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Type: Prelims Only

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Mexico City Subsidence and NISAR Satellite 

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

    Why in the News

    New imagery from the NISAR satellite has shown that Mexico City is sinking at an alarming rate of nearly 25 cm per year, mainly due to excessive groundwater extraction.

    What is Land Subsidence

    • Gradual sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface
    • Commonly caused by:
      • Excessive groundwater withdrawal
      • Mining
      • Natural geological processes

    Why is Mexico City Sinking

    • Built on an ancient lake bed
    • Heavy extraction of groundwater from aquifers
    • Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure load
    • Shrinking aquifers causing ground compaction

    About NISAR Satellite

    • NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) joint mission
    • Full Form: NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

    Features of NISAR

    • Uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
    • Can detect surface changes in real time
    • Works in:
      • Day and night
      • All weather conditions
    [2019] For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 
    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 
    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 
    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    Teesta Water Sharing Dispute 

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

    Why in the News

    Bangladesh has urged India to reconsider the long pending Teesta water sharing agreement following political changes in West Bengal. Bangladesh also indicated that the issue may be discussed with China during high level talks in Beijing.

    About the Teesta River

    • Origin: Eastern Himalayas near the Pauhunri glacier
    • Flows through: Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh
    • Tributary of the Brahmaputra River

    Nature of the Dispute

    • Both India and Bangladesh depend on Teesta waters for:
      • Irrigation
      • Agriculture
      • Livelihoods
    • Bangladesh seeks a larger share of dry season flow

    2011 Proposed Agreement

    • India and Bangladesh reached an in principle agreement during PM Manmohan Singh’s visit
    • Agreement could not be finalised due to objections from West Bengal government

    Key Issues Involved

    • Water sharing during lean season
    • Role of States in international river agreements
    • Federal coordination between:
      • Union Government
      • State Government

    China’s Role

    • Bangladesh discussing Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project with China
    • Reflects strategic dimension of regional water diplomacy
    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements 
    1 The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 
    2 River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 
    3 River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    a)  1 and 3 only b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Supreme Court on Misuse of PILs 

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

    Why in the News

    Justice B.V. Nagarathna of the Supreme Court of India remarked that Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has increasingly turned into “private interest litigation”, “publicity interest litigation”, and “paisa interest litigation” during hearings in the Sabarimala review case.

    What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

    • A legal mechanism allowing courts to address issues affecting the public at large
    • Developed by the Indian judiciary after the Emergency period
    • Intended to improve access to justice for:
      • Poor
      • Marginalised
      • Vulnerable groups

    Concerns Raised by the Court

    • PILs increasingly filed for:
      • Personal interest
      • Political motives
      • Publicity
      • Financial gain (“paisa interest litigation”)
    • Court stressed difference between:
      • Genuine public interest
      • Unnecessary interference

    Key Legal Concept

    • Locus Standi
      • Right of a person or organisation to bring a case before court
      • PIL relaxed traditional rules of locus standi

    Important Constitutional Aspects

    • PIL linked with:
      • Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies)
      • Article 226 (High Court writ jurisdiction)

    Constitutional and Legal Context

    • Inter State and International Rivers
      • Water is a State subject under State List
      • Union can regulate inter state rivers under certain conditions
    [2022] With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements: 
    1. Mandamus will not lie against a private organisation unless it is entrusted with a public duty. 
    2. Mandamus will not lie against a Company even though it may be a Government Company.
    3. Any public minded person can be a petitioner to move the Court to obtain the writ of Quo Warranto. 
    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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  • Judicial Reforms

    Increase in the Strength of the Supreme Court Judges 

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

    Why in the News

    The Union Cabinet has approved increasing the strength of the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 38 judges, aiming to address the growing pendency of cases.

    Key Highlights

    • Current sanctioned strength: 34 judges (including CJI)
    • Proposed new strength: 38 judges
    • Amendment required in: Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956

    Constitutional Provision

    Article 124(1)

    • Provides for establishment of the Supreme Court
    • Parliament has power to increase number of judges by law
    YearAmendment Act NameJudges (Excl. CJI)Total Strength
    1950Constitution of India (Original)78
    1956Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act1011
    1960Amendment Act, 19601314
    1977Amendment Act, 19771718
    1986Amendment Act, 19862526
    2009Amendment Act, 2008 (Enacted 2009)3031
    2019Amendment Act, 20193334
    2026Amendment Bill, 2026*3738

    Reason for Increase

    • Rising pendency of cases
    • Current backlog: over 92,000 cases
    • Increased filings after:
      • Expansion of e filing system
      • Post pandemic litigation growth

    Appointment Process

    • After amendment, Supreme Court Collegium recommends names
      • Collegium System: System where senior Supreme Court judges recommend judicial appointments and transfers
    • Appointments made by the President of India
    [2024] The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in? 
    (a) The President of India 
    (b) The Parliament 
    (c) The Chief Justice of India 
    (d) The Law Commission

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

    Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 

    5 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Governance

    Why in the News

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently released standards for medical assistive technologies under the National List of Essential Assistive Products (NLEAP) initiative.

    About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

    • National standards body of India
    • Established under: BIS Act, 2016
    • Successor to: Indian Standards Institution (ISI), 1947

    Nodal Ministry

    • Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
    • Headquarters: New Delhi

    Objectives

    • Standardisation of goods
    • Quality certification and marking
    • Ensuring consumer safety and product reliability

    Key Functions

    • Standardisation: Develops national standards for products and services
    • Certification: Grants BIS certification mark (ISI mark)
    • Testing and Quality Assurance: Ensures products meet safety and quality norms
    • Consumer Protection
      • Minimises health hazards
      • Ensures availability of safe products

    Role in the Economy

    • Promotes exports and quality manufacturing
    • Supports import substitution
    • Reduces product variability through standards

    About NLEAP Initiative

    • Focuses on essential assistive products
    • Aims to improve access to: Healthcare assistive devices
    • Ensures quality and safety standards
    [2017] Consider the following statements: 
    1 The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. 
    2 AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). 
    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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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Reservoir Levels in India Decline 

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

    Why in the News

    The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported that water storage in major reservoirs has fallen below 40 percent, with several river basins showing declining levels across India.

    Key Findings

    • Total reservoirs monitored: 166
    • Current live storage: ~38.7 percent of capacity
    • Earlier (April 2026): ~44.7 percent
    • Decline observed across multiple regions

    States with Declining Reservoir Levels

    • Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal
      • Several reservoirs in these states are below 40 percent capacity

    River Basins in Concern

    • Ganga Basin
    • Godavari Basin
    • Narmada Basin
    • Krishna Basin
    • Kaveri Basin
      •  Krishna basin particularly weak (~22 percent)

    Worst Affected Regions

    • Northeast and Eastern India
    • Assam, Tripura, West Bengal show sharp depletion
    • Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also under stress

    Important Data

    • Total live storage capacity: 183.565 BCM
    • Current storage: 71.082 BCM
    • About 20 reservoirs linked to hydropower

    Key Concepts

    • Live Storage: Usable water available in reservoirs
    • Normal Storage: Average storage based on last 10 years
    [2022] Consider the following pairs: 
    Reservoirs: States 
    1. Ghataprabha: Telangana 
    2. Ghandhi Sagar: Madhya Pradesh 
    3. Indira Sagar: Andhra Pradesh 
    4. Maithon: Chhattisgarh 
    How many pairs given above ate not correctly matched? 
    [A] Only one pair [B] Only two pair [C] Only three pair [D] All four pair

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  • Gold Monetisation Scheme

    Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) 

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

    Why in the News

    The National Stock Exchange of India has introduced Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to digitise gold trading and bring greater transparency to India’s gold market.

    What are Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs)

    • Digital securities representing ownership of physical gold
    • Gold is stored in SEBI accredited vaults
    • Similar to holding shares in a demat account
    • Each EGR is backed by real physical gold

    How EGRs Work

    • Physical gold deposited in a vault → converted into EGR units
    • Investors can:
      • Buy and sell EGRs on exchange
      • Convert EGRs back into physical gold
    • Example: A 1000 gram gold bar can be converted into EGRs

    Key Features

    • Backed by physical gold
    • Tradeable on stock exchanges
    • Stored securely in regulated vaults
    • Enables fractional ownership

    Role of SEBI

    • Securities and Exchange Board of India regulates:
      • Vault managers
      • Trading framework
      • Investor protection
    [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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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    National Guidelines on Childhood Diabetes Care

    4 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Social Justice
    Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a national framework for childhood diabetes care, providing for universal screening, free lifelong treatment, and integrated care under the public health system.

    Key Features of the Guidelines

    • Universal Screening
      • Covers all children from birth to 18 years
      • Early identification through community level screening
    • Diagnosis and Referral
      • Immediate blood glucose testing for suspected cases
      • Referral to district level health facilities for confirmation

    Free Comprehensive Care

    • Available at public health facilities
    • Includes:
      • Insulin therapy (lifelong)
      • Glucometers and test strips
      • Regular follow up and monitoring
      • Emergency care

    Key Concept

    Diabetes Mellitus

    • A chronic disease where the body:
      • Does not produce enough insulin, or
      • Cannot effectively use insulin
    • Leads to high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

    “4Ts” Awareness Framework

    • Helps identify early signs of Type 1 Diabetes
      • Toilet (frequent urination)
      • Thirsty
      • Tired
      • Thin
    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: 
    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth. 
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. 
    How many of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] Only three [D] All four

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Mission Drishti (OptoSAR Satellite)

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

    Why in the News

    India’s private space startup GalaxEye has launched Mission Drishti, the country’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite, aboard Falcon 9 by SpaceX.

    Key Facts

    • Satellite: Mission Drishti
    • Weight: 190 kg
    • Launch site: Vandenberg, California
    • Developed by: GalaxEye (Bengaluru)
    • Category: Earth Observation Satellite

    Unique Feature

    • First satellite globally to combine:
      • Electro Optical (EO) imaging
      • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
    • Known as OptoSAR technology

    What is OptoSAR?

    • Integration of:
      • Optical imaging (visible spectrum)
      • Radar imaging (microwave signals)
    • Enables:
      • All weather imaging
      • Day and night observation

    Key Concepts

    Electro Optical (EO) Sensors

    • Capture images using visible and infrared light
    • Affected by cloud cover and darkness

    Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

    • Uses radio waves
    • Works in all weather conditions and at night

    Applications

    • Defence and surveillance
    • Agriculture monitoring
    • Disaster management
    • Maritime surveillance
    • Infrastructure planning

    Institutional Context

    • Supported by IN-SPACe
    • Part of India’s growing private space ecosystem
    • Complements ISRO missions
    [2019] For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 
    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 
    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 
    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    [A] 1 only
    [B] 2 and 3 only
    [C] 3 only
    [D] 1, 2 and 3

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  • Civil Services Reforms

    Appointment of DGP in Tamil Nadu

    4 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-16.Role of Civil Services in a democracy.

    Why in the News

    The Union Public Service Commission is set to convene a panel to shortlist candidates for the post of Director General of Police (DGP) in Tamil Nadu, following Supreme Court guidelines on police reforms.

    What is DGP

    • Director General of Police (DGP) is the highest ranking police officer in a State
    • Heads the State Police Force
    • Also referred to as Head of Police Force (HoPF)

    Appointment Process

    • UPSC forms a panel of three senior IPS officers
    • Panel sent to State Government
    • State selects one officer as DGP

    Role of UPSC

    • Ensures merit based and transparent selection
    • Conducts Empanelment Committee Meeting (ECM)

    Key Supreme Court Guidelines

    (From Prakash Singh v Union of India, 2006)

    • DGP should have a minimum tenure of 2 years
    • Selection from panel prepared by UPSC
    • Officers should have minimum residual service
    • Appointment should not be made just before retirement

    Important Terms

    • Empanelment Committee Meeting (ECM): Meeting conducted by UPSC to shortlist eligible officers
    • Residual Service: Remaining service period before retirement

    Key Issues Highlighted

    • Delays in appointment process
    • Debate over extension beyond retirement
    • Ensuring independence and stability of police leadership

    Significance

    • Strengthens police reforms and accountability
    • Ensures professional and merit based appointments
    • Reduces political interference in policing
    [2019] With reference to the Chief Secretary of a state, consider the following statements: 
    1. Chief Secretary is appointed by the Governor of the state for a fixed tenure of two years. 
    2. The Central government has the power to approve extension of service of Chief Secretary for a period not exceeding six months. 
    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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