high‑value agriculture, which also includes support for cashew and cocoa cultivation.  
• Significance: The scheme aims to strengthen India’s competitiveness in coconut production, improve farmer incomes, and enhance sustainability and productivity in the sector.  

Read More: Union Budget 2026‑27 

World Happiness Report 2026

Why in News? 

The World Happiness Report 2026 was released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with the Gallup World Poll and the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It marked Finland as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. 

Key Points: 

• Ranking Criteria: Happiness is measured using six key indicators—GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perception of corruption. 
  • Top Countries: Finland (1^st), Iceland (2^nd), Denmark (3^rd), Costa Rica (4th), Sweden (5^th), Norway (6^th), Netherlands (7^th), Israel (8^th), Luxembourg (9^th), Switzerland (10^th). 
    • Costa Rica (4^th) is the standout "surprise" of 2026, marking the highest rank ever for a Latin American nation. 
  • Bottom Countries: Afghanistan (147^th), Sierra Leone (146^th), Malawi (145^th), Zimbabwe (144^th), Botswana (143^rd), Yemen (142^nd), Lebanon (141^st), DR Congo (140^th), Egypt (139^th), Tanzania (138^th). 
• India’s Rank: India is ranked 116th, with a life evaluation score of 4.536. 
  • Pakistan (104^th) and Nepal (99^th) rank above India, indicating stronger social support and well-being indicators. 
  • Among BRICS members, China ranked 65^th followed by Russia (79^th), and Iran (97^th). 
• Regional Trends: Europe, particularly Nordic nations, performs well, whereas South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges due to socio-economic issues. 
• Significance: The report emphasizes a shift in policy focus from pure economic growth to inclusive development, mental health, and social well-being. 

Read More: World Happiness Report 2025