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Type: Prelims Only

  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    India Releases First Anti Terror Policy PRAHAAR

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of Home Affairs on February 23, 2026 released India’s first comprehensive anti terror policy titled PRAHAAR, outlining a national counter terrorism strategy addressing conventional and emerging threats including cyber attacks and drone based terror.

    What is PRAHAAR?

    • PRAHAAR is India’s first formal National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
    • It provides a unified framework to:
      • Counter cross border sponsored terrorism
      • Address cyber terror and digital radicalisation
      • Protect critical infrastructure
      • Strengthen coordination between Centre and States
      • Enhance prosecution and legal preparedness

    Nature of Threat Identified

    • Cross Border Terror

        • Sponsored terrorism from across the border
        • Activities by global terror groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State
        • Use of sleeper cells

    • Emerging Technological Threats

        • Criminal hackers and hostile nation states
        • Cyber attacks on critical sectors
        • Use of encryption, dark web, crypto wallets
        • Drones and robotics for terror activities

    • CBRNED Risks

      • Threat of misuse of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital materials.

    Critical Sectors Identified

    • Protection strengthened in: Power, Railways, Aviation, Ports, Defence, Space, and Atomic energy
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 

    2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention. 

    3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence. 

    How many of the above statements are correct? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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

    Unearthing the Silent Splendour of the Hoysalas

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

    Why in the News

    A recent feature highlights lesser known Hoysala era temples and basadis in rural parts of Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts of Karnataka, drawing attention to the architectural and cultural legacy beyond the famous sites.

    About the Hoysala Dynasty

    • The Hoysala dynasty ruled parts of present day Karnataka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Their rule is known for:
      • Temple architecture in soapstone
      • Intricate sculptural detailing
      • Fusion of Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain traditions
    • Prominent rulers include:
      • Veera Ballala II
      • Vira Someshwara

    Key Architectural Features

    • Material: Built using soft chloritic schist, commonly called soapstone. 
    • Platform: Temples rest on star shaped raised platform called Jagati
    • Temple Plans
      • Ekakuta: Single shrine
      • Dvikuta: Two shrines
      • Trikuta: Three shrines
      • Panchakuta: Five shrines
    • Sculptural Elements
      • Friezes depicting epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata
      • Celestial dancers
      • Finely lathe turned pillars
      • Elephant processions

    Important Sites  

    • Halebidu: Hoysaleswara Temple. Jain Basadi complex including Parshvanatha, Shantinatha and Adinatha shrines
    • Belur: Chennakeshava Temple
    • Somanathapura: Keshava Temple
    • Doddagaddavalli: Lakshmidevi Temple. One of the earliest surviving Hoysala temples, built in 1114 CE
    • Koravangala: Nageshwara, Govindeshwara and Bucheshwara temples
    • Hulikere: Hulikere Kalyani. Stepwell architecture linked symbolically with zodiac and nakshatras. 
    [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 1. Shantiniketan 

    2. Rani-ki-Vav 

    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 

    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya 

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023? 

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

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  • Why Does Wildfire Smoke Swirl Only One Way?

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

    Why in the News

    Two recent studies published in Weather and Climate Dynamics and presented at the American Meteorological Society meeting explain why wildfire smoke in the stratosphere forms spinning bubbles that rotate in only one direction depending on the hemisphere.

    What Is Observed?

    • After intense wildfires, smoke can rise high into the stratosphere. Instead of dispersing immediately, it sometimes forms a compact spinning bubble called a smoke vortex.
      • Clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere
      • Counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere

    Why Does It Rotate Only One Way?

    • Smoke Heats the Surrounding Air: Smoke particles absorb sunlight. This warms the air around them. Warm air becomes buoyant and rises. This upward movement creates a vertical column of heated air.
    • Earth’s Rotation Effect: Because Earth rotates, moving air experiences a deflection known as the Coriolis effect. 
      • In the Northern Hemisphere, air is deflected to the right. In the Southern Hemisphere, air is deflected to the left. As the heated smoke rises, Earth’s rotation causes it to spin in a preferred direction.

    Why the Bubble Persists

    • The rotating vortex traps warm smoke near its centre. Reduces mixing with surrounding air.
    • Helps the bubble rise higher into the stratosphere. This mechanism is similar to how cyclones maintain structure, but on a smaller and smoke driven scale.
    [2024] With reference to “Coriolis force,” which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 

    2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. 

    Select the 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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  • Proteins Tweaked as Quantum Sensors Inside the Body

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News

    Two recent studies published in Nature in February 2026 have demonstrated that fluorescent proteins can be genetically engineered to function as quantum sensors inside living cells, detecting magnetic fields and radio waves.

    Background

    • The discovery of Green Fluorescent Protein revolutionised biology by allowing scientists to visualise cellular processes. This breakthrough was recognised with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008.
    • Now, researchers have shown that such proteins can be modified to detect quantum level signals inside cells.

    Core Scientific Principle

    When a fluorescent protein absorbs light:

    1. An electron moves to a higher energy state.
    2. It usually returns, emitting light.
    3. In some cases, a radical pair forms with unpaired electrons.
    4. Their spin states are influenced by weak magnetic fields.
    5. Changes in spin alter fluorescence intensity.

    This is known as optically detected magnetic resonance, a quantum phenomenon.

    Key Research Findings

    1. Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein

    • Exhibits a metastable triplet state
    • Spin state controlled using laser pulses and microwaves
    • Demonstrated qubit like behaviour inside cells
    • Observed in human kidney cells and in Escherichia coli at room temperature

    2. MagLOV Proteins

    • Engineered from plant light sensing proteins
    • Magneto sensitive fluorescent variants
    • Show stable magnetic resonance inside living bacterial cells
    • Genetically encodable and biologically compatible
    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (a) Cloud Services 

    (b) Quantum Computing 

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

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  • Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

    Textile Mills Closure in Tamil Nadu 

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

    Why in the news? 

    As per the Annual Survey of Industries data released by the Union Ministry of Textiles, over 300 textile mills in Tamil Nadu went out of operation between 2021 to 22 and 2023 to 24.

    Key Data

    • 2021 to 22
      • Total mills: 2,773
      • Operational: 2,121
    • 2023 to 24
      • Total mills: 2,455
      • Operational: 1,672
    • Nearly 2 lakh powerlooms reportedly shut in the last few years.
    • Majority units fall under MSME segment.

    Major Reasons for Closures

    • High Power Cost

      • Electricity tariff around ₹9.25 per unit
      • Higher than competing States
      • Units with wind and solar investments survived relatively better

    • Raw Material Issues

      • Cotton, polyester, viscose sourced largely from northern India
      • High transportation cost
      • Earlier import duty on cotton impacted mills
      • Quality Control Orders created compliance burden

    • Environmental Compliance

      • Mandatory Zero Liquid Discharge norms for processing units
      • Higher compliance cost compared to States permitting marine discharge

    • Financial Stress

      • Higher bank interest rates
      • Limited subsidy coverage
      • MSMEs more vulnerable
    [2010] Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason? 1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the State. 

    2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available. 

    Which of the above is/are the correct reasons? 

    (a) 1 only  (b) 2 only  (c) Both 1 and 2  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Black Money – Domestic and International Efforts

    Enforcement Directorate Flags 8 Priority Areas for 2026

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Money-Laundering & Its Prevention

    Why in the news?

    The Enforcement Directorate identified eight priority focus areas during its 34th quarterly zonal conference held in Guwahati from February 19 to 21, 2026. The meeting was chaired by ED Director Rahul Navin.

    8 Priority Focus Areas

    1. Tracing foreign assets parked abroad, especially in Dubai and Singapore
    2. Misuse of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and collusion in resolution processes
    3. Trade Based Money Laundering (TBML) through over and under invoicing
    4. Cyber fraud including digital arrest scams
    5. Illegal online gambling and betting networks
    6. Drug trafficking finance and hawala channels
    7. Share market manipulation linked money laundering
    8. Foreign interference through illicit funding

    Legal and Institutional Framework

    • Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: Primary legislation empowering ED to investigate money laundering and attach proceeds of crime.
    • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016:Possible misuse through collusion among corporate debtors, resolution professionals, and Committee of Creditors.

    Foreign Exchange Laws

    • Review of pending cases under
    • Foreign Exchange Regulation Act
    • Foreign Exchange Management Act
    • Target: Complete adjudication of all pending FERA cases by March 31, 2026.

    International Cooperation Mechanisms

    ED emphasized stronger global coordination through:

    • Interpol via Bharatpol portal
    • Egmont Group for financial intelligence exchange
    • Asset Recovery Interagency Network Asia Pacific
    • GlobE Network

    Intelligence Platforms Used

    • NATGRID
    • FINNET
    • Financial Intelligence Unit India
    • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
    • Narcotics Control Bureau
    [2019] Consider the following statements: 1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’. 

    2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument. 

    3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly. 

    4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Why India chose to be an observer in Trump’s Board of Peace

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

    Why in the News?

    India has joined the U.S.-proposed “Board of Peace” as an observer amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and rising instability in West Asia. The decision signals India’s cautious engagement with a new U.S.-led diplomatic platform while safeguarding its strategic autonomy and regional sensitivities.

    What is the “Board of Peace”?

    1. U.S.-Led Diplomatic Initiative: A proposed platform announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to address the Gaza conflict and broader West Asian instability through coordinated dialogue among selected countries.
    2. Ad Hoc Governance Structure: Operates outside established multilateral institutions like the United Nations, with no clearly defined treaty basis, charter, or permanent secretariat.
    3. Selective Membership Model: Includes major U.S. allies and regional stakeholders, with participation levels varying between full members and observers.
    4. Conflict-Focused Mandate: Aims to deliberate on ceasefire mechanisms, humanitarian access, reconstruction pathways, and regional de-escalation strategies.
    5. Strategic Signalling Mechanism: Reflects U.S. attempt to shape post-conflict political architecture in West Asia amid perceived limitations of existing multilateral forums.
    Executive Leadership

    1. Chairman: Donald Trump (Indefinite/Life term)
    2. Director-General / High Representative for Gaza: Nickolay Mladenov (Bulgarian diplomat and former UN envoy) 

    Executive BoardsThese boards are tasked with the day-to-day operations and strategic management of the organization’s mission. 

    1. The Executive Boards consist of key figures, including Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel Jr.. 
    2. The specialized Gaza Executive Board includes Mladenov, Kushner, Witkoff, Blair, Rowan, and representatives from the Middle East and international community, such as Hakan Fidan, Ali al-Thawadi, Hassan Rashad, Reem Al Hashimy, Yakir Gabay, and Sigrid Kaag. 

    Member StatesAs of February 2026, 27 countries are members, having contributed $1 billion for permanent status or joining for renewable three-year terms. 

    1. Americas: Argentina, Paraguay, United States
    2. Middle East: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
    3. Europe/Eurasia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo
    4. Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
    5. Central America: El Salvador 

    Observers: Over 20 entities participate as observers, including the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and Mexico.

    Why Did India Prefer Observer Status Instead of Full Membership?

    1. Strategic Autonomy: Preserves independent decision-making in foreign policy without binding commitments to a U.S.-led framework.
    2. Conflict Sensitivity: Avoids direct involvement in West Asian peace enforcement mechanisms that may escalate regional polarization.
    3. India-Pakistan Dimension: Prevents scope for third-party mediation narratives on bilateral disputes.
    4. Diplomatic Signalling: Demonstrates engagement without endorsement of institutional design or agenda-setting.

    How Does This Decision Reflect India’s Approach to Multilateralism?

    1. Selective Multilateralism: Engages in issue-based coalitions rather than formal alliances.
    2. UN-Centric Tradition: Upholds preference for established multilateral institutions like the UN over ad hoc geopolitical platforms.
    3. Institutional Legitimacy: Questions governance architecture of new peace mechanisms lacking defined mandates.
    4. Global South Positioning: Balances Western engagement with developing world solidarity.

    What Are the Governance Implications of U.S.-Led Peace Architectures?

    1. Agenda Control: Concentrates agenda-setting power in major states.
    2. Representation Deficit: Limits equitable voice for regional stakeholders.
    3. Normative Ambiguity: Lacks clarity on enforcement, accountability, and decision-making frameworks.
    4. Institutional Overlap: Risks duplication of UN Security Council functions.

    How Does the Gaza Conflict Shape India’s Diplomatic Calculus?

    1. Energy Security: West Asia remains critical for oil imports and diaspora welfare.
    2. Diaspora Protection: Ensures safety of Indian nationals in conflict-prone zones.
    3. Balanced Diplomacy: Maintains ties with Israel while supporting Palestinian statehood.
    4. Regional Stability: Supports de-escalation to prevent wider regional war.

    What Does This Indicate About India-US Strategic Convergence?

    1. Issue-Based Cooperation: Deepens collaboration in technology, supply chains, and security.
    2. Cautious Alignment: Avoids perception of bloc politics.
    3. Policy Autonomy: Ensures foreign policy independence despite closer defence ties.
    4. Geopolitical Balancing: Maintains engagement with West Asia, Russia, and Global South actors.

    Does Observer Status Strengthen or Dilute India’s Global Leadership Role?

    1. Diplomatic Prudence: Avoids reputational risks of failed peace initiatives.
    2. Engagement without Liability: Retains access to negotiations without enforcement burden.
    3. Soft Power Projection: Signals responsible stakeholder posture.
    4. Risk Mitigation: Prevents entanglement in great-power competition.

    Conclusion

    India’s decision to participate as an observer in the “Board of Peace” reflects calibrated statecraft rooted in strategic autonomy. It preserves engagement with the United States while avoiding institutional entanglement in a conflict-sensitive region. The move aligns with India’s long-standing preference for balanced diplomacy, UN-centric multilateralism, and resistance to third-party mediation in bilateral disputes. Observer status enables access without liability, reinforcing India’s pragmatic, interest-driven foreign policy in a shifting geopolitical order.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2020] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present time – Discuss.

    Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of evolving strategic groupings and India’s calibrated participation in issue-based coalitions beyond pure military alignment. It directly links to India’s observer role in the “Board of Peace,” reflecting selective engagement while preserving strategic autonomy.

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  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

    Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II launched to strengthen border areas 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Phase II of the Vibrant Villages Programme from Assam, aiming to develop border villages and curb migration and infiltration.

    Vibrant Villages Programme I

    Approval

    • Approved on 15 February 2023.
    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    Coverage

    • 662 villages.
    • 46 blocks.
    • 19 districts.
    • States: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand.
    • UT: Ladakh.
    • Focused on northern border areas.

    Objectives

    • Livelihood generation through:
      • Tourism and cultural heritage.
      • Skill development and entrepreneurship.
      • Agriculture, horticulture, medicinal plants.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Road connectivity.
      • Housing and village infrastructure.
      • Renewable energy.
      • Telecom and TV connectivity.
    • Incentivise population to remain in border villages.

    Vibrant Villages Programme II

    Approval

    • Approved on 2 April 2025.
    • Central Sector Scheme.
    • Outlay: ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028-29.

    Coverage

    • Blocks abutting international land borders other than northern border.
    • Implemented in strategic villages across:
      • Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat.
      • J and K UT, Ladakh UT.
      • Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland.
      • Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim.
      • Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

    Objectives

    • Better living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
    • Safe and secure borders.
    • Control trans border crimes.
    • Integrate border population as “eyes and ears” of border guarding forces.

    Thematic Saturation Areas

    1. All weather road connectivity.
    2. Telecom connectivity.
    3. Television connectivity.
    4. Electrification through convergence.
    [2015] The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes 

    (b) determine the boundaries between States 

    (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats 

    (d) protect the interests of all border States

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    India attends U.S. Board of Peace meeting as observer

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

    Why in the News?

    India attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer nation but has not joined the initiative.

    What is the Board of Peace?

    • An initiative announced by Donald Trump.
    • Aimed at redevelopment of the Gaza Strip.
    • Announced during the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
    • Perceived by some as a parallel platform to the United Nations system.

    Key Features

    • U.S. pledged $10 billion to the initiative.
    • 27 member nations including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
    • India participated as observer through its diplomat in Washington DC.
    • India has not formally joined the Board.

    Strategic Context

    • Gaza Strip located along eastern Mediterranean coast.
    • Ceasefire phase between Israel and Hamas led to renewed diplomatic efforts.
    • U.S. attempting multilateral reconstruction framework outside traditional UN mechanisms.
    [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

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  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

    Bela Gram becomes Maharashtra’s first net zero village  

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Panchayats & Local Bodies

    Why in the News?

    At Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Bela Gram in Bhandara district of Maharashtra was highlighted as the State’s first net zero panchayat, showcasing grassroots climate leadership.

    Location

    • Bela Gram, Bhandara district
    • Vidarbha region, Maharashtra

    What is Net Zero?

    • Achieving balance between:
      • Greenhouse gas emissions produced
      • Emissions removed or offset
    • Often achieved through renewable energy, afforestation, waste management and energy efficiency.

    Key Initiatives in Bela Gram

    • Plantation of over 90,000 trees during weddings and festivals.
    • Transition from traditional chulhas to LPG.
    • Installation of rooftop solar panels in homes, anganwadis and Panchayat offices.
    • Doorstep waste segregation.
    • Elimination of single use plastics.
    • Recipient of Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024.

    Broader Context

    • Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in local climate action.
    • Discussion linked to future global climate negotiations and India’s long term net zero targets.
    • Emphasis on decentralised, community driven climate solutions.

    Related Examples

    • Perinjanam in Kerala as Solar Gramam with rooftop prosumers.
    • Use of District Mineral Foundation funds in Jharkhand for water revival and solar irrigation.
    • Community afforestation and water conservation efforts in Odisha, Bihar and Karnataka.
    [2015] The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? 

    1. People’s participation in development 

    2. Political accountability 

    3. Democratic decentralization 

    4. Financial mobilization 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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