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Type: Prelims Only

  • Pandavani Legend Teejan Bai Passes Away

    Why in News?

    Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai (1956–2026), the foremost exponent of Pandavani, passed away at AIIMS Raipur. She played a pivotal role in taking Chhattisgarh’s traditional folk art to the global stage.

    Key Highlights

    • Born in Ganiyari village (Durg district), Chhattisgarh.
    • Learned Pandavani from her maternal grandfather Brajlal Pardha and gave her first public performance at 13 years of age.
    • Broke gender barriers by performing in the Kapalika style, traditionally reserved for men.
    • Performed in over 17 countries, popularising Indian folk traditions worldwide.
    • Received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

    About Pandavani

    • A traditional folk storytelling and musical art form of Chhattisgarh.
    • Narrates episodes from the Mahabharata through singing, narration, acting, and dialogue.
    • The performer uses a tanpura (tambura) as both a musical instrument and a symbolic prop.

    Two Styles of Pandavani

    • Vedamati Style: Performed while sitting, with greater emphasis on narration.
    • Kapalika Style: Performed while standing, combining dramatic acting, gestures, expressions, and dialogue.

    [2014] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:

    (a) Martial arts in North-East India

    (b) Musical tradition in North-West India

    (c) Classical vocal music in South India

    (d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India.

  • Delhi High Court declines interim injunction against OpenAI in ANI copyright suit

    Why in News?

    The Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to ANI in its copyright infringement case against OpenAI, holding that AI training on copyrighted content is covered by the fair dealing exception under the Copyright Act.

    Key Highlights

    • Justice Amit Bansal held that using ANI’s content to train Large Language Models (LLMs) falls under Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act, 1957.
    • The Court found that ANI failed to prove any loss to its news syndication business.
    • ANI had earlier offered OpenAI a content licence for $7.5 million, indicating any potential damages are quantifiable.
    • The Court rejected ANI’s request to delete training data, noting OpenAI’s legal obligations under US law.
    • It observed that requiring licences from every copyright holder would make AI development economically unviable and highlighted AI’s public benefits in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.
    • The Federation of Indian Publishers, Digital News Publishers Association, and Indian Music Industry joined the suit.

    Fair Dealing (Section 52, Copyright Act, 1957)

    • A statutory exception permitting limited use of copyrighted works without the owner’s permission.
    • Applies to purposes such as:
      • Private or personal use (including research)
      • Criticism or review
      • Reporting current events

    Copyright vs Patent

    • Copyright: Protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic works, films, and software.
    • Patent: Protects new inventions, granting exclusive rights generally for 20 years.

    Copyright Act, 1957

    • Governs protection of literary, artistic, musical, dramatic works, films, sound recordings, and software.
    • Grants creators exclusive rights over reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and communication of their works.
    • Section 52 provides exceptions under the doctrine of fair dealing.

    PYQ (2014, GS3, 12.5 Marks) In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms copyrights, patents and trade secrets.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct?
    1. LLMs assign probabilities to the next possible words and then pick the one with the highest probability.
    2. LLMs process data through mathematical optimization to minimise prediction errors.
    3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 1 and 2 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Gujarat deluge erases monsoon deficit, but overall rain still low

    Why in News?

    Heavy rainfall in Gujarat erased India’s July rainfall deficit, but the overall southwest monsoon (June-September) remains below normal.

    Key Highlights

    • Cumulative rainfall since 1 June is 16.1% below normal.
    • East & Northeast India: 31.9% rainfall deficit.
    • South Peninsula: 26.8% deficit.
    • Heavy rainfall in Gujarat resulted from a low-pressure system interacting with a Western Disturbance.
    • Over 40,500 people were evacuated and 6,367 rescued due to flooding.
    • Ahmedabad recorded 294.6 mm rainfall in 24 hours, its highest since 2000.
    • Weak El Niño conditions have contributed to uneven monsoon distribution, affecting agriculture.

    El Niño

    • Warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
    • Characterised by warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
    • Generally leads to weaker southwest monsoon and below-normal rainfall in India.

    IMD Classification of Rainfall

    • Normal: 96% to 104% of Long Period Average (LPA).
    • Below Normal: 90% to 96% of LPA.
    • Deficient: Less than 90% of LPA.

    Southwest Monsoon

    • Contributes nearly 75% of India’s annual rainfall.
    • Normally spans June to September.
    • Two branches:
      • Arabian Sea Branch
      • Bay of Bengal Branch

    PYQ (2014, GS1, 10 Marks) Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El Niño effect. Do you agree?
    [2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.OMT is measured up to a depth of 26ºC isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
    2.OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    a) 1 only
    b) 2 only
    c) Both 1 and 2
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Ken-Betwa stir claims its first win, activist suspends fast

    Why in News?

    An activist ended an 18-day hunger strike after the Madhya Pradesh government agreed to conduct fresh surveys of families allegedly excluded from rehabilitation under the Ken-Betwa Link Project.

    Key Highlights

    • Jai Kisan Sangathan leader Amit Bhatnagar suspended his indefinite fast after the government accepted the demand for fresh village-level surveys.
    • The issue concerns villages in the Daudhan Dam submergence area in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Protesters alleged exclusion of eligible families from compensation and rehabilitation, flawed surveys, and irregularities in Gram Sabha proceedings.
    • Joint teams of government officials and Jai Kisan Sangathan representatives will conduct fresh surveys.
    • The agitation will continue under the banner of “Nyay Satyagraha.”

    Ken-Betwa Link Project

    • India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan.
    • Links the Ken River (Madhya Pradesh) with the Betwa River (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh).
    • Comprises the Daudhan Dam, a 221-km canal, and associated infrastructure.
    • Aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, hydropower, and drought mitigation in the Bundelkhand region.

    Concerns

    • Submergence of forest areas, including parts of Panna Tiger Reserve.
    • Displacement and rehabilitation of affected communities.
    • Ecological impacts on river ecosystems and wildlife.

    National River Linking Project (NRLP)

    • Conceived by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in 1982.
    • Envisages 30 inter-basin links (16 Peninsular and 14 Himalayan) to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins.

    PYQ (2017, GS3, 10 Marks) Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

    [2016] Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

    [A] Cauvery and Tungabhadra

    [B] Godavari and Krishna

    [C] Mahanadi and Sone

    [D] Narmada and Tapti

  • Telecom infra data can’t be shared outside India, says Govt

    Why in News?

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that telecom infrastructure providers store and process telecom network data only within India.

    Key Highlights

    • DoT barred telecom infrastructure providers from sharing telecom network data outside India.
    • Covers cloud-based telecom networks, mobile tower operators, and satellite gateway providers.
    • Mandates that all telecom network systems, data, logs, and related information be stored within India.
    • No copies of such data can be routed, shared, or made available outside the country.
    • Issued under the authorisation framework of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the earlier licensing regime.

    Data Localisation

    • Refers to storing and processing data within the country’s borders.
    • Benefits:
      • Strengthens national security and cyber resilience.
      • Improves regulatory oversight and law enforcement access.
      • Enhances protection of critical digital infrastructure.
    • Challenges:
      • Higher compliance costs for companies.
      • Concerns over cross-border data flows and global cloud operations.

    Telecommunications Act, 2023

    • Replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
    • Introduces an authorisation-based regime instead of licensing.
    • Aims to strengthen telecom security, spectrum management, user protection, and digital infrastructure governance.

    PYQ (2018, GS3, 15 Marks) Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyberspace?

  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

    Why in News?

    The Union Government introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha to extend statutory protection to the National Song (Vande Mataram).

    Key Highlights

    • Introduced by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai.
    • Seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
    • Extends penalties for insulting the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem to the National Song.
    • Opposition members argued that the Constituent Assembly intentionally did not accord the National Song the same constitutional status as the National Anthem.
    • The government cited Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s statement (24 January 1950) that both should enjoy equal respect.

    National Anthem

    • Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
    • Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950.
    • Full rendition duration: 52 seconds.

    National Song

    • Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
    • Taken from the novel Anandamath (1882).
    • Only the first two stanzas enjoy official status as the National Song.

    Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

    • Prohibits insults to the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem.
    • Prescribes imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
    • The 2026 Amendment Bill seeks to include the National Song within its ambit.

    [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 x 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 correcti in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-l.

    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

    [C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect is incorrect.

    [D] Statement-l is incorrect Statement-II is correct.

  • Zomato’s platform fee, delivery levy no abuse of dominance: CCI

    Why in News?

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Zomato’s platform fee, delivery charges, and commissions do not amount to abuse of dominant position or anti-competitive conduct.

    Key Highlights

    • CCI dismissed a consumer complaint against Zomato/Eternal over platform fees and price differences.
    • The higher online price was attributed to delivery charges, platform fee, and GST.
    • Restaurants stated that Zomato charges around 33% commission, leading some to increase online menu prices.
    • CCI held that online food delivery and in-person dining are distinct markets, making price differences commercially justifiable.
    • Mere price variation does not constitute an abuse of dominant position under competition law.

    Abuse of Dominant Position (Competition Act, 2002)

    • Dominance itself is not prohibited; only its abuse is.
    • Examples include:
      • Imposing unfair or discriminatory prices.
      • Limiting production or technical development.
      • Denying market access.
      • Leveraging dominance in one market to enter another.

    Competition Commission of India (CCI)

    • Statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002.
    • Came into effect in 2009.
    • Objective: Prevent anti-competitive practices, prohibit abuse of dominant position, regulate combinations (mergers and acquisitions), and promote fair competition.

    PYQ (2023, GS2, 10 Marks) Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

    [2022] With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market-places.
    2. The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • India paid $15 bn of imports in rupees in March-May

    Why in News?

    RBI data shows a sharp rise in rupee-denominated import payments, driven mainly by increased Russian crude oil purchases.

    Key Highlights

    • India settled imports worth ₹1.38 lakh crore (about $14.6 billion) in rupees during March-May 2026, accounting for 7.1% of merchandise imports.
    • This is a sharp increase from ₹42,506 crore (2.4% of imports) in December 2025-February 2026.
    • Russian crude imports reached $17.13 billion, up 30% YoY, aided by temporary US sanctions waivers.
    • Rupee-settled imports have steadily increased:
      • 2023-24: ₹99,680 crore
      • 2024-25: ₹1.13 lakh crore
      • 2025-26: ₹1.72 lakh crore
    • India’s merchandise trade deficit stood at $119 billion in 2025-26.
    • Benefits of Rupee Trade Settlement:
      • Reduces dependence on the US dollar.
      • Saves foreign exchange reserves.
      • Lowers exchange rate risk and transaction costs.
      • Promotes internationalisation of the Indian rupee.
    • Challenges:
      • Limited acceptance of the rupee by trading partners.
      • Persistent trade deficits reduce the recycling of rupee balances.

    Rupee Trade Settlement Mechanism (2022)

    • Introduced by the RBI in July 2022.
    • Enables invoicing, payment, and settlement of international trade in Indian rupees through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs).
    • Aims to facilitate trade, reduce dollar dependence, and strengthen the rupee’s global use.

    PYQ (2015, GS3, 12.5 Marks) Craze for gold in Indians have led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization Scheme.

    [2022] With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
    1. An increase in Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of rupee.
    2. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness.
    3. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER.
    Which of the above statements are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 1 and 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Govt. brings ₹3,030-cr. plan to set up three chemical parks

    Why in News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme to establish three chemical parks, aiming to boost domestic chemical manufacturing and attract private investment.

    Key Highlights

    • Cabinet approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA-Rasayan).
    • Three chemical parks of at least 2,000 acres each.
    • Total outlay: ₹3,030 crore.
    • Each park is expected to attract ₹20,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore in private investment.
    • Parks will provide common infrastructure such as CETPs, hazardous waste management, utilities, and logistics.

    Value Addition

    • India is the 6th largest chemical producer globally and 3rd largest in Asia.
    • The sector contributes about 7% of GDP, 14% of industrial output, and 11% of merchandise exports.
    • Chemical parks promote cluster-based manufacturing, reduce logistics costs, improve environmental compliance, and enhance export competitiveness.

    BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme

    • Union Government scheme approved in July 2026.
    • Outlay: ₹3,030 crore.
    • Objective: Develop integrated chemical manufacturing hubs, attract investment, reduce import dependence, and strengthen Make in India.

    PYQ (2023, GS3, 10 Marks) Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.

    [2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
    2.India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
    3.India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
    4.India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 4 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 3 and 4 only

  • FDI Allowed in Inventory-Based E-commerce Model for Exports

    Why in News?

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the inventory-based model of e-commerce for the export of goods manufactured in India, marking the first major relaxation in India’s e-commerce FDI policy.

    What is the New Policy?

    • 100% FDI is now permitted in the inventory-based e-commerce model, only for exports of goods manufactured in India.
    • The relaxation is under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023 and related regulations.
    • It does not apply to domestic e-commerce sales.

    Marketplace vs Inventory Model

    • Marketplace Model: The e-commerce platform acts as an intermediary connecting buyers and sellers without owning inventory. 100% FDI under the automatic route is already permitted.
    • Inventory Model: The e-commerce entity owns the inventory and sells directly to consumers. FDI was previously prohibited but is now allowed only for export operations.

    Why is this Significant?

    • Aims to boost India’s e-commerce exports, currently around US$5 billion, compared to China’s US$300 billion.
    • Encourages exports by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and startups.
    • Supports exports of handicrafts, garments, books, gems and jewellery, and other Made in India products.

    Concerns

    • Monitoring separate inventories for domestic and export sales may be difficult.
    • Experts believe this could become a stepping stone towards permitting FDI in inventory-based domestic e-commerce.

    About DPIIT

    • Full Form: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
    • Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Functions:
      • Formulates and administers India’s FDI Policy.
      • Promotes industrial development and ease of doing business.
      • Oversees startup and industrial promotion initiatives.

    [2022] With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market-places.
    2. The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2