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Type: Prelims Only

  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Guidelines 

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    India has released its first ever national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) to address long standing gaps in identifying victims of mass fatality disasters.

    What is Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)?

    • A scientific and systematic process to identify deceased persons in mass fatality incidents
    • Used in air crashes, earthquakes, floods, fires, industrial accidents and terror attacks
    • Ensures accurate identification and dignified handover of remains to families

    Organisations Involved

    • National Disaster Management Authority as nodal agency
    • National Forensic Sciences University for technical and drafting support
    • State police, health departments, forensic laboratories and emergency responders
    • Aligned with global best practices of Interpol DVI framework

    Aim of the Guidelines

    • Ensure accurate identification and legal certification of deaths
    • Create a uniform national protocol for mass fatality management
    • Integrate modern forensic science and digital tools into disaster response
    [2014] Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Serengsia Battle 1837  

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

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren commemorated an Adivasi resistance event linked to the Serengsia battle of 1837, but historians and Adivasi activists have contested the official date of remembrance, calling for historically accurate commemoration.

    About the Serengsia Battle

    • Fought in 1837 between Ho Adivasis and the British East India Company
    • Took place in Serengsia Valley, present day West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand
    • Part of a broader phase of Adivasi resistance in the Kolhan region

    Who Were the Ho Adivasis

    • Indigenous inhabitants of the Kolhan region
    • Region includes East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan

    Background to the Uprising

    • Kolhan came under Bengal Presidency around 1820–21
    • British imposed revenue, allowed non Adivasi settlement and enforced Hindi and Oriya
    • Exploitation by zamindars and social oppression triggered resistance
    • Earlier uprising known as Kol Uprising of 1831
    [2011] Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century? (a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products 

    (b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas 

    (c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas 

    (d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Sodium Ion Batteries and India’s Battery Strategy  

    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 recent policy focused analysis highlighted sodium ion battery technology as a strategic alternative for India to reduce dependence on lithium ion batteries, strengthen energy security and address critical mineral supply risks.

    Background

    • Batteries are central to EVs, renewable energy storage and digital devices
    • Lithium ion batteries currently dominate due to high energy density and long cycle life
    • India faces high import dependence for lithium, cobalt and nickel

    India’s Current Battery Push

    • Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing supported under PLI scheme
    • About 40 GWh capacity allocated, but limited domestic upstream ecosystem
    • Heavy reliance on imported raw materials and components

    What are Sodium Ion Batteries

    • Batteries that use sodium instead of lithium as the charge carrier
    • Sodium is abundant and widely available
    • Compatible with existing lithium ion manufacturing lines with minor changes

    Performance Comparison

    • Lower energy density than lithium ion batteries
    • Suitable for grid storage, two wheelers and stationary applications

    Global Status

    • Around 70 GWh sodium ion capacity operational globally in 2025
    • Expected to reach nearly 400 GWh by 2030
    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt 

    II. Graphite 

    III. Lithium 

    IV. Nickel 

    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? 

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

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  • Anti Defection Law

    Disqualification of MLAs and Speaker’s Powers 

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

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court of India has given a final three week deadline to the Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker to decide the remaining disqualification petitions against MLAs elected on BRS tickets who later joined the Congress. The Court warned that failure to comply would invite contempt proceedings.

    What is the issue?

    • Disqualification petitions were filed against 10 MLAs under the anti defection law
    • Allegation is defection from Bharat Rashtra Samiti to Congress after elections
    • Speaker rejected 7 petitions in December 2025
    • One more petition has since been decided
    • Remaining petitions are still pending

    Supreme Court directions so far

    • Matter pending before SC since December 2024
    • July 31, 2025 order directed Speaker to decide all petitions within three months
    • Non compliance led to contempt petitions
    • January 16, 2026 hearing granted two weeks extension
    • February 2026 order gives last chance of three weeks with contempt warning

    Legal and constitutional basis

    • Anti defection law is contained in the Tenth Schedule
    • Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is the adjudicating authority
    • Speaker’s decisions are subject to judicial review
    • Power of contempt flows from Articles 129 and 142 of the Constitution
    [2022] With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements: 1. The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House. 

    2. The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case. 

    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary  

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

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary recorded several species for the first time, significantly enhancing biodiversity data of Kerala’s youngest wildlife sanctuary.

    About Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in Nilambur Forest Division, Kerala
    • Spread over 227.21 sq km
    • Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2020
    • Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
    • Landscape ranges from low elevation tropical forests to montane ecosystems

    Key Findings

    • Birds
      • 171 bird species recorded during the survey
      • 8 species newly recorded in the sanctuary
      • Total bird species now 247
      • New records include Grey headed fish eagle, Eurasian hoopoe, Barn owl and Pallid harrier
    • Butterflies
      • 177 butterfly species documented
      • 20 new additions recorded
      • Total butterfly diversity increased to 223 species
      • Evidence of altitudinal migration observed in species like Common albatross and Lesser albatross
    • Odonates
      • 42 species recorded during the survey
      • 7 species newly added
      • Total odonate diversity now 63 species
      • Includes species such as Merogomphus tamaracherriensis and Rhodothemis rufa
    • Other Observations
      • Recorded moths, over 70 spider species and freshwater fish
      • Presence of elephant herds indicates habitat continuity and ecological integrity
    [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: 1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 

    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months. 

    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only. 

    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Bharat Taxi 

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative based ride hailing platform, on 5 February 2026.

    About Bharat Taxi

    • India’s first cooperative led ride hailing platform
    • Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
    • Established on 6 June 2025
    • Conceptualised under the Ministry of Cooperation

    Core Philosophy

    • Drivers are called sarathis and are owners of the platform
    • Principle of sarathi hi malik meaning driver is the owner
    • Designed to free drivers from aggregator driven and commission based models

    Operational Model

    • Zero commission for drivers
    • Surge free pricing for passengers
    • Profits distributed directly to drivers
    • No exclusivity clause allowing drivers to work on other platforms

    Driver Welfare Measures

    • Personal accident insurance cover of ₹5 lakh
    • Family health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh
    • Retirement savings support
    • Dedicated driver support centres at seven locations in Delhi
    • Rapid emergency assistance and verified ride data

    Women Empowerment Initiative

    • Bike Didi programme for women drivers
    • Over 150 women drivers enrolled so far
    [2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage

    2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment

    3. The government can, by notification, specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account

    Which of the above statements are correct? 

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

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI Workplace Automation and Tech Stock Crash 

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

    Why in the News?

    Global technology stocks fell sharply in early February 2026 after Anthropic launched an AI driven workplace automation suite, triggering fears that artificial intelligence could replace traditional software platforms and IT services.

    What Triggered the Selloff

    • Anthropic launched new workplace automation tools for its AI agent Claude
    • Tools can independently perform tasks in legal, sales, marketing, finance and data analysis
    • AI agents can now bypass traditional Software as a Service platforms
    • Investors feared large scale disruption of the global software and IT services industry

    Market Impact

    • United States
      • S&P 500 fell about 0.8 percent
      • Nasdaq Composite declined over 1.4 percent
      • Major technology firms like Microsoft, Meta Platforms and Nvidia saw sharp losses
      • SaaS firms such as Salesforce and ServiceNow fell significantly
    • India
      • Nifty IT index dropped nearly 3 percent
      • Major IT firms including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCLTech, Wipro declined sharply

    Why Indian IT Is Vulnerable

    • Indian IT model depends on service based outsourcing
    • AI tools can automate contract review, compliance, customer support and data processing
    • Reduced dependence on human intensive IT services threatens revenue streams

    Economic Survey Link

    • Economic Survey 2025–26 warned about concentration of AI data and compute
    • Highlighted risks of technological dependence and loss of comparative advantage
    • Called for rapid adaptation to sustain India’s IT competitiveness
    [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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  • BRICS Summits

    BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) 

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

    Why in the News?

    India joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) on 4 February 2026 at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in New Delhi.

    About BCIC

    • BCIC is a one stop integrated support platform for manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries
    • It focuses on strengthening Industry 4.0 competencies
    • Launched in partnership with United Nations Industrial Development Organization

    India’s Participation

    • India’s participation formalised through a Trust Fund Agreement
    • Agreement signed between Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and UNIDO
    • BCIC engagement aligns with India’s manufacturing and MSME competitiveness goals

    India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies

    • National Productivity Council designated as India Centre for BCIC
    • NPC operates under policy guidance of DPIIT
    • Receives technical support from UNIDO
    • Responsible for capacity building, productivity enhancement and advanced manufacturing adoption

    Key Stakeholders Involved

    • DPIIT under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • Ministry of MSME
    • Ministry of External Affairs
    • Industry partner Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

    Significance for Prelims

    • Strengthens India’s role in BRICS industrial cooperation
    • Supports MSMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies
    • Enhances global manufacturing competitiveness
    • Example of international institutional collaboration in industrial policy
    [2025] Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. The 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan

    II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS

    III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I only

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  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

    SabhaSaar 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism,Panchayats & Local Bodies

    Why in the News?

    As of 29 January 2026, 1,11,486 Gram Panchayats across States and Union Territories have used SabhaSaar, an AI enabled tool, for automated summarisation of Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings.

    About SabhaSaar

    • AI based voice to text meeting summarisation platform
    • Launched on 14 August 2025
    • Implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
    • Used for Gram Sabha and Panchayat level meetings

    Key Functionalities

    • Converts live speech into structured Minutes of Meeting
    • Records meeting type, date, attendance and deliberations
    • Documents resolutions and action points for follow up
    • Enables validation of records by Panchayat functionaries

    Technology Backbone

    • Runs on AI and cloud infrastructure via the IndiaAI Compute Portal
    • Part of the IndiaAI Mission under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Data processed entirely within Government systems
    • No sharing with external third party service providers

    Data Protection

    • Data governance regulated under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
    • IndiaAI Mission acts as nodal agency for AI infrastructure and data governance
    [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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    UNIFIL Suspends Activities Along the Blue Line in Southern Lebanon

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

    Why in the News?

    United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon temporarily suspended patrols and other activities along parts of the Blue Line in southern Lebanon after the Israeli military indicated it would release a non toxic chemical substance near the frontier.

    What is UNIFIL?

    • United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in southern Lebanon
    • Established in 1978 by UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426
    • Mandate expanded after the 2006 Israel Hezbollah conflict under Resolution 1701

    What is the Blue Line?

    • A UN demarcated line of withdrawal between Israel and Lebanon
    • Stretches for about 120 kilometres along southern Lebanon
    • Established in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon
    • Not an international border but a technical reference line monitored by UNIFIL
    [2017] Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 1. Jordan 

    2. Iraq 

    3. Lebanon 

    4. Syria 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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