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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Samrat Samprati: Ashoka’s Grandson Who Helped Spread Jainism

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

    Why in the News?

    The Samrat Samprati Museum was inaugurated in Koba, Gandhinagar on Mahavir Jayanti, highlighting the role of Samrat Samprati, grandson of Ashoka, in spreading Jainism.

    Mauryan Dynasty and Religion

    Ashoka and Buddhism

    • Ashoka ruled: 269–232 BCE
    • Adopted Buddhism after Kalinga War
    • Spread Buddhism:
      • Sri Lanka
      • Southeast Asia
      • Central Asia
    • Promoted ethical kingship and Dhamma

    Jain Connections in Mauryan Dynasty

    Chandragupta Maurya

    • Founder of Mauryan Empire
    • According to Jain tradition:
      • Converted to Jainism
      • Migrated to Shravanabelagola (Karnataka)
      • Practised Sallekhana (fast unto death)
    • Ashoka’s First Wife
      • Padmavati believed to be Jain

    Who Was Samrat Samprati

    • Grandson of Ashoka
    • Son of Kunala
    • Ruled: c. 230–220 BCE
    • Associated with Shvetambara Jain tradition
    • Often called: “Ashoka of Jainism”
    [2018] With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to: (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Rajya Sabha Passes CAPF Bill Amid Opposition Walkout

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    The Rajya Sabha passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, while the Opposition staged a walkout alleging that their concerns were not addressed.

    What are Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

    CAPFs under Ministry of Home Affairs:

    • CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)
    • BSF (Border Security Force)
    • CISF (Central Industrial Security Force)
    • ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police)
    • SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal)
    • Assam Rifles (operational control with Army)

    Key Objective of the CAPF Bill

    The Bill aims to:

    • Create umbrella administrative structure
    • Remove inconsistencies in service rules
    • Improve cadre management
    • Streamline appointments and promotions
    • Improve coordination with state police

    Government stated:

    • It will strengthen national security
    • Boost efficiency and morale of forces

    Why Government Introduced the Bill

    Over time:

    • CAPFs developed different service rules
    • Lack of clarity in: Promotions, Appointments, Deputation, and Cadre management
    • The Bill aims to standardise administration.

    Opposition’s Concerns

    Deputation Issue

    • Institutionalising IPS officers’ deputation
    • May affect career progression of CAPF officers
    [2023] With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: 1 Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government. 2 The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security. 3 To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Supreme Court: Voter Roll Exclusion Does Not End Voting Rights Permanently

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary,Parliament & State Legislatures,Representation Of People’s Act

    Why in the News

    The Supreme Court of India ruled that voters excluded from electoral rolls during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal do not lose their voting rights permanently.

    Key Observations by Supreme Court

    • Voting rights cannot be “washed away forever”
    • Excluded voters must be given fair opportunity to appeal
    • Tribunal process must ensure fair adjudication
    • Electoral authorities must provide reasons for deletion

    Case Background

    • Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted in West Bengal
    • Many voters removed from electoral rolls
    • 19 tribunals constituted by Election Commission
    • Tribunals headed by:
      • Former High Court Chief Justices
      • Former High Court Judges
    • Purpose: Hear appeals of excluded voters

    Supreme Court Directions

    The Court directed:

    • Election Commission must provide:
      • Reasons for deletion
      • Remarks of adjudicating officers
    • Ensure transparent review process
    • Tribunal hearings to ensure justice for wrongly excluded voters

    Supplementary Electoral Lists

    • Final voter list published: Feb 28, 2026
    • Supreme Court allowed:
      • Supplementary lists to include eligible voters
    • Fourth supplementary list already published

    Constitutional Significance

    • Voting Rights linked to:
      • Article 326 — Adult Suffrage
      • Representation of the People Act, 1950
    • Key Principle: An eligible voter cannot be denied voting rights arbitrarily
    [2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right (d) Legal Right

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Exercise Dweep Shakti: India Conducts Tri Service Military Drill

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Armed Forces concluded Exercise Dweep Shakti, a high intensity tri service exercise conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to strengthen India’s island defence and maritime security.

    What is Exercise Dweep Shakti

    • Type: Tri Service Military Exercise
    • Forces involved:
      • Indian Army
      • Indian Navy
      • Indian Air Force
    • Focus: Island defence and amphibious warfare
    • Conducted under: Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)

    About Andaman and Nicobar Command

    • India’s only Tri Service Theatre Command
    • Established in 2001
    • Headquarters: Port Blair
    • Strategic location near:
      • Malacca Strait
      • Indo Pacific sea routes
    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 1 This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2 It commenced in Aundh (Pune). Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 3 Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Indian Navy Conducts IMEX TTX 2026 at Kochi

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

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy conducted IMEX TTX 2026 at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi, involving multiple Indian Ocean region countries to address maritime security challenges.

    What is IMEX TTX 2026

    • IMEX: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Maritime Exercise
    • TTX: Table-Top Exercise
    • Type: Simulated maritime security exercise
    • Location: Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi
    • Conducted by: Indian Navy
    • This exercise focused on planning and decision-making in maritime security scenarios.

    Participating Countries

    • Countries that participated: Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste
    • This highlights multinational cooperation in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    Why This Exercise is Important

    India Chairs Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

    • India assumed IONS Chairmanship (2026–2028)
    • After 16 years
    • IMEX TTX 2026 strengthens India’s leadership role

    About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

    • Multilateral naval cooperation forum
    • Launched in 2008
    • Initiative of Indian Navy
    • Aim: Maritime security cooperation
    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1 Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2 IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA Artemis II: How Astronauts Will Fly to the Moon and Back

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

    Why in the News?

    NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled for launch, marking the first human mission to the Moon’s vicinity since 1972 Apollo missions.

    Artemis II Mission Overview

    • Mission: Artemis II
    • Agency: NASA
    • Type: Crewed lunar flyby
    • Duration: ~10 days
    • Astronauts: 4 astronauts
    • Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
    • Landing: Splashdown in ocean

    Mission Path (Step by Step)

    1. Launch from Earth

    • Rocket: Space Launch System (SLS)
    • Spacecraft: Orion Crew Capsule
    • Launch from Kennedy Space Center

    2. Earth Orbit

    • Orion will make two orbits around Earth
    • Systems check and trajectory adjustment

    3. Journey to Moon

    • Travel time: 3 to 4 days
    • Similar to Apollo missions
    • Why fast?
    • SLS rocket is extremely powerful
    • Shorter route requires more fuel but less time

    4. Lunar Flyby

    • Orion will circle the Moon
    • Distance from far side of Moon: ~6,500 km
    • Farthest humans have ever travelled in space

    5. Return Journey

    • Orion returns to Earth
    • Travel time: 3 to 4 days

    6. Re-entry and Splashdown

    • Spacecraft re-enters Earth’s atmosphere
    • Ocean splashdown landing

    Why Some Missions Take Longer (Like Chandrayaan 3)

    • Fuel-efficient route used by many missions
    • Takes weeks to months
    • Lower fuel requirement
    • Artemis II uses: Shorter but fuel-intensive route and Faster travel
    [2016] Consider the following statements: 1 The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2 made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3 made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    RBI Extends Export Realisation Timeline Amid Global Disruptions

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended export realisation timelines and credit facilities due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and global supply chain disruptions affecting Indian exporters.

    What is Export Realisation?

    Export realisation refers to:

    • Receiving payment for exported goods/services
    • Exporters must bring foreign currency earnings back to India within RBI timeline

    Export Realisation Timeline Extended

    • Earlier timeline: 9 months
    • Extended to: 15 months
    • Applies to:
      • Goods exports
      • Software exports
      • Services exports
    • This relaxation continues due to ongoing global disruptions.

    Export Credit Period Extended

    • Export credit period: 450 days
    • Earlier validity: Up to March 31, 2026
    • Now extended to: June 30, 2026
    • Applies to: Pre-shipment credit and Post-shipment credit
    [2019] Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/ RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee? (a) Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports. (b) Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee denominated Masala Bonds. (c) Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing. (d) Following an expansionary monetary policy.

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    India Faces Challenge in Meeting 2030 Maternal Mortality Target

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health highlights that India may struggle to meet the SDG target of reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) below 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030.

    Key Findings of the Study

    India’s Progress in Maternal Mortality

    • 1990: 1.19 lakh maternal deaths
    • 2015: 36,900 deaths
    • 2023: 24,700 deaths

    Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):

    • 1990: 508 deaths per lakh live births
    • 2023: 116 deaths per lakh live births

    India has made significant progress, but rate of improvement has slowed.

    Global Scenario

    • Global maternal deaths (2023): 2.4 lakh
    • India accounts for ~10% of global maternal deaths
    • Out of 204 countries:
      • 100 countries achieved SDG target (<70 MMR)
      • 104 countries yet to achieve
    • Countries struggling like India: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Pakistan

    India’s Position

    • India falls in MMR range: 100–140
      (SDG target: Below 70)
    • However, India remains among countries with largest improvement since 1990, along with: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nepal, and Rwanda

    State-wise Disparity 

    States pulling India’s MMR down: Assam and Uttar Pradesh

    SRS Data:

    • India: 122 (2015-17) → 88 (2021-23)
    • Assam: 215 → 110
    • Uttar Pradesh: 197 → 141
    • Southern states are closer to achieving SDG target.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna: 1 It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2 Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3 It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4 Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. 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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Japan

    Japan Deploys First Long-Range Missile  

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

    Why in the News?

    Japan has deployed its first long-range upgraded Type-12 missile at Camp Kengun, Kumamoto Prefecture to strengthen its counter-strike capability amid rising regional tensions, particularly involving China and North Korea.

    Type-12 Missile

    • Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
    • Type: Land-to-Ship / Land-Attack Missile
    • Range:
      • Earlier: 200 km
      • Upgraded: ~1,000 km
    • Platform: Truck-mounted mobile launcher
    • Capability:
      • Can strike enemy bases
      • Enhances counter-strike capability

    Why Japan is Expanding Military Capability

    Japan cites:

    • Rising China military activity
    • North Korea missile tests
    • Tensions over Taiwan Strait
    • Regional security uncertainty
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    1 Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 
    2 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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  • WTO and India

    WTO E Commerce Moratorium

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

    Why in News?

    The WTO e commerce moratorium is set to expire at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, leading to debate between developed and developing countries including India.

    What Is WTO E Commerce Moratorium?

    • Global agreement among WTO members
     • Prohibits customs duties on electronic transmissions
     • Promotes digital trade growth

    Coverage

    Includes: Software downloads, E books, Music and video streaming, Video games, and Digital services

    Background

    • First adopted 1998 Geneva
    • Initially temporary
    • Renewed every two years
    • Last extended 2024 WTO Ministerial Conference

    Debate Over Extension

    Developed Countries Support

    • United States, European Union, Japan, and Canada

    Reasons

    • Predictable digital trade environment
    • Support global digital economy
    • Protect Big Tech companies

    India and Developing Countries Oppose

    Concerns

    • Loss of tariff revenue
    • Weak domestic digital industries
    • Big Tech dominance

    Studies

    • UNCTAD estimated $10 billion revenue loss
    • OECD says loss can be offset via GST or VAT

    [2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the (a) Food and Agricultural Organization (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change (c) World Trade Organization (d) United Nations Environment Programme

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