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Type: Prelims Only

  • National Green Tribunal’s Role and Contributions

    Great Nicobar Mega Project Cleared by NGT

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

    Why in the News?

    A special bench of the National Green Tribunal has declined to interfere with the environmental clearance granted to the ₹80,000 crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, citing its strategic importance and the presence of adequate safeguards.

    About Great Nicobar Island

    • The southernmost island of the Nicobar group
    • Located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal
    • Area: ~910 sq km
    • Largely covered with tropical rainforest
    • Ecologically sensitive and sparsely populated

    About the Great Nicobar Mega Project

    • Total project area: 166 sq km
    • Forest diversion: 130 sq km
    • Trees to be felled: Nearly 1 million

    Major Components:

    • International transshipment port
    • Integrated township
    • Civil and military airport
    • 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant

    Key Environmental Issues Raised

    • Violation of the Island Coastal Regulation Zone notification 2019
    • Development in prohibited ICRZ areas
    • Insufficient baseline environmental data
    • Threat to endemic biodiversity and coral reefs
      • The NGT relied on findings of a High Powered Committee constituted after its 2023 order.

    NGT’s Key Observations

    1. No part of the project falls in prohibited ICRZ areas as per committee findings
    2. Environmental clearance contains adequate safeguards
    3. Strategic importance of the project cannot be ignored
    4. Balanced approach required between ecology and development

    About Island Coastal Regulation Zone ICRZ

    • Notified under Environment Protection Act 1986
    • Regulates development in coastal areas of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands
    • Categorises areas such as ICRZ IA and IB with varying restrictions
    [2017] Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (a) Sumatra 

    (b) Borneo 

    (c) Java 

    (d) Sri Lanka

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    UPI One World Wallet Extended for Foreign Visitors

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The National Payments Corporation of India has extended the UPI One World wallet facility to visitors from over 40 countries attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from 16 to 20 February 2026.

    About UPI One World Wallet

    • A prepaid wallet based on the PPI UPI model designed for inbound international travellers.
    • Launched by: NPCI through authorised Prepaid Payment Instrument issuers.

    Key Features

    1. No Indian bank account or mobile number required: Foreign visitors can make UPI payments without opening an Indian bank account.
    2. Person to Merchant P2M Payments: Payments can be made by scanning UPI QR codes across India.
    3. Multiple Loading Options: Wallet can be loaded using various international payment methods.
    4. Availability Points: Available at New Delhi International Airport and NPCI Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam.
    5. Refund Facility: Unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source as per forex rules.

    What is PPI?

    Prepaid Payment Instrument: A payment instrument where money is loaded in advance and used for transactions without direct linkage to a bank account for each payment.

    Significance

    • Promotes India’s digital public infrastructure globally
    • Facilitates seamless real time retail payments for foreign tourists
    • Reduces dependence on cash and currency exchange
    • Demonstrates scalability of UPI as a cross border payment solution

    About UPI

    • Unified Payments Interface UPI is a real time payment system developed by NPCI that enables instant fund transfers between bank accounts using mobile platforms. It is currently the world’s largest real time payment ecosystem.
    [2025] Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates 

    II. France 

    III. Germany 

    IV. Singapore 

    V. Bangladesh 

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? 

    (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    CBDC Based Public Distribution System Launched in Gujarat

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Minister launched a Central Bank Digital Currency based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This marks the integration of digital currency into the food security delivery mechanism.

    What is CBDC?

    • Central Bank Digital Currency is a digital form of sovereign currency issued and regulated by a central bank.
    • In India, the digital rupee is issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
    • It is different from cryptocurrency because it is legal tender and backed by the government.

    What is the Public Distribution System?

    • The Public Distribution System is a food security system that distributes subsidised food grains to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security framework.
    • Around 80 crore beneficiaries receive free food grains under the scheme.

    Key Features of CBDC Based PDS

    1. Digital transfer and settlement using CBDC.
    2. Reduction of leakages and middlemen.
    3. Transparent and traceable transactions.
    4. Faster and automated grain dispensing via Annapurna machine.
    5. Planned nationwide rollout within 3 to 4 years.

    The Annapurna machine reportedly dispenses 25 kg of food grains in about 35 seconds.

    Governance Linkages

    • Linked to Digital India initiative.
    • Inspired by Direct Benefit Transfer model.
    • Reflects the principle of minimum government maximum governance.
    • Strengthens last mile delivery through technology.

    Related Schemes Mentioned

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana providing 5 kg free food grains per person per month.
    • PM SVANidhi providing working capital loans to street vendors.
    [2024] Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee: 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 

    2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. 

    3. It is insured against inflation by its very design. 

    4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Indian Origin Leaders, Immigrants and the Global Ecosystem Debate

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

    Why in the News? 

    An opinion piece reflects on the rise of Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 firms and questions whether their success is due to Indian upbringing, organisational loyalty, or the enabling ecosystem of immigrant driven economies like the United States.

    Indian Origin CEOs: The Numbers

    • 11 Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 companies in 2025.
    • Previously 13 in 2024 and 16 in 2023.
    • 28 Indian origin CEOs in Forbes 2000 list.
    • Examples include: Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, and Arvind Krishna
    • However, this represents roughly 2 percent or less of total Fortune 500 leadership.

    Immigrant Founders and CEOs in the U.S.

    • Around 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 2025 were founded by immigrants or their children.
    • Of the 14 new companies entering Fortune 500 in 2025, 10 were immigrant founded.

    Diaspora Economic Impact

    Data from Migration Policy Institute shows:

    • 74 percent labour force participation among Indian immigrants in the U.S.
    • Higher representation in management, business, science and arts roles.
    • Median annual income of Indian immigrant households in 2023: $166,200
    • Compared to $78,700 for all immigrant households and $77,600 for native households.

    Remittances

    • India received $135 billion in remittances last year.
    • 27 percent came from Indians working in the U.S.
    [2019] In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? 1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector 

    2. Increasing the government expenditure 

    3. Remittances from Indians abroad 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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  • MGNREGA Scheme

    PIL Challenging VB-G RAM G Act, 2025

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Poverty & Hunger,Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Madras High Court challenging key provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act, 2025, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.

    Background

    • The earlier law, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, provided a statutory right to 100 days of wage employment to rural households and was regarded as one of the world’s largest social protection programmes.
    • The new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act has altered the funding pattern, administrative control and implementation structure.
    • The matter is likely to be heard by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court.

    Key Issues Raised in the PIL

    • Change in Cost Sharing Ratio

        • Earlier under MGNREGA: Centre and States shared costs in 90:10 ratio.
        • Under new Act: 90:10 only for Northeastern and Himalayan States
        • 60:40 for other States
        • Petitioner argues this increases fiscal burden on States and weakens federal balance.

    • Reduction in Panchayat Autonomy

        • MGNREGA made Gram Panchayats principal implementing authority.
        • Linked to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment which strengthened local self government.
        • Allegation that the new Act dilutes decentralisation guarantees.

    • Constitutional Challenge

        • The petition claims certain provisions violate:
        • Article 14: Equality before law
        • Article 16: Equality of opportunity
        • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty
        • Argument: Right to livelihood is part of Article 21 jurisprudence.

    • Specific Sections Challenged

      • Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the new Act are alleged to be unjust and anti federal.
      • Section 3(1): Requires States to frame schemes consistent with the Act within six months of commencement.
    [2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”? (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households 

    (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households 

    (c) Adult members of households of all backward communities 

    (d) Adult members of any household

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    India’s Power Generation Capacity Update

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

    Why in the News?

    India has added 52,537 MW of electricity generation capacity in the current financial year up to January 31, 2026. This is the highest ever annual capacity addition, taking total installed capacity to 5,20,510.95 MW.

    Key Data

    1. Total capacity addition (FY 2025-26 till Jan 31): 52,537 MW
    2. Previous record: 34,054 MW in FY 2024-25
    3. Total installed capacity (Jan 31, 2026): 5,20,510.95 MW
    4. Growth over last FY: More than 11 percent increase

    Breakup of Installed Capacity

    1. Renewable Energy:
      • 2,63,189.33 MW
      • Around 50.5 percent of total capacity
      • Solar: 34,955 MW added this year
      • Wind: 4,613 MW added
    2. Fossil Fuel Based:
      • 2,48,541.62 MW
      • Around 48 percent of total
    3. Nuclear Energy:
      • 8,780 MW
      • Around 1.6 percent

    Important Concepts for Prelims

    • Installed Capacity: Maximum electricity that can be generated under ideal conditions.
    • Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass etc.
    • Energy Mix: Composition of different energy sources in total generation capacity.

    Significance

    • India’s renewable share has crossed 50 percent of installed capacity.
    • Indicates progress toward climate commitments and energy transition goals.
    • Strengthens energy security and reduces fossil fuel dependence in long term.
    [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 

    II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 

    III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI Impact Summit 2026

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

    Why in the News?

    India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Prime Minister is inaugurating the India AI Impact Expo 2026, with participation from global tech leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries.

    About AI Impact Summit 2026

    1. Edition: 4th AI Impact Summit.Previous editions were held in the U.K., South Korea and France. First time hosted in a Global South country.
    2. Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Same complex that hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2023.
    3. Theme Structure: Organized around three thematic chakras People, Planet and Progress

    Key Highlights

    • Participation of global tech CEOs including: Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei and Brad Smith
    • Attendance by global leaders including: Emmanuel Macron, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and António Guterres
    • Bilateral engagements on the sidelines.
    • Dedicated all women hackathon.
    • Leaders’ summit and Tech CEO roundtable.
    [2025] Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025: I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024. 

    II. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    BNP Returns to Power in Bangladesh

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

    Why in the News?

    The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a landslide victory in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections held on February 12. Party chief Tarique Rahman is set to form the next government, with transfer of power likely by February 17 or 18.

    Key Election Results

    • BNP led alliance won 212 seats, securing a two thirds majority in the Jatiyo Sangsad
    • 11 party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats
    • Independents won 8 seats

    National Referendum

    • 60.2 percent voters backed sweeping democratic reforms
    • Conducted alongside parliamentary elections
    • Signals mandate for institutional and governance reforms

    Transfer of Power

    • Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to hand over power
    • Formal process after gazette notification by Election Commission
    • Oath taking to be legally validated following 2024 parliamentary dissolution

    International Reactions

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh
    • Congratulatory messages from US, China, Nepal and Maldives

    Political Context

    • 2024 mass uprising led to fall of previous government under Sheikh Hasina
    • Parliament was dissolved amid political unrest
    • Representation of women and minorities reportedly at a two decade low
    [2025] Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates 

    II. France 

    III. Germany 

    IV. Singapore 

    V. Bangladesh 

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? 

    (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five

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

    Inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan

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

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Prime Minister’s Office complex named Seva Teerth and two Central Secretariat buildings called Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 in New Delhi. A commemorative stamp and coin were also released on the occasion.

    Key Highlights

    • New PMO named Seva Teerth
    • Two new Secretariat buildings named Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2
    • Aim to reflect citizen centric governance and Viksit Bharat vision
    • Replaces space constrained functioning from North Block and South Block

    About the Architectural Context

    • Colonial Era Buildings: North Block and South Block.
    • Built during the British era when the capital shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1912. Designed to represent imperial authority.

    Features of the New Complex

    • Built using white and red sandstone inspired by Indian civic traditions
    • Domes inspired by Buddhist Stupa architecture
    • Entrance design draws from Chalukyan temple stone screen work
    • Plinth band inspired by the 12th century Chennakeshava Temple
    [2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 

    2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 

    3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. 

    How many of the statements given above are correct? 

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

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Medical Shabd Sindhu Initiative

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Ministry has proposed compiling a standard English medical dictionary titled Medical Shabd Sindhu, which will be translated into 15 Indian languages to support medical education in regional languages under the National Education Policy 2020.

    About the Initiative

    • Led by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Compilation of a standard English medical dictionary
    • At least 1,00,000 unique medical terms with explanations
    • Translation into 15 Indian languages in Phase I

    Languages include:

    • Hindi, Telugu, Assamese, Gujarati, Kashmiri, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, Manipuri, Mizo and Konkani
    • Later expansion to remaining Indian languages

    Institutional Background

    • Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology under the Education Ministry has translated around 60,000 medical terms into Hindi so far
    • Madhya Pradesh became the first State to offer MBBS in Hindi in 2022
    • Initially, transliterated textbooks were provided in subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry

    Objectives

    • Promote medical education in mother tongue
    • Remove language barriers in professional courses
    • Strengthen regional language knowledge systems
    • Support NEP 2020 emphasis on multilingual education
    [2024] The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages? 1. Konkani 

    2. Manipuri 

    3. Nepali 

    4. Maithili 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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