A rare conservation incident unfolded at Yenakathala village, Vikarabad district (Telangana) where operations in a stone quarry were halted for 30+ days to protect five eggs of the endangered Rock Eagle Owl found in a rock crevice. The quarry is incurring ₹1.2 lakh loss per day (₹35 lakh total) to ensure safe hatching. This has been hailed as a “miracle” rescue and an example of community-led wildlife protection.
About the Rock Eagle Owl (Indian Eagle-Owl) – Bubo bengalensis
Also called Bengal Eagle-Owl
Large horned owl species
Habitat: Hilly scrub forests, cliffs, rock crevices
Camouflage: Brown & grey plumage with a white throat patch
Distribution: Throughout India
IUCN Status:Least Concern globally, but population decreasing
In India:
Protected under Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
This places it at par with species like tigers and elephants in terms of legal protection
Threats:
Habitat loss
Quarrying and mining
Poaching (₹35–40 lakh per bird in black market)
Superstitious killings
Important:
Nesting sites are difficult to locate; nests are usually in rock niches and cliffs, not trees. The species abandons the nest if touched by humans.
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ? (2017)
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
Five traditional products from Tamil Nadu have received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, highlighting the State’s rich textile, agricultural, and handicraft heritage. With these additions, Tamil Nadu now has 74 GI-tagged products, one of the highest in India. Applications were filed by IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi on behalf of the concerned associations.
Assam Day was celebrated in New Delhi on 2 December 2025, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, paying tribute to Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom Kingdom and architect of “Greater Assam.”
About Chaolung Sukapha
Founder of the Ahom Kingdom (established c. 1228 CE).
Migrated from present-day Yunnan region (original Tai-Ahom lineage).
Crossed the Patkai Hills to enter Assam.
Known for integrating diverse communities through:
Goodwill
Empathy
Just and inclusive administration
Believed in winning the “hearts of people” as the basis for stable governance.
Sukapha is revered as the architect of “Greater Assam.”
Sukapha Divas / Assam Day is celebrated on 2 December.
First official celebration in 2016 at Charaideo, during Sonowal’s tenure as CM.
Ahom Kingdom
Ruled Assam for nearly 600 years (1228–1826).
Capital at various times: Charaideo, Sibsagar, Garhgaon, etc.
Famous for:
Efficient land revenue system (Paik system)
Strong military organisation
Architecture: Maidams (Ahom burial mounds)
Successfully resisted Mughal expansion (Battle of Saraighat, 1671).
In the context of Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2021)
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Every UPSC aspirant talks about discipline and consistency. But here is the truth, neither of them will save you if your system is broken.
You don’t fail UPSC because you lack willpower. You fail because you don’t have a system that converts your energy, time, and curiosity into measurable progress.
In this live session, I will walk you through how to stop relying on motivation, and start relying on structure.
Shikhar Sir, Founder, Civilsdaily IAS
What I will cover (practical, no fluff):
1. Why Discipline and Consistency Don’t Work Alone
Why every aspirant begins strong but loses momentum after 4 weeks.
The hidden cost of unplanned reading and scattered note making.
The difference between a motivated aspirant and a systematic one.
2. The System Thinking Framework for UPSC 2026
How to build routines that self run, even on your off days.
Converting broad goals like revise Polity into daily, trackable targets.
The three layer system every serious aspirant needs:
Input System: Daily timetable, note structure, and focus slots.
Process System: PYQ integration, theme loops, and micro revision.
Feedback System: Self assessment through weekly checkpoints.
3. How to Build a Sustainable Preparation Cycle
Why aspirants burn out and how to design a rhythm that avoids fatigue.
The Habit Replacement Technique, replacing distractions with productive defaults.
How to use Civilsdaily’s Microtheme and Smash Mains ecosystem to stay consistent naturally.
4. The Ranker’s System in Action
Real examples of toppers who cracked UPSC by relying on systems, not motivation.
How small changes, like structured note slots and review cycles, create exponential growth.
Why attend this session:
• To understand what truly separates rankers from repeaters.
• To learn how to build a preparation system that runs automatically.
• To break the cycle of guilt, inconsistency, and burnout once and for all.
• To get your first Mains answer copy evaluated after registering for the webinar.
• To get exclusive access to the Smash Mains Prelims Microthemes PDF for integrated revision.
It will be a 45 minute session, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Shikhar sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 04th Dec at 7 PM. This session is a must attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for 2026/2027, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a complete in-depth UPSC Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar/session won’t be until Mid Dec’25)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
[UPSC 2024] Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?
Linkage: This PYQ is directly linked to India’s strategic engagement with the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), where Maldives is a core maritime partner. The question becomes relevant as Maldives’ political shifts, China’s growing presence, and competition over Indian Ocean trade and energy routes directly shape India’s maritime security priorities.
Mentor’s Comment
This article breaks down the evolving relevance of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) for India and the wider Indian Ocean region in 2025. China’s growing presence in the region is reshaping the geopolitical environment. In this setting, the CSC becomes an important platform for India to strengthen maritime security cooperation.
Introduction
The CSC has emerged as a critical framework for regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. It initially focused on issues such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and human trafficking. Now it is attempting to institutionalise itself and broaden its mandate to address the increasingly complex geopolitical and maritime challenges in the region. India’s leadership in reviving and expanding the grouping has placed CSC at the centre of its Indian Ocean strategy.
How is the evolving Indian Ocean environment reshaping CSC’s relevance?
Strategic Shifts: The Indian Ocean region is witnessing significant changes in the broader Indo-Pacific, making cooperative security frameworks more urgent.
Economic Interdependence: Littoral states depend heavily on ocean-based economies; maritime disruptions create widespread developmental challenges.
Non-traditional Threats: Issues such as organised crime, cyberattacks, and trafficking continue to expand, requiring coordinated regional responses.
What has shaped the CSC’s institutional trajectory so far?
Initial Trilateral Framework: Established between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives; momentum slowed due to political transitions in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Revival in 2020: India reinstated its engagement, establishing structured cooperation across four pillars, maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, and cybersecurity.
Progressive Expansion: Mauritius joined as full member (2022); Bangladesh added in 2024; Malaysia joined as observer in 2025.
Growing Synergies: NSA-level coordination has strengthened common frameworks across member states.
Why does China’s growing presence create strategic dilemmas for CSC?
Contrasting Perceptions:
India: Views China’s activities as a major security challenge.
Other Members: Depend on China economically and see it as a developmental partner rather than a threat.
Need for Balance: India must carefully manage CSC’s agenda such that the grouping does not fracture over divergent China-related security views.
Anchoring India’s Priorities: CSC allows India to place maritime security and regional stability at the centre of cooperative action.
What institutional challenges does the CSC currently face?
Fragmented Frameworks: Lack of integrated institutional structures limits effective coordination.
Need for Policy Consistency: Member states’ domestic disturbances (e.g., in Bangladesh) can affect the group’s resilience.
Operational Limitations: Without an institutionalised Secretariat or joint mechanisms, coordination remains NSA-driven and episodic.
What opportunities does CSC expansion create for regional security?
Wider Membership: Growing membership allows for more inclusive maritime-security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Enhanced Information-Sharing: Expanding partnerships help create common threat-perception frameworks.
Forward Momentum: Malaysia’s possible future membership indicates sustained interest in CSC’s work
Aligning Actionable Pathways: Collective policies on maritime issues can strengthen resilience across the region.
Conclusion
The CSC stands at a defining moment in 2025. Its expansion, renewed momentum, and India’s leadership provide a framework to address the growing complexity of maritime security in the Indian Ocean. However, institutional strengthening, policy coherence, and careful handling of China-related sensitivities will determine how successfully the CSC evolves into a reliable, long-term regional security architecture.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, several attempts at negotiations, from Belarus to Turkey, have collapsed. With Russia consolidating control over Ukrainian territories and Ukraine facing military constraints, the conflict shows signs of becoming a prolonged war. The Trump plan, recent Russian advances, and fatigue in Western capitals have complicated the strategic landscape, placing Ukraine at a turning point.
Why in the news
The Ukraine-Russia war has again entered headlines as Russia captured Pokrovske, marking the first major territorial gain after a year of stalled frontlines. Simultaneously, a 28-point U.S. peace proposal surfaced, offering recognition of Russian control over key territories. Ukraine is facing troop shortages, battlefield pressure, and delays in Western aid, making negotiations both urgent and politically difficult. Recent territorial losses, a disputed peace plan, and growing pressure on President Zelensky have reopened global debate on whether a ceasefire is achievable.
Battlefield Dynamics and Stalled Negotiations
Russian Consolidation: Russia captured Pokrovske after holding back Ukrainian forces for nearly a year; repositioned units in Kharkiv and Kherson and intensified attacks on Avdiivka and Kupiansk.
Ukrainian Strain: Ukraine faces troop shortages, heavy attrition, and reduced Western ammunition deliveries; unable to meet battlefield demands.
Failed Negotiations History: Talks in Belarus (Feb 28, 2022), Turkey (March 2022), and subsequent engagements collapsed due to disagreements over territory, NATO membership, and security guarantees.
Renewed Russian Push: Russia resumed rotated forces, strengthened defensive lines, and maintained pressure across the east and south.
Why Have Earlier Peace Efforts Failed?
Maximalist Positions:
Ukraine demanded withdrawal to 1991 borders and refusal of territorial concessions.
Russia insisted on recognition of annexed territories and long-term security guarantees.
NATO Membership Dispute: Ukraine’s insistence on future NATO membership remained unacceptable to Russia.
Shifting War Outcomes: Early battlefield gains for Ukraine pushed negotiations aside; later Russian consolidation hardened Moscow’s stance.
Domestic Political Costs: Zelensky faced internal political risk if he conceded territory or NATO flexibility.
Western Signalling: Changes in Western messaging during 2022, especially from UK PM Boris Johnson’s Kyiv visit, reinforced Ukraine’s resolve to fight rather than negotiate.
What Does the New Trump Peace Plan Propose?
Territorial Recognition: Recognizes Russian control of current occupied territories (Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson).
Ceasefire Framework: Calls for an initial ceasefire based on “current positions”.
Security Guarantees: Ukraine would receive “reliable security guarantees”, though details remain unspecified.
NATO Question: Prohibits Ukraine from joining NATO but proposes alternative security arrangements.
Referendum Clause: Suggests that Ukraine may hold referendums under international supervision in disputed areas.
Western Package: Encourages Washington to commit additional security assurances if Ukraine accepts concessions.
Controversy: Critics argue it endorses annexation and weakens Ukrainian sovereignty.
How Is Ukraine Responding to the Proposal?
Zelensky’s Dilemma:
Fear of Loss of U.S. Support if he rejects the plan outright.
Domestic Resistance to territorial concessions or NATO withdrawal.
Political Stakes: Any acceptance of the Trump plan risks severe political backlash within Ukraine and among its security elite.
Military Reality Check: With Russia advancing and Western aid reduced, Ukraine risks losing more territory if negotiations are delayed.
Unclear U.S. Position: The White House has neither endorsed nor dismissed the plan; Washington sends mixed signals.
What Is Russia’s Current Strategy?
Gradual Territorial Expansion: Small but steady advances across Donetsk and Kharkiv fronts.
Exhaustion Approach: Prolonging the war to drain Ukrainian manpower and Western support.
Diplomatic Pressure: Leveraging the Trump plan to portray Ukraine as unwilling to negotiate.
Military Reconfiguration: Rotations, reorganized brigades, and fortified defensive lines to prepare for prolonged combat.
Conclusion
The Ukraine war remains locked between military stalemate and political impossibility. With Russia consolidating gains and Western support fluctuating, the window for meaningful negotiations narrows. The Trump plan introduces a new, but highly contentious, framework. For now, peace remains elusive due to incompatible security demands, shifting battlefield realities, and the political constraints of both Kyiv and Moscow.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2023] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Linkage: This PYQ aligns with the article’s focus on NATO’s revived strength and US-Europe unity shaped by the Ukraine war. It directly links to how these shifts hardened positions, prolonged conflict, and reshaped global security dynamics.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new mobile devices. The app is designed to combat digital fraud, trace stolen devices, and prevent misuse of SIMs. But its mandatory installation has raised widespread concerns about privacy, surveillance, user consent, and constitutional rights. The government later clarified that the app is “optional,” but the directive mandating its pre-installation has created ambiguity.
Why in the news
Sanchar Saathi’s mandatory pre-installation order marks a major shift because devices in India have never required a state-controlled app by default. This reversal from voluntary to mandatory installation has generated concerns about surveillance risks, access to sensitive data, and violation of user consent. The scale is significant as India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market; even small changes affect millions. Legal experts view it as a possible infringement of the fundamental right to privacy.
What the Government’s App Actually Does
Blocking & Tracking: Allows blocking or locating lost/stolen phones anywhere in India using IMEI-based tracing.
User Option to Block IMEI: Enables users to prevent stolen devices from being activated.
Support to Law Enforcement: Assists police in identifying counterfeit devices and preventing black-market circulation.
Fraud Prevention: Helps report fraudulent calls, messages, and online scams via unified channels.
Why Has Sanchar Saathi Triggered Concerns?
Ambiguity Around Consent
Unclear Mandate: Pre-installation directive contradicts the Minister’s statement that the app is optional.
User Autonomy: Mandatory installation affects user ability to choose, delete, or disable the app freely.
Expanded State Power
Exceptional Move: First time the government mandated a wide-scale state app on all devices.
Precedent Risks: May normalise future mandates for state surveillance tools.
Privacy Risks
Data Access: App uses Android’s Mobile Security Framework enabling access to call logs, camera, SMS, and unique device identifiers.
Opaque Permissions: Apple devices require permissions for photos, files, and camera.
Potential Misuse: Centralised data collection may heighten misuse & monitoring risks.
What Data Does Sanchar Saathi Collect?
IMEI Data: Unique identifier used to block stolen devices.
Call Logs & SMS Data: Access allowed when reporting fraud or using suspicious call detection features.
Camera Access: Needed for uploading barcodes of mobile equipment (IMEI verification).
Personal Information: Includes phone numbers, Aadhaar-linked data, and registration details.
Problem: The app’s privacy policy bans sharing identifiable information except when required by law, but the phrase “required by law” remains broad and open-ended.
Constitutional & Legal Concerns
Lack of Consent: Forced Pre-installation undermines voluntary, informed consent, a core component upheld under the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
Legality: No explicit statutory backing for a nationwide mandate.
Necessity: No demonstrated need requiring compulsory installation.
Proportionality: Data access far exceeds the minimum required for fraud detection.
Surveillance & “Function Creep”
Risk of Expansion: Potential to expand into unrelated data surveillance functions.
No Independent Oversight: Absence of clear audit mechanisms, grievance redressal, or limits on retention periods.
Way Forward
Clarity of the mandate: Issue a clear written policy stating the app’s status to remove confusion.
Addressing Privacy Risks: Limit data permissions to essential functions and publish regular audit reports.
Ensuring Consent & User Autonomy: Provide a visible and fully functional uninstall or disable option.
Preventing Surveillance Overreach: Create independent oversight to monitor misuse and restrict function creep.
Building Trust Through Transparency: Disclose data flows, retention rules, and access logs in the public domain.
Conclusion
Sanchar Saathi addresses real concerns of digital fraud and misuse of mobile devices. However, its mandatory pre-installation, broad data permissions, unclear safeguards, and inconsistent communication have created concerns about state overreach and privacy violations. The app’s utility must be balanced with constitutional guarantees, transparent policy design, and robust data protection mechanisms.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.
Linkage: This PYQ links directly to debates on privacy, consent, and proportionality governing state access to sensitive personal data. It shows how intrusion into bodily or digital autonomy must meet strict constitutional tests.
The 26th edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival has begun with great enthusiasm, reaffirming its status as one of India’s most vibrant cultural events. The festival has grown into a major platform for showcasing the cultural diversity of Nagaland’s tribes and promoting tourism in the Northeast.
What is the Hornbill Festival?
First organised: 2000
Also called: “Festival of Festivals”
Purpose:
Promote inter-tribal interaction
Preserve indigenous Naga heritage
Blend traditional and contemporary art forms
Organised by:
Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland
Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland
Venue: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, ~12 km from Kohima, Nagaland
Named after: The Hornbill bird, which is deeply associated with the socio-cultural identity of the Nagas
Consider the following pairs: Tradition State (2018)
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) notice to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior officials in the KIIFB masala bond case has revived debates on FEMA compliance, off-budget borrowings, and Centre–State fiscal relations. As local body polls approach, the issue has also acquired political significance.
What is KIIFB?
Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)
Statutory body established under KIIF Act, 1999
Revived in 2016 as Kerala’s key infrastructure financing arm
Raises funds outside the State budget, mainly through long-term borrowing
Functions as an off-budget financing mechanism
What is Off-Budget Borrowing?
Debt raised by state entities (SPVs, boards) instead of the government directly
Not reflected in the official fiscal deficit
CAG has criticised such borrowings for reducing transparency
What Are Masala Bonds?
Masala Bonds =
Rupee-denominated bonds issued in overseas markets
Borrowing risk is borne by the investor, not the issuer
Governed by RBI’s External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Framework
KIIFB Masala Bond:
Issued in 2019 on the London Stock Exchange
Total amount: ₹2,150 crore
First sub-national entity in India to issue such a bond
At the Conference on 50 Years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) held in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global biological threats—natural, accidental, or deliberate are growing due to rapid scientific advances. He emphasised the rising risks of bioterrorism and highlighted structural weaknesses in the BWC.
About the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
Came into force: 1975
Objective: Prohibits development, production, acquisition, stockpiling & use of biological and toxin weapons.
Depositaries: Russia, UK, USA
India: Founding State Party
Structural Gaps Jaishankar Highlighted
No verification/compliance mechanism
No permanent technical secretariat
No system to monitor new scientific developments
Reliance on voluntary confidence-building measures (CBMs)
Rising Biological Threat Landscape
Misuse of biological agents by non-state actors is a serious concern.
Emerging technologies increasing risks:
Synthetic biology
Genome editing (CRISPR)
AI-driven biological design
India’s Strengths in Biosecurity
Produces 60% of global vaccines
Supplies 20% of world’s generic medicines (including 60% for Africa)
11,000 biotech startups (3rd largest globally; 50 in 2014 → 11,000 now)
Advanced BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs under ICMR & DBT
India’s Global Health Contributions
Vaccine Maitri: ~300 million vaccine doses, aid to 100+ countries
Stressed that biological crisis assistance must be “fast, practical and humanitarian”
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (2015)
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