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Type: Prelims Only

  • Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme IVFRT

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

    Why in News

    Union Cabinet approved extension of Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme (IVFRT) for five years till 2031 with ₹1800 crore budget outlay to modernise India’s immigration system and strengthen security.

    What is IVFRT Scheme

    • Centralised immigration management system
    • Integrates visa issuance, immigration clearance and foreigner registration
    • Implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Managed by Bureau of Immigration
    • Covers airports, seaports and land immigration posts

    Background

    • Approved in 2010
    • Initial budget ₹1011 crore
    • Aims to digitise immigration and visa processes
    • Now extended to strengthen new immigration framework

    Why Extension is Needed

    1. New Immigration Law 2025

    • Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enacted
    • Need for modernised immigration tracking
    • Strengthening foreigner monitoring system

    2. Rising Illegal Migration

    • Tracking overstaying foreigners
    • Monitoring visa misuse
    • Addressing human trafficking networks
    • Strengthening border management

    3. Increasing International Travel

    • Growth in tourism and business travel
    • Need for faster immigration clearance
    • Efficient passenger management

    Key Features of IVFRT

    • Online visa application system
    • Biometric based identification
    • Real time tracking of foreigners
    • Integrated immigration database
    • Automated alerts and risk assessment
    • Contactless visa and immigration process

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 
    1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 
    2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 
    3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

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  • Antibiotics Resistance

    Antibiotic Resistance Fuels 87 Percent of India’s Typhoid Economic Burden

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

    Why in News

    A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.

    Key Findings

    • Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion
    • Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent
    • Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs
    • Households bore 91 percent of total expenses
    • Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure

    High Burden States

    • Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
    • Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal

    What is Typhoid

    • Bacterial infectious disease
    • Caused by Salmonella Typhi
    • Spread through contaminated food and water
    • Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water

    What is Antibiotic Resistance

    • Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics
    • Medicines become less effective
    • Treatment becomes longer and more expensive
    • Higher risk of complications

    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1 Genetic predisposition of some people. 2 Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases. 3 Using antibiotics in livestock farming. 4 Multiple chronic diseases in some people. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    India’s Power Demand Hits Five Year High in Early 2026

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in News

    India recorded highest electricity demand in five years during January February 2026, driven by unusual winter weather patterns, cold spells and early heat conditions.

    Key Data

    January 2026

    • Electricity demand: 143 Billion Units
     • January 2025: 136 Billion Units
     • Peak demand: 245.4 GW
     • January 2022 peak: 193 GW
     • Five year increase: Nearly 28 percent

    February 2026

    • Electricity demand: 133 Billion Units
     • Peak demand: 244 GW
     • Highest February demand in five years
    • Nearly equal to summer demand

    Long Term Trend

    • January demand increased 28 percent since 2022
     • February demand increased 23 percent since 2022
     • Peak load increased 26 to 27 percent
     • Indicates structural growth in electricity demand

    [2025] Consider the following statements: 
    1 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ​ ) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO 2 ​ /capita. 
    2 In terms of CO 2 ​ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
    3 Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO 2 ​ emissions in India. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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

    Death of Winter in Kashmir: Shrinking Snowfall and Himalayan Climate Crisis

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

    Why in News

    • A Down To Earth report (March 2026) highlighted that Kashmir has recorded seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall.  

    Key Findings

    Declining Snowfall

    • Seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall
    • Winter 2025 to 26 precipitation:
      • Actual: 100.6 mm
      • Normal: 284.9 mm
      • Deficit: 65 percent

    February 2026 Rainfall

    • Actual rainfall: 14.2 mm
    • Normal rainfall: 130.4 mm
    • Deficit: 89 percent

    Srinagar Record

    • Only 5.3 mm precipitation
    • One of the lowest since 1901

    Rising Winter Temperatures

    Record Temperatures

    • Srinagar February average maximum:
      • 15.6°C in 2026
      • Previous record: 14.9°C in 2016

    Gulmarg Temperature

    • Early March temperature:
      • 17.2°C
      • 13.7°C above normal

    Why Snowfall Matters in the Himalayas

    Natural Water Storage

    • Snow acts as natural reservoir
    • Gradual melting feeds: Rivers, Streams and Irrigation systems
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    RBI Scraps Treasury Bill Auctions to Boost Liquidity

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in News

    • Reserve Bank of India rejected all bids in Treasury Bill auction
    • Government planned to raise ₹35,000 crore
    • Move aimed at boosting banking system liquidity before financial year end (March 31)

    What RBI Did

    • Cancelled auction of:
      • 91 day Treasury Bills
      • 182 day Treasury Bills
      • 364 day Treasury Bills
    • No borrowing by government
    • First full cancellation in 13 months

    What are Treasury Bills

    • Short term government borrowing instruments
    • Issued by Government of India
    • Managed by Reserve Bank of India
    • Zero coupon securities
    • Sold at discount, redeemed at face value
    • Types of T Bills: 91 day Treasury Bills, 182 day Treasury Bills and 364 day Treasury Bills. 

    Why RBI Cancelled Auction

    1. Improve Banking Liquidity

    • Government not borrowing means:
      • Money remains in banking system
      • Banks have more funds to lend
    • Liquidity boost estimated: ₹35,000 crore

    2. Financial Year End Liquidity Needs

    • Banks need funds for:
      • Balance sheet adjustments
      • Meeting regulatory requirements
      • Managing withdrawals

    3. Tax Inflows to Government

    • Government recently received: Advance tax payments and GST collections
    • Reduced need for immediate borrowing

    4. Avoid Market Pressure

    • Higher yields expected in auction
    • RBI avoided: Interest rate spikes and Market volatility
    [2018] Consider the following statements: 
    1 The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities. 
    2 Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments. 
    3 Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Supreme Court: Vande Mataram Advisory Not Mandatory or Threat to Conform

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News

    The Supreme Court stated that the Union Home Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram is not mandatory and does not violate constitutional freedoms.

    Background

    • Union Home Ministry issued January 28 advisory
    • Suggested:
      • Playing Vande Mataram in full
      • At public and ceremonial events
    • Petition filed challenging advisory

    Supreme Court Observations

    Advisory Not Mandatory

    • Court clarified:
      • Advisory is not binding
      • No penalty for non compliance
      • No legal consequences

    Court stated

    • Advisory only prescribes protocol
    • No threat to constitutional freedoms
    • Petition based on vague apprehensions

    Petitioner’s Arguments

    Petitioner argued

    • Advisory makes singing socially mandatory
    • Creates pressure to conform
    • May burden those refusing to sing
    • Playing Vande Mataram before National Anthem reduces anthem’s importance

    Court’s Response

    • No legal burden exists
    • No notice or punishment mentioned
    • Advisory uses non mandatory language

    Example

    • Schools may begin day with Vande Mataram
    • “May” means optional

    Government’s Position

    Solicitor General argued

    • Respect for national symbols should be organic
    • Cited Article 51A Fundamental Duties
    • Citizens must respect:
      • National Flag
      • National Anthem

    National Anthem vs National Song

    Historical Context

    • January 24, 1950 decision
    • Jana Gana Mana adopted as National Anthem
    • Vande Mataram adopted as National Song

    Important

    • Article 51A mentions National Anthem
    • Does not explicitly mention National Song

    Supreme Court Decision

    • Petition termed premature
    • Court refused to intervene
    • Petitioners may approach court if: Discrimination occurs and Coercion happens
    [2011] Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a Fundamental Duty? 
    (a) To vote in public elections 
    (b) To develop the scientific temper 
    (c) To safeguard public property 
    (d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

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  • River Interlinking

    Cauvery Basin May Face Water Decline Till 2050 

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

    Why in the News

    A study by IIT Gandhinagar published in Earth’s Future journal warns that the Cauvery river basin may face a decline in water availability until 2050, unlike most other Indian rivers expected to see increased flows due to climate change.

    Key Findings of the Study

    Decline in Cauvery Water

    • 3.5 percent decline in Cauvery water expected
    • Time period: 2026 to 2050
    • Minimal increase expected after 2051

    Historical Decline

    • Cauvery streamflow declined 28 percent between 1951 and 2012
    • Based on data from Kollegal monitoring station

    Contrast with Other Rivers

    • Most major Indian rivers expected to see increase in flow
    • Projected increases
      • Indus: 25 percent increase
      • Ganga: 8 percent increase
      • Krishna: 16 percent increase
    • Cauvery stands as exception
    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 
    1 Nagarhole National Park 
    2 Papikonda National Park 
    3 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 
    4 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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

    India Targets 60 Percent Non Fossil Power Capacity by 2035

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

    Why in News

    India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions NDC under the Paris Agreement, setting new climate targets for 2035.

    Key Climate Targets for 2035

    Energy Transition Target

    • 60 percent installed electricity capacity from non fossil sources
    • Non fossil sources include: Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Biomass, and Nuclear

    Emissions Reduction Target

    • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47 percent
    • Base year: 2005 levels

    Carbon Sink Target

    • Increase carbon sink to 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
    • Through: Forest cover and Tree cover

    Current Status

    Non Fossil Capacity

    • Current installed capacity from non fossil sources: 52 percent
    • Power generation from non fossil sources: About 25 percent

    Emissions Reduction

    • India reduced emissions intensity: 36 percent reduction from 2005 to 2020

    Carbon Sink Progress

    • Carbon sink created from 2005 to 2019: 1.97 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent

    Forest Cover

    • Forest and tree cover in 2021: 24.6 percent of geographical area
    • National target: 33 percent forest cover

    Earlier NDC Targets for 2030

    India committed to:

    • 50 percent non fossil electricity capacity
    • 44 percent emissions intensity reduction
    • Carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes

    Paris Agreement Context

    • Countries must submit updated NDC every five years
    • India required to submit updated targets by 2025
    • Targets apply for 2031 to 2035 period
    [2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of 
    (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East  
    (b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change 
    (c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 
    (d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture NICRA

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues,Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Why in News

    Government released data under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture NICRA showing 310 districts vulnerable to climate change and expansion of climate resilient farming technologies across India.

    About NICRA

    • Implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR
    • Objective: Climate resilient agriculture and food security
    • Focus:
      • Climate risk assessment
      • Adaptation technologies
      • Farmer capacity building
      • Climate resilient crop varieties

    Key Findings

    Climate Risk Assessment

    • Total districts assessed: 651 agricultural districts
    • Vulnerable districts: 310 districts
      • Very high vulnerability: 109 districts
      • High vulnerability: 201 districts
    • Assessment based on IPCC protocols

    District Agriculture Contingency Plans

    • Prepared for 651 districts
    • Aim:
      • Handle extreme weather
      • Recommend climate resilient crops
      • Provide location specific farming practices

    Climate Resilient Villages

    • 448 Climate Resilient Villages
    • Located in 151 vulnerable districts
    • Implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs

    Crop Variety Development

    • 2900 crop varieties released during 2014 to 2024
    • 2661 varieties climate tolerant
    • Resistant to: Drought, Flood, Heat, and Pests

    Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras

    • Total KVKs: 731
    • Farmers trained: 18.56 lakh
    • Promote climate resilient technologies

    Use of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

    Kisane Mitra AI Chatbot

    • Voice based AI
    • Supports 11 languages
    • Handles 20,000 queries daily
    • Total responses: 95 lakh queries

    Bharat VISTAAR Platform

    • AI powered advisory platform
    • Provides:
      • Weather updates
      • Market rates
      • Scheme information
    • 24×7 AI assistant Bharati
    • Currently supports Hindi and English

    National Pest Surveillance System

    • Uses AI and Machine Learning
    • Covers:
      • 61 crops
      • 400 pests
    • Used by 10,000 extension workers

    Kisan Sarathi Platform

    • Digital advisory platform
    • Registered farmers: 2.75 crore
    • Coverage: 3.43 lakh villages
    [2021] In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: 1 The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program. 2 The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), headquartered in France. 3 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Assam to Launch AssamSAT: First State Level Satellite Constellation for Flood Monitoring

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in News

    Assam has become the first Indian State to float a tender for earth observation satellites to monitor floods, borders and environmental threats.

    AssamSAT Project

    • Mission Name: AssamSAT
    • Announced in: Assam Budget 2025-26
    • Issued by: Assam Science Technology and Environment Council
    • Type: Earth observation satellite constellation
    • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit

    Key Features

    • At least five satellites to be deployed
    • Private companies invited to: Design, Build, Launch, Operate and Transfer satellites to State ownership

    Objectives

    1. Flood Monitoring

    • Monitor Brahmaputra valley floods
    • Real time flood mapping
    • Faster disaster response

    2. Surveillance

    • Monitor chars or river islands
    • Track infiltration along Bangladesh border
    • Improve security in remote regions
    • Track: Poaching in Kaziranga National Park, Drug trafficking routes and Land changes
    [2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 
    1 Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 
    2 Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 
    3 Land surface temperatures of a specific location 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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