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  • US-Israel-Iran War | Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) | Missile Defence Systems | PM Inaugurates India’s First Semiconductor Plant

    US-Israel-Iran War

    International Relations

    Context

    • Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
    • Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states.
    • Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan.
    • Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz through threats and strikes on tankers, reducing shipping traffic by 70% and risking global oil supply disruptions.

    US-Israel-Iran war

    Background of the Current Escalation

    • Long-standing Hostility & Ideological Rivalry: Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the S. and Iran have been locked in a “Cold War” posture. This relationship has been defined by severe economic sanctions, the labeling of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
    • Collapse of the Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): The withdrawal of the U.S. from the 2015 Nuclear Deal in 2018 triggered a “maximum pressure” campaign.
    • Iran responded by gradually breaching enrichment limits, leading the U.S. and Israel to view a nuclear-armed Iran as an imminent existential threat that could no longer be contained by diplomacy alone.
    • The “Gray Zone” and Proxy Warfare: For years, the conflict was fought in the shadows via proxies. Iran’s support for the “Axis of Resistance” (Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis) expanded its influence across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

    Global Implications

    • Energy Shock & Inflation: Oil prices likely to surge beyond sustainable levels. Higher transportation and insurance premiums.
    • Risk of global stagflation (slow growth + high inflation).
    • Global Supply Chain Disruption: Oil, LNG, fertilizers, petrochemicals affected. Shipping rerouted via longer routes which led to increased freight costs.
    • China & Russia Factor: China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil. Russia may benefit from high oil prices.

    Impact on India

    • Energy Inflation: As India imports 85% of its crude, the “war surcharge” on shipping and rising oil prices are putting immense pressure on the rupee.
    • Diaspora Safety: With 8–9 million Indians in the Gulf, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has met to discuss potential large-scale evacuations as commercial flights to the region are being suspended.
    • Trade Disruptions: Exports of agricultural goods and imports of essential fertilizers are currently at risk due to maritime insecurity.
    • Strategic Connectivity: Chabahar Port (Iran) for Central Asia access; I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA grouping); IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor); Gulf partnerships (UAE, Saudi Arabia), and Israel relations.

    Additional Information – West Asia (Middle East)

    • It is a subregion of Asia that is bordered by Europe to the west, Central Asia to the north, South Asia to the east, and Africa and the Arabian sea to the south.
    • The region of West Asia roughly includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

    It is strategically vital due to:

    1. Energy resources (oil & gas reserves);
    2. Chokepoints: Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, Suez Canal;
    3. Religious significance (Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina);
    4. Geo-strategic location linking Asia, Africa, and Europe;
    5. Major external power involvement (US, Russia, China);
    6. The region is currently undergoing structural transformation marked by power realignments, proxy wars, and strategic competition.

    Important maps –

    Strait of Hormuz

    • Location – The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
    • At its narrowest point it is about 33 kilometres wide, with shipping lanes just a few kilometres across in either direction.
    • Significance- Nearly half of India’s crude oil and around 60 per cent of its natural gas imports pass through the strait.

    Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

    Context

    • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will enhance surveillance and enforcement on market manipulators and cyber fraudsters through technology and use Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

    • It is the regulatory authority for the securities and capital markets in India.
    • It was established in 1988 and given statutory powers through the SEBI Act of 1992.
    • It falls under the administrative control of the Ministry of Finance.

    Objective:

    1. Protect the interests of investors in securities.
    2. Promote the development of the securities market.
    3. Regulate the securities market in India.

    Composition: SEBI consists of:

    1. A Chairperson (appointed by the Central Government).
    2. Two members from the Ministry of Finance.
    3. One member from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
    4. Five other members (at least three whole-time members).

    Missile Defence Systems

    Defence

    Context

    • The renewed hostilities between the United States-led coalition (including Israel and United Arab Emirates) and Iran have tested a newly integrated regional air and missile defence network in West Asia.

    Missile defence system –

    • It is a sophisticated, multi-layered architecture designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming ballistic and cruise missiles.

    India’s Missile Defence Architecture

    Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system under DRDO:

    • The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) interceptor is designed for exo-atmospheric interception to intercept incoming missiles at altitudes of 50 km to 180 km.
    • The Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor is intended for endo-atmospheric interception during the terminal phase to neutralise threats within the Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes up to 30 km.

    Layered Air Defence Shield:

    • The S-400 Triumf is a highly advanced, mobile, Russian-developed surface-to-air missile (SAM) system inducted by India to enhance long-range air defence capability.
    • Medium-Range (70–100 km): The Barak-8 (MRSAM/LRSAM), co-developed with Israel, provides 360-degree protection for both land and naval assets.
    • Short-Range (25–50 km): The indigenous Akash system and Israel’s SPYDER protect strategic points and mobile army units.
    • Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Announced as a comprehensive vision for 2035, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create an all-encompassing, AI-enabled national shield.

    Key Air-Defence Systems of other countries

    Country/Region

    Key Systems

    Russia

    S-400 Triumph, S-300VM, S-350 Vityaz, S-500  Prometheus

    USA

    THAAD, Patriot (PAC-3 MSE), Golden Dome (in development)

    Israel

    Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Iron Beam

    China

    HQ-9, HQ-22, HQ-16

    European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

    Skyranger, IRIS-T SLM

    PM Inaugurates India’s First Semiconductor Plant

    Economy

    Context

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first semiconductor facility at Sanand in Gujarat.
    • The semiconductor plant has been set up by Micron Technology (an American chipmaker) as an Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facility, with an investment of ₹22,516 crore at Sanand, Gujarat.

    Semiconductor Chips

    • These are materials which have a conductivity between conductors and insulators.
    • Example – They can be pure elements, silicon or germanium or compounds; gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide.
    • Significance of Semiconductor Chips – They are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communication technology products.
    • Applications – These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.

    India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

    • Launched by – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
    • Aim – To build a vibrant semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
  • National and International Issues MCQ’s

    National and International Issues MCQ’s

    1. Consider the following statements:

    Statement-1: Gray Zone conflicts occur between the conditions of peace and full-scale war. Gray Zone tactics may include cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic pressure.

    Statement-2: Proxy warfare involves indirect conflict between states.  In proxy warfare, countries often support non-state actors or armed groups to fight their opponents.

    Which one of the following is correct?

    1. Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is the correct explanation of Statement-1
    2. Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct but Statement-2 is not the correct explanation of Statement-1
    3. Statement-1 is correct but Statement-2 is incorrect
    4. Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-2 is correct

     

    1. The “Strait of Hormuz” connects which of the following water bodies?
    1. Red Sea and Arabian Sea
    2. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
    3. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
    4. Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the objectives of SEBI:
    1. Protecting the interests of investors in securities.
    2. Promoting the development of the securities market.
    3. Regulating the securities market in India.
    4. Managing India’s foreign exchange reserves.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. Two only
    2. Three only
    3. All Four 
    4. One only 

     

    1. Match the following Air-Defence Systems with their Country/Region:

     

    List–I (Air-Defence System)

    List–II (Country/Region)

    a. S-400 Triumph

    1. Israel

    b. THAAD

    2. Russia

    c. Iron Dome

    3. United States

    d. HQ-9

    4. China

    Select the correct answer using the code below:

    1. a-2, b-3, c-1, d-4
    2. a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1
    3. a-2, b-1, c-3, d-4
    4. a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s semiconductor initiatives:
    1. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
    2. The aim of the India Semiconductor Mission is to build a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
    3. India’s first semiconductor facility/plant has been set up by Micron Technology at Sanand in Gujarat.

    How many of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

    1. One only
    2. Two only
    3. Three only
    4. All are correct 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding Guru Tegh Bahadur:
    1. He was born in 1621 at Amritsar to Guru Hargobind.
    2. He was recognized as the ninth Sikh Guru in 1664 after being identified by the trader Makhan Shah Lubana.
    3. He founded Anandpur Sahib (earlier known as Chak Nanki) and travelled widely spreading spiritual teachings of equality and devotion to one God.
    4. He openly challenged the policies of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by standing up for the religious freedom of Kashmiri Brahmins.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2, 3 and 4 
    4. 2, 3 and 4 only

     

    1. With reference to the initiatives of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), consider the following statements:
    1. The Standards and Labelling (S&L) scheme provides star-rating labels on appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners.
    2. The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme is a market-based mechanism that targets large energy-intensive industries.
    3. The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) provides guidelines for energy-efficient building design.
    4. The PAT scheme primarily focuses on improving energy efficiency in household appliances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the World Obesity Atlas:
    1. It is published by the World Obesity Federation.
    2. It provides global data, projections, and policy insights related to obesity trends.
    3. It mainly focuses only on obesity trends in developed countries.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding El Niño and La Niña:
    1. El Niño is associated with warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
    2. La Niña is associated with stronger trade winds than normal.
    3. Both phenomena significantly influence rainfall patterns across different parts of the world.

    Which of the statements given above is/are wrong?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. All statements are wrong 
    4. All statements are correct

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) between India and Japan:
    1. It is a currency swap agreement between the central banks of the two countries.
    2. It helps both countries address short-term liquidity shortages and stabilize foreign exchange markets.
    3. It is aimed at strengthening financial cooperation between the two countries.
    4. It allows the two countries to permanently exchange their currencies for trade settlement.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding Madurai Sungudi Sari:
    1. Sungudi saris are traditional cotton saris perfected by the Saurashtrian community that migrated from Gujarat to Madurai in the 17th century.
    2. The saris feature intricate tie-and-dye patterns created through a hand-knotting technique that produces thousands of tiny white dots.
    3. The Madurai Sungudi sari received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. 2 and 3 only 

     

    1. Which of the following statements about the Kurdish people is/are correct?
    1. They are considered one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world.
    2. They have an independent sovereign state recognized by the United Nations.
    3. They have their own language known as Kurdish.

    Select the correct answer using the code below:

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. With reference to the “Raisina Dialogue”, consider the following statements:
    1. The conference focuses on issues related to geopolitics and geoeconomics.
    2. The conference is organised by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
    3. The event is organised by a government ministry without the involvement of any think tank.
    4. The 2026 edition carries the theme “Samskara: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.”

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Gravity Bomb:
    1. It differs from cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk cruise missile in that it lacks an engine.
    2. It is typically guided throughout its flight by onboard radar systems.
    3. It can be upgraded with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits to improve accuracy.
    4. JDAM kits use GPS guidance and steerable fins to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, consider the following statements:
    1. The report evaluates India’s progress towards biodiversity targets set for 2030.
    2. It assesses India’s performance against 23 National Biodiversity Targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
    3. It legally binds India to achieve all biodiversity targets under the Framework.
    4. The report forms part of national reporting obligations under the Convention.
    5. The targets assessed in the report are linked to global biodiversity goals for 2050.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

    1. The moonshot project to develop brain co-processors has been launched by which institution?
    1. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
    2. Indian Institute of Science
    3. All India Institute of Medical Sciences
    4. Indian Space Research Organisation

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s oil import trends:
    1. India is among the world’s largest importers of crude oil due to high energy demand.
    2. The share of imports from Russia has fallen below one-fourth of India’s total oil imports.
    3. The increase in imports from the United States indicates diversification of India’s crude oil sources.
    4. India’s dependence on crude oil imports has reduced to below 50%.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Which of the following military exercises are conducted between India and the United States?
    1. Yudh Abhyas
    2. Malabar
    3. Cope India
    4. Tiger Triumph
    5. Vajra Prahar

    How many of the given above is/are NOT correct:

    1. Two only
    2. Three only
    3. Four only 
    4. All are correct 

     

    1. With reference to student visas issued by the United States, consider the following statements:
    1. The F‑1 Visa is primarily meant for academic education and issued for students pursuing studies in universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programmes.
    2. The M Visa is issued for students enrolled in vocational or other recognised non-academic institutions.
    3. The M visa category also includes students enrolled in language training programmes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. A Hydroxyl megamaser is primarily known as:
    1. A powerful emitter of microwave or radio waves in space.
    2. A type of asteroid found in the Solar System.
    3. A black hole at the centre of galaxies.
    4. A type of artificial satellite.

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the LGM-30G Minuteman III:
    1. It is operated by the United States.
    2. It is designed to deliver nuclear payloads across intercontinental distances.
    3. It is launched primarily from aircraft carriers.
    4. It forms part of the strategic nuclear deterrence system of the United States.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to Quantum Computing, consider the following statements:
    1. It uses the principles of quantum mechanics for processing information.
    2. Classical computers process information using bits that represent either 0 or 1.
    3. Quantum computers use qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
    4. Quantum computers process information strictly using classical binary logic.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. Two only
    2. One only
    3. Three only
    4. All Four

     

    1. Assertion (A): The Essential Commodities Act helps in controlling inflation of essential goods.

    Reason (R): The government can impose price controls and stock limits under the Act.

    Options:

    1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    2. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
    3. A is true, but R is false
    4. A is false, but R is true

     

    1. With reference to euthanasia in India, consider the following statements:
    1. Passive euthanasia is legally permitted under certain conditions.
    2. Active euthanasia is legalized in India after judicial interpretation.
    3. The right to die with dignity is considered part of the Right to Life.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Which of the following components are part of the modernization strategy under Defence Vision 2047?
    1. Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems.
    2. Cyber and space warfare capabilities.
    3. Exclusive reliance on manpower-intensive warfare.

    Select the correct answer:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):
    1. The CEC can be removed only on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
    2. The procedure for removal is similar to that of a judge of the Supreme Court.
    3. The Constitution explicitly details the step-by-step removal procedure.
    4. The removal requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

    How many of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. Two only
    2. Three only
    3. All Four 
    4. None 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding National Investment and Infrastructure Fund:
    1. It is registered as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with SEBI.
    2. It is wholly owned by the Government of India.
    3. It aims to attract both domestic and international investors.
    4. It primarily finances short-term working capital needs of industries.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 4 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only

     

    1. With reference to India in SIPRI reports, consider the following statements:
    1. India is often among the top arms importers globally.
    2. SIPRI data is used to rank countries based on military strength.
    3. SIPRI identifies major suppliers to India.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding 

    National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI):

    1. It is a satellite-based index to quantify vegetation along National Highways.
    2. It uses chlorophyll-sensitive sensors to estimate green cover.
    3. It measures vegetation within the Right of Way (RoW) of highways.
    4. It expresses green cover as an absolute area in square kilometres.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, and 3 only 

     

    1. Match the following:

    List I (Year)

    List II (International Year)

    List III (Focus)

    a. 2021

    1. Fruits and Vegetables

    i. Healthy diets

    b. 2023

    2. Millets

    ii. Climate-resilient crops

    c. 2024

    3. Camelids

    iii. Pastoral livelihoods

    d. 2022

    4. Glass

    iv. Industrial innovation

    Codes:

    1. a-1-i, b-2-ii, c-3-iii, d-4-iv
    2. a-2-i, b-1-ii, c-3-iv, d-4-iii
    3. a-1-iii, b-2-ii, c-3-i, d-4-iv
    4. a-3-i, b-2-ii, c-1-iii, d-4-iv

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. Savitribai Phule is regarded as the first female teacher of modern India.
    2. She established the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848.
    3. She worked exclusively for upper-caste women’s education.
    4. She was associated with the Satyashodhak Samaj.

    How many of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four

     

    1. Consider the following pairs:

    Art Form

    Region

    1. Kurumba Paintings

    Nilgiris

    2. Warli Paintings

    Maharashtra

    3. Gond Paintings

    Rajasthan

    4. Madhubani Paintings

    Bihar

    How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four

     

    1. With reference to “Fiscal Health Index” (FHI), released by NITI Aayog consider the following statements:
    1. It promotes competitive federalism among States.
    2. It provides a comparative framework for fiscal discipline.
    3. It is a constitutional mandate under Article 280.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Black rain differs from acid rain because:
    1. Acid rain contains soot particles, while black rain is chemically pure.
    2. Black rain occurs only in oceans, while acid rain occurs on land.
    3. Black rain contains visible particulate matter, while acid rain is mainly chemically acidic.
    4. Both are identical phenomena.

     

    1. Which of the following groups are included under KCC beneficiaries?
    1. Self Help Groups (SHGs)
    2. Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
    3. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

    Select the correct answer:

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    1. Consider the following paragraph:

    A significant nationalist movement began with a march from an ashram and culminated in an act of breaking a colonial law related to an essential household item. The movement emphasized non-violence and civil disobedience and triggered nationwide protests, including demonstrations at salt production centers after the arrest of the leader.

    Which of the following events is being referred to?

    1. Swadeshi Movement
    2. Dandi March
    3. Home Rule Movement
    4. Civil Disobedience Movement

     

    1. Consider the following description:

    An aquatic predator possesses the rare ability among its group to tolerate a wide range of salinity levels. This is made possible by physiological adaptations that help maintain osmotic balance. It is found not only in coastal marine waters but also deep within inland river systems across multiple continents, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its conservation status is classified as “Vulnerable”.

    Which of the following species best fits the above description?

    1. Tiger Shark
    2. Blue Shark
    3. Bull Shark
    4. Basking Shark

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. Joha rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety from Assam.
    2. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
    3. It is primarily known for its high yield rather than quality.
    4. It is gaining recognition in premium global markets.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. The Indian Army has launched a Major Bridge Project in Sri Lanka under which of the following operations?
    1. Operation Maitri
    2. Operation Sagar Bandhu
    3. Operation Samudra Setu
    4. Operation Rainbow

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. NavIC was earlier known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System).
    2. It ensures independence from foreign navigation systems.
    3. All NavIC satellites are placed only in geostationary orbit.
    4. It has both civilian and encrypted services.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. Jayanthi Kumaresh has been announced as the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi award at the 100th Conference.
    2. Narendra G has been conferred the Nritya Kalanidhi award.
    3. Sangita Kalanidhi is awarded for excellence in both music and dance.
    4. Both awards are conferred during the annual conference of the Music Academy.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following description:

    A rare and visually striking pheasant species, often referred to as the “king of birds,” inhabits temperate and subalpine forests at elevations ranging from 2,400 to 3,600 meters, occasionally descending to about 2,000 meters during winter. It is distributed from the Swat Valley in Pakistan across Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand. The species is omnivorous, feeding on berries, seeds, buds, shoots, and insects, and faces threats from forest degradation, climate change, and human disturbances. It is also recognized as the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

    Which of the following species is being described?

    1. Himalayan Monal
    2. Western Tragopan
    3. Cheer Pheasant
    4. Satyr Tragopan

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. The scheme provides health coverage under Ayushman Bharat TG Plus.
    2. It focuses on marginalized communities including transgender persons.
    3. It does not include any provision for shelter support.
    4. It aims at promoting livelihood and enterprise development.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Kharg Island is located in:
    1. Arabian Sea
    2. Bay of Bengal
    3. Persian Gulf
    4. Mediterranean Sea

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. SWAMIH Fund focuses on affordable and mid-income housing projects.
    2. It aims to ensure completion of housing projects stuck due to lack of funds.
    3. It directly finances new greenfield luxury housing projects.
    4. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. The Global Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2025.
    2. It aims to create a legally binding international framework for pandemic preparedness and response.
    3. It replaces the International Health Regulations (IHR) entirely.
    4. It addresses global inequalities in pandemic management.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2 and 4 only 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Gyan Bharatam Mission:
    1. It aims to conserve more than one crore manuscripts across India.
    2. It focuses only on manuscripts housed in government institutions.
    3. It includes documentation as well as physical conservation of manuscripts.
    4. It is a completely new initiative unrelated to earlier manuscript preservation efforts.

    How many of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

    1. One only
    2. Three only
    3. Two only
    4. All are correct 

     

    1. With reference to the National Manuscripts Mission, consider the following statements:
    1. It was launched in 2003 under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
    2. Its primary objective is to digitize all manuscripts in India.
    3. It aims to locate and document manuscript heritage across the country.
    4. It deals exclusively with manuscripts written in Sanskrit.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF):
    1. It incentivizes countries for preserving existing forest cover rather than only reducing deforestation rates.
    2. It is structured as a grant-based mechanism with no expectation of financial returns.
    3. It is introduced by Brazil and aims to align conservation outcomes with long-term financial sustainability.
    4. It has already mobilized over $5.5 billion in initial commitments.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Match the following art forms with their respective States:

    List I (Art Form)

    List II (State)

    a. Warli Painting

    1. Madhya Pradesh

    b. Gond Art

    2. Maharashtra

    c. Bhil Painting

    3. Assam / Northeast India

    d. Rabha & Tamang Masks

    4. Rajasthan

    Select the correct answer using the code below:

    1. a-3, b-1, c-2, d-4
    2. a-1, b-2, c-4, d-3
    3. a-2, b-3, c-1, d-4
    4. a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. NMDC Limited is the first mining company in India to achieve 50 million tonnes of iron ore production in a single financial year.
    2. Magnetite contains more than 70% iron and is considered the best quality ore.
    3. Hematite is the most important industrial iron ore and typically contains 40–60% iron.
    4. Siderite is a carbonate ore with iron content less than 40%.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. What does the term “Gynandromorphy” refer to?
    1. Presence of both male and female characteristics in a single organism and most commonly observed in Insects and birds.
    2. Ability of an organism to change sex during its lifetime and most commonly observed in Reptiles only.
    3. Presence of only male reproductive organs and most commonly observed in mammals.
    4. Absence of sexual characteristics and most commonly observed in Amphibians only

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Nagoya Protocol:
    1. It was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan and it came into force in 2012.
    2. It aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
    3. It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
    4. India ratified the protocol in 2012 and its provisions are aligned with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding nominations for the Padma Awards:
    1. Any citizen of India can nominate a person, including self-nomination.
    2. Nominations are submitted through an online portal managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    3. Only State Governments and Union Territories can recommend candidates.
    4. The awards are announced annually on Republic Day.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the Gajapati Dynasty, consider the following statements:
    1. Kapilendra Deva was the founder of the Gajapati dynasty.
    2. The empire reached its maximum territorial extent under Purushottama Deva.
    3. Prataparudra Deva was a contemporary of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.
    4. The dynasty had frequent conflicts with the Bahmani Sultanate and Vijayanagara Empire.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1, 3 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ladakh Magmatic Arc:
    1. It is composed primarily of igneous rocks located in the Trans-Himalayan region.
    2. It represents an active volcanic arc system in present times.
    3. It is associated with the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
    4. It formed due to the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding digital initiatives in India’s vaccination drive:
    1. eVIN enables real-time tracking of vaccine stock and storage temperature.
    2. U-WIN is designed as a digital registry for routine immunization tracking.
    3. CoWIN was used exclusively for vaccine procurement and supply chain management.
    4. CoWIN facilitated the administration of more than 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. One only
    2. Two only
    3. Three only
    4. All Four 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding NATO:
    1. It was established in 1949 through the Washington Treaty.
    2. It was formed primarily to counter the threat from the Soviet Union after World War II.
    3. It is an economic and monetary union of North Atlantic countries.
    4. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding PM-POSHAN:
    1. It was earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
    2. It is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Union Government.
    3. It provides one hot cooked meal to students up to Class 8 in government and aided schools.
    4. It is implemented under the Ministry of Education.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding BHAVYA:
    1. It aims to develop 100 “future ready” industrial parks across India.
    2. It is integrated with the PM GatiShakti programme.
    3. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation plays a key role in implementation.
    4. The scheme duration is proposed for six years starting from 2026–27.

    How many of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

    1. Two only
    2. Three only
    3. All Four 
    4. All Four are correct 

     

    1. With reference to the Aravalli Hills, consider the following statements:
    1. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak located on Mount Abu.
    2. The range acts as a major water divide influencing river systems in western India.
    3. Rivers such as Luni and Sabarmati originate from this range.
    4. The Aravalli range forms a continuous high barrier like the Himalayas.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s bioeconomy:
    1. India’s bioeconomy has grown from about $10 billion in 2014 to over $165 billion by 2024 and it contributes around 4.25% to India’s GDP.
    2. The government aims to expand the bioeconomy to about $300 billion by 2030.
    3. The sector has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 17–18% in recent years.
    4. States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh together account for a major share.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. Two only
    2. Three only
    3. One only
    4. All Four 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding the RELIEF Scheme:
    1. It is designed to support Indian exporters facing logistics and freight-related disruptions in West Asia.
    2. The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India is the nodal agency and it primarily targets large corporations engaged in global trade.
    3. It is launched under the Export Promotion Mission and it addresses issues such as freight hikes and insurance premium spikes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme was approved in 2026.
    2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
    3. It aims to promote clean energy generation in rural and remote areas.
    4. It targets about 1,500 MW capacity addition by FY 2030–31.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the World Happiness Report 2026, consider the following statements:
    1. It is published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
    2. The ranking is based on factors such as GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
    3. Finland has been ranked as the happiest country since 2018, while Afghanistan ranks last in 2026.
    4. India is ranked within the top 100 countries and has shown improvement from its previous year ranking.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the SHINE App, consider the following statements:
    1. It provides a digital platform exclusively for government women employees to report workplace harassment.
    2. It ensures confidentiality of the complainant while allowing complaint tracking.
    3. It is aligned with provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
    4. It replaces the role of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. One only
    2. Two only
    3. Three only
    4. All Four 

     

    1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s crude oil imports:
    1. India is the third-largest oil-importing and consuming nation in the world.
    2. India imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements from more than 40 countries.
    3. Nearly half of India’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
    4. India is a full member of IEA and does have an obligation to follow the mandate of the international body.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1, 3 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3 only 

     

    1. The term “LIGO” stands for:
    1. Laser Interferometer Geophysical Observatory
    2. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
    3. Light Interference Global Observatory
    4. Laser Integrated Gravity Observatory

     

    1. The “Kimberley Process Certification Scheme” regulates:
    1. Only trade of polished diamonds.
    2. Only trade of rough diamonds.
    3. Trade of both rough and polished diamonds.
    4. Only trade of synthetic diamonds.

     

    1. With reference to the Darknet, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a subset of the deep web.
    2. It is indexed by conventional search engines but requires login access.
    3. It ensures user anonymity through encryption and routing mechanisms.
    4. It can be accessed using specialized software such as Tor Browser.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. White phosphorus is used in warfare primarily for:
    1. Creating smoke screens
    2. Illumination
    3. Chemical poisoning as a nerve agent
    4. Incendiary purposes

    Select the correct answer:

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the Anavaran Deforestation Alert System, consider the following statements:
    1. It is an AI-enabled platform for monitoring forest cover loss developed by the Forest Survey of India.
    2. It is based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, and uses Sentinel‑2 optical imagery and Sentinel‑1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for monitoring during cloud cover or monsoon.
    3. Both Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 depend on visible light for imaging.
    4. It relies solely on optical satellite imagery for detection and it sends alerts periodically to State Forest Departments.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to Kurumba paintings, consider the following statements:
    1. They were traditionally painted on walls of houses and temples.
    2. The paintings are closely associated with festival and ritual contexts.
    3. The art form predominantly uses perspective and realism techniques.
    4. Natural materials like tree resins are used for pigment preparation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index (FHI 2026), consider the following statements:
    1. It is the second annual edition assessing the fiscal health of Indian states.
    2. The index evaluates parameters such as Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
    3. The data used for the index is compiled by the Finance Commission of India.
    4. Odisha is the top-performing state, while Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala are among the lowest performers.
    5. States like Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have shown moderate improvement in fiscal performance.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    2. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
    4. 1, 3 and 5 only

     

    1. Which of the following effects can be associated with Black Rain?
    1. Radiation sickness
    2. Genetic mutations
    3. Loss of Soil fertility

    Select the correct answer:

    1. One only
    2. Two only
    3. None 
    4. All

     

    1. With reference to the proposed Proton Accelerator Facility in Visakhapatnam, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a high-energy proton accelerator system used to accelerate charged particles.
    2. It will support India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, particularly thorium utilization.
    3. It is based on Accelerator-Driven Systems (ADS) which enhance nuclear reactor safety.
    4. The facility is primarily meant for weather forecasting and climate modelling.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
    1. It provides autonomous administrative arrangements for tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
    2. Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) are empowered with legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.
    3. The provisions related to the Sixth Schedule are contained under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
    4. Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya function only as advisory bodies without legislative authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Consider the following description:

    A stocky mountain ungulate with short yellowish-brown fur is endemic to a limited stretch of about 400 km in the Western Ghats, mainly across parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a herbivore feeding on a wide variety of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. The species faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, plantation expansion, hydroelectric projects, competition with domestic livestock, and hunting. It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The largest population is found in Eravikulam National Park, and it is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.

    Which one of the following species is being described above?

    1. Malabar Pied Hornbill 
    2. Lion-tailed Macaque
    3. Indian Gaur
    4. Nilgiri Tahr

     

    1. Which of the following best describes the PRAHAAR Policy?
    1. To provide financial assistance to states affected by terrorism.
    2. To establish a legal tribunal system for terrorism cases.
    3. To lay down a comprehensive policy framework based on zero tolerance towards terrorism.
    4. To replace all existing anti-terror laws in India.

     

    1. Which of the following are the benefits of adopting green hydrogen and green ammonia?
    1. Reduction in dependence on fossil fuel imports.
    2. Decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors.
    3. Balancing the greenhouse gas emissions.
    4. Energy storage and grid balancing.

    Select the correct answer:

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the Rah-Veer Scheme, consider the following statements:
    1. It is aligned with the Good Samaritan provisions under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
    2. It provides both legal protection and financial incentives to individuals who assist road accident victims.
    3. The scheme rewards citizens who help victims within the “golden hour” with a cash incentive of ₹25,000.
    4. The reward is disbursed by a central-level committee after approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the HAL Tejas, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed for both the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
    2. It has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the DRDO.
    3. It is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
    4. It is capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 2, and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only

     

    1. Consider the following paragraph:

    A certain mammal is unique in being covered with protective keratin scales, a feature not found in any other mammalian group. It primarily feeds on ants, termites, and larvae using a long sticky tongue and lacks teeth. When threatened, it rolls into a tight ball to shield its vulnerable parts. It also plays an important ecological role by aerating soil and controlling insect populations.

    Which of the following species is being described above?

    1. Armadillo
    2. Pangolin
    3. Aardvark
    4. Anteater

     

    1. With reference to the RAMP Programme, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a World Bank-assisted Central Sector Scheme.
    2. It focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of MSMEs.
    3. It provides direct capital subsidies to MSMEs for machinery purchase.
    4. It includes measures to improve access to both domestic and global markets.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. Mission Sudarshan Chakra is associated with which of the following?
    1. Naval anti-submarine warfare exercise
    2. Integrated air defence exercise
    3. Cyber security drill
    4. Space surveillance mission

     

    1. With reference to SUJVIKA portal, consider the following statements:
    1. It is an AI-driven digital platform developed by the Department of Biotechnology.
    2. It provides authenticated data on biotechnology product imports.
    3. It is designed to monitor exports of agricultural commodities.
    4. It presents sector-wise insights into biochemical products and industrial enzymes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 4 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. With reference to the International Climate Initiative (IKI), consider the following statements:
    1. It was established in 2008 as Germany’s primary mechanism for funding international climate projects.
    2. It exclusively focuses on climate mitigation activities.
    3. It supports projects related to adaptation and biodiversity in partner countries.
    4. India is among the priority partner countries under the initiative.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 2 only
    4. 1, 3 and 4 only 

     

    1. With reference to CAFE norms in India, consider the following statements:
    1. They were introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in 2017.
    2. They regulate fuel consumption and carbon emissions from passenger vehicles.
    3. They apply only to petrol and diesel vehicles.
    4. They cover vehicles with weight less than 3,500 kg.

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. One only
    2. Two only
    3. Three only
    4. All Four 

     

    1. Consider the following events:
    1. Non-Cooperation Movement.
    2. Kakori Train Robbery.
    3. Hindustan Republican Association.
    4. Lahore Conspiracy Case.

    Which of the above events are associated with Chandrashekhar Azad?

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 4 only 
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    1. The Hexagon Alliance is primarily associated with:
    1. Military cooperation
    2. Clean energy transition
    3. Space exploration
    4. Agricultural reforms




    Key Answers

     

    01). B                26). B                 51). C            76). C

    02). C                27). A                 52). A            77). A

    03). B                28). B                 53). C            78). D 

    04). A                29). D                 54). A            79). C

    05). D                30). A                 55). B            80). D

    06). C                31). C                 56). D            81). A

    07). A                32). C                 57). C            82). C

    08). B                33). A                 58). A            83). B

    09). D                34). C                 59). C            84). A

    10). A                35). B                 60). D            85). B

    11). C                36). B                 61). B            86). A

    12). B                37). C                 62). D            87). D

    13). A                38). A                 63). B            88). C

    14). C                39). B                 64). A            89). D

    15). A                40). A                 65). C            90). B

    16). B                41). C                 66). B

    17). C                42). B                 67). D

    18). D                43). A                 68). B

    19). B                44). C                 69). B

    20). A                45). B                 70). A

    21). C                46). D                 71). A

    22). C                47). C                 72). B

    23). A                48). A                 73). A

    24). B                49). A                 74). A

    25). C                50). D                 75). D

               

  • Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0

    Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0

    News – 

    • Centre allocates ₹2,245.30 crore to Karnataka under SwachhBharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
    • Significance of the move – The funds aim to strengthen urban infrastructure, focusing on making cities garbage-free and improving waste treatment processes across Karnataka.

    Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.

    • Launched on – October 1, 2021. 
    • It is aimed at making all Indian cities “Garbage Free” by 2026. 
    • It is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

    Key Objectives & Vision

    • Garbage-Free Cities: Achieving 100% scientific processing of municipal solid waste in all statutory towns.
    • Sustaining ODF Status: Moving beyond Open Defecation Free (ODF) to ODF+ (functional/hygienic public toilets) and ODF++ (complete faecal sludge management).
    • Water+ Certification: Ensuring no untreated wastewater is discharged into open environments or water bodies.
    • Remediation of Legacy Waste: Processing waste at all legacy dumpsites (landfills) to reclaim land and prevent environmental hazards.

    Circular Economy: Promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to treat waste as a resource.

  • Durand Line | National Science Day 2026 | Progress Toward an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Vaccine | Meningococcal Disease | INS Anjadip | State Innovation Mission (SIM)

    Durand Line

    International

    In News

    • Pakistan recently launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, a series of cross-border strikes against Afghan Taliban targets along the disputed Durand Line.

    Durand Line

      • The 2,640 km Durand Line, drawn in 1893 by British diplomat Sir Mortimer Durand and Afghan Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, 
    • It separates Pakistan from Afghanistan but splits Pashtun tribes. 
      • Afghanistan has never fully recognized it as a legitimate border, viewing it as a colonial imposition.
    • Disputes over the line have fueled decades of tensions, including fencing efforts and militant crossovers.

    National Science Day 2026

    Science and Technology

    Context

    • National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ made by the physicist Sir C.V. Raman.

    Sir C.V. Raman 

      • He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for the discovery of the Raman Effect.
      • The objective of the observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of the importance of science and its application among the people.
    • Theme for 2026: “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat”

    About C V Raman

      • He founded the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926.
      • He became the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in 1933.
      • He established the Raman Research Institute in 1948.
    • In 1954, the Government of India honored him with the Bharat Ratna.

    Raman Effect

    • When a beam of light passes through a transparent medium (such as a liquid or gas), a small fraction of the scattered light changes in wavelength.
    • This change occurs due to the interaction of light with the vibrational and rotational energy levels of the molecules in the medium.

    Progress Toward an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Vaccine

    Health

    In News

    • Researchers are developing monoclonal antibodies that could prevent EBV infection.

    Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

      • It is also known as Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4).
      • It is one of the most common human viruses, infecting nearly 95% of the global population. 
      • It is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the herpesvirus family
    • Highly Contagious: It primarily spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva, earning it the nickname “the kissing disease”. It can also spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

    Complications – While often harmless, EBV can lead to serious conditions: 

    • Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Characterized by fever, sore throat, extreme fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
    • Cancer (Oncogenic): Linked to several malignancies, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
    • Autoimmune Disorders: Recent research strongly links EBV to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
    • Vaccine Research: As of early 2026, there is no approved vaccine for EBV, but researchers are making breakthroughs using monoclonal antibodies targeting viral proteins (gp42 and gp350).

    Meningococcal Disease

    Health

    In News

    • The Meghalaya government has sounded a high-level health alert after two Agniveer trainees at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong died from a suspected meningococcal infection.

    Meningococcemia Infection

      • It is a severe, rapidly progressing disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides.
      • It leads to life-threatening meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) or meningococcemia (blood poisoning).
    • It infects meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.

    Transmission

      • People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit).
      • They are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.
    • Symptoms: It includes high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and a non-blanching rash.
    • Treatment: It is treated with antibiotics.

    INS Anjadip

    Defence

    In News

    • INS Anjadip was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy.

    INS Anjadip

    • ‘Anjadip’, the third of eight ASW SWC (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft), indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
    • The ASW-SWC corvettes are being built indigenously to replace the Navy’s aging Abhay-class vessels.
    • It is engineered to act as a ‘Dolphin Hunter‘, focused on detection, tracking, and neutralisation of enemy submarines.

    State Innovation Mission (SIM)

    Government Initiatives

    Context

    • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura.

    State Innovation Mission (SIM) 

      • It is launched by NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0. 
      • First Implementation: Tripura became the first state in India to launch its State Innovation Mission on February 26, 2026.
    • Objective: To decentralise innovation by providing states with the tools to design their own innovation strategies, support local startups, and strengthen school-level innovation (via Atal Tinkering Labs).
    • Significance: It promotes cooperative and competitive federalism by allowing states to lead innovation in their own unique socio-economic contexts
  • PM Visit to Israel | Chandrashekhar Azad | Hexagon Alliance | RailTech Portal and e-RCT System | Global Mind Health 2025 Report | India Bhutan Cooperation on HydroPower Projects

    PM Visit to Israel

    International

    Context

    • The Prime Minister paid an official visit to Israel.
    • In a historic first, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

    Major Outcomes

    • Both nations elevated their relationship to Special Strategic Partnership.
    • India and Israel also discussed the implementation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and cooperation under the framework of I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA).

    India and Israel Bilateral Relations & Evolving Ties

      • Bilateral Relations: India announced its recognition of Israel in 1950. Regular embassies opened in 1992 when full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. 
      • The bilateral relations were elevated to strategic partnership in 2017 and were upgraded to Special Strategic Partnership after this visit.
      • Defense & Security: Israel has been a key supplier of advanced technology from AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) radars and drones to missile and surveillance systems making it one of India’s largest defense suppliers.
    • Bilateral Trade: India is Israel’s 2nd trading partner in Asia and the 7th largest globally.
    • Multilateral Cooperation: Both are active members of the I2U2 group (India, Israel, USA, UAE), focusing on economic and space collaboration with projects like food parks and space-based environmental tools.

    Chandrashekhar Azad

    History

    In News

    • The Prime Minister paid tribute to the revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad marking his Martyrdom Day.

    Chandrashekhar Azad

    • He was a great Indian freedom fighter and he was born on July 23, 1906 in Badarka village of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh.
    • He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
    • When produced before a magistrate, he declared his name as “Azad,” father’s name as “Swatantra,” and residence as “Jail.” After being publicly flogged, he adopted the title Azad, meaning “Free,” as his permanent identity.
    • After the Chauri Chaura incident (1922) and the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement, he shifted towards revolutionary activities.
    • On 27 February 1931, Azad was surrounded by police at Alfred Park in Allahabad (now Chandrashekhar Azad Park). After a gunfight in which he enabled his associate Sukhdev Raj to escape, he shot himself with his last bullet to avoid capture

    Key Contributions

    • Kakori Train Robbery (1925): As a leader in the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) with Ram Prasad Bismil, Azad helped rob a train to fund arms for independence. He escaped capture while others were jailed.
    • Lahore Assassination (1928): Aided Bhagat Singh and Rajguru in killing British officer John Saunders, avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death during a protest.
    • HSRA Formation: He reorganised the Hindustan Republican Association under the new name of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) after the death of its founder Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil. He was the chief strategist of the HSRA.

    Hexagon Alliance

    International

    Context

    • A new geopolitical grouping, the Hexagon Alliance, has been proposed by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with India at its centre.

    Hexagon Alliance

    • It would include Israel, India, Mediterranean partners such as Greece and Cyprus, along with other unnamed Arab, African and Asian states.
    • The framework is designed to operate across three tracks: economic cooperation, diplomatic alignment and security collaboration. 
    • For India, participation would reflect its expanding strategic footprint in the Mediterranean and West Asia, complementing initiatives like India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
    • However, deeper alignment in such a bloc could complicate India’s ties with Iran, a key energy and connectivity partner.

    RailTech Portal and e-RCT System

    Governance

    Context

    • The Union Minister for Railways announced the RailTech Policy and the complete digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) under Indian Railways’ flagship “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative.

    Rail Tech Policy Reform

    • This policy aims to engage innovators, startups, industry and institutions to promote innovation in Indian Railways. 
    • The new policy simplifies the selection of innovators and introduces a dedicated “Rail Tech Portal” for innovation.

    Key innovation areas include:

    1. AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS), 
    2. AI-based fire detection system in coaches, 
    3. drone-based broken rail detection system, 
    4. rail stress monitoring system, 
    5. sensor-based load calculation device on parcel vans (VPUs) etc.

    Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) 

    • It is a quasi-judicial body in India established under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 
    • Objective – to provide a faster and more specialised mechanism for settling claims against the Railway Administration
    • The E-RCT system will enable end-to-end computerisation and digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal. 
    • Earlier, claimants had to physically visit tribunal benches for filing and case tracking, causing delays, travel burdens, and jurisdictional confusion.

    Global Mind Health 2025 Report

    Health

    Context

    • The Global Mind Health 2025 Report, released by Sapien Labs, highlights a significant mental health crisis among young adults in India and reveals a sharp generational divide in mind health outcomes.

    About the Report

    • Formerly known as the Mental State of the World Report, it is published under the Global Mind Project. 
    • The study assesses emotional, social, cognitive and functional capacities required to manage life, work and relationships, using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) as a composite indicator.

    The study identifies four key drivers behind declining youth mental health:

    • Weakening family bonds
    • Decline in spirituality
    • Early exposure to smartphones
    1. High consumption of ultra-processed foods.

    Key Findings

    Global Trends:

    • Young adults in economically developed countries show poorer mind health outcomes compared to those in less developed regions. 
    • Notably, Finland ranks high in happiness but not proportionately in mind health, suggesting that life satisfaction and mental resilience are distinct measures.

    India’s Position:

    • Age 18–34: Ranked 60th globally with an MHQ score of 33.
    • Age 55+: Ranked 49th globally with an MHQ score of 96.

    India Bhutan Cooperation on HydroPower Projects

    International Relations

    Context

    • India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership in water resources management and hydropower development during a high level visit by an Indian delegation to Bhutan.

    India-Bhutan Relations

    • Geographical Connection: Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serves as a buffer between India and China.
      • Diplomatic relations – Established in 1968. 
      • Treaty of Friendship – The basic framework of India Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and was renewed in February 2007.
    • Four major bilateral projects are launched in Bhutan from India,
      1. Hydroelectric projects – Punatsangchhu and Mangdechhu Hydro Project, 
    • Ground Earth Station of ISRO
    • RuPay Card
    • National Knowledge Network of India
      • Economy – India is Bhutan’s top trade partner both as an import source and as an export destination.
    • Bhutan became the second country to launch the BHIM app.
    • Cultural and Buddhist Links: A number of Bhutanese pilgrims travel to Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, and other Buddhist sites in India
  • RAMP Programme | Him-CONNECT | Mission Sudarshan Chakra | SUJVIKA Portal | International Climate Initiative (IKI)

    RAMP Programme

    Governance

    Context

    • The 5th National MSME Council has reviewed the progress of the World Bank supported RAMP Programme. 

    Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)

      • It is a World Bank-assisted Central Sector Scheme launched in June 2022
    • Implementation – Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. 
    • Objective – It is aiming to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of MSMEs.

    Primary Objectives

    1. Market & Credit Access: Improving MSMEs’ ability to reach domestic and global markets and secure formal financing.
    2. Institutional Strengthening: Building capacity and improving governance at both Central and State levels.
    3. Greening MSMEs: Promoting environmentally sustainable practices and green investments.
    4. Addressing Delayed Payments: Scaling up online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanisms to tackle liquidity issues caused by payment delays

    Him-CONNECT

    Government Initiatives

    Context

    • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is organising Him-CONNECT in New Delhi as part of The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).

    ‘Him-CONNECT’ 

    • It links researchers from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with start-ups, investors and policymakers.
    • It will showcase more than 24 technologies and innovations developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS).
    • The platform aims to facilitate commercialisation, on-ground deployment and wider adoption of Himalayan-focused solutions.

    Mission Sudarshan Chakra

    Defence

    In News

    • Indian PM visit to Israel boosted defence deal on advanced weapons tech and missile defence under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

    Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

    • During Operation Sindoor, India faced drone and missile threats from Pakistan.
    • To strengthen national security, the Sudarshan Chakra missile shield—planned for 2035 under Make in India.
    • Mandate – It aims to integrate advanced defensive systems like Iron Dome, Iron Beam, Arrow, David’s Sling, along with existing S-400, Barak, and Akash systems, covering India’s borders and coastline.

    Sudarshan Chakra

    • It is a multi-layered, home-grown air defence initiative. 
    • It is  named after Lord Krishna’s divine disc, designed to protect key sites from missiles, rockets, drones, and swarms.
    • It combines long-range systems like S-400 and Project Kusha, medium-range MRSAM/Barak-8, short-range Iron Dome, and future laser-based weapons like Iron Beam and DURGA-II for cost-effective drone and low-altitude threat interception.

    SUJVIKA Portal

    Science & Technology

    Context

    • On the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal, was launched highlighting biotechnology as a key driver of India’s future economic growth.

    SUJVIKA Portal

    • It is an AI-driven trade intelligence platform launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) on 24 February 2026. 

    Key Features and Purpose

    • AI-Powered Analysis: The portal uses artificial intelligence to provide authenticated and structured data on biotechnology product imports.
    • Sectoral Insights: It offers detailed information on specific categories such as biochemical products and industrial enzymes.
    • Indigenisation: By identifying high-value and high-volume imports, it helps researchers and startups prioritise domestic manufacturing (Atmanirbhar Bharat) to reduce foreign dependency.
    • Significance – The launch of SUJVIKA aligns with India’s goal of reaching a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047.
    • It supports the BioE3 Policy, which focuses on high-performance biomanufacturing for the economy, environment, and employment

    International Climate Initiative (IKI)

    Environment

    In News

    • Germany and India have launched a €20 million (approximately ₹180 crore) Large Grant project under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

    International Climate Initiative (IKI)

      • It is a key funding programme by the German government in 2008.
    • Objective – to support international climate and biodiversity projects in developing and emerging economies. 

    Core Funding Areas

    • It focuses on four main pillars to help partner nations meet their Paris Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) goals: 
    1. Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning to renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and low-carbon industrial processes.
    2. Adapting to Climate Change Impacts: Increasing resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation and risk management strategies.
    3. Preserving and Restoring Natural Carbon Sinks: Focused on forest conservation, peatland protection, and ending land-use changes (REDD+).
    4. Conserving Biological Diversity: Implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and managing protected areas
  • Karnataka Information Commission (KIC)

    Karnataka Information Commission (KIC)

    News –

    • The Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has claimed to be the fastest in India for disposing of second appeal petitions under the RTI Act.

    Karnataka Information Commission (KIC)

    • It is an autonomous statutory body established on March 2, 2006, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
    • It serves as the final appellate authority for citizens seeking information from public authorities within the state of Karnataka.

    Key Leadership & Structure

    • State Chief Information Commissioner (In-Charge): Dr. H.C. Sathyan.
    • Information Commissioners: The commission includes several State Information Commissioners (SICs), such as Shri. Raman K., Dr. Harish Kumar, Sri. Rudranna Harthikote, and Sri. Rajashekara S..
    • Benches: In addition to its main headquarters in Bengaluru, the KIC operates regional benches in Belagavi and Kalaburagi to improve accessibility.

    Core Functions & Powers

    • Adjudication: The KIC hears Second Appeals and Complaints regarding the refusal of information or delays by Public Information Officers (PIOs).
    • Penalties: The commission has the authority to impose financial penalties—up to ₹25,000—on officials who delay information.
    • Judicial Authority: It possesses the powers of a Civil Court, including the ability to summon witnesses, require oral or written evidence under oath, and inspect public records.
  • PM Surya Ghar scheme | IAF’s Tejas Fleet Undergoes Maintenance Check | Pangolins | Free HPV Vaccination Drive for Adolescent Girls | Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

    PM Surya Ghar scheme

    Government Schemes

    In News

    • Recently, the Prime Minister praised 30 lakh households adopting rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, marking a key clean energy milestone.
    • Gujarat leads in adoption, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, with widespread participation across other states and UTs.

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

      • Launched in – 2024
      • Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
    • Objective: Installing rooftop solar (RTS) & providing free electricity for up to 300 monthly units for 1 Crore households. 
    • Uniqueness – It is the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, transforming India’s energy landscape
    • Subsidy: The scheme offers a subsidy of up to 40% to households.

    IAF’s Tejas Fleet Undergoes Maintenance Check

    Defence

    Context

    • The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Tejas fighter aircraft fleet is undergoing a “maintenance check” to determine the reason for the recent incident that occurred while one of the fighters was taking off from a base.

    Tejas fighter aircraft

    • It is an indigenous, fourth-generation, multi-role supersonic fighter jet developed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy
    • Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

    Major Variants

    Variant 

    Features

    Status

    Tejas Mk-1

    Initial version; 4th-gen capabilities.

    Operational in IAF.

    Tejas Mk-1A

    4.5-gen; features AESA Radar (Uttam), Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite, and mid-air refueling.

    First aircraft completed; mass production starting in 2026.

    Tejas Mk-2

    Medium Weight Fighter; larger airframe, canards, more powerful GE F414 engine.

    Prototype flight expected by mid-2026.

    Naval Variant

    Carrier-capable with strengthened landing gear and arrestor hook.

    Prototype successfully tested on INS Vikramaditya.

    Pangolins

    Environment

    Context

    • CITES report revealed that over 500,000 pangolins were seized globally between 2016 and 2024.

    Pangolin

    • Pangolins are mammals covered in keratin scales, the only such mammals on Earth.
    • They feed on ants, termites, and larvae using their long sticky tongues.
    • When threatened, they use volvation (rolling into a ball) to protect themselves with their armor-like scales.
    • They are considered “ecosystem engineers” due to their role in soil aeration and pest control.
    • There are eight recognised species of pangolins globally — four species are found in Africa (Black-bellied, White-bellied, Giant Ground, and Temminck’s Ground pangolins) and four species are found in Asia (Indian, Philippine, Sunda, and Chinese pangolins).

    Free HPV Vaccination Drive for Adolescent Girls

    Health

    Context

    • The Union government is set to launch a nationwide immunisation drive against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) targeting girls aged 14 years, marking a major preventive step against cervical cancer.

    Human papillomavirus (HPV)

      • HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. 
    • Most infections are asymptomatic and self-limiting.
    • Nature: HPV is a DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family.

    Additional Information – Cervical Cancer

    • Cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).  
    • Spread: Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
    • Prevalence: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
    • It is the second most common type of cancer in India for women.
    • Treatment: When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
    • Vaccination: There are, at present, two vaccines available in the country against the human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer, namely Merck’s Gardasil and Serum Institute of India’s Cervavac.

    Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

    Governance

    In News

    • The Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by an overseas citizen of India (OCI) seeking to be treated at par with NRIs for the purpose of practising law and obtaining state bar council membership. 

    Overseas Citizen of India

    • Introduced in – OCI scheme was introduced by the Indian government in 2005. 
    • A registered OCI is granted multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
    • They are exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer (FRO) for any length of stay in India.
    • OCI cardholders can open special bank accounts in India. They can buy non-farm property and exercise ownership rights. They can also apply for a driver’s licence and PAN card.
    • However they are required to seek permission or a permit to visit protected areas in India.
  • Tulu language

    Tulu language

    News –

    • The Karnataka government has expressed support for declaring Tulu as the State’s second additional official language.

    Tulu language

    • Historical Roots and Geography: Boasting a recorded history of over 3,000 years, Tulu is predominantly spoken in the coastal Karnataka districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.
    • Linguistic Heritage: Featuring its own distinct script, Tulu holds the distinction of being one of only five literary Dravidian languages, alongside Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
    • Constitutional Recommendation: A state-constituted committee in 2023, headed by educationist Mohan Alva, officially recommended declaring Tulu as the State’s second official language under Article 345 of the Indian Constitution.
  • ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s First National Counter-terror Policy | National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) | Green Ammonia | Chakravarti Rajagopalachari | ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme

    ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s First National Counter-terror Policy

    Governance

    Context

    • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled India’s inaugural National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled ‘PRAHAAR’.

    ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s First National Counter-terror Policy

    • It is this principled approach which informs the Indian policy of ‘zero tolerance’ against terrorism. 

    The counter-terrorism strategy of India, ‘PRAHAAR’, flows from these ideals: 

    • Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests; 
    • Responses, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed; 
    • Aggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach; 
    • Human rights and ‘Rule of Law’ based processes for mitigation of threats; 
    • Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalization; 
    • Aligning and shaping the international efforts to counter terrorism;
    • Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.

    National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0)

    Economy

    Context

    • Recently, the Union Finance Minister has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0).

    National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) 

    • It is the second phase of India’s asset monetisation programme, covering the five-year period from FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30. 
    • Objective – it aims to unlock value from existing (brownfield) public infrastructure by leasing it to private players for a fixed period while the government retains ownership

    National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 

    • It is the Indian government’s plan to lease out existing public infrastructure—like highways, railways, and power lines—to private companies for a specific period
    • The government retains ownership, while private firms operate the assets and pay the government for the right to earn revenue from them. 

    Key Aspects of NMP:

      • Goal: To unlock funds from underutilized, built assets (“brownfield” projects) to invest in new infrastructure development.
      • Mechanism: Rather than selling, the government uses public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transfer operating and maintenance rights.
    • Sectors: Major sectors included are roads, railways, power pipelines, telecom, and airports

    Green Ammonia

    Environment

    In News

    • India’s energy transition is increasingly focusing on green hydrogen and its derivatives, with green ammonia emerging as a crucial pathway.

    Green ammonia

    • It is produced using green hydrogen, and is emerging as a leading clean fuel for fertilizers, energy, and marine applications. 

    Benefits of Green Ammonia

    • Decarbonization of Fertilizers: India’s fertilizer sector, heavily dependent on imported ammonia, can significantly cut emissions by adopting green ammonia.

    Additional Information – Green Hydrogen

    • Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
    • Benefit: It is a clean burning element that can decarbonise a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. 
    • Hydrogen can be stored for long periods of time which can be used to produce electricity using fuel cells.

    National Green Hydrogen Mission

    • Aim: To make India a global hub for the production of green hydrogen.
    • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) 

    Hydrogen

    • Symbol and Atomic number – Hydrogen is the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. 
    • Hydrogen is the lightest element and the most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all normal matter.
    • It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible gas.

    Chakravarti Rajagopalachari

    History

    Context

    • The President of India, unveiled a bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    1. Rajagopalachari 
      • Early Life: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly referred to as Rajaji, was born in 1878 in Thorapalli, Tamil Nadu.
      • He participated in agitations against the Rowlatt Act, the Non-Cooperation movement, the Vaikom Satyagraha, and the Civil Disobedience Movement and was jailed five times between 1912 and 1941.
    • Post-independence, Rajaji served as the last Governor-General of India till 1950.
      • He briefly served as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister between 1952 and 1954.
      • He founded the Swatantra Party in 1959, representing classical liberal economic ideas.
      • Literary Contribution: His most popular works include a retelling of the Mahabharata and Ramayana in English, and Ramayana – Chakravarti Thirumagan in Tamil.
    • In 1954 he was conferred with the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to Indian politics and literature.

    ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme

    Governance

    In News

    • The Delhi government is going to implement the Centre’s ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme to motivate citizens to assist seriously injured road accidents.

    ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme

      • The scheme, aligned with the Good Samaritan Rules under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
    • It provides legal protection and financial incentives to encourage prompt humanitarian action.
    • Features: citizens who help seriously injured road accident victims within the “golden hour” will receive a ₹25,000 cash reward.
    • A district-level committee will evaluate cases, and the reward will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. 
    • Additionally, 10 outstanding Rah-Veers annually will receive ₹1 lakh and a certificate.
    • Significance – It aims to overcome citizens’ hesitation to assist accident victims due to legal or procedural fears.