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Type: Prelims Only

  • Sabarimala Review Case and Religious Freedom

    Why in the News

    • During the Sabarimala Temple Entry Dispute review hearing, the Union government argued before the Supreme Court that all religious practices are presumed constitutionally protected unless they violate: Public order, Morality, and Health
    • The Centre also questioned the judicially evolved doctrine of “Essential Religious Practices” (ERP).

    What is ERP?

    The ERP doctrine was evolved by the Supreme Court to determine:

    • Which religious practices are “essential” to a religion
    • Only such essential practices receive constitutional protection

    Centre’s Criticism of ERP Doctrine

    • The Centre argued:
      • The phrase “essential religious practices” does not appear in the Constitution.
      • It is a judicial innovation created through court interpretation.
    • According to the Centre:
      • Articles 25 and 26 should receive broad interpretation like other Fundamental Rights.
      • Courts should avoid excessive interference in religious matters.

    Supreme Court’s Observations

    • Faith Beyond Rituals: Surya Kant observed:
      • One need not visit temples to be religious.
      • Even lighting a lamp in a hut can express faith.
    • Hinduism as a Way of Life: Justice B. V. Nagarathna remarked:
      • Hinduism is a “way of life”
      • It is not dependent solely on rituals or temple visits

    Related Case Laws

    • Shirur Mutt Case
      • Origin of ERP doctrine
      • Court held religion includes essential practices
    • Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala
      • Allowed women of all ages entry into Sabarimala Temple
      • Linked exclusion to constitutional equality
    • Sardar Syedna Taher Saifuddin Case: Upheld denominational autonomy regarding excommunication
    [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

  • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and ‘Kallakkadal’ Monitoring

    Why in the News

    Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has installed a second Coastal Flood Monitoring System (CFMS) near Kollam Harbour to improve forecasting of ‘Kallakkadal’ or swell surge events along India’s southwest coast.

    What is ‘Kallakkadal’?

    • “Kallakkadal” is a Malayalam term meaning: “Sea that comes stealthily”
    • It refers to:
      • Sudden high-energy swell surges
      • Coastal flooding without local storms or rainfall

    Purpose

    • Improve accuracy of coastal flood forecasts
    • Study nearshore wave transformation
    • Build better early warning systems

    About Coastal Flood Monitoring System (CFMS)

    • A scientific monitoring system developed by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services for:
      • Real-time monitoring of coastal wave activity
      • Early warning for swell surges

    Components of CFMS

    • The system integrates:
      • Coastal Automatic Weather Station
      • Four high-frequency pressure sensors
    • Installed at: Shallow depths of 3 to 7 metres

    Why Kollam?

    • Kollam Harbour was selected because:
      • Kerala’s southwest coast frequently experiences swell surges
      • Fishing communities are highly vulnerable
    [2017] At one of the place in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, ‘you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometers and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the seafloor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at 
    a. Bhavnagar 
    b. Bheemunipatnam 
    c. Chandipur 
    d. Nagapattinam 

  • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

    Why in the News

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs, along with the IORA Secretariat, organised the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue.

    About IORA

    • An intergovernmental organisation of countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
    • Established in 1997.
    • Earlier known as:
      • Indian Ocean Rim Initiative
      • Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)

    Headquarters

    • Secretariat located in Ebène, Mauritius.

    Objectives

    • Promote sustainable and balanced regional development.
    • Enhance economic cooperation and regional integration.
    • Encourage liberalisation of trade and investment.

    Membership

    • 23 Member States
    • 12 Dialogue Partners

    Member Regions

    • Asia: India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Yemen
    • Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles
    • Oceania: Australia
    • Europe: France

    Dialogue Partners

    • China, EU, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Türkiye, UK, US, Egypt
    [2015] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 
    1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills 
    2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only 
    Which of the following statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • National Florence Nightingale Award

    Why in the News

    The President of India conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 on outstanding nursing professionals.

    About the Award

    • Instituted in 1973.
    • Established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
    • Recognises exceptional nursing services and contributions to public health.

    Who Receives the Award?

    • The award is presented to:
      • Registered Nurses
      • Midwives
      • Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)
      • Lady Health Visitors (LHVs)
    • Serving in:
      • Central Government
      • State Governments
      • Union Territories
      • Voluntary organisations

    Award Components

    • Each award includes:
      • Certificate of Merit
      • Medal
      • Cash prize of ₹1 lakh

    Role of Nurses in Healthcare

    • Nurses play a vital role in:
      • Primary healthcare
      • Immunisation
      • Community outreach
      • Emergency care

    About Florence Nightingale

    • English social reformer and statistician.
    • Known as the founder of modern nursing.
    • Gained prominence during the Crimean War by organising nursing care for wounded soldiers.
    • Professionalised nursing practice and introduced scientific healthcare methods.
    • Founded the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, considered the world’s first scientifically based nursing school.
    [2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Manti Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements: 
    1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility. 
    2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialties can volunteer to provide service at nearby government health facilities. 
    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

  • Tamil Nadu Assembly Floor Test 2026

    Why in the News

    Vijay won the confidence motion in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with 144 votes, ensuring the survival of the TVK-led coalition government.

    Key Highlights of the Floor Test

    • Confidence Motion Passed
      • The motion moved by Chief Minister Vijay received: 144 votes in favour
    • Supporting Parties
      • Indian National Congress
      • Communist Party of India
      • Communist Party of India (Marxist)
      • Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
      • Indian Union Muslim League
      • 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs
      • One AMMK MLA

    Constitutional Significance of Floor Test

    • What is a Floor Test?: A mechanism to determine whether the government enjoys majority support in the legislature.
    • Conducted By: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
    • Constitutional Basis: Related to Article 164(2) of the Constitution:
    • Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

    Anti-Defection Aspect

    • Relevant Provision: Tenth Schedule of the Constitution
    • Deals With
      • Defection by legislators
      • Violation of party whip
    • Possible Issue Ahead
    • Potential action against rebel AIADMK MLAs.

    Note: In India, the office of the “whip” is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Rules of the House, or any parliamentary statute; rather, it is based on convention. However, the authority to issue whips and the consequences for defying them are legally upheld by the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).

    [2020] A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which 
    a) All political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government 
    b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it 
    c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them 
    d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

  • Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News

    The forest department has launched a comprehensive scientific wildlife census in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to assess the population status and movement patterns of major wildlife species.

    About Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an important protected area in the Central Himalayan region known for:
      • Dense broadleaf forests
      • Rich biodiversity
      • Himalayan wildlife habitat
    • It was primarily created to conserve shrinking oak forests.
    • Location: Almora district, Kumaon region, and Uttarakhand. 
    [2014] If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 
    1. Oak 
    2. Rhododendron 
    3. Sandalwood 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • National Jute Board (NJB) and Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

    Why in the News

    The National Jute Board has expanded the implementation of the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS), a technology-driven platform developed with Indian Space Research Organisation to modernize jute crop monitoring and improve production estimation.

    National Jute Board (NJB)

    • The National Jute Board (NJB) is the apex statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles responsible for the development and promotion of India’s jute sector.
    • Established Under: National Jute Board Act, 2008

    Objective

    • Promote Indian jute globally
    • Encourage innovative uses of jute
    • Improve competitiveness of the jute industry
    • Support both organized and decentralized sectors

    Jute Crop Information System (JCIS)

    • The Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) is a digital crop monitoring platform developed jointly by:
      • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
      • Jute Corporation of India (JCI)
      • National Jute Board
    • It replaces traditional manual reporting with:
      • Geo-referenced
      • Satellite-based
      • Data-driven monitoring
    [2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: 
    1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 
    2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 
    3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. 
    4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] 1 and 3 [B] 2 and 4 [C] 3 and 4 [D] 1 and 4

  • SEHAT Mission

    Why in the News

    The Union Government launched the SEHAT Mission in New Delhi, marking the first major institutional convergence between India’s agriculture and health sectors to address malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    What is SEHAT Mission?

    • SEHAT Mission is a national initiative aimed at integrating: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Public Health
    • It seeks to shift India’s healthcare approach:
      • From treatment-oriented healthcare
      • To prevention-oriented healthcare through nutrition and food systems.

    The mission is a joint initiative between:

    • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
    • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    “Farm-to-Plate” scientific chain

    where agricultural production directly contributes to:

    • Nutritional security
    • Disease prevention
    • Better public health outcomes
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care. 
    Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-l are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 
    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-is not the correct explanation for Statement-l. 
    [C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. 
    [D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-Il is correct.

  • Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

    Why in the News

    The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) worth USD 1.5 billion amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

    About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

    • BMIP is a domestic maritime insurance pool created to ensure uninterrupted maritime insurance coverage for Indian shipping and trade operations.
    • Total Size: USD 1.5 billion
    • Sovereign Guarantee: USD 1.4 billion
    • Approximately ₹12,980 crore

    Objective

    • Ensure continuity of maritime trade during geopolitical crises.
    • Reduce dependence on foreign insurers and reinsurers.
    • Strengthen India’s financial and maritime sovereignty.
    • Protect Indian vessels operating in high-risk war zones.

    Beneficiaries

    • Coverage applies to:
      • Indian-flagged vessels
      • Indian-controlled vessels
      • Ships destined to or originating from India
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and Natural gas shipments to Europe. 
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 
    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 explains Statement-I 
    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 
    [C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 
    [D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

  • Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)

    Why in the News

    The jewellery industry, led by the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, has called for revitalising the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to reduce gold imports and ease pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.

    About Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)

    • The Gold Monetisation Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2015
    • Objective:
      • Mobilise idle gold held by households and institutions
      • Reduce dependence on gold imports
      • Integrate gold into the formal economy

    Why is Gold Important for India?

    • India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold.
    • Gold is used for:
      • Jewellery
      • Investment
      • Cultural and religious purposes
    • India imports large quantities of gold annually, increasing:
      • Import bill
      • Current Account Deficit (CAD)
      • Pressure on foreign exchange reserves
    [2016] Which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?:
    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector. 3.To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3