The United States approved support service deals for Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers for India, strengthening India-U.S. defence ties.
Key Highlights
Apache Helicopter Support Deal
Estimated value: $198.2 million
Includes:
Engineering and logistics support
Technical data and publications
Personnel training
Maintenance support
M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzer Support
Estimated value: $230 million
Includes:
Spare parts
Repairs
Technical assistance
Field service support
About AH-64E Apache
Advanced attack helicopter used for:
Precision strikes
Anti-armour operations
Battlefield support
About M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzer
Lightweight artillery gun.
Can be airlifted for rapid deployment in mountainous regions.
[2025] With reference to India’s defense, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type Description 1. Dornier-228: Maritime patrol aircraft 2. IL-76: Supersonic combat aircraft 3. C-17: Globe Master IIIMilitary transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] All the three [D] None
The Delhi Police urged the Supreme Court of India to refer the issue of bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) to a larger Bench, citing “conflicting” judgments on prolonged incarceration and bail.
Key Issue Before the Court
The question is whether: Long incarceration and delay in trial can override strict bail restrictions under UAPA.
Delhi Police’s Argument
Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju argued:
Under Section 43D(5) of UAPA, the presumption of innocence takes a “backseat”.
If accusations appear “prima facie true”, bail restrictions become mandatory.
Conflicting Supreme Court judgments require consideration by a larger Bench.
Background of the Case
The hearing concerned bail pleas of:
Abdul Khalid Saifi
Tasleem Ahmad
Accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
Reference to Recent Supreme Court Judgment
A Bench led by: B. V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan recently observed:
“Bail is the rule and jail is the exception” even under UAPA.
Prolonged incarceration violates:
Right to life
Personal liberty
Speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India
K.A. Najeeb Judgment
The Court referred to the Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb case, which held: Constitutional courts can grant bail despite UAPA restrictions when trials are excessively delayed.
Section 43D(5) of UAPA
Restricts bail if accusations appear prima facie true.
Considered one of the strictest bail provisions in Indian law.
Related Development
A Delhi court dismissed interim bail plea of Umar Khalid for attending bereavement rituals and caring for his ailing mother.
UPSC Prelims Pointers
UAPA is India’s anti-terror law.
Section 43D(5) imposes strict bail conditions.
Article 21 guarantees life and personal liberty.
K.A. Najeeb judgment recognised prolonged incarceration as ground for bail.
[2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. 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
A sixth tiger has died in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve within a month, with authorities suspecting infection by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
Key Highlights
Latest victim:
Six-year-old male tiger
Found dead in Mukki range of KTR
Earlier deaths: One tigress and four cubs in Sarhi range
What is CDV (Canine Distemper)?
Highly contagious viral disease.
Mainly spreads through infected dogs.
Affects:
Respiratory system
Nervous system
Immune system
Why is it a Concern?
Virus may be spreading across different ranges of the reserve.
Stray dogs entering buffer and core forest areas are suspected carriers.
Role of Authorities
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Union government have sought reports from State officials regarding the tiger deaths.
About Kanha Tiger Reserve
Located in Madhya Pradesh.
One of India’s major tiger reserves.
Part of the Project Tiger network.
Consider the following statements about National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): 1.It was constituted under Biodiversity act, 2002. 2.It is a statutory authority to implement Project Tiger. 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
Scientists have developed advanced “DNA maps” to identify the origin and trafficking routes of illegally traded pangolins, helping expose international wildlife smuggling networks.
Key Highlights
Study published in PLOS Biology on May 7, 2026.
Researchers mapped trafficking routes of:
White-bellied pangolin
Sunda pangolin
Chinese pangolin
How the DNA Mapping Works
Scientists analysed 671 specific locations in the pangolin genome that differ across populations.
Used:
Museum specimens
Recent pangolin samples
Created a large geo-referenced genetic database to identify the origin of trafficked pangolins.
Major Findings
Researchers found evidence of trafficking routes from: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
feeding illegal trade networks through Yunnan in China.
Significance
Helps identify poaching hotspots accurately.
Assists enforcement agencies in tracking wildlife crime networks.
Can improve international cooperation against illegal wildlife trade.
About Pangolins
Pangolins are scaly mammals threatened by:
Habitat loss
Illegal trafficking
Hunted mainly for:
Scales
Meat
Conservation Status
Protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Listed under: Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
[2022] Consider the following statements: 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. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [A] 1 only [B] 3 only [C] 1and 2 [D] 2 and 3
The Union Health Ministry stated that India has no reported Ebola cases and the current risk remains minimal, while closely monitoring the outbreak in Central Africa.
Key Highlights
The outbreak involves Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
Affected regions include:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Uganda
Measures Taken by India
Enhanced surveillance at airports and ports
Monitoring of international travellers from affected regions
Isolation and quarantine preparedness
Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies
Agencies Involved
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Severe viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates.
Spread through:
Direct contact with infected bodily fluids
Contaminated surfaces
Infected animals
Symptoms
Fever
Weakness
Bleeding
Organ failure in severe cases
What is PHEIC?
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) when an outbreak:
Poses international public health risk
Requires coordinated global response
[2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? (a) Syria and Jordan (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes in Warangal, Telangana, during an operation against illegal wildlife trade.
Key Highlights
The operation was conducted by the Hyderabad zonal unit of DRI.
Officials acted on intelligence regarding illegal sale of live snakes in the grey market.
Two live snakes were recovered from the suspect’s bag during an undercover decoy operation.
About Indian Red Sand Boa
Scientific name: Eryx johnii
Non-venomous burrowing snake species found in India.
Often targeted in illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions and false medicinal beliefs.
Legal Protection
The species is protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Significance of Schedule I
Provides the highest level of legal protection.
Hunting, possession, and trade are prohibited.
Action Taken
The snakes and accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Warangal.
Further investigation is underway to identify possible wildlife trafficking networks.
[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? [A] It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. [B] It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and not it is impossible to prevent its extinction. [C] It is endemic to a particular region of India. [D] Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.
The Supreme Court of India expressed “serious reservations” about aspects of its earlier judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
Key Observations by the Court
The Court reaffirmed that:
“Bail is the rule, jail is the exception.”
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that prolonged incarceration without timely trial violates:
Right to life
Personal liberty
Speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India
Section 43-D(5) of UAPA
Restricts grant of bail if accusations appear “prima facie true”.
Creates a very low threshold for the prosecution to oppose bail.
Court’s Observation
Courts cannot keep an accused indefinitely jailed merely because charges appear prima facie true.
Delayed trials can convert pre-trial detention into punishment itself.
Reference to K.A. Najeeb Judgment
The Court referred to the K.A. Najeeb Judgment, which held that constitutional courts can grant bail despite UAPA restrictions when incarceration becomes excessively prolonged.
Constitutional Principle
Presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of criminal justice.
Section 43-D(5) remains subordinate to Article 21.
Background of the Case
Delhi Police booked Umar Khalid and others under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Umar Khalid had spent over five years in prison as an undertrial.
[2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. 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
The Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates, popularly known as the Leiden copper plates, were returned to India from the Leiden University during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands.
Key Highlights
The copper plates had remained in Leiden University’s possession since 1862.
Historians termed the repatriation a major step in returning India’s cultural heritage.
Archaeologists also called for the return of the Velvikkudi copper plates from the British Museum.
About the Leiden Copper Plates
Associated with Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.
Record the grant of land at Anaimangalam near Nagapattinam for building a Buddhist vihara.
The vihara was built by a Javanese ruler, Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman.
Historical Significance
Demonstrates religious tolerance during the Chola period.
Shows a Shaivite Chola ruler supporting a Buddhist institution.
Reflects India’s maritime and cultural links with Southeast Asia.
Features of the Plates
Consist of:
21 large plates
3 small plates
Written in:
Sanskrit
Tamil
Plates carry Chola royal insignia:
Tiger (Chola emblem)
Fish (Pandya symbol)
Bow (Chera symbol)
[2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands? (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra 1 (Chola) (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)
Hundreds of people participated in the traditional fishing and spring-cleaning festival at Panzath Nag in Kashmir.
About Panzath Nag
A famous freshwater spring located in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Known for:
Crystal-clear water
Fish population
Religious and ecological importance
Ecological Importance
Supports local irrigation and agriculture.
Maintains freshwater biodiversity.
Traditional cleaning helps preserve water quality and ecosystem health.
[2014] Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? (a) Bhutia and Lepcha (b) Gond and Korku (c) Irula and Toda (d) Sahariya and Agariya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Norway for the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.
Bilateral Talks
PM Modi held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre focusing on:
Trade
Energy cooperation
Technology partnerships
Global conflicts
3rd Nordic-India Summit
The visit included the 3rd Nordic-India Summit with leaders of:
Norway
Sweden
Finland
Iceland
Denmark
Major Agenda Areas
Trade and investments
Energy security
Climate and green transition
Digital infrastructure
Space cooperation
Global conflicts:
Russia-Ukraine war
Gaza conflict
Iran crisis
Energy Cooperation
Norway is a major exporter of oil and natural gas.
Discussions included LNG supplies to India.
Norwegian company Equinor recently supplied LNG to India under a 15-year agreement.
Economic Relations
Over 700 Nordic firms operate in India.
Around 150 Indian firms operate in Nordic countries.
India’s trade with Nordic countries is about $19 billion.
[2024] Consider the following countries: 1. Finland 2. Germany 3. Norway 4. Russia How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea? [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] Only three [D] All four
