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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

    Pakistan Raises Indus Waters Issue over Sawalkot Dam

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

    Why in the News?

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that it has formally sought details from India regarding the Sawalkot Dam project, asserting that there will be no compromise on Pakistan’s water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

    Indus Waters Treaty (1960)

    Key Features

    • Signed in 1960 between:
      • India
      • Pakistan
      • Brokered by the World Bank

    River Allocation

    • Eastern Rivers (Exclusive use to India): Ravi, Beas and Sutlej
    • Western Rivers (Primarily for Pakistan, limited use to India): Indus, Jhelum and Chenab
    • India can build:
      • Run of the river hydroelectric projects
      • Non consumptive use projects
         But must share technical details with Pakistan.

    Sawalkot Dam Issue

    • Proposed on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner has written to India seeking:
      • Complete technical details
      • Design specifications
      • Compliance verification under IWT
    [2009] Consider the following statements: 1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty. 

    2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank. 

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

    Supreme Court Stays Haryana’s Aravalli Zoo Safari Project

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

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court of India has refused to allow the Haryana government to proceed with its proposed Aravalli Zoo Safari Project until the definition of the “Aravalli Range” is scientifically clarified by experts.
    • The Court observed that no one will be allowed to “touch the Aravallis” until the matter is conclusively settled.

    About the Aravalli Range

    • One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world
    • Extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
    • Acts as:
      • Natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert
      • Groundwater recharge zone
      • Biodiversity hotspot
      • Climate regulator for North India

    What is the Zoo Safari Project?

    • Proposed by Haryana Government
    • Initially planned over 10,000 acres, later reduced to 3,300 acres
    • Envisioned as the world’s largest zoo safari
    • Includes:
      • Big cat zones
      • Enclosures for birds, reptiles and butterflies
    • Located in Gurgaon and Nuh districts
    • Petitioners, including retired Indian Forest Service officers and NGO “People for Aravallis”, argued that the project could further degrade the ecologically fragile region.
    [2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1. Deep gorges 

    2. U-turn river courses 

    3. Parallel mountain ranges 

    4. Steep gradients causing land sliding 

    Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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

    National Song Guidelines Issued by Government of India

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated guidelines regarding the playing and singing of the National Song, including procedural aspects such as drum roll before band performance and mass singing protocols.

    What are the Special Orders

    • The Government of India, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued executive instructions regulating the manner in which the National Song Vande Mataram may be played and sung on official and significant occasions.
    • These are executive guidelines issued under Article 73 of the Constitution, not under any specific Act of Parliament.

    Key Provisions

    • Playing by Band: When played by a band, the National Song should be preceded by a roll of drums to alert the audience, unless another clear indication is given.
    • Official Version: Only the official version should be used. It should be accompanied by mass singing on occasions such as
      • Unfurling of the National Flag
      • Cultural or ceremonial functions other than parades
      • A trained choir may be arranged to coordinate with the band. Adequate public address systems should be ensured. Printed lyrics may be circulated where required.
    • Other Significant Occasions: It may be sung on occasions invested with significance due to the presence of Ministers or dignitaries. There is no exhaustive list of such occasions. Respect and proper decorum must always be maintained.
    • In Schools: The day may begin with community singing of the National Song. School authorities should promote respect for
      • National Song
      • National Anthem
      • National Flag

    Constitutional and Legal Position

    • The National Song is not mentioned in the Constitution of India.
    • There is no law mandating compulsory singing.
    • It does not have statutory protection similar to the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm. 

    Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3 : 2. 

    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

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Deendayal Upadhyaya  

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

    Why in the News

    The Vice-President of India paid tributes to Deendayal Upadhyaya on his death anniversary, recalling his philosophy of Integral Humanism and his vision of Antyodaya.

    Key Facts

    • Born: 1916
    • Died: 11 February 1968
    • President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh
    • Political philosopher and organiser

    Major Contributions

    • Philosophy of Integral Humanism

        • Propounded in 1965.
        • Advocated holistic development of body, mind, intellect and soul.
        • Emphasised harmony between individual, society and nature.
        • Rejected both extreme capitalism and state socialism.

    • Concept of Antyodaya

        • Welfare of the last person in the social order.
        • Inspired several later welfare schemes and inclusive development models.

    • Political Organisation

        • Strengthened and expanded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
        • Contributed to ideological consolidation of nationalist politics in post independence India.

    • Economic Thought

      • Promoted self reliance and decentralised economy.
      • Emphasised indigenous models of development rooted in Indian culture.
    [2018] Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948? (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George 

    (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deendayal Upadhyaya and M.N. Roy (Option provided) 

    (c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu 

    (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

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  • Steel Industry – Current challenges, National Steel Policy 2017, etc

    Carbon Capture to Drive India’s Green Steel Transition

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

    Why in the News

    The Prime Minister shared an article highlighting the role of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in decarbonising India’s steel sector, aligning with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment.

    India’s Steel Sector at a Glance

    • India is the world’s second largest crude steel producer.
    • Production: Around 152 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.
    • Target under National Steel Policy 2017:
      • 300 million tonnes by 2030-31
      • 500 million tonnes by 2047

    Note: Steel production contributes nearly 10 to 12 percent of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions due to coal based blast furnace and direct reduced iron routes.

    What is CCUS

    Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage involves:

    • Capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes
    • Utilising it for industrial applications or
    • Storing it underground to prevent atmospheric release

    It helps address process emissions that cannot be eliminated through energy efficiency or renewable power alone.

    Government Measures

    • Green Steel Taxonomy:Defines emission intensity benchmark: Less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of finished steel
      • Introduces star rating framework
    • National Green Hydrogen Mission: ₹455 crore allocated for pilot projects in steel sector
    • Union Budget Allocation: ₹20,000 crore for piloting CCUS across five sectors including steel

    Significance

    • Helps decarbonise existing steel plants without immediate asset replacement
    • Enhances global competitiveness amid carbon border measures
    • Supports Net Zero 2070 target
    • Encourages industrial ecosystems around carbon transport and storage
    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries: 1. Fertilizer plants 

    2. Oil refineries 

    3. Steel plants 

    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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

    Indian Inscriptions Found in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings

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

    Why in the News

    Researchers have identified nearly 30 Indian inscriptions in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, shedding new light on trade and cultural links between ancient Tamilagam, other parts of India and the Roman Empire during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.

    Key Findings

    • Tamil Majority Presence

      • Most inscriptions belong to individuals from southern India, especially ancient Tamilagam, though some were from north-western and western India.

    • Repeated Name: Cikai Koṟṟaṉ

      • Appears eight times across five tombs.
      • Found near entrances and high interior walls.
      • The term Koṟṟaṉ has Tamil roots associated with victory and warfare.
      • Related to the Chera warrior goddess Koṟṟavai and the word koṟṟavaṉ meaning king.
    • The name also appears in:
      • Sangam literature such as Purananooru
      • Inscriptions from Pugalur, linked to the Chera dynasty
      • A pottery sherd found at Berenike in Egypt

    • Other Tamil Names

      • Kopāṉ varata kantan meaning Kopāṉ came and saw
      • Cātaṉ
      • Kiraṉ

    The name Kopāṉ has also been found at Ammankovilpatti in Tamil Nadu.

    Historical Significance

    • Confirms movement of Indian traders or visitors beyond Red Sea ports into the Nile valley.
    • Strengthens evidence of Indo Roman trade links.
    • Earlier excavations at Berenike had already shown Indian trade presence.
    • This discovery shifts focus from coastal trade points to inland Egyptian sites.
    [2023] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as: (a) capital cities 

    (b) ports 

    (c) centres of iron and steel making 

    (d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Motion to Remove Lok Sabha Speaker: Constitutional & Procedural Aspects

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    • Om Birla has decided not to preside over proceedings of the Lok Sabha until the Opposition’s notice seeking his removal is processed. The notice alleges partisan conduct during House proceedings.
    • Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju released footage alleging disorderly conduct by Opposition MPs near the Prime Minister’s seat.

    Constitutional Provisions

    • Article 93: Provides for election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
    • Under Article 94 of the Constitution of India, a Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (effective majority).
    • Article 95: When the office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker performs the duties.

    Notice Requirement

    • A minimum of 14 days’ notice must be given.
    • The notice must be signed by at least 50 Members of Parliament.
      • This requirement comes from the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, not directly from the Constitution.

    Procedure for Removal

    1. Written notice signed by required number of MPs.
    2. Secretary General examines admissibility.
    3. After 14 days, motion may be taken up.
    4. Speaker does not preside during discussion of the motion.
    5. Requires effective majority of the House.
    [2024] With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration: 

    1. He/She shall not preside. 

    2. He/She shall not have the right to speak. 

    3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    Bangladesh–U.S. Trade Deal: Shift from Indian to U.S. Cotton

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

    Why in the News?

    Bangladesh has announced that it will replace Indian cotton with U.S. cotton following a new trade deal with the United States. The agreement is expected to boost Bangladesh’s access to the U.S. textile market but may impact cotton trade with India.

    Key Features of the Deal

    1. Tariff Concession

    • Standard tariff fixed at 19 percent, lower than rivals like Cambodia and Indonesia.
    • Zero tariff access if Bangladesh’s textile producers use U.S. cotton or manmade fibre.
    • Strong incentive to shift sourcing away from India and Central Asia.

    2. Strategic Significance

    • U.S. is the largest textile export market for Bangladesh. The deal strengthens Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. Bangladesh does not produce significant cotton domestically, giving it flexibility in sourcing decisions.

    India–Bangladesh Cotton Trade Context

    • Bangladesh is one of the largest importers of Indian cotton and yarn.
    • India exported:
      • $1.6 billion worth cotton yarn (2024)
      • $85 million manmade fibre yarn

    Tit-for-Tat Trade Restrictions (2025)

    • Bangladesh restricted yarn imports from India through land ports (April 2025).
    • India imposed curbs on Bangladeshi readymade garment imports (May 2025).
    • Trade tensions followed a broader diplomatic strain in 2024.

    Impact on India

    • Possible decline in cotton and yarn exports to Bangladesh.
    • Impact on Indian textile supply chains, especially land port trade.
    • Strategic trade competition in South Asia.
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 

    2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 

    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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

    Why Manufacturing Growth Has Not Led to Broad Employment

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth,Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Union Budget 2026 reinforces the existing manufacturing strategy, especially through Production Linked Incentive schemes and customs duty rationalisation. However, analysts note that manufacturing growth has not translated into large scale job creation.

    Core Issue: Growth Without Jobs

    1. Stagnant Share in GDP

    • Manufacturing share remains 14 to 17 percent for decades.
    • Successful industrialisers in East Asia reached 25 to 30 percent before stabilising.
    • Indicates incomplete structural transformation.

    2. Jobs Growth Disconnect

    • Organised manufacturing employs about 1.96 crore workers.
    • Only about 57 lakh jobs added in the last decade.
    • Total manufacturing employment around 5.44 crore, with two thirds in informal units.

    Note: Organised factories are productive but create few jobs. Unorganised units absorb labour but remain low productivity and low wage.

    3. Capital Intensive Expansion

    • Firms rely on automation and capital deepening.
    • Output rises faster than employment.
    • Job elasticity of growth remains low.

    4. Skills Mismatch

    • Firms struggle to find job ready workers.
    • Weak firm level training and apprenticeship ecosystem.
    • Skill programmes poorly linked to industry demand.

    5. MSME Constraints

    • MSMEs contribute 35 percent of manufacturing output and about half of exports.
    • Credit expansion improves liquidity but not productivity.
    • Weak technology adoption, poor supply chain integration, limited scaling.
    [2020] With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: 

    1. Worker productivity (Rupee per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas. 

    2. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased. 

    3. In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased. 

    4. The growth rate in rural employment decreased. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    IT Rules 2026 Amendment on AI Content

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has amended the IT Rules to mandate prominent labelling of AI generated photorealistic content and sharply reduce takedown timelines for unlawful material. The rules take effect from February 20, 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Definition of Synthetic Content: AI generated audio, visual or audiovisual content that appears real and indistinguishable from natural persons or real events.
    • Mandatory Labelling: Platforms must seek disclosure if content is AI generated. 
      • If no disclosure, platforms must label it prominently. 
      • Non consensual deepfakes must be removed.
    • Reduced Takedown Timeline: Court or government declared illegal content: within 3 hours. 
      • Non consensual nudity and deepfakes: within 2 hours. Earlier limit was 24 to 36 hours
    • Safe Harbour Impact: Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, intermediaries enjoy safe harbour under Section 79. 
      • Failure to exercise due diligence may lead to loss of immunity.
    • States’ Power: States can now notify more than one officer to issue takedown orders.
    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 

    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 

    3. Disease diagnosis 

    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 

    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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