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Type: Prelims Only

  • RBI Notifications

    RBI Conducts OMO Purchase to Inject Liquidity

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted Open Market Operations (OMO) purchase of Government Securities worth ₹50,000 crore to inject liquidity into the banking system. Another tranche of ₹50,000 crore is scheduled shortly.

    Key Highlights

    • Amount purchased: ₹50,000 crore worth of Government Securities (G-Secs).
    • Total planned purchase: ₹1,00,000 crore in two tranches.
    • Maturity range of securities:
      • 6.01% G-Sec maturing 2030
      • 7.30% G-Sec maturing 2053

    Purpose:

    • Inject liquidity into the banking system.
    • Offset liquidity shortage caused by advance tax payments.
    • Ensure banks have sufficient funds for lending.

    What are Open Market Operations (OMO)?

    • Open Market Operations are a key monetary policy tool used by the RBI.
    • Definition: Buying or selling government securities in the open market to regulate money supply and liquidity.
    • If RBI buys G-Secs
      • Injects liquidity
      • Increases money supply
      • Encourages lending
    • If RBI sells G-Secs
      • Absorbs liquidity
      • Reduces money supply

    Additional Measures

    • The Government of India conducted a switch auction, buying back ₹6,309 crore of G-Secs and issuing ₹6,431 crore of new bonds.
    • These operations help manage the government’s debt maturity profile.
    [2013] In the context of Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to: (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI (d) None of the above

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Cheetah Population in India Crosses 50 Under Project Cheetah

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

    Why in the News

    A Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, taking India’s total cheetah population to 53. The development is a major milestone under Project Cheetah.

    Key Highlights

    • Five cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala.
    • Recently, another cheetah Gamini delivered four cubs at the same park.
    • Total cheetah population in India: 53.
    • Indian-born cubs: 33.
    • Successful litters in India: 10.

    About Project Cheetah

    • Launched on 17 September 2022 by Narendra Modi.
    • Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park.
    • Aim: Reintroduce cheetahs in India after extinction.

    Background

    • Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss.
    • The species is the fastest land animal.

    Objectives of the Programme

    • Restore the cheetah population in India.
    • Re-establish a functional grassland ecosystem.
    • Promote wildlife tourism and conservation awareness.
    • Improve genetic diversity and species recovery.
    [2024] Consider the following statements: Lions do not have a particular breeding season. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Silent Valley Bird Survey

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

    Why in the News
    A recent bird survey in Silent Valley National Park recorded 192 bird species, highlighting the park’s rich avian biodiversity.

    Key Findings

    • Survey dates: March 6 to 8, 2026
    • Organisers:
      • Kerala Forest Department
      • Malabar Natural History Society
    • Participants: About 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Covered both core and buffer zones of the park.

    Important Observations

    • Total species recorded: 192 bird species
    • Rare migratory birds: Asian house martin and Western house martin. 

    Endemic Western Ghats species recorded:

    • Nilgiri laughingthrush
    • Black-and-orange flycatcher
    • White-bellied treepie
    • Nilgiri pipit
    • White-bellied blue flycatcher
    • Nilgiri sholakili (Nilgiri blue robin)

    About Silent Valley National Park

    • Located in Palakkad.
    • Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
    • Known for tropical evergreen forests and high endemism.
    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Graychinned minivet and White-throated redstart are: (a) Birds (b) Primates (c) Reptiles (d) Amphibians

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  • Chile Eliminates Leprosy

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

    Why in the News

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have officially verified Chile as the first country in the Americas and the second globally to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem.

    Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)

    • A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
    • Primarily affects:
      • Skin
      • Peripheral nerves
      • Upper respiratory tract mucosa
      • Eyes
    • If untreated, it can cause permanent nerve damage and disability.

    Transmission

    • Spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth of untreated patients.
    • Requires close and prolonged contact.
    • Not highly contagious.

    Incubation Period

    • Very long incubation period.
    • Average: ~5 years, but symptoms may appear up to 20 years later.

    Symptoms

    • Pale or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation
    • Numbness and nerve damage
    • Muscle weakness in hands and feet
    • Painless ulcers on soles of feet
    • Eye damage in severe cases

    Treatment

    • Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) provided free worldwide by WHO.
    • Combination of medicines:
      • Rifampicin
      • Dapsone
      • Clofazimine
    • 100% curable if treated early.
    • Early treatment prevents disability.
    [2014] Consider the following diseases: Diphtheria  Chickenpox  Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India? (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 only  (c) 1, 2 and 3 only  (d) None of the above

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

    Farm Loan Waivers Return: Impact on Credit Culture

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Maharashtra government has announced a ₹35,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme, raising concerns from economists and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about its impact on credit culture and state finances.

    Key Features of the Maharashtra Scheme

    • Total cost: ~₹35,000 crore
    • Beneficiaries: ~30 lakh farmers
      • 20 lakh non-defaulters will receive an ₹50,000 incentive for timely repayment.
    • Cost breakdown:
      • ₹20,000 crore for loan waiver of defaulters
      • ₹15,000 crore incentive for regular borrowers

    Why Governments Announce Farm Loan Waivers

    • Reduce farmers’ debt burden
    • Provide relief during agrarian distress
    • Enable farmers to restart productive investment
      • However, economists argue that such schemes often fail to provide long-term solutions.

    Major Farm Loan Waiver Schemes in India

    National Schemes

    1. Agricultural and Rural Debt Relief Scheme (ARDRS), 1990
      • Covered loans from public sector banks and regional rural banks.
      • Maximum relief ₹10,000 per farmer.
    2. Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (ADWDRS), 2008
      • Covered banks and cooperative credit institutions.
      • Focus on small and marginal farmers (≤5 acres).

    Total spending on waivers in last 35 years: over ₹3 lakh crore.

    Trend Since 2014

    • Farm loan waivers increased significantly after 2014–15.
    • 10 states announced waivers worth about ₹2.4 lakh crore.
    • Many announcements occurred close to elections, according to RBI.

    RBI’s Concerns

    • Weakening of Credit Culture: Farmers may delay repayment expecting future waivers. Creates moral hazard in the credit system.
    • Reduced Agricultural Lending: Banks become reluctant to provide fresh loans.
    • Rise in NPAs: Agricultural sector gross NPAs reached about 8.44% (2019).
    • Fiscal Burden on States: Waiver costs can reach 0.1% to 2% of state GSDP. Payments often spread over 3–5 years, affecting budgets.

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

    Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Diversity Of India

    Why in the News

    The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held from March 25 to April 6, 2026 in Chhattisgarh, announced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Key Details

    • Host Cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja
    • Participants: Tribal athletes from most States and Union Territories of India.

    Sports in the Games

    • Medal Sports (7): Athletics, Football, Hockey, Weightlifting, Archery, Swimming, and Wrestling. 
    • Demonstration Sports: Mallakhamb and Kabaddi

    Organising Bodies

    • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
    • Sports Authority of India
    • Indian Olympic Association
    • National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh State Organising Committee.

    Mascot

    • “Morveer”
    • Derived from “Mor” (mine/our) and “Veer” (brave) in Chhattisgarhi.
    • Symbolises pride, courage and identity of tribal communities.

    Note: A mascot is a person, animal, or object adopted by a group—such as a sports team, school, or brand—to represent them, foster a public identity, and bring good luck.

    Significance

    • First national sports event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes.
    • Aims to identify and nurture talent from tribal regions.
    • Strengthens grassroots sports under the Khelo India Scheme.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Khelo India Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2018.
    • The Khelo India Games were declared an “Event of National Importance” in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India. The official mascot was named ‘Thambi’. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup. 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

    BEL–Bellatrix Partnership to Develop VLEO Satellite Systems

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

    Why in the News

    India’s defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and space-tech startup Bellatrix Aerospace have signed an MoU to jointly develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite systems.

    What is VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit)?

    • Altitude: About 150 km to 450 km above Earth.
    • Lower than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
    • Satellites experience thin atmospheric drag, requiring propulsion systems to maintain orbit.

    How VLEO Satellites Work

    • At low altitude, satellites face aerodynamic drag from the upper atmosphere.
    • Advanced propulsion systems provide continuous thrust to maintain orbital position.
    • Bellatrix will use electric/green propulsion technologies for station-keeping.

    Key Features of VLEO Systems

    • High-Resolution Imaging: Closer proximity to Earth enables sub-meter imaging using smaller sensors.
    • Ultra-Low Latency Communication: Shorter signal distance enables faster data transmission and real-time communication.
    • Lower Launch Costs: Lower orbit requires less fuel to deploy satellites.
    • Reduced Space Debris: Failed satellites naturally re-enter and burn up due to atmospheric drag.

    Aim of the Partnership

    • Develop indigenous VLEO satellite platforms and payloads.
    • Provide solutions for defence and civilian applications.
    • Combine PSU manufacturing capability with startup innovation.

    Strategic Significance

    • Strengthens India’s self-reliance in space technology.
    • Enables high-resolution surveillance and intelligence gathering.
    • Useful for:
      • Border monitoring
      • Earth observation
      • Real-time communication systems.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) operates under the Ministry of Defence.
    • Bellatrix Aerospace develops satellite propulsion systems.
    • VLEO satellites orbit at lower altitude than conventional Earth-observation satellites, offering improved imaging and reduced debris risk.
    [2011] An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth (a) does not exist at such a distance. (b) is neutralized by the attraction of the moon. (c) provides the necessary speed for its steady motion. (d) provides the necessary acceleration for its motion

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    India Taps Alternative Crude Supplies

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

    Why in the News
     Due to the West Asia conflict affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, India is securing crude oil from alternative sources.

    Key Points:

    • India imports about 88% of its crude oil needs; nearly half normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
    • Indian refiners are sourcing additional crude from:
      • United States
      • Russia
      • West Africa and Latin America.
    • Refineries have deferred maintenance shutdowns to maintain supply buffers.
    • A 30-day U.S. waiver (till April 5) allows delivery of already-loaded Russian oil cargoes to India.
    • Around 120 million barrels of Russian crude are currently in transit globally, some near India.

    Concerns:

    • Alternative routes may increase freight and insurance costs.
    • Rising oil prices could increase India’s import bill, widen the current account deficit, and pressure the rupee.
    • Every $10 rise in crude prices may raise inflation by ~20–25 basis points.
    [2011] In the context of global oil prices, “Brent crude oil” is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? It is a major classification of crude oil. It is sourced from the North Sea. It does not contain sulphur. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    F-1 Visas for Indian Students Drop

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

    Why in the News?
    Data from the United States Department of State shows a 69% fall in F-1 visas issued to Indian students in June–July 2025 compared to 2024.

    Key Points:

    • F-1 visa: Non-immigrant visa for international students studying in the U.S.
    • Visas issued to Indians fell from 41,336 (2024) to 12,776 (2025) during the peak admission period.
    • Decline followed stricter immigration measures under Donald Trump’s administration, including:
      • Temporary pause in visa interviews
      • Expanded social media screening for applicants.
    • Chinese students also saw a decline, but smaller (about 56%).
    • Despite the drop, Indians remain the largest international student group in the U.S., with about 3.63 lakh students (31%) in 2024-25.

    F-1 Visa

    • The F-1 visa is a non immigrant student visa issued by the United States that allows foreign students to study full time at accredited academic institutions in the United States.
    • It is the most common visa for international students pursuing higher education in the U.S.
    [2018] Consider the following statements: Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process, which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth.Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2  (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Aravalli Definition Case: Amicus Says Panel “Suppressed” FSI Views

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News

    In the ongoing Aravalli definition case, the Amicus Curiae assisting the Supreme Court of India has alleged that a committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) suppressed the views of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) while recommending a new definition of the Aravalli Range.

    About Amicus Curiae is a Latin term meaning “friend of the court.”It refers to a person or lawyer appointed by a court to assist it in deciding a case, especially when the court requires additional expertise, independent opinion, or legal clarification.

    Key Allegations by the Amicus Curiae

    1. FSI’s views ignored: The committee report allegedly did not include the FSI’s warning that the proposed definition would exclude most Aravalli hills.
    2. 100-metre elevation criterion questioned
      • The committee proposed defining Aravalli hills as landforms with 100 m elevation above local relief.
      • FSI reportedly warned that this could exclude nearly 90% of the Aravalli landforms from protection.
    3. Procedural issues in the report: The report was described as “unsigned and undated.”
      • It was not placed before or approved by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
    4. Risk of weaker environmental protection: The definition may exclude many low-height hills, potentially allowing mining or construction in sensitive areas.
    [2017] Consider the following statements: In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 only  (c) 2 and 3 only  (d) 1 and 3 only

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