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Type: Prelims Only

  • Government Budgets

    Union Budget 2026–27 

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Government Budgeting,Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Union Budget of India for 2026–27 was presented on 1 February 2026 by Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on Yuva Shakti, inclusive growth and long term economic resilience.

    Budget Theme and Vision

    • Yuva Shakti driven Budget with focus on poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged
    • First Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhawan
    • Anchored on 3 Kartavya
      • Accelerate and sustain economic growth
      • Fulfil aspirations and build capacity
      • Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas towards Viksit Bharat

    Major Economic and Fiscal Announcements

    • Public Capex increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore in FY 2026–27
    • Fiscal deficit targeted at 4.3 percent of GDP
    • Debt to GDP ratio projected at 55.6 percent
    • Net market borrowing at ₹11.7 lakh crore

    Taxation Reforms

    Direct Taxes

    • New Income Tax Act, 2025 effective from April 2026
    • Simplified income tax rules and forms
    • TCS on overseas tour packages reduced to 2 percent
    • STT on futures increased to 0.05 percent
    • MAT rate reduced to 14 percent and made final tax
    • Multiplicity of penalty and prosecution proceedings reduced

    Support to IT and Global Investment

    • Single category of IT Services with safe harbour margin of 15.5 percent
    • Safe harbour threshold raised to ₹2,000 crore
    • Foreign cloud service providers to get tax holiday till 2047
    • MAT exemption to all non residents paying tax on presumptive basis

    Indirect Taxes and Customs

    • Basic customs duty exemption
      • Capital goods for lithium ion batteries
      • Critical minerals processing equipment
      • 17 drugs and medicines
    • Tariff on personal imports reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent
    • Customs warehousing shifted to operator centric digital system
    • Single digital window for cargo clearance by end of financial year

    Sector Specific Highlights

    Manufacturing and MSMEs

    • ₹10,000 crore SME [Small and Medium Enterprises] Growth Fund
    • Scaling manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors
    • Textile sector integrated programme including Samarth 2.0

    Infrastructure and Transport

    • Seven high speed rail corridors as growth connectors
    • New Dedicated Freight Corridors
    • Operationalisation of 20 National Waterways

    Health, Education and Social Sector

    • Biopharma SHAKTI with outlay of ₹10,000 crore
    • One girls hostel in every district for STEM institutions
    • Medical tourism hubs in partnership with private sector
    • NIMHANS 2 and mental health institutes upgrade

    Technology and AI

    • Bharat VISTAAR multilingual AI tool for agriculture
    • AVGC content creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges

    Sports and Tourism

    • Launch of Khelo India Mission
    • Upskilling 10,000 tourist guides
    • Buddhist Circuit development in North East
    [2024] With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements: 

    1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament

    2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President 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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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    New CPI Inflation Series and Changing Consumption Weights

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    India’s new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with 2024 as the base year will reduce the weight of food and beverages to about 37 percent from nearly 46 percent, reflecting updated household consumption patterns released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

    What is CPI?

    • CPI measures retail inflation faced by households
    • Used by Reserve Bank of India for monetary policy decisions
    • Forms the basis of inflation targeting at 4 percent within a 2 to 6 percent band

    Key Changes in the New CPI Series

    • Food and beverages weight reduced
      • From 45.86 percent to 36.75 percent
    • Housing weight increased
      • From 10.07 percent to 17.66 percent
    • CPI basket expanded
      • From 299 items to 358 items
    • Based on 2023–24 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey

    Why is Food Weight Being Reduced?

    • Reflects Engel’s Law, which states that as income rises, the share of spending on food falls
    • Rural food share declined from 52.9 percent to 47.04 percent
    • Urban food share declined from 42.62 percent to 39.68 percent
    • Lower food weight is expected to reduce volatility in headline inflation

    Implications for Inflation and RBI

    • High food weight earlier caused sharp swings in CPI due to supply shocks
    • New weights may lead to
      • Slightly higher CPI when food inflation is low
      • Lower CPI when food inflation is high
    • Makes CPI more aligned with current consumption realities
    • Supports smoother monetary policy transmission

    Rising Importance of Housing

    • Housing category expanded to include
      • Water, electricity, gas and other fuels
    • Higher urban spending on rent reflected
    • Methodological changes may lead to higher measured housing inflation
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

    2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does

    3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection and Geomagnetic Storm

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Astronomers have identified a Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) as the cause of an intense geomagnetic storm in March 2023, revealing major challenges in space weather forecasting.

    What is a Stealth CME?

    • A weak and faint Coronal Mass Ejection with little or no visible solar signatures
    • Lacks common warning signs like X ray flares or radio bursts
    • Often escapes detection by conventional solar observation tools
    • Responsible for nearly 10 percent of intense geomagnetic storms

    What is a Geomagnetic Storm?

    • A temporary disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere
    • Triggered by solar wind shocks or CMEs interacting with Earth’s magnetic field
    • Strongest effects when the interplanetary magnetic field is southward

    Key Scientific Findings

    • The stealth CME erupted on 19 March 2023
    • It travelled through a coronal hole, a region of open magnetic field releasing high speed solar wind
    • This enabled the weak CME to reach Earth and trigger a strong storm after about three days
    • CMEs near coronal holes get accelerated, increasing their Earth impact potential
    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 

    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 

    3. Power grids could be damaged. 

    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 

    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 

    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    National Commission for Women marks 34th Foundation Day

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

    Why in the News?

    The National Commission for Women marked its 34th Foundation Day on 30 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the link between women’s health and empowerment.

    About National Commission for Women

    • Statutory body constituted under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990
    • Established in 1992
    • Mandate includes safeguarding women’s rights, policy review, legal interventions, and grievance redressal

    Theme of Foundation Day

    • Swasthya hi Sashaktikaran
    • Stresses that women’s health is foundational to empowerment, social equity, and national development
    [2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 

    2. The National Human Rights Commission 

    3. The National Law Commission 

    4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies? 

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

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Menstrual Health and MHM

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India ruled on January 30, 2026 that menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools are integral to the Right to Life and Dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

    What the Court Held

    • Right to menstrual health is part of Article 21, covering dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
    • Lack of MHM facilities exposes girls to stigma, humiliation, and exclusion.
    • Menstrual poverty violates right to education by causing absenteeism and dropouts.

    Key Constitutional Dimensions

    • Dignity: Girls must manage menstruation without humiliation.
    • Privacy and Bodily Autonomy: Choice cannot be dictated by lack of facilities.
    • Equality in Education: Gender-specific barriers defeat free and compulsory education.

    Important Observations

    • MHM goes beyond sanitation to include decisional freedom.
    • Unsafe practices or forced absenteeism undermine a dignified existence.
    • Impairment of education has long-term social and economic consequences.

    Directions Issued by the Court

    • Functional gender-segregated toilets in all schools, government and private.
    • Free-of-cost oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins, preferably via vending machines in toilets.
    • Creation of MHM corners with spare innerwear, uniforms, disposable bags, and essentials.
    • Sensitisation of male teachers and students to prevent harassment and invasive questioning.

    Accountability Mechanism

    • Government schools held accountable for non-compliance with Section 19 of the RTE Act.
    • Private schools face de-recognition and penalties for violating prescribed norms.
    [2024] Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? (a) Article 15 

    (b) Article 16 

    (c) Article 19 

    (d) Article 21

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Rare Blood Red Aurora over Ladakh 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    A rare blood red aurora was observed over Hanle in Ladakh on 19–20 January 2026 following a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by a fast coronal mass ejection from the Sun.

    Key Facts about the Event

    • Observed at the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle
    • Captured by an all sky camera operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics
    • Sixth such intense red aurora recorded at Hanle during the current solar cycle
    • Rare because auroras usually occur near polar regions, not mid latitudes like Ladakh

    Cause of the Red Aurora

    • Triggered by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) launched on 18 January
    • CME associated with an X1.9 class solar flare
    • Originated from Active Region 14341 near the centre of the Sun
    • CME interacted with Earth’s magnetosphere
    • Resulted in a G4 level geomagnetic storm on the NOAA scale classified as severe

    Why the Aurora Appeared Red

    • Caused by excitation of oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere
    • Occurs at high altitudes around 200 to 400 km
    • Red auroras are rarer than green ones and indicate strong space weather

    [2012] Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth? 

    (a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles 

    (b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space 

    (c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth 

    (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

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  • Judicial Reforms

    National Legal Services Authority 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice, informed the Rajya Sabha about the establishment of district legal services clinics by the National Legal Services Authority to expand access to justice.

    About National Legal Services Authority

    • Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
    • Objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the poor and marginalised sections
    • Ensures implementation of Article 39A of the Constitution

    Organisational Structure

    • NALSA is housed in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
    • State Legal Services Authorities in every State
    • High Court Legal Services Committees in every High Court
    • District Legal Services Authorities at district level
    • Taluk Legal Services Committees at taluk level

    Free Legal Services Include

    • Payment of court fees, process fees, and other legal charges
    • Legal representation by lawyers
    • Supply of certified copies of judgments and documents
    • Preparation of appeals, paper books, translation, and printing of documents
    [2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 

    1. Person with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000 

    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹ 2,00,000 

    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000 

    4. All Senior Citizens 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary 

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

    Why in the News?

    Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared Maoist free and is emerging as a key leopard habitat, with forest officials estimating over 70 leopards in the sanctuary.

    What does “Maoist free” mean?

    Maoist free refers to an area that has been cleared of active Maoist (Left Wing Extremist) presence and where no operational influence, camps, or armed activity of Maoist groups remains.

    About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in Odisha, in Nuapada district
    • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983
    • Adjoins Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Forms part of an inter state forest landscape between Odisha and Chhattisgarh

    Physical Features

    • Terrain includes plateaus, deep canyons, and 11 waterfalls
    • Acts as catchment of the Jonk River
    • Jonk River is a tributary of the Mahanadi River
    • An irrigation dam constructed across the river
    • Vegetation: Dominated by Dry Deciduous Tropical Forests

    Prelims Pointers

    • Sunabeda lies in western Odisha
    • Declared sanctuary in 1983
    • Shares boundary with Udanti Sitanadi landscape
    • Part of Mahanadi river basin via Jonk River
    • Known for leopard population recovery after Maoist decline
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. 

    Which of the statements given above 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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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Vishwamitri River  

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

    Why in the News?

    The Vishwamitri River, flowing through Vadodara in Gujarat, has drawn attention due to the presence of a large urban population of mugger crocodiles, earning it the title India’s Crocodile River.

    About Vishwamitri River

    • A small non perennial river in eastern Gujarat
    • Origin: Western and southern slopes of the Pavagadh Hills
    • Course: Flows westward through Vadodara city
    • Tributaries: Dhadar and Jambuva
    • Outfall: Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat
    • Total length: 200 km
    • Characterised by highly meandering and sinuous course

    Biodiversity Along the River

    • Mammals: Porcupine, Indian civet, Jungle cat
    • Reptiles: Cobras, Pythons, Checkered keelback, Bengal monitor
    • Supports a major population of Mugger crocodile

    Mugger Crocodiles 

    • Scientific name Crocodylus palustris
    • Distribution: Iran to Bangladesh, Nepal to Sri Lanka
    • In India found in 15 states
    • Also called Indian crocodile
    • 2025 census recorded 442 muggers
    • Found within a 21 km urban stretch in Vadodara
    • Freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, hill streams
    • Can survive in coastal saltwater lagoons
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    [2017] If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? 

    (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves 

    (b) Chambal River 

    (c) Pulicat Lake 

    (d) Deepor Beel

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Reconstructing the Sun’s Invisible Magnetic Fields

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have reconstructed the internal magnetic fields of the Sun using 30 years of surface data, improving the ability to predict solar cycles and space weather. The study was published on January 20 in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

    Background

    • The Sun follows an ~11 year solar activity cycle driving sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections
    • These events affect satellites, navigation systems, power grids and communications on Earth
    • Prediction is difficult because magnetic fields originate deep inside the Sun, beyond direct observation

    What is New in This Study?

    • Instead of relying on simplified theoretical assumptions, researchers used a data driven solar dynamo model
    • Real observations of surface magnetic fields were fed into a 3D computer simulation
    • This allowed reconstruction of the invisible magnetic fields inside the Sun

    Key Scientific Findings

    • Successfully reproduced the Butterfly Diagram, showing sunspot migration from high latitudes to the equator
    • Revealed behaviour of the toroidal magnetic field in the Sun’s convection zone
    • Internal magnetic field strength matched actual Solar Cycles 23, 24 and 25

    Significance

    • Advances understanding of solar dynamo physics
    • Enhances space weather forecasting accuracy
    • Critical for protecting space based assets and communication infrastructure
    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 

    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 

    3. Power grids could be damaged. 

    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 

    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 

    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 

    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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