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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: Indo-Pacific and QUAD

    India–Seychelles Joint Vision SESEL

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

    Why in the News

    India and Seychelles adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) during the State Visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India. The visit coincides with 50 years of Seychelles’ independence and 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.

    Key Outcomes 

    Strategic and Political

    • Reaffirmation of special maritime partnership between India and Seychelles
    • Seychelles recognised as a key pillar of India’s Vision MAHASAGAR
    • Agreement to intensify political and parliamentary exchanges

    Development Partnership

    • India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million
      • USD 125 million Rupee denominated Line of Credit
      • USD 50 million Grant assistance
    • Focus areas include sustainability, defence, maritime security, capacity building and inclusive growth

    Digital Public Infrastructure

    • India to assist Seychelles in building Digital Public Infrastructure
    • Includes digital payments and e governance systems

    Health and Food Security

    • Donation of 10 ambulances to Seychelles
    • Seychelles to recognise Indian Pharmacopoeia, easing access to affordable medicines
    • Donation of 1000 metric tonnes of grains to strengthen food security
    • Cooperation on hospital construction and public health capacity

    Capacity Building

    • Expanded cooperation under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
    • Training for civil servants, defence personnel and health professionals
    • Customised training through National Centre for Good Governance
    • Cooperation in cybersecurity, financial intelligence and MSME promotion

    Climate Action and Renewables

    • Cooperation under the International Solar Alliance
    • Support for Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems
    • Seychelles to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
    • India to provide technical support for green transport and power grid management

    Trade, Tourism and Connectivity

    • Direct flights boosted Indian tourist arrivals
    • Agreement to explore further air connectivity
    • Focus on blue economy, fisheries, AI, digital services and affordable housing

    Hydrography and Blue Economy

    • Establishment of Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance
    • Conduct of joint hydrographic surveys
    • Third Joint Commission Meeting on Hydrography to be held in Seychelles in 2026
    [2025] Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates 

    II. France 

    III. Germany 

    IV. Singapore 

    V. Bangladesh 

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? 

    (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five

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  • Human Rights Issues

    NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of stranded Indian workers in Dubai

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News

    The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that Indian migrant workers from Jharkhand are stranded in Dubai, allegedly facing passport seizure, unpaid wages and denial of return to India.

    Key Facts  

    • Number of workers affected: At least 14
    • Home districts: Giridih, Hazaribagh and Bokaro in Jharkhand
    • Nature of employment: Transmission line work
    • Allegations:
      • Passports seized by employer
      • Wages unpaid
      • Salary deductions to recover airfare costs
      • Charges imposed for accommodation
      • Inability to afford food
    • Action by NHRC:
      • Issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand
      • Notice to the State Migrant Workers Control Room
      • Sought a detailed report within two weeks

    Note:

    • The present case directly demonstrates the suo motu powers of NHRC based on media reports.
    • NHRC is a statutory body, not constitutional.
    • Its recommendations are advisory, not binding.
    • It does not have punitive powers but can recommend action.
    [2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 

    2. The National Human Rights Commission 

    3. The National Law Commission 

    4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Safe Landing Patch Identified near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan 4

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News

    A study by ISRO Space Applications Centre has identified a safe landing patch near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan-4, India’s first lunar sample return mission.

    About Moon’s Mons Mouton

    • Mons Mouton is a large flat topped lunar mountain massif
    • Officially named by the International Astronomical Union

    Location

    • Situated in the south polar region of the Moon
    • Lies close to the rim of the South Pole Aitken Basin
    • Approximately 160 km from the lunar south pole

    Origin

    • Formed due to rim uplift during ancient massive asteroid impacts
    • Represents exposed deep lunar crust, rare and scientifically valuable

    Key Physical Features

    • Width of nearly 100 km
    • Elevation of about 6,000 metres above surrounding terrain
    • Rugged topography with craters and boulder fields
    • Unique illumination conditions
      • Some regions receive near continuous sunlight
      • Others remain in permanent shadow
    • Can be observed during favourable libration even with amateur telescopes
    [2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier? (a) Australia 

    (b) Canada 

    (c) China 

    (d) Japan

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  • NPA Crisis

    Gross NPAs of SCBs at Historic Low

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Finance Ministry informed that the gross non performing assets ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks has declined to a historic low of 2.15 percent as of September 30, 2025, the lowest level seen in more than a decade.

    Key Facts 

    • Gross NPA ratio of SCBs: 2.15 percent
    • Trend: Continuous decline for the last eight financial years
    • Comparison: Lower than the level seen in 2010-11

    Bank wise Gross NPA Ratio as on Sept 30, 2025

    • Public Sector Banks: 2.50 percent
    • Private Sector Banks: 1.73 percent
    • Foreign Banks: 0.80 percent

    Reasons for Decline in NPAs

    • Asset Quality Review initiated by Reserve Bank of India in 2015
    • Government’s 4R strategy
      • Recognition of NPAs
      • Resolution and recovery
      • Recapitalisation of PSBs
      • Reforms in banking and financial ecosystem
    • Improved underwriting standards
    • Stronger balance sheets and sustained profitability of banks
    [2019] What was the purpose of the Inter-Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently? (a) To lessen the Government of India’s perennial burden of fiscal deficit and current account deficit 

    (b) To support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments 

    (c) To act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of Rs. 50 crore or more 

    (d) To aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are under consortium lending

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala

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

    Why in the News

    Researchers have identified and described a new species of dragonfly from Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis, highlighting the rich and still underexplored biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

    Key Facts 

    • Scientific name: Lyriothemis keralensis
    • Taxonomic group: Order Odonata, Family Libellulidae
    • Location of discovery: Varapetty near Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala
    • Habitat:
      • Vegetated pools and irrigation canals
      • Shaded pineapple and rubber plantations
    • Seasonal visibility:
      • Adult dragonflies seen only during the Southwest monsoon from late May to August
      • Remains in aquatic larval stage during the rest of the year
    [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? 

    (a) Butterflies 

    (b) Dragonflies   

    (c) Honeybees 

    (d) Wasps

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    NHAI proposal for sound barrier near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

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

    Why in the News?

    The National Highways Authority of India has proposed constructing a soundproof barrier wall along a highway stretch passing close to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka to minimise the impact of traffic noise on wildlife.

    About Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

    • Located near Srirangapatna, Karnataka
    • Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River
    • Declared a bird sanctuary in 1940

    What is the NHAI Proposal?

    • Construction of a sound barrier wall along a highway stretch near the sanctuary
    • The objective is to reduce vehicular noise and disturbance
    • Proposal applies to the eco sensitive zone and buffer area of the sanctuary
    • Clearance required from the National Board for Wildlife

    Why are Sound Barriers Important Near Protected Areas?

    • Noise pollution affects
      • Bird breeding behaviour
      • Nesting success
    • Feeding and migration patterns
      • Traffic movement can fragment habitats
      • Sound barriers act as mitigation measures, not expansion approvals

    Legal and Regulatory Framework

    • Wildlife clearance mandatory for projects near protected areas
    • Eco sensitive zones notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986
    • NBWL clearance required for projects affecting wildlife habitats
    • Reflects principle of sustainable infrastructure development
    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 1. Nagarhole National Park 

    2. Papikonda National Park 

    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 

    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    Police action on illegal rat-hole coal mining after court directions

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters,Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Police in Meghalaya have been directed by the judiciary to identify and act against owners of illegal rat hole coal mines, following repeated mining accidents and continued violations despite a long standing ban.

    What is Rat Hole Coal Mining?

    • Rat hole mining is a primitive and hazardous method of coal extraction where miners dig narrow horizontal or vertical tunnels, often just large enough for a person to crawl through.
    • This practice is mainly found in parts of Meghalaya due to unique land ownership patterns.

    Judicial Background

    • The National Green Tribunal banned rat hole coal mining in 2014. The ban was imposed due to
      • Severe environmental damage
      • Frequent loss of lives
      • Absence of safety standards

    Why Does Illegal Mining Continue?

    • Coal bearing land is often privately or community owned
    • Weak enforcement and local political economy
    • High demand for coal and informal labour
    • Difficult terrain and limited monitoring capacity
    [2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government

    2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. 

    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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  • Finance Commission – Issues related to devolution of resources

    16th Finance Commission proposal to scrap Revenue Deficit Grants

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

    Why in the News?

    Some States have raised concerns over indications that the Sixteenth Finance Commission may recommend phasing out or scrapping Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG), arguing that it could adversely impact fiscally weaker States.

    What are Revenue Deficit Grants?

    • Revenue Deficit Grants are statutory transfers recommended by the Finance Commission to States whose revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts even after tax devolution.
    • Their objective is to ensure that States can meet basic administrative and social sector expenditure without resorting to excessive borrowing.

    Constitutional Basis

    • Provided under Article 275 of the Constitution
    • Grants are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India

    Why are Revenue Deficit Grants Given?

    • To correct vertical fiscal imbalance between Centre and States
    • To support States with weak revenue raising capacity
    • To ensure minimum standards of public services across States
    • To prevent revenue deficits from crowding out capital expenditure

    What is the Proposal of the 16th Finance Commission?

    • Move towards eliminating revenue deficits rather than financing them
    • Encourage States to undertake fiscal discipline and tax reforms
    • Shift focus from revenue support to performance based and capital linked transfers
    • Reduce long term dependence of States on unconditional grants

    Concerns Raised by States

    • Hill and special category States depend heavily on RDG
    • Post GST regime has reduced States’ fiscal flexibility
    • Fear of widening inter State fiscal disparities
    • Risk of increased borrowing and debt stress

    Significance for Fiscal Federalism

    • Tests the balance between fiscal autonomy and fiscal responsibility
    • Reflects shift from entitlement based transfers to outcome based federalism
    • Could redefine the nature of Centre State financial relations
    [2025] Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct? I. It has recommended grants of ₹4,800 crores from the year 2022–23 to 2025–26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes

    II. 45% of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States

    III. ₹45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms

    IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    India and Malaysia sign pacts to expand ties

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

    Why in the News?

    India and Malaysia signed multiple agreements to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, semiconductors, digital technologies, and local currency trade settlement during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Malaysia.

    Key Agreements and Outcomes

    • 11 agreements and MoUs signed covering trade, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors
    • Framework pact for semiconductor cooperation, including supply chains and manufacturing ecosystems
    • Agreement to promote local currency trade settlement using Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit
    • Expansion of cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security
    • Decision to establish an Indian Consulate General in Malaysia
    • Malaysia reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC

    Strategic and Economic Significance

    Indo-Pacific and ASEAN

    • Reinforces India’s Indo-Pacific vision
    • Emphasises ASEAN centrality, especially the role of ASEAN

    Trade and Economy

    • Local currency settlement reduces dependence on US dollar
    • Supports India’s push for internationalisation of the Rupee
    • Boosts trade resilience amid global financial volatility

    Technology and Energy

    • Semiconductor cooperation supports India’s electronics manufacturing goals
    • Energy collaboration aligns with clean energy transition and energy security

    Defence and Security Dimension

    • Strengthening defence ties in the maritime domain
    • Cooperation in counter-terrorism with emphasis on zero tolerance and no double standards
    • Enhances stability in the Indo-Pacific sea lanes
    [2011] With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements: 

    1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs. 

    2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War. 

    3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement 

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the News?

    A historic agreement was signed in New Delhi on 5 February 2026 between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, paving the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

    About the Agreement

    • Signed in the presence of Amit Shah and Neiphiu Rio
    • Applies to six districts of Eastern Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator
    • Represents a negotiated settlement through dialogue
    • Does not affect Article 371A of the Constitution

    What is FNTA

    • A territorial authority for Eastern Nagaland
    • Created to address long standing political and developmental demands
    • Aimed at accelerated and inclusive regional development

    Key Provisions

    • Devolution of powers over 46 subjects to FNTA
    • Creation of a mini Secretariat for FNTA
    • Headed by Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary
    • Development outlay shared proportionally based on population and area
    • Union Ministry of Home Affairs to bear initial establishment expenditure
    • Fixed annual financial allocation by Government of India

    Institutional and Constitutional Aspects

    • FNTA functions within the constitutional framework of Nagaland
    • Article 371A remains fully protected
    • Enhances financial autonomy and decision making
    • Focus on infrastructure, economic empowerment and resource utilisation
    [2024] The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members: 1. Governor of the Constituent State 

    2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State 

    3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India 

    4. The Home Minister of India 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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