[pib] A poem on ‘National War Memorial’ and a chapter on ‘Veer Abdul Hameed’ included in NCERT

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: National War Memorial, Abdul Hameed (PVC)

Why in the News?

A poem on National War Memorial and a chapter about Veer Abdul Hameed (PVC) introduced by the Ministries of Defence and Education has been included in the NCERT Class VI curriculum.

About National War Memorial

The National War Memorial was unveiled on 25th February 2019 to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflicts with Pakistan, China, 1961 Goa war and Operation Pawan.
The monument is designed in a C-hexagon layout, with names of the fallen soldiers inscribed on its walls.
It was designed by Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab.
Key features include the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality) with the ‘Eternal Flame’ symbolizing the nation’s commitment to remembering the soldiers.
The Veerta Chakra showcases six bronze murals depicting acts of bravery.
The Rakshak Chakra symbolizes protection with trees representing troops safeguarding the nation.
Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) features concentric granite walls honoring the soldiers who have died since Independence.
The memorial also features busts of 21 soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

Who was Veer Abdul Hameed?

Abdul Hamid was a soldier in the 4th Grenadiers of the Indian Army.
He fought in the Battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which took place near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.
On 10th September 1965, he destroyed 3 Pakistani tanks and damaged a 4th near Chima village. He was killed during the battle.
For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
A war memorial now stands at the site of his death, featuring a captured Pakistani Patton tank as a tribute to his courage.

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

TRISHNA Mission

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: TRISHNA Mission

Why in the News?

Philippe Baptiste, head of the French Space Agency, talked about the joint India-France “TRISHNA Mission.”

TRISHNA Mission:

	Details
Overview	A joint Indo-French Earth observation satellite project developed by ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency). Acronym for *“Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment” (TRISHNA Mission)***
Launch Year	Targeted for 2026.
Mission Lifespan	Designed for a 5-year operational life.
Primary Objectives	• Monitor water and energy budgets of the continental biosphere. • Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management. • Improve agricultural water productivity and assist in irrigation water management. • Provide high-resolution observations of water quality in coastal and inland waters. • Assess urban heat islands and detect heat anomalies.
Payloads	• Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload: Provided by CNES, this sensor maps surface temperature and emissivity in high resolution. • Visible-Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) Payload: Developed by ISRO, this sensor uses seven spectral bands for detailed mapping of surface reflectance.
Orbit and Spatial Resolution	• TRISHNA will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 761 km. • Spatial resolution: 57 meters for land and coastal areas, 1 km for ocean and polar regions.
Application and Significance	• Supports water resource management, agriculture, and urban planning through precise data on water stress, crop productivity, and urban heat islands. • Enhances climate resilience by tracking droughts, evapotranspiration, and permafrost changes. • Contributes to global environmental initiatives like GEOGLAM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing key agricultural and climate variables.

PYQ:

[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

[2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India

(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II

(d) A space telescope developed by India

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Rapa Nui Island, Moai statues

Rapa Nui

Why in the News?

The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) has always been mysterious due to its harsh geography and iconic Moai statues.

About Rapa Nui Island

	Details
Location	• Situated in the *southeastern Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is part of Polynesia and a territory of Chile. • One of the most remote islands, about 3,500 km from Chile*.
Size	• Covers an area of 160 sq. km.
Geographical details	• The island has a volcanic origin, featuring lava-covered terrain and rocky soil. • Notable volcanoes include Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau. • Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C. • Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months.
Moai Statues	• Famous for over 900 *moai* statues, some as tall as 40 ft and weighing 75 tonnes. • These statues were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to honor revered ancestors. • Carved from volcanic rock and transported across great distances.
Discovery	• Discovered by European sailors on Easter Sunday, 1722, which gave it the name Easter Island. • The island had been settled centuries earlier by Polynesian explorers who navigated thousands of kilometers of ocean.
Significance of New Findings	• Recent studies, including the use of AI analysis of satellite images, have debunked earlier theories of ecological collapse. • Genetic studies show Native American ancestry before European contact, indicating earlier interactions with South America.

PYQ:

[2018] Consider the following statements:

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.

2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.

3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

Chandrayaan-4, Venus orbiter gets approval from Cabinet

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Chandrayaan 4, Venus Orbiter Mission

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan Misison), Gaganyaan, the development of India’s first space station (the Bharatiya Antariksh Station), and NextGen launch vehicles.

About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in India’s Chandrayaan program (2003).
The mission is currently under conceptualisation and expected to launch around 2027.
Aims: To develop technology for a successful moon landing and ensure a safe return to Earth.
The mission will be launched in two phases onboard two LVM3 rockets.
It will collect lunar samples for analysis on Earth.

About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

The VOM, also called Shukrayaan-1, is an upcoming ISRO mission targeting a 2028 launch.
The mission aims to study Venus’ surface, atmosphere, volcanic activity, and solar wind interactions with its ionosphere.
It will have a mission duration of 4 years.
The spacecraft will operate in an elliptical orbit, with distances of 60,000 km at apoapsis and 500 km at periapsis.
Its payload has a capacity of 100 kg, is powered by 500 watts, and will feature Indian and international instruments for comprehensive analysis.
For the mission’s payload and technology, collaborations with NASA, CNES (France), and Russia have been established.

PYQ:

[2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO:

is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
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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Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

Ammonium Nitrate imports cause concern

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ammonium Nitrate

Why in the News?

Ammonium Nitrate (AN) imports from Russia have sharply increased affecting domestic fertilizer companies in India.
- The import of Ammonium Nitrate is concerning due to increased dependence on foreign supply, price disparity impacting domestic industries, and potential risks to national energy and security.

What is Ammonium Nitrate?

Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a nitrogen-rich, white, crystalline chemical compound.
It is soluble in water and commonly used in various industries.
Uses:
- It is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
- It serves as a component for anaesthetic gases and cold packs.
- It is also a key ingredient in commercial explosives used for mining and construction.
Ammonium nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance under Grade 5.1 by the United Nations.
India’s Regulations:
- AN is regulated under The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, and its manufacture or use requires a license.
- The Explosives Act, 1884 defines ammonium nitrate as any compound with more than 45% AN by weight.
- Storage Restrictions: Storing large quantities of AN in populated areas is illegal in India.
- For manufacturing, companies need an industrial license under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951.

Why is it a Cause of Concern?

Ammonium Nitrate is a primary component in explosive mixtures like ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
Though not explosive on its own, it becomes highly dangerous when mixed with detonators like RDX or TNT.
It has been used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups.
Accidents involving AN, like the Beirut port explosion in 2020, have raised serious concerns about its storage and handling.
Its widespread use in fertilizers leads to concerns about environmental impact, especially when mishandled.
Improper storage in populated areas can result in devastating accidents, which is why stringent regulations are in place to control its use, storage, and transport.

PYQ:

[2015] What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.

2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.

3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: COP29

Why in the News?

COP29 is set to be hosted by Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22. It has a central focus on finalising a agreement on Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) particularly for the post-2025 period.

Proposals by Azerbaijan:

Azerbaijan has included key proposals in the COP29 Action Agenda, such as:

Increasing global energy storage capacity by six times by 2030.
Promoting a global market for green hydrogen.
Ensuring the carbon footprint from digitisation and data centres is kept to a minimum.

About the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF):

The CFAF will be capitalised with contributions from fossil fuel producing countries
It will be headquartered with its secretariat in Baku, Azerbaijan.
It will rely on voluntary contributions from fossil-fuel producing countries and companies.
Azerbaijan, a major petroleum economy, will make the first contribution to kickstart the fund.
Fossil-fuel producing countries and companies will have the option to make annual contributions, either as a fixed sum or based on production volumes.
The funds will be divided equally:
- 50% will go toward climate projects in developing countries.
- 50% will support developing nations in implementing national climate action plans.
The fund will become operational once it reaches a minimum corpus of $1 billion.
At least 10 countries must commit to being shareholders for the fund to start.
20% of the revenues generated from investments will be deposited in a Rapid Response Funding Facility (2R2F) providing highly concessional and grant-based support.

What did Paris Agreement of 2015 said on Climate Finance?

Under the Paris Agreement (2015), developed countries are obligated to raise at least $100 billion annually to aid developing nations in their fight against climate change.
- This amount is expected to increase after 2025.
Negotiations have been slow, and countries are still debating the quantum of finance that industrialised nations should provide.

PYQ:

[2016] With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
It aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Section 2 of the Indian Flag Code (2002)

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Indian Flag Code

Why in the News?

The Bihar Police arrested some miscreants for waving India’s national flag with distorted Ashok Chakra/Dhammachakra.

Significance of Ashok Chakra:

Symbolism: Represents righteousness, justice, and the path of virtue, urging citizens to uphold moral values.
Legacy of Dhamma: Reflects Emperor Ashoka’s principles of peace, non-violence, and welfare, after his embrace of Buddhism.
Compassion for all: Derived from the Dhammachakra, it represents the Buddhist philosophy of ethical living and compassion.
Unity and Progress: The circular design symbolizes unity and continuous development, emphasizing national harmony and forward movement.

About Flag Code of India, 2002:

	Details
Objective	To regulate the display, usage, and respect for the Indian National Flag by citizens, organizations, and the government.
Basisi	Article 51 ‘A’ contained in Part IV A i.e. Fundamental Duties asks: To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem in clause (a).
Structure	The Flag Code is divided into three parts: Part I: General provisions related to the display of the national flag by all. Part II: Display of the flag by government bodies. Part III: Display of the flag by public, private organizations, and educational institutions.
Material of Flag	The national flag should be made of hand-spun and hand-woven wool, cotton, silk, or khadi bunting. However, polyester and machine-made flags were allowed under amendments in 2021.
Prohibitions (Section 2.2)	Not be used as a drapery, costume, or uniform. Not be used for commercial purposes or as a receptacle.
Display Guidelines (Section 2.1)	Must be hoisted respectfully, always ensuring that the saffron band is on top when displayed vertically. Should never touch the ground or be used as decoration.
Amendments	In 2022, rules were amended to allow the national flag to be flown both during the day and night, as long as it is hoisted in a dignified manner.
Penalties	Disrespect or misuse of the national flag is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

PYQ:

[2008] What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India?

(a) 16

(b) 18

(d) 24

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

How good are Modern Telescopes?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Telescopes

Why in the News?

Modern telescopes, both on Earth and in space, expand our understanding of the universe by gathering and focusing light from distant celestial bodies, revealing cosmic secrets.

Modern Telescopes: Everything you need to know

Primary Functions and Features
Purpose	• Telescopes serve as windows into space, revealing distant celestial bodies and helping explore the universe. • Their primary function is to gather more light than the human eye can, making faint objects visible.
Types	1. Reflecting Telescopes: • Use mirrors to focus light and create images. • Most common in large observatories due to the use of parabolic mirrors, which prevent light scattering and offer clear images. 2. Refracting Telescopes: • Use lenses to bend and focus light (Concave and Convex lenses used) • Limited by lens size, with a maximum of about 1 meter (e.g., Yerkes Observatory). Large lenses may sag, distorting the image.
Primary purpose	• Telescopes are designed to *collect more light than the human eye*. • The light-gathering ability is proportional to the size of the aperture (opening). • Example: A small 70mm telescope collects 118 times more light than the human eye.
Features of Telescopes
Brightness and Magnitude	• Celestial objects’ brightness is measured in apparent magnitude (lower numbers = brighter). • Examples: Sun (-26.78), Venus (-4.92), Sirius (-1.46), Andromeda Galaxy (+3.44). • Small telescopes can detect objects with magnitudes up to +11.2, which are 100 times fainter than what the human eye can see.
Resolution and Detail	• The resolution of a telescope determines how much detail it can show. • A small telescope can resolve details 1.47 arcseconds apart (40 times more detail than the human eye, which resolves details 60 arcseconds apart).
Why are Telescopes set up on Mountains?
Mountaintop benefits	• High-altitude observatories are set up to reduce atmospheric distortion, which affects image quality (e.g., stars twinkling). • Space telescopes, like Hubble, are entirely above the atmosphere and provide clear, undistorted images.
Adaptive Optics	• Ground-based telescopes use adaptive optics to correct atmospheric distortions. • Lasers create artificial stars, and the telescope adjusts its mirrors to reduce twinkling.
About the New Segmented Mirrors
Overcoming Mirror Limitations	• Large mirrors (over 8.5 meters) can sag under their own weight. • Segmented mirrors solve this by using smaller sections to create larger, effective mirrors (e.g., Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) with a 39.3-meter aperture).
Notable Telescopes	• Large Binocular Telescope (LBT): Two 8.4-meter mirrors, combined aperture of 11.9 meters. • Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): Under construction in Chile, it will have a 39.3-meter aperture. • Subaru Telescope (Hawaii): Captured objects with a magnitude of +27.7, 100 million times fainter than what the human eye can see.

PYQ:

[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter

3. It is buried deep in the ice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

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Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

Government scraps Windfall Tax on Crude Oil

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Windfall Tax

Why in the News?

The Government of India has scrapped the windfall tax on crude oil, which was previously set at ₹1,850 per tonne.

What is Windfall Tax?

	Details
Definition	A higher tax levied on companies that earn unexpected and extraordinary profits due to external factors.
Purpose	To capture a portion of excess profits from industries benefiting from global price surges, such as oil.
Imposition in India	Imposed as a Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on crude oil production and exports of diesel, petrol, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
Dynamic Tax Rate	Revised every 15 days based on international oil prices in the preceding fortnight.
First Imposed	July 1, 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and post-COVID recovery.
Application	Applies to domestically produced crude oil and exports of diesel, petrol, and ATF.
Reasons for Imposing	Sharp rise in global oil prices due to external factors like the Russia-Ukraine war. Capture supernormal profits of energy companies for public welfare.
Benefits	Generates revenue for public welfare schemes. Ensures fair distribution of profits from market volatility. Stabilizes fuel prices during inflation or supply chain disruptions.

India’s Crude Oil Trade:

India is the 3rd largest oil consumer globally, following the US and China.
The country relies on imports for 85% of its oil needs, with this dependence expected to increase due to declining domestic production.
Russia has become India’s top oil supplier, with imports surging to 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2024.
Russia (1st) > Iraq (2nd) > Saudi Arabia (3rd)> UAE (4th) – Crude oil export to India

PYQ:

[2020] The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’, sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of:

(a) Crude oil

(b) Bullion

(d) Uranium

[2017] Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words)

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BRICS Summits

Turkey bids to join BRICS

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: BRICS-11, New members of BRICS

Why in the News?

Turkey has officially applied to join the BRICS group after Russia supported its entry. Russia is set to hold the BRICS Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24, 2024.
- Malaysia and Thailand had also expressed their interest in joining the expanded BRICS group of emerging economies.

Turkey’s Geopolitical Position:

Joining BRICS could signify Turkey’s foreign policy shift, possibly distancing the country further from its long-standing ambition to join the European Union (EU).
Turkey has faced Western criticism for its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems, its ties with Russia, and its stance on sanctions.
- Ankara is positioning itself as a middle power that can balance relationships between the West and the Global South.

What is BRICS?

	Details
Members	BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
Origin	Coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 as BRIC, formalised as BRICS in 2010
Formation	First meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006. South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010
Global share of BRICS	Population: 41% GDP: 24% Global trade: 16%
Chairmanship	Rotated annually among members, following sequence B-R-I-C-S
India’s Hosting	Hosted the 2021 BRICS Summit
Key Initiatives	New Development Bank (NDB) established in 2014: Approved 70 infrastructure and sustainable development projects Contingent Reserve Arrangement signed in 2014: Aims to forestall short-term balance of payments pressures and strengthen financial stability Customs agreements signed for trade facilitation BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation initiated in 2021: Involves six existing satellites developed by members
Expansion	Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined as new full members on January 1, 2024. Argentina refused to join the BRICS group in 2024 Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey have bid for its membership.

PYQ:

[2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:

1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.

2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About National War Memorial

Who was Veer Abdul Hameed?

Why in the News?

TRISHNA Mission:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Rapa Nui Island

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Ammonium Nitrate?

Why is it a Cause of Concern?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Proposals by Azerbaijan:

About the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF):

What did Paris Agreement of 2015 said on Climate Finance?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Significance of Ashok Chakra:

About Flag Code of India, 2002:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Modern Telescopes: Everything you need to know

Primary Functions and Features

Features of Telescopes

Why are Telescopes set up on Mountains?

About the New Segmented Mirrors

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Windfall Tax?

India’s Crude Oil Trade:

PYQ:

Turkey’s Geopolitical Position:

What is BRICS?

PYQ: