💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (May Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Shyamji Krishna Varma

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

    Why in News?

    The Prime Minister of India paid homage to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his death anniversary, recalling his role in promoting Indian nationalism abroad.

    About Shyamji Krishna Varma

    • Born 4 October 1857 in Mandvi, Kachchh district, Gujarat
     • Freedom fighter, lawyer and journalist
     • First President of Bombay Arya Samaj
     • Strongly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati
     • Played a key role in revolutionary nationalism outside India

    Major Contributions

    Indian Home Rule Society (1905)

    • Founded in London
    • Supported by Bhikaji Cama, Dadabhai Naoroji, S.R. Rana
    • Aim: Promote self rule for India

    India House

    • Established in London in 1905
    • Residence for Indian students in Britain
    • Became hub of revolutionary nationalism

    Indian Sociologist

    • Monthly journal started in London
    • Spread nationalist ideas
    • Criticised British colonial rule

    Importance

    • Promoted freedom struggle internationally
    • Inspired revolutionary leaders
    • Strengthened Indian independence movement abroad

    [2018] Which among the following events happened earliest? (a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj. (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan. (c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath. (d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the ICS.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Indian Scientists Crack the Solar Radio Burst Mystery

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

    Why in the news?

    Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics IIA solved a long standing mystery of solar radio bursts, a breakthrough that could improve space weather forecasting and protect satellites, communication and navigation systems.

    What Are Type II Solar Radio Bursts?

    • Generated by Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections CME
    • Produced by Shock waves in Sun’s Corona
    • Travel at Nearly 1000 km per second
    • Important for Space Weather Forecasting

    What Was the Long Standing Mystery?

    Scientists observed two radio emissions

    • Fundamental Emission
    • Harmonic Emission

    Earlier Expectation: Fundamental emission should be stronger

    But Observations Showed

    • Sometimes Harmonic emission stronger
    • This puzzled scientists for decades

    What Did Indian Scientists Discover?

    Researchers found

    • Strength depends on Location of Solar Activity
    • Higher Solar Longitudes beyond 75 degree. Harmonic emission stronger

    • Near centre of solar disk Fundamental emission stronger

    Why Does This Happen?

    Scientists identified two main reasons

    • Refraction in Solar Corona
    • Viewing Angle from Earth

    How Was the Study Conducted?

    • Analysed 58 Solar Events
    • Used Global CALLISTO Network
    • Used Gauribidanur Radio Observatory Karnataka
    • Published in Solar Physics Journal

    What Is CALLISTO Network?

    • Global solar radio monitoring network
    • Tracks Solar radio bursts
    • Used for Space weather prediction

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 1 GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2 Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3 Power grids could be damaged. 4 Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5 Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6 Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7 Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Why Was a Sloth Bear Captured Near Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka?

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

    Why in News?

    The Karnataka Forest Department captured a female sloth bear near Shivamogga airport after it entered nearby villages and airport premises, raising concerns about human wildlife conflict.

    What Is Sloth Bear?

    • Scientific Name Melursus ursinus
    • Found in Indian Subcontinent
     • Habitat: Dry forests, Grasslands, Scrub forests
    • Known for Insect feeding, Strong claws, and Human conflict incidents

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Status Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972
    • Listed under Schedule I protection

    [2022] With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 
    1 Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 
    2 When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 
    3 Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Why Did India’s IIP Growth Rise to 5.2 Percent in February 2026?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in News?

    India’s Index of Industrial Production IIP grew 5.2 percent in February 2026, driven mainly by manufacturing and capital goods sectors, indicating investment led industrial recovery.

    What Is Index of Industrial Production IIP?

    Index of Industrial Production

    • Measures industrial activity in India
    • Released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation MOSPI
    • Covers three sectors: Manufacturing, Mining, and Electricity

    What Are the Latest IIP Growth Numbers?

    • February 2026 IIP Growth 5.2 percent
    • January 2026 Revised Growth 5.1 percent
    • January earlier estimate 4.8 percent

    Which Sectors Drove Growth?

    Manufacturing Sector

    • Growth increased to 6 percent
    • Previous month 5.3 percent
    • February 2025 growth 2.8 percent
    • Key drivers: Basic metals, Automobiles, and Machinery

    Capital Goods Sector

    • Growth surged to 12.5 percent
    • Nine month high
    • Previous month 4.1 percent
    • Indicates Investment and Capex growth

    [2012] In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries? 1 Cement 2 Fertilizers 3 Natural 4 Gas 5 Refinery products 6 Textiles Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 5 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    The Drone Revolution in Modern Warfare

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

    Why in the News?

    On March 29, 2026, reports highlighted the profound impact of Iran’s Shahed drones in the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. These “kamikaze” drones have challenged the supremacy of multi-million dollar air defense systems, signaling a paradigm shift where the economics of attrition are becoming as important as traditional firepower.

    What Makes Drone Warfare a “Game Changer”?

    The rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like the Shahed-136 represents a shift toward Asymmetric Warfare.

    • Cost Imbalance: A Shahed drone costs between $20,000 and $50,000, while the missiles used to intercept them (like the Patriot) cost nearly $4 million each.
    • Swarm Tactics: Drones are often deployed in large numbers to overwhelm sophisticated radar and interceptor batteries.
    • Sustainability: Maintaining an F-16 fighter jet costs roughly $25,000 per hour, nearly the total cost of the drone it is trying to shoot down.
    • Attrition: If a drone is lost, it is merely a financial loss; if a fighter jet is downed, the military loses a high-value asset and a highly trained pilot.

    How Does the Shahed-136 “Kamikaze” Drone Operate?

    The Shahed-136 (and its Russian variant, the Geran) is a “one-way” attack UAV with the following technical specifications:

    • Stealth: It flies at low altitudes (20–30 meters) to stay below traditional radar detection.
    • Navigation: Uses a push-propeller engine (noted for its “lawnmower” sound) and carries explosives in its nose.
    • Range: Capable of traveling up to 3,000 km.
    • Mechanism: It does not fire missiles; it is the missile, detonating upon impact with the target.

    What are the Modern Counter-Drone Solutions?

    To combat the high cost of traditional interceptors (Patriot, THAAD), militaries are moving toward Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and low-cost interceptors:

    1. Laser Weapons: Systems like the HELIOS Laser (used by the US Navy) destroy targets using concentrated heat. They are extremely cost-effective per shot but can be hindered by bad weather (fog/rain).
    2. Acoustic Detection: Using technology to recognize the specific engine sounds of drones.
    3. Low-Cost Interceptors: * Sting: A $2,000–$4,000 interceptor drone used by Ukraine.
      • Merops: A specialized American anti-drone system being rapidly deployed to West Asia.
      • LUCAS: The US-made “Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System” ($35,000).
    [2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: 
    1 All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. 
    2 All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. 
    3 All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    New NHAI Toll Guidelines 

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

    Why in the News?

    On March 17, 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) implemented a new framework for the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system. These rules address unpaid user fees resulting from faulty FASTags or low balances, moving India closer to a barrierless (no boom barriers) highway experience.

    Key Features of the New Toll Rules

    • Penalty Structure: If a toll is missed, the user is charged double the applicable fee.
      • 72-Hour Grace Period: If the original fee is paid within 72 hours of the electronic notice (e-notice), the penalty is waived, and only the original amount is due.
    • Enforcement via VAHAN: If the fee remains unpaid after 15 days, the vehicle is flagged on the National Vehicle Registry (VAHAN). This leads to restrictions on vehicle-related services (like fitness certificates or ownership transfers) until dues are cleared.
    • Digital Integration: The system uses high-performance RFID readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to record passages without requiring vehicles to stop.
    [2022] Consider the following communication technologies: 
    1 Closed-circuit Television 
    2 Radio Frequency Identification Wireless 
    3 Local Area Network 
    Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies? 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    ASI Excavation at Balirajgarh

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

    Why in the News?

    On March 28, 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Patna Circle officially commenced a large-scale scientific excavation at the Balirajgarh site in the Madhubani district of Bihar. The project aims to uncover the “virgin soil” to determine the earliest human habitation and explore the site’s potential links to the Iron Age Videha Kingdom and the ancient civilization of Mithila.

    Key Highlights of the Balirajgarh Site

    • Location: Situated in the Babubarhi block of Madhubani district, Bihar.
    • Historical Identity: Locally known as Raja Bali Ka Garh, it is traditionally believed to be the capital of the legendary King Bali and a major administrative hub of the ancient Videha Kingdom.
    • Archaeological Status: Declared a protected site of national importance by the ASI in 1938.
    • Site Features: The site spans approximately 176 acres and features a massive brick fortification and over 20 archaeological mounds.
    [2023] With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with 
    (a) archaeological excavations (b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India (c) establishment of Churches in Princely States (d) construction of railways in Colonial India

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    World Bank report suggests “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” for smarter hydrological use to feed 10 billion people

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

    Why in the News?

    In March 2026, the World Bank released a landmark report titled “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” ahead of World Water Day. The report warns of a “Global Water Bankruptcy,” stating that current water management can sustainably support food for only 3.4 billion people, far short of the 10 billion projected by 2050.

    Economic Impact of Productivity:

    • A 10% increase in agricultural productivity can lead to a 2.5–3% reduction in poverty.
    • Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas could potentially create 245 million jobs globally.

    Global Water Bankruptcy:

    • The UN and World Bank warn that water crises are no longer “temporary” but a structural state of bankruptcy.
    • South Asia (including India) is flagged for overexploiting resources, while Sub-Saharan Africa is noted for underusing available water.

    The “New Water-Food Nexus Framework”: 

    • The report categorizes nations into four quadrants to guide policy:
      • Water-secure food exporter: Abundant water, exports calories (e.g., Brazil).
      • Water-secure food importer: Has water but relies on trade for food.
      • Water-stressed food exporter: High water risk but remains a major exporter (India falls here).
      • Water-stressed food importer: Lacks water and relies on imports (e.g., Middle East).
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. 
    Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

    Canada audit flags high approval rates for Indian student visas amid fraud concerns

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

    Why in the News?

    In March 2026, the Auditor General of Canada (Karen Hogan) tabled a report in Parliament flagging significant integrity gaps in the International Student Program. The audit highlights how India, despite being a high-risk origin for fraudulent applications, maintained a 98% approval rate under the now-discontinued Student Direct Stream (SDS).

    Key Points: 

    • Student Direct Stream (SDS): Launched in 2018 as a “fast-track,” light-touch eligibility review for students from 14 countries (including India, China, Philippines). It was discontinued in late 2024 due to fraud and non-compliance concerns.
    • The “Indian Exception”: While India’s overall share of new study permits plunged from 51.6% (2023) to 8.1% (2025) due to a national cap, those applying via SDS saw approval rates jump to 98% in 2024, despite internal warnings of document fraud.
    • Integrity Gaps:Document Fraud: Audit identified 800 cases (mostly SDS) using fraudulent educational credentials or “ghost” institutions.
      • Extension Loophole: Study permit extensions (95% approval) face much lighter scrutiny than new permits (38-58% approval), allowing flagged individuals to stay in Canada.

    Relevance to Syllabus

    • GS-II: Effect of policies of developed countries on India’s interests (Indian Diaspora).
    • International Relations: Indo-Canadian bilateral ties and migration governance.
    With reference to India, consider the following statements: 
    1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 
    2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 
    3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Should Kerala Capture Muttikomban or Promote Coexistence?

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

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala Forest Department is attempting to capture the wild elephant Muttikomban in Vadakkanad, Wayanad district, with plans to confine it in a kraal at Muthanga and convert it into a Kumki elephant, triggering scientific, legal and conservation concerns.

    Why Is Muttikomban Being Targeted?

    • Repeated crop damage in farms and plantations
    • Frequent movement into settlements
    • Recent death of farmer Rajeev
    • Locals suspect Muttikomban responsible

    However

    • No scientific evidence linking elephant to death
    • No camera trap or forensic confirmation
    • No record of previous human killing

    What Is a Kraal?

    • Wooden enclosure used to confine wild elephants
    • Used during taming and training process
    • Step before conversion into Kumki elephant

    What Is a Kumki Elephant?

    • Trained captive elephant
    • Used to control wild elephants
    • Used during capture operations
    • Used in forest management

    Why Are Experts Opposing Capture?

    Legal Concerns

    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972
    • Capture allowed only as Last Resort
    • Requires Verified Threat Evidence
    • Experts say Legal criteria not met

    Ethical Concerns

    • Stress during tranquilisation
    • Captivity of wild elephant
    • Possible Violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

    [2022] With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 
    1 Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 
    2 When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 
    3 Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor