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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Bio Safety Level 4 Containment Facility in Gandhinagar

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a Bio Safety Level 4 Containment Facility in Gandhinagar, describing it as a national health shield and a major step towards advanced health security and biotechnology.

    What is a BSL-4 Facility?

    • Bio Safety Level 4 is the highest level of biological containment
    • Designed to handle extremely dangerous and lethal pathogens
    • Pathogens are often
      • Highly infectious
      • Transmitted via air or contact
      • Without proven vaccines or treatments
    • Work conducted under strict international biosafety protocols
    • Scientists wear positive pressure suits and work in sealed environments

    Pathogens to be Studied at Gandhinagar Facility

    • Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus, Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, and Nipah virus

    BSL Facilities in India

    • Only civilian BSL 4 lab currently operational at National Institute of Virology
    • Defence BSL 4 lab established by DRDO in Gwalior in 2024
    • High security animal disease labs
      • National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases with ABSL 3 plus
      • International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease with ABSL 3Ag

    Prelims Pointers

    • BSL 4 is the highest biosafety level
    • Handles lethal and exotic pathogens
    • Gandhinagar lab is
      • Second civilian BSL 4 in India
      • First fully state funded BSL 4 facility
    • Supports One Health approach linking human and animal health
    • Enhances India’s pandemic readiness and biotech capacity
    [2021] Consider the following: 

    1. Bacteria 

    2. Fungi 

    3. Virus

    Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium? 

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

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  • Land Reforms

    Karnataka Land Revenue Amendment and Jamma Bane System in Coorg

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise the Jamma Bane land record system in Coorg. The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 received assent from Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on January 7, 2025.

    About Jamma Bane Lands

    • A distinct land tenure system prevalent only in Kodagu district
    • The word Jamma means hereditary
    • Lands were granted between 1600 and 1800
      • By erstwhile Coorg kings
      • Later by British administration
    • Granted in return for military service
    • Associated closely with the Kodava community

    Nature of Jamma Bane Holdings

    • Consist of two land types
      • Wetlands used for paddy cultivation
      • Forested highlands converted into coffee plantations
    • Ownership recorded in the name of the original pattedar
    • Names of successors added but primary ownership never changed
    • Resulted in
      • No clear title for current owners
      • Difficulty in sale or purchase of land
      • Problems in securing bank loans
      • Frequent inheritance disputes
    [2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements: 

    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding

    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised

    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India

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

    Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, assessing export readiness of Indian States and Union Territories. This is the 4th edition of the Index, first launched in August 2020.

    The Index aligns with India’s targets of USD 1 trillion merchandise exports by 2030

    About Export Preparedness Index

    • Evidence based framework to assess strength, resilience and inclusiveness of subnational export ecosystems
    • Recognises the critical role of States and districts in India’s global trade performance
    • Identifies
      • Structural challenges
      • Growth levers
      • Policy opportunities
    • Focus on districts as core units of export competitiveness

    Top Performing States and Union Territories

    A. Large States

    1. Maharashtra
    2. Tamil Nadu
    3. Gujarat
    4. Uttar Pradesh
    5. Andhra Pradesh

    B. Small States, North Eastern States & Union Territories

    1. Uttarakhand
    2. Jammu and Kashmir
    3. Nagaland
    4. Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu
    5. Goa
    [2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

    1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports

    2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years

    3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services

    4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Vulture Safe Zones in Tamil Nadu

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

    Why in the News?

    The Tamil Nadu Forest Department informed the Madras High Court that the process of establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) has begun in the State to protect critically endangered vulture species from toxic veterinary drugs.

    Background of the Case

    • Submission made before a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava
    • Status report filed in response to a Public Interest Litigation
    • PIL filed by K Surya Kumar
    • Aim is to prevent mass mortality and near extinction of vultures

    What are Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs)?

    • Geographically defined areas
    • Use of toxic veterinary NSAIDs strictly prohibited
    • Ensure availability of safe carcasses for vultures
    • Promote recovery of vulture populations
    • Part of India’s vulture conservation strategy

    Major Threat Addressed

    • Diclofenac and other NSAIDs
      • Used to treat cattle
      • Residues remain in carcasses
      • Cause kidney failure in vultures
    • Primary reason for over 95 percent decline in vulture population in India since the 1990s

    Prelims Pointers

    • Vulture Safe Zones target NSAID free landscapes
    • Diclofenac is the most lethal drug for vultures
    • First VSZ in Tamil Nadu proposed in Moyar River Valley
    • Monitoring radius is 100 km
    • Based on Vision Document for Vulture Conservation 2025 to 2030
    • Vultures are protected under Wildlife Protection Act 1972
    [2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to: 

    (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species 

    (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle 

    (c) scarcity of food available to them 

    (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Rise in Mugger Crocodile Population in Similipal National Park

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

    Why in the News?

    Similipal National Park in Odisha recorded an increase in its mugger crocodile population to 84 during a three day census in 2026, reversing a declining trend observed in recent years.

    About Similipal National Park

    • A National Park, Tiger Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve
    • Forms part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve
    • Included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009
    • Among India’s most biodiverse protected landscapes

    Location

    • Situated in Mayurbhanj district, northern Odisha
    • Lies within the Eastern Ghats
    • Area of about 2,750 sq km
    • One of the largest tiger reserves in India

    Mugger Crocodile Census and Conservation

    Census Findings

    • 2026 census recorded 84 mugger crocodiles
    • Increase from 81 individuals in 2025
    • West Deo River alone hosts about 60 crocodiles
    • Indicates stabilisation and early recovery of the species

    Conservation Efforts

    • Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
    • Recovery attributed to the Ramtirtha Mugger Crocodile Breeding Centre
    • Centre releases hatchlings annually into Similipal rivers
    • Focus on
      • Habitat protection
      • Scientific monitoring
      • Assisted population reinforcement
    [2011] Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this? 

    (a) Bhitarkanika 

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea 

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea 

    (d) Simlipal

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    China reiterates claim over Shaksgam Valley

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

    Why in the news?

    China has reasserted its cartographical claim over the Shaksgam Valley and defended its infrastructure activities there as legitimate. India has strongly rejected these claims, reiterating that Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory and that the 1963 China Pakistan agreement ceding the area is illegal and invalid.

    About Shaksgam Valley (Trans Karakoram Tract)

    • Location: High altitude valley north of the Karakoram range, bordering China’s Xinjiang region
    • Political status: Part of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, specifically the Hunza Gilgit region
    • Strategic proximity: Close to Siachen Glacier and Aksai Chin
    • Area involved: About 5,180 sq km illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963

    Background of the dispute

    • 1963 Sino Pakistan Border Agreement: Pakistan illegally transferred Shaksgam Valley to China. India never recognised this agreement
    • Article 6 of the agreement: Clearly states the boundary settlement is temporary and subject to renegotiation after the final resolution of the Kashmir dispute
    • India’s position: Pakistan had no sovereign right to cede Indian territory
       Hence the agreement is null and void

    Prelims pointers

    • Shaksgam Valley = Trans Karakoram Tract
    • Illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963
    • India has never recognised the agreement
    • CPEC passes through Indian territory under illegal occupation
    • Article 6 of 1963 agreement weakens China Pakistan legal claim
    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the: 

    (a) East of Aksai Chin 

    (b) East of Leh 

    (c) North of Gilgit 

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    PFRDA forms high-level committee for assured payouts under NPS

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Why in the news?

    The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level committee to frame guidelines and regulations for assured pension payouts under the National Pension System (NPS), aimed at strengthening retirement income security.

    About the committee

    • Chairperson: Dr. M. S. Sahoo, Former Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
    • Composition: 15 members from legal, actuarial, finance, insurance, capital markets and academia
    • Flexibility: Power to invite external experts and intermediaries as special invitees
    • Nature: Standing advisory committee on structured pension payouts

    Key objectives and terms of reference

    • Assured payout framework: Draft regulations for assured and structured pension payouts, based on PFRDA consultation paper dated 30 September 2025
    • Seamless transition: Smooth shift from accumulation phase to decumulation payout phase
    • Market based assurance: Explore novation and settlement mechanisms for legally enforceable guarantees
    • Operational design: Define lock in period, withdrawal limits, pricing mechanisms and fee structures
    • Risk and legal oversight: Specify capital and solvency norms and examine tax implications for in-system payouts
    • Consumer protection: Standardised disclosure framework to prevent mis selling and manage subscriber expectations

    Significance

    • Enhances predictability and security of retirement income
    • Strengthens trust and attractiveness of NPS
    • Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 with financial dignity in old age
    [2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? 

    (a) Resident Indian citizens only 

    (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only 

    (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments 

    (d) All Central Governments Employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

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

    Havana Syndrome Back 

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

    Why in the News?

    A renewed debate has emerged in the United States over Havana Syndrome after reports that the United States Department of Defense has been testing a covertly acquired device capable of emitting pulsed radio frequency energy, according to a report by CNN.  

    What is Havana Syndrome

    • Also officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs)
    • First reported in 2016 by US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba
    • Symptoms include:
      • Severe headaches
      • Dizziness and vertigo
      • Cognitive difficulties and memory issues
      • Sensations similar to head trauma without visible injury
    • Since then, cases have been reported across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa
    • Affected personnel include:
      • Diplomats
      • Intelligence officers
      • Military personnel

    Why It Is Difficult to Diagnose

    • No single, universally accepted medical definition
    • Delayed clinical examinations in many cases
    • Symptoms overlap with stress related and neurological disorders
    • Lack of direct physical evidence in most incidents

    Cause: 

    Havana Syndrome, officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), does not have one conclusively proven cause.

    • Pulsed electromagnetic / microwave energy: Most plausible explanation. Can cause neurological symptoms without visible injury.
    • Possible directed-energy device exposure: Suspected use of portable energy-emitting devices for covert harassment or surveillance.
    • Psychological and stress-related factors: High-stress diplomatic environments may have contributed in some cases.
    • Acoustic (sound-based) causes: Initially suspected but largely ruled out due to weak scientific support.
    • Environmental or chemical exposure: Considered but no common toxin identified across locations.
    [2010] Consider the following: 

    1. Bluetooth device 

    2. Cordless phone 

    3. Microwave oven 

    4. Wi-Fi device 

    Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band? 

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

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  • Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

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

    Why in the News

    A press conference was held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi ahead of the launch of the Responsible Nations Index (RNI), a globally anchored index conceptualised and led by India. The Index will be formally launched on 19 January 2026.

    About the Responsible Nations Index (RNI)

    • The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) is India’s first global index that evaluates countries based on responsible governance and ethical global conduct, rather than military power or GDP alone.
    • It aims to present a value based and holistic assessment of national performance

    Objectives

    • Move beyond GDP centric and power centric rankings
    • Promote ethics, responsibility and sustainability in global governance
    • Encourage dialogue on:
      • Global food security
      • Environmental stewardship
      • Responsible leadership in international affairs

    Launched by

    • World Intellectual Foundation is an India-based, non-partisan public policy think tank headquartered in New Delhi.
    • In collaboration with:
      • Jawaharlal Nehru University
      • Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
      • Dr Ambedkar International Centre

    Core Dimensions of RNI

    1. Internal Responsibility
      • Dignity and justice
      • Well being and welfare of citizens
      • Inclusive and responsible governance
    2. Environmental Responsibility
      • Stewardship of natural resources
      • Climate action and sustainability
      • Ecological protection
    3. External Responsibility
      • Contribution to peace and stability
      • International cooperation
      • Responsible global conduct

    Prelims Pointers

    • RNI is India’s first globally anchored index
    • Covers 154 countries
    • Structured around internal, environmental and external responsibility
    • Launched by World Intellectual Foundation
    [2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following? 

    (a) Amnesty International 

    (b) International Court of Justice 

    (c) The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights 

    (d) World Justice Project

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Karuna Abhiyan 2026

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

    Why in the News?

    The Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel visited the Wildlife Care Centre at Bodakdev, Ahmedabad to review rescue and treatment operations under Karuna Abhiyan 2026, a statewide initiative to rescue birds injured by kite strings during the Uttarayan festival.

    About Karuna Abhiyan

    • Karuna Abhiyan is a state led compassionate wildlife rescue campaign aimed at saving birds and animals injured during festivals, especially Uttarayan.
    • It focuses on rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and release of injured wildlife.
    • Launched in 2017
    • First state driven initiative of its kind in India
    • Implementing Departments: Forest Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Municipal bodies and Voluntary organisations and NGOs

    Special Features

    • Water Birds Unit for specialised avian care
    • 24×7 WhatsApp helpline: 8320002000
      • Sending “Hi” provides district wise treatment centre details
    • Emergency helpline: 1926
    • Animal Husbandry helpline: 1962

    Prelims Pointers

    • Karuna Abhiyan was launched in 2017 by Gujarat
    • Conducted mainly during Uttarayan
    • Focuses on bird and animal rescue
    • Uses WhatsApp based grievance and rescue reporting
    • Considered the first state driven wildlife rescue campaign in India
    [2014] Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? 

    (a) Bhutia and Lepcha 

    (b) Gond and Korku 

    (c) Irula and Toda 

    (d) Sahariya and Agariya

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