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Type: Prelims Only

  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Masi Magam & Irular Community 

    21 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Art and Culture
    Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News

    • The festival Masi Magam highlights the cultural and spiritual practices of the Irular community, a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu.

    What is Masi Magam

    • Celebrated in Tamil month of Masi (Feb–March)
    • Occurs on full moon day (Magam star)
    • Associated with:
      • Ritual bathing in sea and water bodies
      • Temple festivals across Tamil Nadu

    About Irular Community

    • Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Tamil Nadu
    • Known for:
      • Traditional ecological knowledge
      • Snake handling
      • Herbal medicine
      • Honey collection
    • Socio-economic condition:
      • Marginalised, with some history of bonded labour
    [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 
    1.PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 
    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 
    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 
    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    RELIEF Scheme for Exporters 

    21 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    • Government approved RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
    • Aim: Support exporters amid West Asia crisis and maritime logistics disruption

    Background

    • Disruptions in Strait of Hormuz region
    • Issues:
      • Vessel diversion
      • Longer shipping routes
      • Port congestion
      • High freight cost + insurance premium + war-risk surcharge
      • Increased export uncertainty

    Objective

    • Ensure export continuity
    • Reduce logistics cost escalation
    • Provide risk mitigation
    • Protect MSME exporters and employment

    Coverage

    • Regions:
      • UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Yemen
    • Covers:
      • Past shipments (disruption period)
      • Future consignments

    Key Components

    1. Enhanced Risk Coverage (Insured Exporters)

    • Up to 100% additional coverage
    • For shipments during disruption period

    2. Support for Upcoming Exports

    • Up to 95% risk coverage
    • Encourages export flow continuity

    3. MSME Support (Non-Insured)

    • Up to 50% reimbursement
    • Covers:
      • Freight escalation
      • Insurance surcharge
    • Cap: ₹50 lakh per exporter
    [2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India: 
    1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore. 
    2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector. 
    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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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    World Happiness Report 2026  

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

    Why in the News

    • The World Happiness Report 2026 has been released.
    • Finland ranked as the happiest country for the 9th consecutive year.
    • India ranked 116th out of 147 countries.

    Top 10 Happiest Countries

    1. Finland
    2. Iceland
    3. Denmark
    4. Costa Rica
    5. Sweden
    6. Norway
    7. Netherlands
    8. Israel
    9. Luxembourg
    10. Switzerland

    Unhappiest Countries

    • Bottom-ranked: Afghanistan

    Key Factors Used in Ranking

    1. GDP per capita
    2. Life expectancy
    3. Social support
    4. Freedom to make life choices
    5. Generosity
    6. Perception of corruption

    Who publishes the World Happiness Report?

    • Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford (lead publisher)
    • In partnership with:
      • Gallup
      • UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
      • An independent editorial board of experts

    Major Findings

    1. Social Media Impact

    • High usage linked to: Lower well-being, especially among teenagers
    • Teenage girls using >5 hours/day: Reported lower life satisfaction

    2. Youth Happiness Decline

    • Decline observed in: USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    3. Why Finland Tops

    • High income with equitable distribution
    • Strong welfare state
    • High trust in institutions
    • Better life expectancy

    4. Conflict and Happiness

    • Countries facing conflict: Lowest happiness levels
    [2019] In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital? (a) The proportion of literates in the population (b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines (c) The size of population in the working age group (d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    World Sparrow Day 2026: ‘Chidi’ in Sikh Tradition

    21 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Art and Culture
    Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News

    • World Sparrow Day (March 20) highlights declining sparrow populations and their cultural significance, especially in Sikh tradition.

    Sparrow: Ecological Importance

    • One of the most common birds in human settlements
    • Plays role in:
      • Insect control
      • Maintaining urban biodiversity
    • Decline linked to:
      • Urbanisation
      • Loss of nesting spaces
      • Pollution

    ‘Chidi’ in Sikh Tradition

    Symbolism

    • Sparrow (‘chidi’) represents: Ordinary, weak, or downtrodden people

    Spiritual Meaning

    • In Sikh philosophy: Even the weakest can become powerful through divine grace and courage

    Cultural Expression

    • Sikh teachings, especially in: Guru Granth Sahib
    • Use nature imagery: Birds, animals, insects
      • Reflects rural Punjabi life and ethics

    Famous Metaphor

    • Linked with Sikh ethos: “Making sparrows fight hawks”
    • Symbolises: Empowerment of the weak against the strong

    Broader Insight

    • Sparrow is not just a bird but: A moral and spiritual metaphor
    • Shows connection between: Nature and religious philosophy
    [2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 
    1. Dadu Dayal 
    2. Guru Nanak 
    3. Tyagaraja 
    Which among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi Dynasty fell and Babur took over? 
    (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Core Sector Growth Slows to 2.3% (February 2026)

    21 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    • Government data shows growth in the Index of Eight Core Industries slowed sharply to 2.3% in February 2026, a three-month low.

    What are Core Sectors

    • Eight industries with high weight in IIP: Coal, Crude oil, Natural gas, Refinery products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity

    Key Findings

    1. Sharp Slowdown

    • Growth declined from 4.7% (January) → 2.3% (February)
    • Broad-based slowdown across sectors

    2. Best Performing Sectors

    • Cement: 9.3% growth (though slowing)
    • Steel: 7.2% growth

    3. Weak Performing Sectors

    • Crude oil: –5.2% (6th month of decline)
    • Natural gas: –5% (20th month of decline)
    • Refinery products: –1%
    • Electricity: 0.5% (low growth)
    • Coal: 2.3% (slowed)
    [2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (a) Coal Production (b) Electricity generation (c) Fertilizer production (d) Steel production

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

    MNRE Seeks Expanded Powers under Electricity Act

    21 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed expanding its authority under the Electricity Act, 2003 and seeks recognition as the “Central Government” for all renewable energy matters.

    Background

    Currently, the Ministry of Power exercises primary control over the Electricity Act, including grid-connected renewable energy. The proposal by MNRE aims to redefine this institutional arrangement.

    Key Demands by MNRE

    1. Policy and Market Design
      • Authority to design renewable energy markets
      • Power to frame and notify bidding guidelines for renewable projects
    2. Regulatory Role
      • Power to define tariff principles for the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
      • Ability to guide the regulator on renewable energy issues
    3. Monitoring Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs)
      • Oversight of compliance by distribution companies and large consumers
      • Addressing weak implementation by states
    4. Institutional Coordination
      • Greater role in regulation-making by the Central Electricity Authority
      • Influence over national transmission planning

    Current Status of Renewable Energy in India

    • Total installed capacity stands at about 520 GW
    • Non-fossil capacity is around 272 GW, more than half of total capacity
    • Renewable energy contributes about 263 GW
    • However, actual electricity generation from non-fossil sources is only about 25 percent 

    Government Target

    • India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, making efficient governance of the sector critical.
    [2019] In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.? Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees Finance Commission Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission NITI Aayog Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2 and 5

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    SC Strikes Down 3-Month Cap on Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers

    20 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Social Justice
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News

    • The Supreme Court of India (March 2026) struck down the 3-month age cap for maternity leave for adoptive mothers under:
      • Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
      • Code of Social Security, 2020

    What the Law Earlier Said

    • 12 weeks maternity leave was allowed only if child < 3 months at adoption
    • Result: Most adoptive mothers could not qualify

    Supreme Court Ruling

    • Adoptive mothers: Entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave regardless of child’s age
    • Held: “Motherhood cannot depend on child’s age”

    Why SC Struck Down the Cap

    1. Violation of Equality (Article 14)

    • Article 14 of the Indian Constitution
    • Court said: Distinction between mothers based on child’s age is: Artificial and unreasonable
    • Same caregiving responsibilities: Infant (2 months) vs child (4 months)

    2. Violation of Right to Life & Dignity (Article 21)

    • Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
    • Includes:
      • Reproductive autonomy
      • Right to form a family (including adoption)

    3. Law was “Illusory” in Practice

    • Adoption process (under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015):
      • Mandatory waiting periods
      • Legal procedures
    • Result: Child rarely available below 3 months

    4. Importance of Child Bonding

    • Maternity leave ensures: Emotional bonding and Child’s adjustment in new family
    • Applies equally to: Adoptive mothers (even more critical)

    5. Rejection of Government Argument

    • Govt suggested: Use crèche facilities
    • Court response:
      • Not universal (only for ≥50 employees)
      • Cannot replace maternal care
    [2019] With reference to the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, consider the following statements: Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave. This act applies to all organisations with 20 or more employees. It has made it mandatory for every organisation with 100 or more employees to have a crèche. 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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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Ras Laffan Attack & India’s LNG Concerns  

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

    Why in News

    • Missile strikes on Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG facility, amid West Asia conflict have raised concerns over global energy supply and India’s energy security.

    What Happened

    • Iran targeted:
      • LNG facilities in Qatar (Ras Laffan)
      • Other energy sites in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
    • Earlier: Attack on South Pars Gas Field (world’s largest gas field)
    • Marks escalation from transport disruption → production disruption

    Why Ras Laffan is Important

    • Accounts for ~20% of global LNG supply
    • Hub of:
      • LNG production
      • Liquefaction
      • Export infrastructure
    • Damage may cause long-term supply disruption

    Impact on Global Energy

    • Brent crude: Jumped above $119/barrel
    • Natural gas prices: Sharp rise
    • Risk: From supply chain issue → full supply crisis

    India’s Energy Dependence

    1. LNG Dependence

    • ~50% of gas demand met via imports
    • >40% LNG from Qatar
    • Most from Ras Laffan

    2. Overall Energy Imports

    • Crude oil: ~88% import dependent
    • LPG: ~60%
    • Natural gas: ~50%

    3. Strategic Chokepoint

    • Strait of Hormuz:
      • ~50% of India’s crude imports
      • ~60% LNG
      • ~90% LPG

    Immediate Impact on India

    • LNG supply cuts to industries
    • LPG supply concerns
    • Rising energy import costs
    [2024] Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe . Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea . Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Myanmar

    India–Myanmar Pulse Deal Extended

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

    Why in the News

    • India plans to extend its pulses import agreement with Myanmar for 5 more years (beyond 2025-26) to ensure food security amid global supply disruptions.

    Background of the Agreement

    • Original MoU signed in 2021
    • Between: India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce. 

    Import Commitments (2021–26)

    • Urad dal: 2.5 lakh tonnes/year
    • Tur dal: 1 lakh tonnes/year

    New Developments

    • Extension proposed till 2030-31
    • Additional: +1 lakh tonnes Tur dal (2026-27)

    Why Extension is Needed

    1. Demand–Supply Gap

    • India’s pulses demand: 28–29 million tonnes
    • Domestic production: 24–25 million tonnes
      • Persistent import dependence

    2. Falling Domestic Production

    • Tur: ↓ from 3.64 → 3.45 million tonnes
    • Urad: ↓ from 2.24 → 1.74 million tonnes

    3. Global Supply Chain Disruptions

    • Due to geopolitical tensions: US–Israel–Iran conflict.
      • Risks to: Fuel supply, Fertilizer availability, and Food imports.

    Role of Myanmar

    • Key supplier of pulses to India
    • Imports rising:
      • Tur: ↑ 44% (2025-26)
      • Urad: ↑ significantly

    Significance

    • Food Security: Ensures stable supply of protein-rich pulses (dal)
    • Price Stability: Prevents inflation in essential commodities
    • Strategic Trade Diversification: Reduces risk from global disruptions
    [2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: Black gram (Urad) can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Rising CO₂ Threatens Mangrove Fish Nurseries 

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

    Why in the News

    • A study in AGU Advances highlights declining oxygen levels in mangrove waters due to rising CO₂.

    Key Concept: Hypercapnic Hypoxia

    • Condition of: High CO₂ + Low dissolved oxygen
    • Occurs in: Mangrove estuaries (especially low tide, tropical regions)

    Major Findings

    • By 2100:
      • Oxygen ↓ 5–35%
      • CO₂ ↑ 8–60%
    • Events will:
      • Become 15× more frequent
      • Last longer (12–24 hours at 78% sites)

    Impact on Ecosystem

    1. Fish Nurseries at Risk

    • Reduced safe time for fish entry
    • Decline in juvenile fish survival

    2. Biodiversity Loss

    • Shift away from: Large reef-associated fish
    • Affects commercially important species

    3. Fisheries Impact

    • Mangroves: Support ~20,000 extra fish/ha/year
    • ~4 million fishers depend globally
    [2012] The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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