Mission Surya – Day 13: Startup India, PFAS & Mpemba Effect
Important UPSC prelims topics including Startup India initiative, PFAS chemicals, Mpemba effect and bio-bitumen.
27 February 2026
Day 13 focuses on science and technology concepts along with government initiatives that frequently appear in UPSC prelims.
Core Concepts
Bio-bitumen is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based bitumen used in road construction.
Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016 to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mpemba Effect refers to the phenomenon where hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions.
PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals known as 'forever chemicals'.
RuTAG initiative provides technological solutions for rural challenges.
Important Initiatives
• Womaniya Initiative promotes women entrepreneurs on the Government e-Marketplace.
• Solaras-S2 is an indigenous Earth observation satellite developed by an Indian startup.
• UPSC @100 marks the centenary of India’s Union Public Service Commission.
Quick Revision for Prelims
- • Bio-bitumen is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based bitumen used in road construction.
- • Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016 to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
- • Mpemba Effect refers to the phenomenon where hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions.