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Type: Prelims Only

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    National Health Accounts (NHA) 2022-23

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2022-23 showing a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) and a rise in government health spending.

    Key Findings

    Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

    • OOPE share in Total Health Expenditure (THE):
      • 64.2% in 2013-14
      • 43.4% in 2022-23
    • Indicates reduced financial burden on households

    Reasons for Decline

    Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    Over 1.8 lakh wellness centres providing:

    • Free drugs and diagnostics
    • Teleconsultation
    • Maternal and child healthcare
    • Non-communicable disease services
    • Preventive healthcare

    Increased Government Spending

    • Government health expenditure rose:
      • From 1.15% of GDP (2013-14)
      • To 1.43% of GDP (2022-23)
    • Reached 1.84% during COVID-19 in 2021-22

    Other Key Trends

    • Rise in Per Capita Government Health Expenditure: Increased from ₹1,042 to ₹2,786 between 2013-14 and 2022-23
    • Increase in Social Security Expenditure: Rose from 6% to 9.9%
    • Growth in Private Health Insurance: Increased from 3.4% to 9.2%

    What is OOPE?

    • Out-of-Pocket Expenditure refers to direct payments made by households for healthcare services at the point of use.

    Significance

    • Better healthcare access
    • Reduced catastrophic health expenditure
    • Progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
    • Strengthening preventive healthcare

    Challenges

    • OOPE still remains high at 43.4%
    • Pharmaceutical expenses continue to drive household spending
    • Rural and regional disparities persist

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.
    Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-l are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-is not the correct explanation for Statement-l.

    [C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

    [D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-Il is correct.

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  • Indian Air Force Updates

    AMCA Fighter Project

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to shortlisted private firms.

    Shortlisted Firms

    • Larsen & Toubro + Bharat Electronics Limited combine
    • Tata Advanced Systems
    • Bharat Forge + BEML consortium

    About AMCA

    • India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft
    • Developed to meet long-term requirements of the Indian Air Force
    • Being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

    Key Features

    • Stealth capability
      • Materials Used:
      • Carbon composites
      • Radar-absorbent coatings containing ferrite or iron ball paint
      • Composite polymers and graphene-based materials
    • Advanced avionics includes:
      • AESA radar
      • Sensor fusion
      • Electronic warfare suites
      • Helmet-mounted displays
    • Supercruise capability (Supersonic speed in Dry Thrust)
    • Next-generation combat systems

    Programme Highlights

    • Government plans to build five prototypes
    • Selected private company will partner with ADA
    • Part of the “Make in India” and defence indigenisation push
    • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reportedly excluded from current process

    Consider the following statements regarding the fifth-generation fighter jet configurations of India and Russia:
    1.The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s operational fifth-generation stealth fighter, features supercruise capabilities but utilizes conventional round exhaust nozzles.
    2.Under proposed partnerships, Russia has offered a twin-seat variant of the Su-57, which allows a second crew member to manage manned-unmanned teaming operations with stealth drones.
    3.India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is being developed and manufactured solely under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with zero foreign collaboration for its engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2, and 3

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Evergreen Tree Species Discovered in Kerala

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in News?

    Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute discovered a new evergreen tree species, Humboldtia nairiana, in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

    About the Species

    • Belongs to the genus Humboldtia
    • Found in riparian forests of the southern Western Ghats
    • Named in honour of plant biotechnologist G.M. Nair

    Discovery

    • First collected during a 2010 floristic survey along the Cheenikkala-Pandimotta forest trail
    • Seedlings were conserved ex-situ at the JNTBGRI Arboretum
    • Flowering and fruiting observed in 2022
    • Morphological studies confirmed it as a new species

    Distribution

    • Strictly endemic to Kerala
    • Known only from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

    Conservation Status

    • Wild population is fragile and limited
    • Categorised as “Data Deficient” under IUCN criteria
    • Highlights need for habitat protection and field monitoring

    Ecological Importance

    • Adds to the biodiversity significance of the Western Ghats
    • Shows importance of riparian forest ecosystems
    • Strengthens conservation value of Agasthyamala region

    About Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

    • Part of the Western Ghats
    • UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve
    • Known for high endemism and rich biodiversity

    [2019] “Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries” are part of which of the following?

    [A] Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve

    [B] Nilgiri biosphere reserve

    [C] Seshachalam Hills

    [D] Panna biosphere reserve

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Supreme Court Upholds Bihar SIR Exercise

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies,Executive & Judiciary

    Why in News?

    The Supreme Court of India upheld the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar.

    What is SIR?

    Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls to ensure:

    • Accuracy of voter lists
    • Removal of duplicate or ineligible entries
    • Free and fair elections

    Supreme Court’s Key Observations

    • Electoral roll purity is essential for democracy.
    • EC can verify citizenship status for inclusion/exclusion in voter rolls.
    • SIR is linked to Article 324 of the Constitution.

    Court Directions

    • Names removed from Bihar rolls as “non-citizens” must be referred to the Centre under the Citizenship Act within four weeks.
    • Genuine citizens must be restored before future elections.
    • Wrongly deleted voters can approach courts.

    Constitutional and Legal Basis

    • Article 324: Powers of EC to supervise elections
    • Representation of the People Act, 1950
    • Registration of Electors Rules, 1960

    Reasons Supporting SIR

    The Court accepted EC’s concerns regarding:

    • Migration
    • Duplicate entries
    • Unreported deaths
    • Urbanisation
    • Long gap since last intensive revision

    Safeguards Mentioned by Court

    • Notice before deletion
    • Opportunity of hearing
    • Aadhaar accepted as indicative document
    • Publication of excluded voters list

    [2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a

    A. Fundamental Right
    B. Natural Right
    C. Constitutional Right
    DLegal Right

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Big Island (Hawaii)

    Prelims OnlyWorld Mapping | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the news?

    A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on the Big Island.

    About the Big Island

    • The largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago
    • Part of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean
    • Area: ~10,432 km²
    • Formed through volcanic activity

    Five Major Volcanoes

    • Kohala
    • Hualālai
    • Mauna Kea
    • Mauna Loa
    • Kīlauea

    Important Volcanoes

    Mauna Loa

    • One of the world’s largest volcanoes
    • Shield volcano
    • Greatest mass of any mountain on Earth

    Kīlauea

    • Among the world’s most active volcanoes
    • Frequently erupting since 1983

    Shield Volcano

    • A volcano with broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows. Examples: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea

    Mauna Kea

    • The highest point in Hawaii above sea level
    • Hosts major astronomical observatories

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    • UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Protects Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes

    Why are Earthquakes Common in Hawaii?

    Due to:

    • Volcanic activity
    • Movement of tectonic plates
    • Hotspot volcanism

    Hotspot Volcanism

    • A hotspot is a place where hot magma rises from Earth’s mantle. As the Pacific Plate moves over it, volcanic islands form.

    [2024] Consider the following:
    1. Pyroclastic debris
    2. Ash and dust
    3. Nitrogen compounds
    4. Sulphur compounds
    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Vembanad Lake

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala government acted against houseboat pollution in Vembanad Lake following directions from the Kerala High Court.

    About Vembanad Lake

    • Largest lake in Kerala and longest lake in India
    • Largest tropical wetland ecosystem on India’s southwest coast
    • Also called Vembanad Kayal, Punnamada Lake, Kochi Lake
    • Spread across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts

    Source Rivers

    Fed by:

    • Pampa
    • Meenachil
    • Achankovil
    • Manimala

    Ecological Importance

    • Ramsar Site since 2002
    • Supports fisheries, biodiversity, flood control, and groundwater recharge
    • Part of National Wetlands Conservation Programme

    Agriculture

    • Famous for below sea-level farming in the Kuttanad region

    Tourism and Culture

    • Major part of Kerala backwaters tourism
    • Known for houseboats and inland water transport
    • Hosts Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in August

    [2022] Consider the following pairs : Wetland/Lake Location
    1. Hokera Wetland: Punjab
    2. Renuka Wetland: Himachal Pradesh
    3. Rudrasagar Lake: Tripura
    4. Sasthamkotta Lake: Tamil Nadu
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    [A] Only one pair

    [B] Only two pairs

    [C] Only three pairs

    [D] All four pairs

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: Indo-Pacific and QUAD

    India-US Critical Minerals Framework

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the news?

    India and the United States signed a Critical Minerals Framework to secure supply chains amid concerns over China’s rare earth export restrictions.

    Critical Minerals

    Essential for:

    • Economic development
    • National security
    • Clean energy transition
    • Examples: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

    Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

    • Group of 17 metallic elements used in: EVs, Defence systems, Electronics, Renewable energy, and Semiconductors

    Why Important?

    • Crucial for EVs, solar panels, batteries
    • Used in missiles, fighter jets, AI hardware
    • Key to semiconductor and telecom industries

    China’s Dominance

    China dominates rare earth processing and refining, creating:

    • Supply chain vulnerabilities
    • Geopolitical risks
    • Export control concerns

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    Haj Pilgrimage and Mount of Mercy (Arafat)

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in News?

    Muslim pilgrims gathered at the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah) on the plain of Arafat near Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

    What is Hajj?

    • Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, mainly from the 8th to 12th day.

    Importance

    • Mandatory once in a lifetime for every financially and physically capable Muslim.

    Five Pillars of Islam

    • Shahada (Faith)
    • Salah (Prayer)
    • Zakat (Charity)
    • Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
    • Hajj (Pilgrimage)

    What is Arafat?

    • Arafat is a plain about 20 km southeast of Mecca where pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is considered the most important ritual site of Hajj.

    Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah)

    Religious significance:

    • Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon here.
    • Islamic tradition believes Adam and Eve reunited here after separation.

    [2022] The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?

    [A] Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores

    [B] Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco

    [C] Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa

    [D] The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

     First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol on ABS

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released insights from India’s first national report on the Nagoya Protocol related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), highlighting India’s progress in ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources.

    About the Nagoya Protocol

    • Adopted Under: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • Objective: To ensure Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

    What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?

    • ABS means: Users of biological resources must share benefits with:
      • Local communities
      • Indigenous groups
      • Traditional knowledge holders
    • Benefits can include:
      • Monetary compensation
      • Technology transfer
      • Community development
      • Conservation support

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Large-Scale Implementation Between 2017 and 2025: 12,830 ABS approvals granted.
    • India’s Global Contribution
    • India issued:
      • 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs)
      • Around 60% of global issuance.
    • Revenue Generated: ₹216.31 crore realised by: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
    • Community Benefit: ₹139.69 crore disbursed to benefit claimers and local communities.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Nirmala Sitharaman Flags ‘3F’ Concerns: Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Exchange

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted concerns regarding “3Fs” Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Exchange amid the economic impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis.

    Key Economic Concerns

    Rupee Depreciation

    • Rupee weakened sharply against the U.S. dollar after the war began.
    • RBI reportedly intervened heavily in forex markets.

    Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Outflows

    • Foreign investors sold: Indian stocks and bonds leading to:
      • Capital outflows
      • Pressure on forex reserves

    Forex Reserves Decline

    • India’s forex reserves reportedly fell significantly compared to pre-war levels.

    Government Measures Taken

    • Higher import duty on:
      • Gold
      • Silver
      • Platinum
    • Restrictions on duty-free gold imports
    • Fuel price hikes
    • Appeals to reduce non-essential imports and foreign travel

    [2022] With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
    1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
    2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
    3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

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