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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Mohenjo-daro as Democratic as Ancient Greece & Rome: Study

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

    Why in the News

    • A study published in Science Advances (March 2026) finds that Mohenjo-daro exhibited collective (democratic-like) governance, comparable to Athens and Republican Rome.

    About Mohenjo-daro

    • Part of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
    • Located in present-day Sindh (Pakistan)
    • Known for:
      • Advanced urban planning (grid system)
      • Drainage and sanitation systems
      • Lack of clear evidence of centralized monarchy

    Key Findings of the Study

    1. Democracy Beyond Greece & Rome

    • Democratic/collective governance was not unique to Europe
    • Similar systems found in:
      • North America: Iroquois Confederacy, Zuni
      • Mesoamerica: Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, Tlaxcala
      • South Asia: Mohenjo-daro

    2. Two Dimensions of Governance

    Researchers used two parameters:

    • Power concentration: Whether authority is centralized or dispersed
    • Inclusiveness: Degree of public participation in governance

    3. Indicators of Collective Governance

    • Urban planning features:
      • Large open public spaces (for gatherings)
      • Absence of palaces or grand royal tombs
    • Art & architecture: Limited glorification of rulers
      • It shows Shared decision-making systems

    4. Indicators of Autocracy

    • Monumental: Palaces, pyramids, elite tombs
    • City layouts: Roads converging to ruler’s residence
    • Rituals: Grand spectacles reinforcing ruler authority

    5. “Autocracy Index”

    • Study created a spectrum:
      • From highly autocratic → highly collective
      • Mohenjo-daro ranked towards collective governance

    6. Role of Economic Structure (Key Insight)

    • Autocratic societies:
      • Based on controlled resources
        (mines, trade routes, war plunder)
    • More democratic societies:
      • Based on: Broad taxation and Community labour

    7. Inequality Link

    • Inclusive systems: Lower economic inequality
    • Challenges assumption: Complexity always leads to autocracy

    Broader Significance

    • Democracy has deep, global historical roots
    • Challenges Eurocentric view: That democracy began only in Greece & Rome
    • Important for modern governance: Helps understand power concentration & inequality trends
    [2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization? 
    1. They possessed great palaces and temples. They worshipped both male and female deities. 
    2. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the statements given above is correct

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Quantum Battery Breakthrough  

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

    Why in the News

    • Scientists from CSIRO, RMIT University, and University of Melbourne developed the first proof-of-concept quantum battery (March 2026).

    What is a Quantum Battery

    • A quantum battery is an energy storage device that uses principles of quantum mechanics instead of chemical reactions.
    • It can charge, store, and discharge energy like conventional batteries.

    Key Quantum Principles Used

    • Superposition: A system can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
    • Entanglement: Particles become interconnected, enabling coordinated energy transfer.

    Key Features of the Prototype

    • Built using multi-layered organic microcavity.
    • Wireless charging using laser.
    • Operates at room temperature.
    • Energy stored lasts much longer than charging time (very high efficiency).

    Unique Property

    • Charging speed increases with size
      • Opposite to classical batteries.
      • Known as quantum advantage in charging.

    Potential Applications

    • Ultra-fast charging of electric vehicles.
    • Wireless energy transfer over long distances.
    • High-efficiency next-generation energy storage systems.

    Current Limitations

    • Still at proof-of-concept stage.
    • Major challenge: extending energy storage duration for practical use.

    Significance

    • Confirms theoretical predictions in quantum thermodynamics.
    • Could revolutionize energy storage, transmission, and efficiency.
    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Wild Buffalo Translocation: Kaziranga to Kanha Initiative

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

    Why in the News

    Authorities have planned to translocate ~50 Asiatic wild water buffaloes from Kaziranga National Park to Kanha Tiger Reserve in a phased manner, starting with a smaller group.

    About the Species

    • Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo
      • Scientific name: Bubalus arnee
      • Status: Endangered (IUCN)
      • India holds major global population

    Key Details of the Plan

    • Total planned: ~50 buffaloes
    • Initial phase: 5–15 individuals
    • Method:
      • Tranquilization and capture
      • Gradual relocation after feasibility checks

    Why Translocation is Being Done?

    • Species Conservation: Avoids over-concentration in one area
      • Reduces risk from: Disease outbreaks and Natural disasters.
    • Kanha Tiger Reserve historically had wild buffaloes
      • Aim: restore lost populations
    • Genetic Diversity: Helps maintain: Healthy breeding populations and Reduced inbreeding.

    Why Kaziranga?

    • Hosts 1000+ wild buffaloes
    • One of the strongest populations globally
    • Suitable as a source population

    Why Kanha?

    • Suitable: Habitat (grasslands + water sources)
    • Part of central Indian landscape restoration
    [2017] According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? 
    1. Gharial Indian 
    2. Wild ass 
    3. Wild buffalo 
    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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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol (ABS)

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

    Why in the News?

    India has submitted its First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27 February 2026, fulfilling obligations under Article 29.

    Key Highlights of the Report

    1. Reporting Period

    • Covers 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025
    • Earlier Interim Report submitted in 2017

    2. Legal & Institutional Framework

    • Based on: Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 and ABS Regulations, 2025. 
    • Three-tier structure:
      • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
      • State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) / UT Biodiversity Councils
      • Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
    • 2,76,653 BMCs established → strong grassroots participation

    3. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Performance

    • Total approvals (2017–2025): 12,830
      • NBA: 5,913 approvals (research, IPR, commercial use, etc.)
      • SBBs/UTBCs: 6,917 approvals (commercial utilization)

    4. Global Leadership in Compliance

    • 3,556 IRCCs (Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance) published
    • Accounts for over 60% of global total
    • Shows leadership in transparency under Nagoya Protocol

    5. Financial Benefits Generated

    • ₹216.31 crore mobilised through NBA approvals
      • ₹139.69 crore disbursed to: Local communities, Farmers, and Traditional knowledge holders
    • ₹51.96 crore generated via SBBs/UTBCs

    6. Non-Monetary Benefits

    • 395 approvals included: Capacity building, Technology transfer, Training and Collaborative research. 

    7. Monitoring of Foreign Biological Resources

    • 41 declarations received for use of foreign bioresources
    • Ensures compliance with international ABS norms

    8. Capacity Building & Awareness

    • 2,56,393 individuals trained
    • Through: 3,724 workshops and 600+ capacity-building initiatives

    9. Strategic Contribution

    • Supports Target 13 of India’s NBSAP (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan)
    • Strengthens: Biodiversity conservation, Livelihood security, and Community participation
    [2025] Consider the following statements: 
    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realisation 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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Fish Species Discovered: Butis bargabhimae in West Bengal

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

    Why in the News

    Scientists have discovered a new estuarine fish species, named Butis bargabhimae, in the Rupnarayan River near Tamluk.

    About the Species

    1. Classification

    • Family: Butidae (gudgeon gobies)
    • Habitat: Brackish water (estuaries)
    • Found where rivers meet the sea

    2. Discovery Process

    • Time: 2022–2024
    • Institutions: Tamralipta Mahavidyalaya and Vidyasagar University.
    • Method:
      • Field collection by local fishermen
      • Morphological + DNA analysis

    Unique Features

    • Presence of interorbital scales (between eyes)
    • Additional auxiliary body scales
    • Distinct light and dark bands on pectoral fins
    • DNA similarity only ~86% with closest relatives
    • Confirms it as a new species

    Naming Significance

    • Named after Bargabhima, a local deity of Tamluk
    • Reflects link between biodiversity and cultural heritage

    Scientific Importance

    • Taxonomic Clarity: Helped correct misidentification of similar species in:
      • India
      • Bangladesh
    • Role of DNA Barcoding: Shows importance of genetic tools in species identification
    • Hidden Biodiversity: Suggests many undiscovered species in Indian rivers and estuaries
    [2022] DNA Barcoding can be a tool to: 
    1. Assess the age of a plant or animal. 
    2. Distinguish among species that look alike. 
    3. Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3

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  • Monsoon Updates

    ‘Super El Niño’ Alert: Risk of Record Global Heat

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

    Why in the News

    Forecasters, including NOAA Climate Prediction Center, warn of a possible El Niño in 2026, with chances it could intensify into a “super El Niño”, potentially pushing global temperatures to new highs.

    What is El Niño?

    • A warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
    • Occurs when Pacific Ocean surface waters become warmer than normal

    What is a “Super El Niño”?

    • When sea surface temperature rises ≥ 2°C above average
    • Much stronger than normal El Niño
    • Rare events: Last major one: 2015–16

    Current Situation

    • Present phase: La Niña (cool phase) is ending
    • Forecast: ~62% chance of El Niño by mid-2026 and ~15% chance of super El Niño

    How El Niño Works

    • Warm water shifts toward eastern Pacific
    • Weakens trade winds
    • Alters global weather systems
    [2011] La Niña is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Niña different from El Niño? 
    1. La Niña is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 
    2. El Niño has an adverse effect on the southwest monsoon of India, but La Niña has no effect on monsoon climate. 
    Select the correct answer: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    Impact of China’s Lithium Policy on India’s EV Sector

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

    Why in the News

    China has imposed export controls and licensing requirements on key lithium-ion battery components and technology, raising concerns for India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, which is highly import-dependent.

    What are China’s Policy Changes?

    China has restricted exports of:

    • High-performance lithium-ion batteries (≥300 Wh/kg)
    • Cathode materials
    • Artificial graphite anodes
    • Battery manufacturing technology
      • China dominates the midstream processing stage of EV battery supply chains.

    Impact on India’s EV Sector

    1. Supply Chain Vulnerability

    • India depends almost entirely on imports for lithium
    • Heavy reliance on Chinese processing → risk of disruptions

    2. Rising Battery Costs

    • Restrictions may increase prices of: Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel.
      • Leads to higher EV prices

    3. Slower EV Adoption

    • Increased costs → reduced affordability
    • Could delay India’s EV transition targets

    Government Response (India)

    • National Critical Mineral Mission: Ensures long-term supply security
      • Covers full value chain: Exploration → Mining → Processing → Recycling
    • Domestic Mining & Auctions: 46 critical mineral blocks auctioned
    • Overseas Acquisition: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
      • Lithium exploration in Catamarca
    • Recycling Push: ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for: Battery recycling and Recovery from waste (fly ash, tailings, etc.).
    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: 
    1. Cobalt 
    2. Graphite 
    3. Lithium 
    4. Nickel 
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Rare ‘Dual-Sex’ Crab Discovered in Silent Valley

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

    Why in the News

    A rare freshwater crab species, Vela carli, found in Silent Valley National Park, has been discovered showing both male and female biological traits.

    What was discovered?

    • Scientists found three crabs exhibiting dual sexual characteristics
    • The condition is called Gynandromorphy
    • Example in this case:
    • Some body parts had male reproductive organs
    • Others had female features (gonopores)

    What is Gynandromorphy?

    • A rare biological condition where: An organism shows both male and female characteristics.
    • Usually caused by: Errors during cell division (chromosomal distribution). 
    • Important distinction:
      • Not hermaphroditism (where both reproductive organs function normally)
      • Instead, it is a mosaic of male and female tissues

    About Vela Carli

    • Vela carli is a freshwater crab species endemic to India, specifically found in the Central Western Ghats, one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
    [2013] Consider the following pairs: National Park : River flowing through the Park Corbett National Park : Ganga Kaziranga National Park : Manas Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) None

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    National Quantum Mission: Govt Clears 23 Institutions for Quantum Labs

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

    Why in the News

    The Government has approved 23 institutions to set up quantum teaching laboratories under the National Quantum Mission, with around 100 more proposals under evaluation.

    About National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    • Approved in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6003.65 crore
    • Duration: 2023–2031
    • Aim: Position India as a global leader in quantum technologies

    Key Objectives

    • Quantum Computing: Develop 50–1,000 qubit quantum computers
      • Higher qubits = more computational power
    • Quantum Communication: Build satellite-based secure communication systems.
      • Enable hack-proof encryption (quantum key distribution)
    • Quantum Sensing & Materials: 
      • Develop: High-precision sensors (defence, navigation) and Advanced quantum materials.

    What are Quantum Labs?

    • Teaching and research facilities in universities
    • Focus on:
      • Training students in quantum technologies
      • Building skilled manpower
    • Help bridge India’s quantum skill gap

    Significance of the Move

    • Capacity Building: Creates a pipeline of skilled researchers and engineers
      • Strengthens India’s R&D ecosystem
    • Strategic Importance: Quantum tech has applications in:
      • Defence (secure communication)
      • Cybersecurity
      • Space & navigation
    • Helps India compete with:
      • United States
      • China
    • Economic Potential: Quantum technologies expected to drive: Next-gen computing and Innovation-led growth. 
    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Sejjil Ballistic Missile (Dancing Missile)

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

    Why in the News

    Iran has deployed the Sejjil missile in active combat for the first time during “Wave 54” strikes against U.S. and Israeli positions, marking a major escalation in the Iran–US-Israel conflict (2026).

    What is the Sejjil Missile?

    • An indigenously developed, two-stage Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
    • Also known as Sajjil / Ashura
    • Represents Iran’s shift from liquid-fuel → solid-fuel missile technology.

    Evasive Maneuverability

    • Nicknamed “dancing missile”
    • Capable of mid-course manoeuvres, making interception difficult for systems like: Iron Dome and Arrow Missile Defence System.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 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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