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Type: Prelims Only

  • Anti-Dumping Duties on Chemicals

    Why in News?

    Indian chemical industry associations and several ministries have sought a pause on anti-dumping investigations due to rising chemical prices and shortages caused by the West Asia conflict.

    What are Anti-Dumping Duties?

    • Anti-dumping duties are tariffs imposed on imported goods sold below fair market value to protect domestic industries from unfair competition.

    Key Issues Raised

    Rising Input Costs

    • Anti-dumping duties increase prices of chemical intermediates.
    • Impacts downstream sectors such as:
      • Textiles
      • Footwear
      • Packaging
      • Auto components
      • Paints

    Supply Chain Disruptions

    • West Asia conflict has caused shortages and price volatility in petrochemicals.

    Government Response

    • Duty Exemptions: Government of India exempted import duty on 40 petrochemical products till June 30.

    Indigenous Manufacturing Push

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) asked industry to explore domestic production of over 200 highly import-dependent petrochemical items.

    WTO Trade Policy Review Findings

    • 51% of India’s anti-dumping measures relate to chemicals and allied industries.
    • China is the main target of these investigations.

    India’s Chemical Trade Scenario

    • Chemical imports: about $75 billion
    • Chemical exports: about $44 billion
    • Trade deficit: around $31 billion

    [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

  • CISF Oversight for Fishing Harbours

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to bring fishing harbours and landing centres under the security oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to strengthen coastal security.

    Key Highlights

    • Around 1,200 fishing harbours and landing sites to come under CISF supervision.
    • India has:
      • 1,547 notified fish landing centres and fishing harbours
      • Spread across 13 coastal States and Union Territories
    • CISF will:
      • Design security protocols
      • Guide local administration
      • Develop uniform security architecture

    Why is this Important?

    Because of large India’s coastline:

    • Extends about 7,516 km
    • Involves multiple agencies:
      • Local police
      • Indian Coast Guard
      • Indian Navy

    Lessons from 26/11 Mumbai Attacks

    • Terrorists entered Mumbai through the sea route after hijacking a fishing vessel, exposing vulnerabilities in coastal surveillance.

    About the Central Industrial Security Force

    • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a premier paramilitary organization under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Established in 1969, it safeguards the nation’s critical industrial and infrastructure assets—including airports, seaports, power plants, and major public sector undertakings—playing a central role in India’s internal security architecture.

    [2025] With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information:
    Organization Some of its functions It works under
    I.Directorate of EnforcementEnforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018Internal Security Division- I, Ministry of Home Affairs
    II.Directorate of Revenue IntelligenceEnforces the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1962Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
    III.Directorate General of Systems and Data ManagementCarrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evadersDepartment of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
    In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • NATO Baltic Command Centre

    Why in the news?

    Germany and the Netherlands announced the establishment of a joint NATO tactical headquarters in the Baltic region to strengthen deterrence against Russia.

    Key Highlights

    • The joint command centre is called:
      • 1GNC (German-Netherlands Corps)
    • Will operate mainly in:
      • Estonia
      • Latvia
    • Can command up to 50,000 troops

    Functions of 1GNC

    • Planning military exercises
    • Operational command during conflicts
    • Strengthening NATO’s eastern flank
    • Rapid military response capability

    About the German-Netherlands Corps

    • Established in 1995
    • Headquarters located in Münster
    • Germany and Netherlands rotate leadership
    • Supported by personnel from 14 NATO countries

    Note: The Baltic region in Northern Europe comprises the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. It is most commonly divided into the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), alongside neighboring nations like Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Russia.

    [2025] Consider the following countries:
    I. Austria
    II. Bulgaria
    III. Croatia
    IV. Serbia
    V. Sweden
    VI. North Macedonia
    How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

    [A] Only three

    [B] Only four

    [C] Only five

    [D] All the six

  • Subsurface Lunar Ice Discovery (Chandrayaan-2)

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) used data from Chandrayaan-2’s Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) to discover strong evidence of subsurface water-ice near the Moon’s South Pole.

    Key Findings

    • Target Location: Four “doubly shadowed craters” located inside Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) at the lunar south pole.
    • Extreme Thermal Environment: These locations are permanently shielded from solar radiation, maintaining temperatures around 25 Kelvin (-248°C), acting as ideal cold traps to preserve volatiles.
    • The Prime Candidate: A 1.1 km diameter micro-crater located within the larger Faustini Crater showed the highest probability of containing clean subsurface ice.

    Geomorphological Evidence

    • Lobate-Rim Morphology: The highly-evident 1.1 km crater exhibits flow-like, lobed patterns along its rim.
    • Geological Meaning: This indicates that the initial meteoroid impact likely penetrated a layer of subsurface ice, melting it briefly to create a slurry-like, fluid ejecta pattern before re-freezing.

    About Chandrayaan-2 & DFSAR

    • Mission Context: Launched in July 2019; while its Vikram lander failed to make a soft landing, the orbiter remains fully functional in lunar orbit.
    • DFSAR Instrument: Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar.
    • Capabilities: It is the first fully polarimetric radar sent to the Moon, operating across L-band and S-band microwave frequencies to penetrate deep into the lunar regolith.

    Significance

    • In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Essential for future crewed bases (such as Artemis or India’s planned lunar base) to harvest local water for life support and rocket fuel production.
    • Strategic Mapping: Provides high-fidelity targeting data for future landing and excavation missions, including India’s upcoming Chandrayaan missions.

    Challenges

    • Accessing Cold Traps: Operating mechanical equipment in permanent darkness at 25 Kelvin presents immense engineering challenges.
    • Regolith Depth Overburden: The ice is subsurface, requiring specialized drilling and extraction systems rather than surface scraping.

    [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

    [A] Observation and understanding of the Universe

    [B] Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

    [C] Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    [D] Origin and evolution of living organisms on the earth

  • National Health Accounts (NHA) 2022-23

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Health Accounts (NHA) Estimates 2022-23 showing a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) and a rise in government health spending.

    Key Findings

    Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

    • OOPE share in Total Health Expenditure (THE):
      • 64.2% in 2013-14
      • 43.4% in 2022-23
    • Indicates reduced financial burden on households

    Reasons for Decline

    Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

    Over 1.8 lakh wellness centres providing:

    • Free drugs and diagnostics
    • Teleconsultation
    • Maternal and child healthcare
    • Non-communicable disease services
    • Preventive healthcare

    Increased Government Spending

    • Government health expenditure rose:
      • From 1.15% of GDP (2013-14)
      • To 1.43% of GDP (2022-23)
    • Reached 1.84% during COVID-19 in 2021-22

    Other Key Trends

    • Rise in Per Capita Government Health Expenditure: Increased from ₹1,042 to ₹2,786 between 2013-14 and 2022-23
    • Increase in Social Security Expenditure: Rose from 6% to 9.9%
    • Growth in Private Health Insurance: Increased from 3.4% to 9.2%

    What is OOPE?

    • Out-of-Pocket Expenditure refers to direct payments made by households for healthcare services at the point of use.

    Significance

    • Better healthcare access
    • Reduced catastrophic health expenditure
    • Progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
    • Strengthening preventive healthcare

    Challenges

    • OOPE still remains high at 43.4%
    • Pharmaceutical expenses continue to drive household spending
    • Rural and regional disparities persist

    [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.

  • AMCA Fighter Project

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to shortlisted private firms.

    Shortlisted Firms

    • Larsen & Toubro + Bharat Electronics Limited combine
    • Tata Advanced Systems
    • Bharat Forge + BEML consortium

    About AMCA

    • India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft
    • Developed to meet long-term requirements of the Indian Air Force
    • Being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

    Key Features

    • Stealth capability
      • Materials Used:
      • Carbon composites
      • Radar-absorbent coatings containing ferrite or iron ball paint
      • Composite polymers and graphene-based materials
    • Advanced avionics includes:
      • AESA radar
      • Sensor fusion
      • Electronic warfare suites
      • Helmet-mounted displays
    • Supercruise capability (Supersonic speed in Dry Thrust)
    • Next-generation combat systems

    Programme Highlights

    • Government plans to build five prototypes
    • Selected private company will partner with ADA
    • Part of the “Make in India” and defence indigenisation push
    • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reportedly excluded from current process

    Consider the following statements regarding the fifth-generation fighter jet configurations of India and Russia:
    1.The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s operational fifth-generation stealth fighter, features supercruise capabilities but utilizes conventional round exhaust nozzles.
    2.Under proposed partnerships, Russia has offered a twin-seat variant of the Su-57, which allows a second crew member to manage manned-unmanned teaming operations with stealth drones.
    3.India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is being developed and manufactured solely under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with zero foreign collaboration for its engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2, and 3

  • New Evergreen Tree Species Discovered in Kerala

    Why in News?

    Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute discovered a new evergreen tree species, Humboldtia nairiana, in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

    About the Species

    • Belongs to the genus Humboldtia
    • Found in riparian forests of the southern Western Ghats
    • Named in honour of plant biotechnologist G.M. Nair

    Discovery

    • First collected during a 2010 floristic survey along the Cheenikkala-Pandimotta forest trail
    • Seedlings were conserved ex-situ at the JNTBGRI Arboretum
    • Flowering and fruiting observed in 2022
    • Morphological studies confirmed it as a new species

    Distribution

    • Strictly endemic to Kerala
    • Known only from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

    Conservation Status

    • Wild population is fragile and limited
    • Categorised as “Data Deficient” under IUCN criteria
    • Highlights need for habitat protection and field monitoring

    Ecological Importance

    • Adds to the biodiversity significance of the Western Ghats
    • Shows importance of riparian forest ecosystems
    • Strengthens conservation value of Agasthyamala region

    About Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

    • Part of the Western Ghats
    • UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve
    • Known for high endemism and rich biodiversity

    [2019] “Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries” are part of which of the following?

    [A] Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve

    [B] Nilgiri biosphere reserve

    [C] Seshachalam Hills

    [D] Panna biosphere reserve

  • Supreme Court Upholds Bihar SIR Exercise

    Why in News?

    The Supreme Court of India upheld the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar.

    What is SIR?

    Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls to ensure:

    • Accuracy of voter lists
    • Removal of duplicate or ineligible entries
    • Free and fair elections

    Supreme Court’s Key Observations

    • Electoral roll purity is essential for democracy.
    • EC can verify citizenship status for inclusion/exclusion in voter rolls.
    • SIR is linked to Article 324 of the Constitution.

    Court Directions

    • Names removed from Bihar rolls as “non-citizens” must be referred to the Centre under the Citizenship Act within four weeks.
    • Genuine citizens must be restored before future elections.
    • Wrongly deleted voters can approach courts.

    Constitutional and Legal Basis

    • Article 324: Powers of EC to supervise elections
    • Representation of the People Act, 1950
    • Registration of Electors Rules, 1960

    Reasons Supporting SIR

    The Court accepted EC’s concerns regarding:

    • Migration
    • Duplicate entries
    • Unreported deaths
    • Urbanisation
    • Long gap since last intensive revision

    Safeguards Mentioned by Court

    • Notice before deletion
    • Opportunity of hearing
    • Aadhaar accepted as indicative document
    • Publication of excluded voters list

    [2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a

    A. Fundamental Right
    B. Natural Right
    C. Constitutional Right
    DLegal Right

  • Big Island (Hawaii)

    Why in the news?

    A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on the Big Island.

    About the Big Island

    • The largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago
    • Part of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean
    • Area: ~10,432 km²
    • Formed through volcanic activity

    Five Major Volcanoes

    • Kohala
    • Hualālai
    • Mauna Kea
    • Mauna Loa
    • Kīlauea

    Important Volcanoes

    Mauna Loa

    • One of the world’s largest volcanoes
    • Shield volcano
    • Greatest mass of any mountain on Earth

    Kīlauea

    • Among the world’s most active volcanoes
    • Frequently erupting since 1983

    Shield Volcano

    • A volcano with broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows. Examples: Mauna Loa and Kīlauea

    Mauna Kea

    • The highest point in Hawaii above sea level
    • Hosts major astronomical observatories

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    • UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Protects Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes

    Why are Earthquakes Common in Hawaii?

    Due to:

    • Volcanic activity
    • Movement of tectonic plates
    • Hotspot volcanism

    Hotspot Volcanism

    • A hotspot is a place where hot magma rises from Earth’s mantle. As the Pacific Plate moves over it, volcanic islands form.

    [2024] Consider the following:
    1. Pyroclastic debris
    2. Ash and dust
    3. Nitrogen compounds
    4. Sulphur compounds
    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • Vembanad Lake

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala government acted against houseboat pollution in Vembanad Lake following directions from the Kerala High Court.

    About Vembanad Lake

    • Largest lake in Kerala and longest lake in India
    • Largest tropical wetland ecosystem on India’s southwest coast
    • Also called Vembanad Kayal, Punnamada Lake, Kochi Lake
    • Spread across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts

    Source Rivers

    Fed by:

    • Pampa
    • Meenachil
    • Achankovil
    • Manimala

    Ecological Importance

    • Ramsar Site since 2002
    • Supports fisheries, biodiversity, flood control, and groundwater recharge
    • Part of National Wetlands Conservation Programme

    Agriculture

    • Famous for below sea-level farming in the Kuttanad region

    Tourism and Culture

    • Major part of Kerala backwaters tourism
    • Known for houseboats and inland water transport
    • Hosts Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in August

    [2022] Consider the following pairs : Wetland/Lake Location
    1. Hokera Wetland: Punjab
    2. Renuka Wetland: Himachal Pradesh
    3. Rudrasagar Lake: Tripura
    4. Sasthamkotta Lake: Tamil Nadu
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    [A] Only one pair

    [B] Only two pairs

    [C] Only three pairs

    [D] All four pairs