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Type: Prelims Only

  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    CERC Delays Stricter Grid Rules for Wind and Solar Generators

    6 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has delayed stricter grid stability rules for wind and solar generators by one year, giving renewable energy companies more time to adapt.

    About the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

    • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, a key regulator of the power sector in India, is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under sec – 76 of the Electricity Act 2003.

    Key Decision

    • Stricter deviation norms postponed
    • Earlier implementation: April 2026
    • New implementation: April 2027

    What Are Deviation Norms

    • Power generators must: Declare electricity supply in advance
    • If actual generation differs:
      • Grid stability disturbed
      • Operators impose deviation charges (penalties)

    Why Renewable Energy Gets Relaxation

    • Wind and solar power:
      • Depend on weather
      • Hard to predict output
      • More variability
    • Hence: Relaxed deviation norms

    Deviation Limits 

    Deviation band = Allowed variation between scheduled power and actual generation without penalty.

    Solar & Hybrid Projects

    • Earlier: ±10%
    • Now: ±5%
      • Must generate closer to committed power
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier allowed: 90 to 110 MW
      • Now allowed: 95 to 105 MW

    Wind Projects

    • Earlier: ±15%
    • Now: ±10%
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier: 85 to 115 MW
      • Now: 90 to 110 MW
    [2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 
    1 India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 
    2 The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. 
    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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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate Change Threatens Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Industry

    6 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Climate change, declining snowfall, and shrinking willow plantations are threatening Kashmir’s traditional cricket bat industry, which supports over 1.5 lakh livelihoods.

    Kashmir Cricket Bat Industry:  

    • Over 100 years old industry
    • Around 3 million cricket bats produced annually
    • About 150 bat manufacturing units in Sangam (South Kashmir)
    • 1.5 lakh people dependent on the industry
    • Kashmir willow bats are supplied to: Domestic markets and International markets

    Main Raw Material: Kashmir Willow

    • Scientific name: Salix alba (White Willow)
    • Grows near rivers and wetlands
    • Requires:
      • High moisture
      • Moderate temperature
      • Saturated soil
    • Around 80% of bat wood comes from riparian zones (riverbanks and wetlands).
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Bengal Florican: The Last Dance in Shrinking Grasslands

    6 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.

    About Bengal Florican

    • Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
    • Type: Bustard species
    • Habitat:
      • Alluvial floodplain grasslands
      • Gangetic Brahmaputra plains

    Grass species in habitat:

    • Imperata cylindrica
    • Saccharum spontaneum
    • Saccharum bengalense
    • Desmostachya bipinnata

    Unique Behaviour

    • Male performs vertical jumps
    • Displays wing movements and vocal calls
    • Known as Lekking behaviour
      • Multiple males display together
      • Attract females

    Local Names:

    • Assamese: Ulu mora
    • Bodo: Daotriling

    Distribution

    India

    Major strongholds:

    • Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
    • Manas National Park (Assam)
    • Kaziranga National Park
    • Orang National Park
    • Dibru Saikhowa National Park
    • Majuli river islands
    • Arunachal Pradesh grasslands

    Outside India

    • Nepal
    • Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)

    Why Bengal Florican is Important

    • Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
    • Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
    • Helps maintain ecological balance
    [2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Civil Services Reforms

    Sādhana Saptah 2026 Under Mission Karmayogi

    6 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters, Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Sādhana Saptah 2026 has been launched under Mission Karmayogi to strengthen future ready, citizen centric civil services in India.

    What is Sādhana Saptah

    • Sādhana Saptah stands for:Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement
    • It is:
      • A capacity building initiative
      • For civil servants across India
      • Focused on citizen centric governance

    Parent Initiative

    • Under Mission Karmayogi
    • Also called: National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)

    Key Objectives

    • Build future ready bureaucracy
    • Improve governance delivery
    • Promote citizen centric administration
    • Strengthen administrative capacity
    [2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy? (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    FAO Food Price Index Rises Amid West Asia Conflict

    6 April 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The FAO Food Price Index increased in March 2026, mainly due to rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict, which pushed up global food prices.

    What is FAO Food Price Index

    The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI):

    • Measures monthly change in global food prices
    • Tracks international food commodity prices
    • Published by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    Components of FAO Food Price Index

    • The index includes five commodity groups:
      • Cereals
      • Vegetable oils
      • Dairy
      • Meat
      • Sugar
    • These are weighted based on average export shares.

    Base Year

    • Base period: 2014–2016 = 100

    About FAO

    Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    • Specialized agency of United Nations
    • Established: 1945
    • Headquarters: Rome, Italy
    • Members: 195
      • 194 countries
      • European Union
    [2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 
    1 To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
    2 To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 
    3 To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS. 
    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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  • Indian Navy Updates

    INS Taragiri Commissioned into Indian Navy

    4 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    India commissioned INS Taragiri (F41), an indigenously built stealth guided missile frigate, at Visakhapatnam, boosting maritime security and indigenous defence capability.

    INS Taragiri: Key Details

    • Name: INS Taragiri
    • Type: Stealth Guided Missile Frigate
    • Commissioned at: Visakhapatnam
    • Fleet: Eastern Fleet
    • Indigenous content: Over 75%
    • Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)

    Project 17A Frigate

    • INS Taragiri belongs to: Project 17A stealth frigates
    • Project 17A ships: INS Nilgiri
      • INS Udaygiri
      • INS Taragiri
      • INS Himgiri
      • INS Dunagiri
      • INS Mahendragiri
      • INS Surat (depending classification variations)
    [2009] Consider the following statements: 
    1 INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier. 
    2 INS Viraat is a submarine. 
    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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  • INS Aridhaman Joins Indian Navy, Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence

    4 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    India quietly commissioned INS Aridhaman, the third indigenously built nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), at Visakhapatnam, strengthening India’s nuclear triad capability.

    INS Aridhaman: Key Details

    • Name: INS Aridhaman (S4)
    • Type: Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)
    • Class: Arihant Class
    • Displacement: ~7,000 tonnes
    • Built under: Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project
    • Built at: Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam

    Missile Capability

    INS Aridhaman can carry:

    • K 15 Sagarika missiles
      • Up to 24 missiles
      • Range: ~750 km
    • K 4 missiles
      • Up to 8 missiles
      • Range: ~3,500 km
    • Future capability:
      • K 5 nuclear capable missiles (under development)
    • This gives greater firepower compared to earlier submarines.

    India’s Nuclear Triad

    India now maintains Nuclear Triad:

    • Land Based: Agni missiles
    • Air Based: Fighter aircraft nuclear delivery
    • Sea Based: SSBN submarines (like INS Aridhaman)
    • Countries with Nuclear Triad: India, USA, Russia, China, and France

    India’s SSBN Fleet

    • INS Arihant — 2016
    • INS Arighaat — 2024
    • INS Aridhaman — 2026
    • S4* (likely INS Arisudan) — Under trials
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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  • Tribes in News

    Great Nicobar Project: Tribal Relocation Plan Raises Concerns

    4 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News

    A draft relocation plan for Nicobarese tribal communities linked to the ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project has triggered fresh concerns and protests.

    Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project

    • Location: Great Nicobar Island
    • Project Cost: ₹92,000 crore
    • Objective:
      • Infrastructure development
      • Strategic maritime hub
      • Port and airport development

    Project is strategically important for:

    • Indo Pacific presence
    • Maritime trade routes
    • National security

    Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar 

    Major tribes:

    • Nicobarese
    • Shompen
    • Jarawa
    • Sentinelese
    • Onge
    • Great Andamanese
    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (a) Andaman and Nicobar (b) Nicobar and Sumatra (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep (d) Sumatra and Java

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    US Imposes 100% Tariff on Patented Pharma Imports

    4 April 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The United States announced 100% tariff on patented pharmaceutical imports, but generic drugs remain exempt, limiting the immediate impact on India.

    Key Announcement

    • US to impose 100% tariff
    • Applies to:
      • Patented pharmaceuticals
      • Associated ingredients
    • Effective from: July 31
    • Generics excluded for now
    • Review of generics: within 12 months

    Impact on India

    Limited Immediate Impact

    • 90% of India’s pharma exports to US are generics
    • Generics currently exempt

    India exports:

    • $9.7 billion pharma exports to US (2025)
    • US accounts for 38–40% of India’s pharma exports

    Companies Likely to Be Affected

    • Sun Pharma major exposure
    • Patented drug exports may face pressure

    Sun Pharma data:

    • Global patented sales: $1.2 billion
    • US share: 85–90%
    [2018] Consider the following statements: 1 The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years. 2 The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special 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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  • Governor vs. State

    Governor Bound by Cabinet Advice in Remission of Convicts: Madras High Court

    3 April 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Federalism, Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    A Full Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Governor is bound by the State Cabinet’s advice while granting remission or premature release of convicts under Article 161 of the Constitution.

    Key Ruling of Madras High Court

    • Governor cannot exercise discretion
    • Must follow advice of Council of Ministers
    • Applies to:
      • Remission
      • Commutation
      • Premature release of prisoners
    • Court held: Governor cannot take a different view from the Cabinet

    Constitutional Provision

    Article 161

    Governor has power to:

    • Grant pardon
    • Reprieve
    • Respite
    • Remission
    • Commute sentence

    Applies to: Offences under State laws

    Why the Case Was Referred

    • Two conflicting High Court rulings (2024)
    • Division Bench referred issue to Full Bench (2025)
    • Full Bench gave authoritative clarification
    [2025] Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India: 
    1 The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. 
    2 The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. 
    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

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