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Type: Prelims Only

  • India-US Critical Minerals Framework

    Why in the news?

    India and the United States signed a Critical Minerals Framework to secure supply chains amid concerns over China’s rare earth export restrictions.

    Critical Minerals

    Essential for:

    • Economic development
    • National security
    • Clean energy transition
    • Examples: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

    Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

    • Group of 17 metallic elements used in: EVs, Defence systems, Electronics, Renewable energy, and Semiconductors

    Why Important?

    • Crucial for EVs, solar panels, batteries
    • Used in missiles, fighter jets, AI hardware
    • Key to semiconductor and telecom industries

    China’s Dominance

    China dominates rare earth processing and refining, creating:

    • Supply chain vulnerabilities
    • Geopolitical risks
    • Export control concerns

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • Haj Pilgrimage and Mount of Mercy (Arafat)

    Why in News?

    Muslim pilgrims gathered at the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah) on the plain of Arafat near Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

    What is Hajj?

    • Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, mainly from the 8th to 12th day.

    Importance

    • Mandatory once in a lifetime for every financially and physically capable Muslim.

    Five Pillars of Islam

    • Shahada (Faith)
    • Salah (Prayer)
    • Zakat (Charity)
    • Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
    • Hajj (Pilgrimage)

    What is Arafat?

    • Arafat is a plain about 20 km southeast of Mecca where pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is considered the most important ritual site of Hajj.

    Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah)

    Religious significance:

    • Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon here.
    • Islamic tradition believes Adam and Eve reunited here after separation.

    [2022] The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?

    [A] Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores

    [B] Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco

    [C] Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa

    [D] The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea

  •  First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol on ABS

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released insights from India’s first national report on the Nagoya Protocol related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), highlighting India’s progress in ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources.

    About the Nagoya Protocol

    • Adopted Under: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • Objective: To ensure Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

    What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?

    • ABS means: Users of biological resources must share benefits with:
      • Local communities
      • Indigenous groups
      • Traditional knowledge holders
    • Benefits can include:
      • Monetary compensation
      • Technology transfer
      • Community development
      • Conservation support

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Large-Scale Implementation Between 2017 and 2025: 12,830 ABS approvals granted.
    • India’s Global Contribution
    • India issued:
      • 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs)
      • Around 60% of global issuance.
    • Revenue Generated: ₹216.31 crore realised by: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
    • Community Benefit: ₹139.69 crore disbursed to benefit claimers and local communities.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    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

  • Nirmala Sitharaman Flags ‘3F’ Concerns: Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Exchange

    Why in the News?

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted concerns regarding “3Fs” Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Exchange amid the economic impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis.

    Key Economic Concerns

    Rupee Depreciation

    • Rupee weakened sharply against the U.S. dollar after the war began.
    • RBI reportedly intervened heavily in forex markets.

    Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Outflows

    • Foreign investors sold: Indian stocks and bonds leading to:
      • Capital outflows
      • Pressure on forex reserves

    Forex Reserves Decline

    • India’s forex reserves reportedly fell significantly compared to pre-war levels.

    Government Measures Taken

    • Higher import duty on:
      • Gold
      • Silver
      • Platinum
    • Restrictions on duty-free gold imports
    • Fuel price hikes
    • Appeals to reduce non-essential imports and foreign travel

    [2022] With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
    1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
    2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
    3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • The Physics of Thermometers, Temperature and Cold Atoms

    Why in the News?

    An article in The Hindu explained the scientific principles behind thermometers, temperature scales, absolute zero, and ultra-cold atomic physics, highlighting how measurement of temperature evolved from mercury thermometers to quantum physics-based studies of cold atoms.

    What is Temperature?

    • Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of atoms and molecules in a substance.
    • When heat is supplied:
      • Atoms and molecules move faster.
    • When heat is removed:
      • Their motion slows down.
    • Thus, temperature reflects the degree of atomic agitation inside matter.

    Celsius Scale

    • Developed by: Anders Celsius

    Basis of the Scale

    • 0°C: Freezing point of water
    • 100°C: Boiling point of water
    • The interval between these two points is divided into 100 equal parts.

    Mercury Thermometers

    Why Mercury is Used

    • Uniform expansion on heating
    • Easily visible liquid metal
    • Good thermal conductor

    Digital Thermometers

    • Modern digital thermometers use Semiconductor materials
    • Principle
      • Semiconductors conduct limited electricity.
      • Higher temperature releases more free electrons.
      • Increased electric current is measured electronically and converted into temperature readings.

    [2021] In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
    1. Area of the hole in the lid
    2. Temperature of the flame

    3. Weight of the lid
    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

  • Revision of Base Year for Index of Industrial Production (IIP) to 2022-23

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on revising the base year of the All-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2011-12 to 2022-23.

    About IIP

    • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) measures: Growth in industrial activity in India.
    • Published By: National Statistical Office (NSO) Under MoSPI

    Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-IIP)

    • Chairman: Mridul K. Saggar
    • Constituted: September 2024
    • Purpose
      • Guide the revision of IIP base year.
      • Improve methodology, coverage, and accuracy.

    Major Changes in New IIP Series (2022-23)

    • Expanded Coverage: New sectors included:
      • Minor minerals
      • Rare earth minerals
      • Gas supply
      • Water supply
      • Sewerage and waste management

    Revised Item Basket

    • Total products: 1,042
    • Mapped into: 463 item groups
    • Based on: National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025

    National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025

    • National Industrial Classification (NIC) is India’s official system for classifying economic and industrial activities.
    • It helps in:
      • Collection of statistical data
      • Industrial surveys
      • National accounts compilation
      • Economic analysis and policy formulation

    Released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through the National Statistical Office (NSO).

    [2012] In India the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eighth Core Industries have combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?
    1. Cement
    2. Fertilizers
    3. Natural Gas
    4. Refinery products
    5. Textiles
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    [A] 1 and 5 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Russia Uses Oreshnik missile in Major Attack on Ukraine

    Why in the News?

    Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including the use of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile near Kyiv.

    Key Highlights

    • Russia carried out one of the heaviest bombardments on: Kyiv
    • Hundreds of Drones and Missiles were used.

    About the Oreshnik Missile

    Features

    • Intermediate-range hypersonic missile [Range of 3,000 km to 5,500 km]
    • Capable of carrying: Nuclear warheads

    Strategic Significance

    • This was reportedly: The third use of the Oreshnik missile in the Ukraine war.
    • European leaders termed it:
      • Escalatory
      • Nuclear brinkmanship

    [2023] Consider the following countries
    1. Bulgaria
    2. Czech Republic
    3. Hungary
    4. Latvia
    5. Lithuania
    6. Romania
    How many of the above countries share a land border with Ukraine?

    [A] Only two

    [B] Only three

    [C] Only four

    [D] Only five

  • Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Initiative

    Why in the News?

    China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) initiative has gained attention after the official launch of island-wide special customs operations in December 2025.

    What is Hainan FTP?

    • A major Chinese economic liberalisation initiative launched in June 2020
    • Officially operational since December 18, 2025

    Objective

    To transform Hainan into:

    • A global trade and tourism hub
    • Gateway for China’s economic opening-up
    • Regional business and logistics centre

    Key Features of the FTP

    The policy follows:

    • “Freer access at the first line”
    • “Regulated access at the second line”
    • “Free flow within the island”

    Meaning

    • Imports into Hainan face minimal tariff barriers.
    • Normal customs apply only when goods move from Hainan into mainland China.

    Major Benefits

    Tariff Reduction

    • Zero-tariff goods expanded From 21% to 74%
    • Tariff-free product categories increased From 1,900 to 6,600

    Visa-Free Entry

    • Visitors from 86 countries allowed visa-free access.
    • Boosts tourism and international business travel.

    Economic Impact

    • Foreign Investment: More than 3,265 foreign-invested enterprises registered shortly after launch.

    Trade Growth

    • Imports worth 753 million yuan recorded in early months after FTP launch.

    Benefits for Businesses

    • Lower Import Costs: Companies can import raw materials and products at reduced cost.
    • Example: Coffee imported into Hainan costs significantly less than mainland China due to tariff exemptions.

    Tourism and Duty-Free Shopping

    Duty-Free System

    • Large duty-free shopping centres established in:
      • Sanya
      • Haikou

    Consumer Incentives

    • Mainland residents allowed duty-free shopping with annual caps.
    • Tourism and retail consumption have grown rapidly.

    Strategic Importance for China

    Alternative to Hong Kong

    • A new international trade and finance hub
    • A competitor and complement to Hong Kong

    Geopolitical Importance

    • Located in the South China Sea
    • Strengthens China’s regional economic influence.

    [2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

    a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
    b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
    c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
    d) Though International Court, of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

  • Supreme Court Revives Limited Use of Sedition Law (Section 124A)

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India clarified that accused persons who voluntarily consent can continue to face proceedings under Section 124A (sedition), even though the constitutional validity of the law remains under challenge.

    Background

    Section 124A (Sedition)

    • Part of the: Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
    • Introduced during: British colonial rule in 1898
    • Punishes: Acts or speech considered to incite disaffection against the government

    Earlier Supreme Court Position (2022)

    In May 2022, the Supreme Court:

    • Suspended fresh sedition cases and ongoing proceedings.
    • Observed that Section 124A:
      • Reflected colonial mindset
      • Had chilling effect on free speech
      • Was widely misused

    The Court noted the Union government’s statement that outdated colonial laws should be reconsidered.

    Recent Clarification (May 21, 2026)

    • Kamran vs State of Madhya Pradesh.
    • The Court clarified: If accused persons voluntarily agree, courts may proceed with sedition trials on merits.

    Purpose

    • To protect:
      • Right to speedy trial
      • Timely closure of pending cases

    Constitutional Challenge Still Pending

    • The constitutional validity of Section 124A remains under challenge in S.G. Vombatkere vs Union of India

    Main Grounds of Challenge

    Petitioners argue Section 124A violates:

    • Freedom of speech and expression
    • Personal liberty
    • Equality before law
    • under Article 19, Article 21, and Article 14 of the Constitution.

    Concerns Raised

    Legal and Practical Issues

    • Lower courts may decide guilt while constitutionality remains unresolved.
    • Clarification did not address situations where:
      • One accused consents
      • Co-accused refuse

    Historical Context

    • Colonial Origins: Sedition law was used by British authorities against:
      • Bal Gangadhar Tilak
      • Mahatma Gandhi

    [2025] “Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of:

    (a) The Champaran Satyagraha

    (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

    (c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London

    (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

  • India-U.S. Call for Free and Unimpeded Maritime Trade

    Why in the News?

    During talks in New Delhi, India and the United States emphasised the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

    Key Highlights

    • Marco Rubio held discussions with S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.
    • Major issues discussed:
      • Energy security
      • Maritime trade
      • Bilateral trade
      • Visa issues
      • Indo-Pacific cooperation

    Maritime Security Concerns

    Both countries stressed:

    • Safe and uninterrupted maritime commerce
    • Stability in the: Strait of Hormuz

    U.S. Concerns

    Marco Rubio accused Iran of:

    • Blocking maritime movement
    • Supporting proxy groups
    • Threatening international waterways

    India’s Position

    India highlighted:

    • Importance of diversified energy supplies
    • Need for peaceful diplomatic solutions
    • Risks to global supply chains from West Asia conflict

    Indo-Pacific Significance

    • The U.S. reiterated support for: A “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”

    Importance

    Ensures:

    • Freedom of navigation
    • Secure sea lanes
    • Stable global trade routes

    Trade Discussions

    • U.S. trade measures are part of a broader economic policy
    • Relations with Pakistan or other countries are not at India’s expense

    Strategic Importance of Strait of Hormuz

    • One of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
    • Large share of global crude oil and LNG trade passes through it.
    • Vital for India’s energy imports.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the Trade and Technology Council”.
    Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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

    [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.

    [D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.