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Type: Prelims Only

  • Indian Missile Program Updates

    DEFENCE NEWS 2026

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

    1. Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

    • Launched: 1983
    • Leader: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
    • Objective: Self-reliance in missile technology
    • Duration: 1983 to 2012

    Missiles (PATNA):

    • Prithvi: Surface to Surface
    • Agni: Ballistic (later separated)
    • Trishul: Short range SAM
    • Nag: Anti tank, fire and forget
    • Akash: Medium range SAM

    Keywords: Self-reliance, Indigenous missiles, Strategic deterrence

    Prelims Traps:

    • IGMDP not ongoing
    • Agni separated from programme

    2. Ballistic vs Cruise Missiles

    Ballistic Missile:

    • Path: Parabolic trajectory
    • Propulsion: Initial phase only
    • Altitude: Outside atmosphere
    • Speed: Hypersonic

    Cruise Missile:

    • Path: Aircraft-like
    • Propulsion: Continuous
    • Altitude: Low altitude
    • Accuracy: High

    Keywords: Trajectory, Propulsion, Detection

    Prelims Traps:

    • Cruise missiles harder to detect
    • Ballistic missiles less maneuverable

    3. Hypersonic Technology

    • Speed: Mach 5 and above

    Types:

    • HGV: Rocket launched, glide phase
    • Hypersonic Cruise: Scramjet powered

    India:

    • HSTDV by DRDO
    • Scramjet tested by ISRO

    Engine Types:

    • Ramjet: Subsonic combustion
    • Scramjet: Supersonic combustion

    Keywords: Mach 5, Scramjet, Hypersonic

    Prelims Traps:

    • Scramjet requires very high initial speed

    4. Agni Series Missiles

    Agni V:

    • Range: Greater than 5000 km
    • Type: Ballistic
    • Feature: MIRV capable

    Agni Prime:

    • Range: 1000 to 2000 km
    • Feature: Canisterised

    Keywords: MIRV, Canisterisation, Strategic missile

    Prelims Traps:

    • Canisterisation reduces launch time

    5. Pralay Missile

    • Type: Quasi ballistic
    • Range: 150 to 500 km
    • Payload: 500 to 1000 kg

    Features:

    • Maneuverable trajectory
    • Hard to intercept

    Keywords: Quasi ballistic, Tactical missile

    Prelims Trap:

    • Not a cruise missile

    6. Astra Mk III (Gandiva)

    • Type: Air to air missile
    • Range: 300 to 350 km
    • Speed: Around Mach 4.5

    Platforms:

    • Su 30 MKI
    • Tejas

    Keywords: BVR missile, Air combat

    Prelims Trap:

    • Beyond Visual Range missile

    7. BrahMos Missile

    • Type: Supersonic cruise missile
    • Speed: Around Mach 3
    • Range: Around 350 km

    Developed by:

    • India and Russia

    Variants:

    • Land, Air, Sea, Submarine

    Keywords: Supersonic, Ramjet, Fire and forget

    Prelims Traps:

    • Uses ramjet engine

    8. Akashteer System

    • Type: AI enabled air defence system
    • Developer: Bharat Electronics Limited
    • Induction: 2024

    Features:

    • Autonomous monitoring
    • Tri services integration

    Keywords: AI defence, C4ISR integration

    Prelims Trap:

    • Army focused system

    9. IACCS

    • Full Form: Integrated Air Command and Control System
    • Service: Indian Air Force

    Features:

    • Radar integration
    • Real time data sharing
    • Multi layer defence

    Layers:

    • Counter drone
    • Short range
    • Medium range
    • Long range

    Keywords: Network centric warfare, Air defence

    Prelims Trap:

    • Not a Navy system

    10. Project Kusha

    • Type: Long range air defence system
    • Developer: DRDO

    Features:

    • Interceptors: 150, 250, 350 km
    • Comparable to S 400, Patriot

    Keywords: Missile shield, Indigenous defence

    Prelims Trap:

    • Fully indigenous

    11. Directed Energy Weapon (Sahastra Shakti)

    • Type: Laser weapon
    • Power: 30 kilowatt
    • Developer: DRDO

    Targets:

    • Drones
    • Missiles

    Keywords: Laser, Speed of light, DEW

    Prelims Trap:

    • No conventional ammunition

    12. K 4 Missile

    • Type: SLBM
    • Range: Around 3500 km

    Platform:

    • Nuclear submarines

    Keywords: Second strike, Nuclear deterrence

    13. INS Taragiri

    • Type: Stealth frigate
    • Project: 17A
    • Class: Nilgiri

    Features:

    • 75 percent indigenous
    • Multi mission

    Keywords: Stealth, Naval modernization

    14. Fighter Aircraft Generations

    4th Generation:

    • Maneuverability

    4.5 Generation:

    • AESA radar
    • Advanced avionics

    5th Generation:

    • Stealth
    • Sensor fusion

    6th Generation:

    • AI integration
    • Drone teaming

    India:

    • Tejas Mk1A: 4.5 generation
    • AMCA: 5th generation

    Keywords: Stealth, AESA, AI

    Prelims Trap:

    • 4.5 generation not stealth

    15. Drone Systems

    Types:

    • HALE: MQ 9B
    • MALE: TAPAS, Rustom
    • Loitering munition: Harop

    Indian Systems:

    • Indrajaal: Anti drone dome
    • Bhragavastra: Micro missile system

    Keywords: UAV, Loitering munition, Surveillance

    Prelims Trap:

    • Loitering munition is drone missile hybrid

    16. Sonobuoys

    • Use: Anti submarine warfare

    Working:

    • Dropped in water
    • Hydrophone detects sound
    • Data transmitted to aircraft

    Keywords: Underwater detection, Acoustic signals

    Prelims Trap:

    • Not radar based

    17. Mission Sudarshan Chakra

    • Announcement: 15 August 2025

    Objective:

    • National security shield by 2035

    Coverage:

    • Air, land, sea
    • Civilian infrastructure

    Keywords: Integrated defence, National security

    18. Golden Dome

    • Country: USA
    • Type: Missile defence system

    Features:

    • Ground and space based

    Legal Aspect:

    • Outer Space Treaty bans WMD in space
    • Conventional weapons allowed

    Keywords: Space militarisation, Missile shield

    Prelims Trap:

    • Space not fully demilitarised

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  • Tax Reforms

    PRARAMBH 2026 – Income Tax Awareness Campaign 

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News

    • Government launched PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign for the Income Tax Act, 2025 (effective from 1 April 2026).

    About PRARAMBH 2026

    • Full form: Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat
    • Nature: Nationwide taxpayer awareness and outreach campaign
    • Mode:
      • Print, TV, radio, digital, social media
      • On-ground workshops and engagement

    Key Objectives

    • Promote: Tax awareness and Ease of compliance
    • Shift behaviour: From confusion to trust-based compliance
    • Ensure: Smooth implementation of new tax law

    Key Features

    1. Taxpayer Outreach

    • Guidance material: FAQs, Brochures and Tutorial videos
    • Available in: 10 regional languages plus English and Hindi

    2. Digital Initiatives

    • Launch of Income Tax Website 2.0
      • Improved usability
      • Simpler navigation
    • AI chatbot:
      • Kar Saathi
      • Helps with: Act, Rules, and Forms

    3. Capacity Building

    • Nationwide: 300 plus workshops
    • Focus:
      • Training tax officials
      • Stakeholder engagement

    4. Citizen-Centric Approach

    • Principle: Nagrik Devo Bhava
    • Focus on:
      • Empathy
      • Trust-based tax administration
      • Reduced human interface through technology

    New Income Tax Act, 2025

    • Effective from: 1 April 2026
    • Key aims: Simplicity, Clarity, Reduced litigation, and Better compliance

    Governance Philosophy

    • Based on: M.A.N.A.V. framework
      • Moral and ethical systems
      • Accountable governance
      • National sovereignty
      • Accessible and inclusive AI
      • Valid systems
    [2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy? (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy

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  • Nuclear Energy

    India’s Nuclear Energy Mission  

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

    Why in the News

    • Government has accelerated Nuclear Energy Mission with ₹20,000 crore allocation for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) development and a long-term goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity.

    Budget Allocation

    • ₹20,000 crore announced in Budget 2026
    • Focus:
      • Research
      • Design
      • Development
      • Deployment of SMRs

    Key Institutions Involved

    • Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
    • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
    • Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL)

    Types of SMRs Being Developed

    1. BSMR-200 (Bharat SMR)

    • Capacity: 220 MWe
    • Jointly developed by: BARC + NPCIL
    • Construction timeline: 60–72 months

    2. SMR-55

    • Capacity: 55 MWe

    3. HTGCR (High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor)

    • Capacity: Up to 5 MWth
    • Use: Hydrogen production
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. 
    Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. 
    Which one of the following is correct? 
    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

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  • Banking Sector Reforms

    Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) – New RBI Eligibility Norms

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth,Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    • An internal working group of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed stricter eligibility criteria for granting licences to Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).

    Proposed Eligibility Criteria

    To qualify for a UCB licence, credit cooperative societies must meet:

    • Minimum capital: ₹300 crore
    • Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): Above 12%
    • Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): Below 3%
    • Track record: At least 5 years of sound financial performance

    Governance Reforms

    • UCBs to adopt governance standards similar to commercial banks
    • Requirements include:
      • Professional management
      • Independent board members
      • Strong regulatory oversight

    Current Status of UCB Sector

    • Total weak UCBs under regulatory scrutiny: 82
      • 28 UCBs under All-Inclusive Directions (AID)
      • 32 UCBs under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)
      • 22 UCBs under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF)

    Key Concerns

    • Weak financial health of many UCBs
    • Poor governance and management issues
    • Rising NPAs and capital inadequacy

    Significance of Reforms

    • Strengthens financial stability
    • Improves credibility of cooperative banking sector
    • Protects depositors’ interests
    • Aligns UCB regulation with banking sector standards
    [2021] With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative banks’ in India, consider the following statements: 
    1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments. 
    2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares. 
    3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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  • Monsoon Updates

    Erratic Weather in March 2026 

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

    Why in the News

    • March witnessed unusual weather patterns: early heatwaves followed by thunderstorms, hailstorms, and rain across India.
    • Special Phenomena: Nor’westers (Kalbaisakhi) in eastern India: Sudden intense storms with thunder, lightning, and hail

    What Happened

    • Early March: Heatwaves in North and West India
    • Mid to late March: Sudden shift to:
      • Thunderstorms
      • Hailstorms
      • Intense rainfall
    • Impact: Significant temperature drop

    Main Reasons

    1. Western Disturbances (WDs)

    • Origin: Mediterranean region (via West Asia)
    • Role: Bring rain and snowfall in non-monsoon months
    • Key factor: Two intense Western Disturbances (March 13 & 18) triggered widespread weather changes

    2. Cyclonic Circulation

    • Persistent low-pressure circulation in lower atmosphere
    • Helped intensify: Cloud formation and Rainfall activity

    3. Moisture Influx

    • Winds from: Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea
    • Result: High moisture availability

    4. Wind Convergence

    • Interaction of: Warm moist winds and cold winds
    • Outcome: Severe convection leading to thunderstorms and hail

    5. Seasonal Transition

    • March marks winter to summer transition
    • Rising temperatures plus moisture create ideal conditions for: Thunderstorms and Hailstorms. 

    Geographical Spread

    • Affected regions:
      • Western Himalayas
      • Northeast India
      • Central and Northwest India
      • Parts of South India
    [2015] Consider the following statements: 
    1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 
    2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies. 
    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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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Israel–Lebanon Escalation: Litani River Strikes  

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

    Why in the News

    • Israel carried out strikes on bridges in Lebanon, especially over the Litani River, intensifying the conflict with Hezbollah.

    Key Developments

    • Israel:
      • Struck a key bridge on coastal highway
      • Ordered destruction of all crossings over Litani River
      • Accelerated demolition of border villages
    • Objective:
      • Disrupt Hezbollah movement and supply lines

    Strategic Importance of Litani River

    • Length: ~90 miles
    • Acts as: De facto boundary zone in south Lebanon
    • Historically linked to: Proposed buffer zone between Israel and Hezbollah
    [2017] Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 
    1. Jordan 
    2. Iraq 
    3. Lebanon 
    4. Syria 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Rice & Wheat Procurement Shortfall  

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues,PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    Why in the News

    • A Parliamentary Standing Committee headed by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi raised concerns over consistently low procurement of rice and wheat compared to estimates. 

    Key Findings

    1. Persistent Gap

    • Since 2022-23: Procurement < 30% of total production
    • Wheat procurement (as % of estimates):
      • 2023-24: 76.7%
      • 2024-25: 71.3%
      • 2025-26: 87.3%

    2. State-Level Shortfalls

    • Rice (Kharif 2024-25): Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab below targets
    • Wheat (Rabi 2025-26): Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh below targets

    Reasons for Low Procurement

    • Production fluctuations
    • Market surplus availability
    • Minimum Support Price (MSP) vs market price
    • Demand-supply conditions
    • Participation of private traders

    Committee Concerns

    • Gap between: Estimated procurement vs actual procurement
    • Indicates: Weak planning and coordination

    Recommendations

    1. Strengthen Procurement Planning

    • Improve estimation methods
    • Make targets more realistic

    2. Better Centre-State Coordination

    • Focus on: States with repeated shortfalls

    3. Real-Time Monitoring

    • Track: Production and Market arrivals

    4. Improve Procurement Efficiency

    • Ensure: Timely and effective procurement operations
    [2020] Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? 
    1. Minimum Support Price Government’s trading 
    2. Government’s stockpiling Consumer subsidies 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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

    Masi Magam & Irular Community 

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News

    • The festival Masi Magam highlights the cultural and spiritual practices of the Irular community, a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu.

    What is Masi Magam

    • Celebrated in Tamil month of Masi (Feb–March)
    • Occurs on full moon day (Magam star)
    • Associated with:
      • Ritual bathing in sea and water bodies
      • Temple festivals across Tamil Nadu

    About Irular Community

    • Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu
    • Known for:
      • Traditional ecological knowledge
      • Snake handling
      • Herbal medicine
      • Honey collection
    • Socio-economic condition:
      • Marginalised, with some history of bonded labour
    [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 
    1.PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 
    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 
    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 
    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    RELIEF Scheme for Exporters 

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    • Government approved RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
    • Aim: Support exporters amid West Asia crisis and maritime logistics disruption

    Background

    • Disruptions in Strait of Hormuz region
    • Issues:
      • Vessel diversion
      • Longer shipping routes
      • Port congestion
      • High freight cost + insurance premium + war-risk surcharge
      • Increased export uncertainty

    Objective

    • Ensure export continuity
    • Reduce logistics cost escalation
    • Provide risk mitigation
    • Protect MSME exporters and employment

    Coverage

    • Regions:
      • UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Yemen
    • Covers:
      • Past shipments (disruption period)
      • Future consignments

    Key Components

    1. Enhanced Risk Coverage (Insured Exporters)

    • Up to 100% additional coverage
    • For shipments during disruption period

    2. Support for Upcoming Exports

    • Up to 95% risk coverage
    • Encourages export flow continuity

    3. MSME Support (Non-Insured)

    • Up to 50% reimbursement
    • Covers:
      • Freight escalation
      • Insurance surcharge
    • Cap: ₹50 lakh per exporter
    [2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India: 
    1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore. 
    2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (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

    World Happiness Report 2026  

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

    Why in the News

    • The World Happiness Report 2026 has been released.
    • Finland ranked as the happiest country for the 9th consecutive year.
    • India ranked 116th out of 147 countries.

    Top 10 Happiest Countries

    1. Finland
    2. Iceland
    3. Denmark
    4. Costa Rica
    5. Sweden
    6. Norway
    7. Netherlands
    8. Israel
    9. Luxembourg
    10. Switzerland

    Unhappiest Countries

    • Bottom-ranked: Afghanistan

    Key Factors Used in Ranking

    1. GDP per capita
    2. Life expectancy
    3. Social support
    4. Freedom to make life choices
    5. Generosity
    6. Perception of corruption

    Who publishes the World Happiness Report?

    • Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford (lead publisher)
    • In partnership with:
      • Gallup
      • UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
      • An independent editorial board of experts

    Major Findings

    1. Social Media Impact

    • High usage linked to: Lower well-being, especially among teenagers
    • Teenage girls using >5 hours/day: Reported lower life satisfaction

    2. Youth Happiness Decline

    • Decline observed in: USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    3. Why Finland Tops

    • High income with equitable distribution
    • Strong welfare state
    • High trust in institutions
    • Better life expectancy

    4. Conflict and Happiness

    • Countries facing conflict: Lowest happiness levels
    [2019] In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital? (a) The proportion of literates in the population (b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines (c) The size of population in the working age group (d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

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