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Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Babu Jagjivan Ram: 119th Birth Anniversary

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in News

    India paid tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 119th birth anniversary (5 April 2026) at Samta Sthal, New Delhi.

    About Babu Jagjivan Ram

    • Born: 5 April 1908, Chandwa, Bihar
    • Popularly known as: Babuji
    • Freedom fighter and social justice leader
    • Longest serving Union Cabinet Minister (35 years)
    • Served as Deputy Prime Minister (1979)

    Freedom Movement Contributions

    • Founded All India Depressed Classes League (1935)
    • Participated in Quit India Movement (1942)
    • Imprisoned by British
    • Youngest Minister in 1946 Interim Government
    • Held Labour portfolio

    Post Independence Contributions

    Green Revolution

    • Minister for Food & Agriculture (1967–70)
    • Helped India achieve food self sufficiency

    1971 War

    • Defence Minister during India Pakistan War 1971
    • Role in creation of Bangladesh

    Labour Reforms

    • Promoted:
      • Minimum wages
      • Workers welfare
      • Social security

    Political Career

    • Left Congress in 1977
    • Formed Congress for Democracy
    • Joined Janata Party
    • Deputy Prime Minister: 1979

    Death

    • Died: 6 July 1986
    • Memorial: Samta Sthal, New Delhi
    [2024] Consider the following pairs: Party : Its Leader 1 Bharatiya Jana Sangh : Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 2 Socialist Party : C. Rajagopalachari 3 Congress for Democracy : Jagjivan Ram 4 Swatantra Party : Acharya Narendra Dev How many of the above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    BRO Project Chetak Completes 47 Years

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

    Why in News

    Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day on 4 April 2026 at Bikaner, Rajasthan.

    About Project Chetak

    • Launched: 1980
    • Implemented by: Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
    • Area: Western border region
      • Rajasthan
      • Punjab
      • Northern Gujarat

    Objectives

    • Strengthen border infrastructure
    • Ensure all weather connectivity
    • Support troop movement
    • Promote regional development

    Key Features

    • Maintains 4,000 km+ roads
    • 214 km Ditch Cum Bund (DCB) for: Border security and Flood control
    • Upgrading feeder roads to:
      • National Highway double lane standard

    About Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

    • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), established on May 7, 1960, is a premier statutory construction force under India’s Ministry of Defence. 
    • It develops and maintains road networks, bridges, tunnels, and airfields in border regions and friendly neighboring countries. 
    • Primarily serving the armed forces, the BRO plays a critical role in enhancing national security and regional connectivity in challenging terrains.
    [2024] What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? 1 Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. 2 Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. 3 Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

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

    518 of 697 Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir Shrinking or Vanished: CAG

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

    Why in the News?

    According to CAG report, 518 out of 697 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate risks.

    Key Findings

    • Total lakes assessed: 697
    • Lakes disappeared: 315 (45%)
    • Lakes shrunk: 203 (29%)
    • Total affected lakes: 518 (74%)
    • 63 lakes lost ≥50% water area

    Other Observations

    • 150 lakes (22%) increased in area
    • 29 lakes (4%) remained unchanged

    Major Causes

    • Encroachment and construction
    • Land use change
    • Aquatic vegetation growth
    • Lack of conservation plans
    • Anthropogenic pressure

    Flood Risk

    • Shrinking lakes contributed to 2014 Kashmir floods
    • Lakes act as natural flood buffers

    Governance Gaps

    • No conservation plans for 255 lakes
    • No detailed survey of 697 lakes
    • Poor coordination among departments

    Lakes with Conservation Programmes

    • Only 6 lakes have management plans: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal Lake, Surinsar Lake, and Mansar Lake.
    [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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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    CERC Delays Stricter Grid Rules for Wind and Solar Generators

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

    Why in the News?

    The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has delayed stricter grid stability rules for wind and solar generators by one year, giving renewable energy companies more time to adapt.

    About the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

    • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, a key regulator of the power sector in India, is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under sec – 76 of the Electricity Act 2003.

    Key Decision

    • Stricter deviation norms postponed
    • Earlier implementation: April 2026
    • New implementation: April 2027

    What Are Deviation Norms

    • Power generators must: Declare electricity supply in advance
    • If actual generation differs:
      • Grid stability disturbed
      • Operators impose deviation charges (penalties)

    Why Renewable Energy Gets Relaxation

    • Wind and solar power:
      • Depend on weather
      • Hard to predict output
      • More variability
    • Hence: Relaxed deviation norms

    Deviation Limits 

    Deviation band = Allowed variation between scheduled power and actual generation without penalty.

    Solar & Hybrid Projects

    • Earlier: ±10%
    • Now: ±5%
      • Must generate closer to committed power
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier allowed: 90 to 110 MW
      • Now allowed: 95 to 105 MW

    Wind Projects

    • Earlier: ±15%
    • Now: ±10%
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier: 85 to 115 MW
      • Now: 90 to 110 MW
    [2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 
    1 India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 
    2 The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. 
    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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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate Change Threatens Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Industry

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

    Why in the News?

    Climate change, declining snowfall, and shrinking willow plantations are threatening Kashmir’s traditional cricket bat industry, which supports over 1.5 lakh livelihoods.

    Kashmir Cricket Bat Industry:  

    • Over 100 years old industry
    • Around 3 million cricket bats produced annually
    • About 150 bat manufacturing units in Sangam (South Kashmir)
    • 1.5 lakh people dependent on the industry
    • Kashmir willow bats are supplied to: Domestic markets and International markets

    Main Raw Material: Kashmir Willow

    • Scientific name: Salix alba (White Willow)
    • Grows near rivers and wetlands
    • Requires:
      • High moisture
      • Moderate temperature
      • Saturated soil
    • Around 80% of bat wood comes from riparian zones (riverbanks and wetlands).
    [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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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Bengal Florican: The Last Dance in Shrinking Grasslands

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

    Why in the News?

    The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.

    About Bengal Florican

    • Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
    • Type: Bustard species
    • Habitat:
      • Alluvial floodplain grasslands
      • Gangetic Brahmaputra plains

    Grass species in habitat:

    • Imperata cylindrica
    • Saccharum spontaneum
    • Saccharum bengalense
    • Desmostachya bipinnata

    Unique Behaviour

    • Male performs vertical jumps
    • Displays wing movements and vocal calls
    • Known as Lekking behaviour
      • Multiple males display together
      • Attract females

    Local Names:

    • Assamese: Ulu mora
    • Bodo: Daotriling

    Distribution

    India

    Major strongholds:

    • Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
    • Manas National Park (Assam)
    • Kaziranga National Park
    • Orang National Park
    • Dibru Saikhowa National Park
    • Majuli river islands
    • Arunachal Pradesh grasslands

    Outside India

    • Nepal
    • Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)

    Why Bengal Florican is Important

    • Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
    • Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
    • Helps maintain ecological balance
    [2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. 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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  • Civil Services Reforms

    Sādhana Saptah 2026 Under Mission Karmayogi

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters,Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Sādhana Saptah 2026 has been launched under Mission Karmayogi to strengthen future ready, citizen centric civil services in India.

    What is Sādhana Saptah

    • Sādhana Saptah stands for:Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement
    • It is:
      • A capacity building initiative
      • For civil servants across India
      • Focused on citizen centric governance

    Parent Initiative

    • Under Mission Karmayogi
    • Also called: National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)

    Key Objectives

    • Build future ready bureaucracy
    • Improve governance delivery
    • Promote citizen centric administration
    • Strengthen administrative capacity
    [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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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    FAO Food Price Index Rises Amid West Asia Conflict

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

    Why in the News?

    The FAO Food Price Index increased in March 2026, mainly due to rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict, which pushed up global food prices.

    What is FAO Food Price Index

    The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI):

    • Measures monthly change in global food prices
    • Tracks international food commodity prices
    • Published by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    Components of FAO Food Price Index

    • The index includes five commodity groups:
      • Cereals
      • Vegetable oils
      • Dairy
      • Meat
      • Sugar
    • These are weighted based on average export shares.

    Base Year

    • Base period: 2014–2016 = 100

    About FAO

    Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    • Specialized agency of United Nations
    • Established: 1945
    • Headquarters: Rome, Italy
    • Members: 195
      • 194 countries
      • European Union
    [2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 
    1 To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
    2 To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 
    3 To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    INS Taragiri Commissioned into Indian Navy

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

    Why in the News?

    India commissioned INS Taragiri (F41), an indigenously built stealth guided missile frigate, at Visakhapatnam, boosting maritime security and indigenous defence capability.

    INS Taragiri: Key Details

    • Name: INS Taragiri
    • Type: Stealth Guided Missile Frigate
    • Commissioned at: Visakhapatnam
    • Fleet: Eastern Fleet
    • Indigenous content: Over 75%
    • Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)

    Project 17A Frigate

    • INS Taragiri belongs to: Project 17A stealth frigates
    • Project 17A ships: INS Nilgiri
      • INS Udaygiri
      • INS Taragiri
      • INS Himgiri
      • INS Dunagiri
      • INS Mahendragiri
      • INS Surat (depending classification variations)
    [2009] Consider the following statements: 
    1 INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier. 
    2 INS Viraat is a submarine. 
    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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  • INS Aridhaman Joins Indian Navy, Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence

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

    Why in the News?

    India quietly commissioned INS Aridhaman, the third indigenously built nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), at Visakhapatnam, strengthening India’s nuclear triad capability.

    INS Aridhaman: Key Details

    • Name: INS Aridhaman (S4)
    • Type: Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)
    • Class: Arihant Class
    • Displacement: ~7,000 tonnes
    • Built under: Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project
    • Built at: Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam

    Missile Capability

    INS Aridhaman can carry:

    • K 15 Sagarika missiles
      • Up to 24 missiles
      • Range: ~750 km
    • K 4 missiles
      • Up to 8 missiles
      • Range: ~3,500 km
    • Future capability:
      • K 5 nuclear capable missiles (under development)
    • This gives greater firepower compared to earlier submarines.

    India’s Nuclear Triad

    India now maintains Nuclear Triad:

    • Land Based: Agni missiles
    • Air Based: Fighter aircraft nuclear delivery
    • Sea Based: SSBN submarines (like INS Aridhaman)
    • Countries with Nuclear Triad: India, USA, Russia, China, and France

    India’s SSBN Fleet

    • INS Arihant — 2016
    • INS Arighaat — 2024
    • INS Aridhaman — 2026
    • S4* (likely INS Arisudan) — Under trials
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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