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Type: Prelims Only

  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test 2026

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

    Why in the News

    Vijay won the confidence motion in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with 144 votes, ensuring the survival of the TVK-led coalition government.

    Key Highlights of the Floor Test

    • Confidence Motion Passed
      • The motion moved by Chief Minister Vijay received: 144 votes in favour
    • Supporting Parties
      • Indian National Congress
      • Communist Party of India
      • Communist Party of India (Marxist)
      • Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
      • Indian Union Muslim League
      • 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs
      • One AMMK MLA

    Constitutional Significance of Floor Test

    • What is a Floor Test?: A mechanism to determine whether the government enjoys majority support in the legislature.
    • Conducted By: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
    • Constitutional Basis: Related to Article 164(2) of the Constitution:
    • Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

    Anti-Defection Aspect

    • Relevant Provision: Tenth Schedule of the Constitution
    • Deals With
      • Defection by legislators
      • Violation of party whip
    • Possible Issue Ahead
    • Potential action against rebel AIADMK MLAs.

    Note: In India, the office of the “whip” is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Rules of the House, or any parliamentary statute; rather, it is based on convention. However, the authority to issue whips and the consequences for defying them are legally upheld by the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).

    [2020] A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which 
    a) All political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government 
    b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it 
    c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them 
    d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

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

    Why in the News

    The forest department has launched a comprehensive scientific wildlife census in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to assess the population status and movement patterns of major wildlife species.

    About Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an important protected area in the Central Himalayan region known for:
      • Dense broadleaf forests
      • Rich biodiversity
      • Himalayan wildlife habitat
    • It was primarily created to conserve shrinking oak forests.
    • Location: Almora district, Kumaon region, and Uttarakhand. 
    [2014] If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 
    1. Oak 
    2. Rhododendron 
    3. Sandalwood 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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

    National Jute Board (NJB) and Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

    13 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Agriculture
    Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News

    The National Jute Board has expanded the implementation of the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS), a technology-driven platform developed with Indian Space Research Organisation to modernize jute crop monitoring and improve production estimation.

    National Jute Board (NJB)

    • The National Jute Board (NJB) is the apex statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles responsible for the development and promotion of India’s jute sector.
    • Established Under: National Jute Board Act, 2008

    Objective

    • Promote Indian jute globally
    • Encourage innovative uses of jute
    • Improve competitiveness of the jute industry
    • Support both organized and decentralized sectors

    Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

    • The Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) is a digital crop monitoring platform developed jointly by:
      • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
      • Jute Corporation of India (JCI)
      • National Jute Board
    • It replaces traditional manual reporting with:
      • Geo-referenced
      • Satellite-based
      • Data-driven monitoring
    [2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: 
    1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 
    2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 
    3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. 
    4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] 1 and 3 [B] 2 and 4 [C] 3 and 4 [D] 1 and 4

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

    SEHAT Mission

    13 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Social Justice
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News

    The Union Government launched the SEHAT Mission in New Delhi, marking the first major institutional convergence between India’s agriculture and health sectors to address malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    What is SEHAT Mission?

    • SEHAT Mission is a national initiative aimed at integrating: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Public Health
    • It seeks to shift India’s healthcare approach:
      • From treatment-oriented healthcare
      • To prevention-oriented healthcare through nutrition and food systems.

    The mission is a joint initiative between:

    • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
    • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    “Farm-to-Plate” scientific chain

    where agricultural production directly contributes to:

    • Nutritional security
    • Disease prevention
    • Better public health outcomes
    [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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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

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

    Why in the News

    The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) worth USD 1.5 billion amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

    About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

    • BMIP is a domestic maritime insurance pool created to ensure uninterrupted maritime insurance coverage for Indian shipping and trade operations.
    • Total Size: USD 1.5 billion
    • Sovereign Guarantee: USD 1.4 billion
    • Approximately ₹12,980 crore

    Objective

    • Ensure continuity of maritime trade during geopolitical crises.
    • Reduce dependence on foreign insurers and reinsurers.
    • Strengthen India’s financial and maritime sovereignty.
    • Protect Indian vessels operating in high-risk war zones.

    Beneficiaries

    • Coverage applies to:
      • Indian-flagged vessels
      • Indian-controlled vessels
      • Ships destined to or originating from India
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and Natural gas shipments to Europe. 
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 
    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain 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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  • Gold Monetisation Scheme

    Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)

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

    Why in the News

    The jewellery industry, led by the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, has called for revitalising the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to reduce gold imports and ease pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.

    About Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)

    • The Gold Monetisation Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2015
    • Objective:
      • Mobilise idle gold held by households and institutions
      • Reduce dependence on gold imports
      • Integrate gold into the formal economy

    Why is Gold Important for India?

    • India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold.
    • Gold is used for:
      • Jewellery
      • Investment
      • Cultural and religious purposes
    • India imports large quantities of gold annually, increasing:
      • Import bill
      • Current Account Deficit (CAD)
      • Pressure on foreign exchange reserves
    [2016] Which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?:
    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector. 3.To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.
    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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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Somnath Gates Controversy

    12 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?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Somnath Temple marking 75 years of its restoration, reviving discussion on the British claim of bringing back the “Somnath Gates” from Afghanistan in 1842.

    Somnath Temple

    • Located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat
    • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
    • Repeatedly attacked and rebuilt through history
    • Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath in 1026 CE and looted the temple.

    British “Somnath Gates” (1842)

    • During the First Anglo Afghan War, British forces captured Ghazni.
    • Governor General Lord Ellenborough claimed to have recovered the original Somnath temple gates from Afghanistan.
    • He issued a proclamation stating the British had avenged the “insult” suffered by Hindus centuries ago.

    Reality

    • Later investigations found:
      • Gates were made of cheap pinewood, not sandalwood
      • Afghan style design, not Indian
      • Not connected to Somnath Temple
    • Presently kept in Agra Fort.

    Importance

    • Example of British “divide and rule” politics
    • Use of religious symbolism for colonial legitimacy
    [2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somanath Temple at Verval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 
    1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines 
    2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 
    3. Pran Pratistha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • Indian Air Force Updates

    Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV System

    12 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News

    India successfully conducted the flight-trial of an advanced Agni missile equipped with a Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) system on May 8, 2026. The test was carried out from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island.

    What is a Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)?

    • MIRV technology allows:
    • A single ballistic missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads
    • Each warhead to strike different targets independently

    How MIRV Works

    • Step 1: Missile Launch: A ballistic missile is launched carrying multiple warheads.
    • Step 2: Mid-course Phase: After reaching space or upper atmosphere:
      • The missile releases several re-entry vehicles
    • Step 3: Independent Targeting: Each warhead:
      • Follows a separate trajectory
      • Hits a different target
    [2026] Consider the following statements 
    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 
    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. 
    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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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Project Cheetah

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

    Why in the News

    Two cheetahs brought from Botswana were released into the wild at Kuno National Park (MP) after completing quarantine and acclimatisation. With this, India’s total cheetah population has increased to 57, including cubs born in India.

    About Project Cheetah

    • Project Cheetah is India’s ambitious wildlife conservation programme aimed at:
      • Reintroducing cheetahs into Indian ecosystems
      • Restoring ecological balance
      • Establishing a viable cheetah population in the wild
    • It is the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation project.

    Launch of the Project

    • The project was launched in September 2022 by Narendra Modi at Kuno National Park

    Background

    • Extinction in India: The Asiatic cheetah became extinct in India in 1952
    • Main reasons: Hunting, Habitat loss, and Decline in prey base
    • India declared the cheetah extinct officially in 1952.

    Source Countries of Cheetahs

    • Namibia: 8 cheetahs brought in September 2022
    • South Africa: 12 cheetahs brought in 2023
    • Botswana: 9 cheetahs brought in 2026
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 
    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 
    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 
    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. 
    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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  • Digital India Initiatives

    One Case One Data & Su Sahay

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

    Why in the News

    The Supreme Court of India has launched two major digital initiatives: “One Case One Data” and “Su Sahay”. These initiatives aim to modernise judicial administration and improve access to justice through technology.

    One Case One Data

    • “One Case One Data” is a nationwide digital integration initiative announced by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
    • It seeks to create a unified judicial data management system connecting:
      • Supreme Court
      • High Courts
      • District Courts
      • Taluka Courts

    Objective

    • Streamline case management
    • Build a comprehensive digital judicial database
    • Improve coordination among courts
    • Reduce duplication and delays

    Su Sahay

    • “Su Sahay” is an AI-powered chatbot integrated with the Supreme Court website.
    • It has been developed by:
      • National Informatics Centre (NIC)
      • Supreme Court Registry
    • Objective: To provide easier access to court-related information and services for litigants.

    Role of National Informatics Centre (NIC)

    • NIC is the premier technology institution under the Government of India responsible for:
      • E-governance infrastructure
      • Digital public platforms
      • Government IT services
    [2022] Consider the following: 
    1. Aarogya Setu 
    2. CoWIN 
    3. DigiLocker 
    4. DIKSHA 
    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms? 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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