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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Ebola Situation in Central Africa

    19 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The Union Health Ministry stated that India has no reported Ebola cases and the current risk remains minimal, while closely monitoring the outbreak in Central Africa.

    Key Highlights

    • The outbreak involves Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
    • Affected regions include:
      • Democratic Republic of the Congo
      • Uganda

    Measures Taken by India

    • Enhanced surveillance at airports and ports
    • Monitoring of international travellers from affected regions
    • Isolation and quarantine preparedness
    • Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies

    Agencies Involved

    • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
    • Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
    • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

    About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

    • Severe viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates.
    • Spread through:
      • Direct contact with infected bodily fluids
      • Contaminated surfaces
      • Infected animals

    Symptoms

    • Fever
    • Weakness
    • Bleeding
    • Organ failure in severe cases

    What is PHEIC?

    • A Public Health Emergency of International Concern is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) when an outbreak:
      • Poses international public health risk
      • Requires coordinated global response
    [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? 
    (a) Syria and Jordan 
    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia 
    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea 
    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Seizure of Indian Red Sand Boa in Telangana

    19 May 2026 | Prelims OnlySpecies | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes in Warangal, Telangana, during an operation against illegal wildlife trade.

    Key Highlights

    • The operation was conducted by the Hyderabad zonal unit of DRI.
    • Officials acted on intelligence regarding illegal sale of live snakes in the grey market.
    • Two live snakes were recovered from the suspect’s bag during an undercover decoy operation.

    About Indian Red Sand Boa

    • Scientific name: Eryx johnii
    • Non-venomous burrowing snake species found in India.
    • Often targeted in illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions and false medicinal beliefs.

    Legal Protection

    • The species is protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

    Significance of Schedule I

    • Provides the highest level of legal protection.
    • Hunting, possession, and trade are prohibited.

    Action Taken

    • The snakes and accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Warangal.
    • Further investigation is underway to identify possible wildlife trafficking networks.
    [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? 
    [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 not 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.

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    Supreme Court on Bail and UAPA

    19 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India expressed “serious reservations” about aspects of its earlier judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

    Key Observations by the Court

    • The Court reaffirmed that:
      • “Bail is the rule, jail is the exception.”
    • Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that prolonged incarceration without timely trial violates:
      • Right to life
      • Personal liberty
      • Speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India

    Section 43-D(5) of UAPA

    • Restricts grant of bail if accusations appear “prima facie true”.
    • Creates a very low threshold for the prosecution to oppose bail.

    Court’s Observation

    • Courts cannot keep an accused indefinitely jailed merely because charges appear prima facie true.
    • Delayed trials can convert pre-trial detention into punishment itself.

    Reference to K.A. Najeeb Judgment

    • The Court referred to the K.A. Najeeb Judgment, which held that constitutional courts can grant bail despite UAPA restrictions when incarceration becomes excessively prolonged.

    Constitutional Principle

    • Presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of criminal justice.
    • Section 43-D(5) remains subordinate to Article 21.

    Background of the Case

    • Delhi Police booked Umar Khalid and others under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
    • Umar Khalid had spent over five years in prison as an undertrial.
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 
    1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 
    2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. 
    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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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Return of Leiden Copper Plates to India

    18 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Art and Culture
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Why in the News?

    The Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates, popularly known as the Leiden copper plates, were returned to India from the Leiden University during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands.

    Key Highlights

    • The copper plates had remained in Leiden University’s possession since 1862.
    • Historians termed the repatriation a major step in returning India’s cultural heritage.
    • Archaeologists also called for the return of the Velvikkudi copper plates from the British Museum.

    About the Leiden Copper Plates

    • Associated with Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.
    • Record the grant of land at Anaimangalam near Nagapattinam for building a Buddhist vihara.
    • The vihara was built by a Javanese ruler, Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman.

    Historical Significance

    • Demonstrates religious tolerance during the Chola period.
    • Shows a Shaivite Chola ruler supporting a Buddhist institution.
    • Reflects India’s maritime and cultural links with Southeast Asia.

    Features of the Plates

    • Consist of:
      • 21 large plates
      • 3 small plates
    • Written in:
      • Sanskrit
      • Tamil
    • Plates carry Chola royal insignia:
      • Tiger (Chola emblem)
      • Fish (Pandya symbol)
      • Bow (Chera symbol)
    [2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands? 
    (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) 
    (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) 
    (c) Rajendra 1 (Chola) 
    (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Panzath Nag Spring Cleaning and Fishing Festival

    18 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Hundreds of people participated in the traditional fishing and spring-cleaning festival at Panzath Nag in Kashmir.

    About Panzath Nag

    • A famous freshwater spring located in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Known for:
      • Crystal-clear water
      • Fish population
      • Religious and ecological importance

    Ecological Importance

    • Supports local irrigation and agriculture.
    • Maintains freshwater biodiversity.
    • Traditional cleaning helps preserve water quality and ecosystem health.
    [2014] Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? 
    (a) Bhutia and Lepcha 
    (b) Gond and Korku 
    (c) Irula and Toda 
    (d) Sahariya and Agariya

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India – EU

    PM Modi’s Norway Visit: Trade, Energy and Global Conflicts in Focus

    18 May 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Norway for the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.

    Bilateral Talks

    PM Modi held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre focusing on:

    • Trade
    • Energy cooperation
    • Technology partnerships
    • Global conflicts

    3rd Nordic-India Summit

    The visit included the 3rd Nordic-India Summit with leaders of:

    • Norway
    • Sweden
    • Finland
    • Iceland
    • Denmark

    Major Agenda Areas

    • Trade and investments
    • Energy security
    • Climate and green transition
    • Digital infrastructure
    • Space cooperation
    • Global conflicts:
      • Russia-Ukraine war
      • Gaza conflict
      • Iran crisis

    Energy Cooperation

    • Norway is a major exporter of oil and natural gas.
    • Discussions included LNG supplies to India.
    • Norwegian company Equinor recently supplied LNG to India under a 15-year agreement.

    Economic Relations

    • Over 700 Nordic firms operate in India.
    • Around 150 Indian firms operate in Nordic countries.
    • India’s trade with Nordic countries is about $19 billion.
    [2024] Consider the following countries: 
    1. Finland 
    2. Germany 
    3. Norway 
    4. Russia 
    How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea? 
    [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] Only three [D] All four

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Ordinance Increases Supreme Court Judges to 37

    18 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    President Droupadi Murmu promulgated an ordinance increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

    Key Highlights

    • The ordinance was issued under Article 123 of the Constitution of India.
    • Total sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court will rise:
      • From 34 to 38 judges
      • Including the Chief Justice of India

    Purpose of the Move

    • Aims to address rising pendency of cases.
    • Current backlog exceeds: 93,000 cases
    • Backlog is increasing rapidly ahead of the court’s summer recess.

    Amendment Made

    • The ordinance amended Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
    • Replaced “33” with “37” judges excluding the CJI.

    Article 124 of the Constitution of India

    • Originally provided for:
      • Chief Justice of India
      • Not more than seven judges
    • Parliament can increase the number by law.

    Evolution of Supreme Court Strength

    • 1950: 7 judges
    • 1956: 10
    • 1960: 13
    • 1977: 17
    • 1986: 25
    • 2009: 30
    • 2019: 33
    • 2026: 37

    Present Vacancy Situation

    Current vacancies include:

    • Seat of former CJI B. R. Gavai
    • Vacancy after retirement of Rajesh Bindal

    More retirements due in 2026:

    • Justice J.K. Maheshwari
    • Justice Pankaj Mithal
    • Justice Sanjay Karol

    Ordinance Rules

    • Ordinance must be approved by Parliament after reassembly.
    • It ceases to operate after six weeks if not approved by both Houses.
    [2025] With Reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: 
    I. An Ordinance can amend any central Act. 
    II. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right. 
    III. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date. 
    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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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Tax Relief on Bond Investments and FPIs

    16 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India is considering reducing the withholding tax (WHT) on foreign investors’ bond income from 20% to 5% to attract overseas capital inflows.

    What is Withholding Tax (WHT)?

    • A tax deducted at the source of income before payment is made to the investor.
    • Similar to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
    • Paid by foreign investors on interest earned from Indian bonds.

    Background

    • India introduced a concessional 5% WHT on interest from government securities and certain rupee bonds in 2012 under Section 194LD of the Income Tax Act.
    • The concessional regime expired in July 2023.
    • Tax rate reverted to around 20%, reducing India’s attractiveness for global investors.

    Why is High WHT a Concern?

    Higher withholding tax:

    • Reduces post-tax returns for FPIs.
    • Weakens long-term compounding gains.
    • Creates liquidity and reinvestment constraints.
    • Increases compliance burden under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).

    How Will Tax Reduction Help FPIs?

    • Improve effective yields on Indian bonds.
    • Increase attractiveness of Indian debt markets.
    • Encourage foreign capital inflows.
    • Support forex reserves and external stability.

    Global Comparison

    • Countries imposing WHT on foreign investors:
      • United States: 30%
      • Germany: 26.4%
      • France: 25%
      • China: 10%
    • No WHT: Hong Kong and Singapore

    FPIs in India’s Debt Market

    • FPIs hold a limited share of India’s government debt market.
    • Investments increased after inclusion in global bond indices such as:
      • JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Market
    • RBI cap on FPI investment in government securities:
      • 6% of outstanding stock
    [2019] Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly? 
    (a) Certificate of Deposit 
    (b) Commercial Paper 
    (c) Promissory Note 
    (d) Participatory Note

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  • Nuclear Energy

    Repurposing Old Thermal Plants for Nuclear Power

    16 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India has shortlisted three old thermal power plant sites for conversion into nuclear power projects as part of its plan to expand civil nuclear capacity and repurpose ageing coal infrastructure.

    Key Highlights

    • Three old thermal power sites shortlisted:
      • Two suitable for 700 MWe reactors
      • One suitable for 220 MWe reactors
    • Exercise conducted by a sub-committee of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) with:
      • Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
      • Nuclear Power Corporation of India

    Objective

    • Repurpose ageing coal-based thermal plants for cleaner nuclear energy generation.
    • Support India’s target of expanding nuclear power capacity from:
      • 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047.

    Why Old Thermal Sites?

    Advantages include:

    • Existing land and water availability
    • Existing transmission and infrastructure
    • Reduction in emissions from old coal plants
    • Support for clean energy transition

    SHANTI Act, 2025

    • Opened parts of the nuclear sector to private participation.
    • Allowed private role in operations and fuel management.

    Site Selection Criteria

    • Water availability
    • Land availability
    • Seismic safety
    • Population density
    • Meteorological conditions
      • Sites in Seismic Zone V or near active faults were excluded.

    What is Exclusion Zone?

    • Mandatory safety zone around nuclear reactors where habitation and economic activity are restricted.
    • Current Norms: Around 1 km radius for nuclear plants.
    • Proposed Changes
      • 700 MWe reactors: reduce from 1 km to 700 m
      • 220 MWe reactors: reduce to 500 m
    • Proposal has received in-principle approval from:
      • AERB
      • Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

    Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

    • Officials noted that repurposed thermal sites may be more suitable for:
      • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
      • Smaller nuclear projects
    [2013] Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India? 
    (a) Engineering
    (b) Paper and pulp
    (c) Textiles
    (d) Thermal power

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    Supreme Court on Workers’ Right to Living Wage

    16 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India observed that the State should ensure “living wages” for workers instead of treating protesting workers as “terrorists” while hearing petitions related to detentions under the National Security Act, 1980 after the Noida workers’ protest.

    Key Observations by the Supreme Court

    • Justice B. V. Nagarathna stated that workers demanding higher wages should not be viewed as terrorists.
    • Justice Ujjal Bhuyan referred to the Directive Principles of State Policy regarding living wages for workers.

    Constitutional Basis

    Article 43 of the Constitution of India

    • Directs the State to secure:
      • Living wages
      • Decent working conditions
      • Reasonable standard of life
      • Social and cultural opportunities for workers

    Issue Before the Court

    • Family members of detained protestors challenged arrests under the NSA.
    • Petitioners alleged:
      • Multiple FIRs based on the same conspiracy
      • No preliminary enquiry
      • Protestors labelled as “left-wing sympathisers”

    Court Directions

    • The Supreme Court ordered production of two detainees from Kasna jail on May 18.
    • Restrained the Uttar Pradesh government from shifting them to police remand.
    • Allegations of custodial torture were also raised before the Court.

    About the National Security Act (NSA), 1980

    • Preventive detention law allowing detention to maintain:
      • National security
      • Public order
      • Essential supplies and services
    • Allows detention without formal charges for a specified period.
    [2017] Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? 
    (a) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women 
    (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries 
    (c) Right to work, education and public assistance 
    (d) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers

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