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Type: Prelims Only

  • Pension Reforms

    NPS Equity Exposure Increased to 25% by FY27

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority announced that the National Pension System (NPS) will raise its equity exposure to 25 percent by FY2027, and that pension funds may begin investing in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) by March 2026.

    About the National Pension System

    • Launched in 2004 for government employees and extended to all citizens in 2009
    • Regulated by PFRDA
    • Defined contribution pension scheme
    • Market-linked returns
    • Two types:
      • Tier I: Mandatory retirement account
      • Tier II: Voluntary savings account

    Key Announcements

    • Increase in Equity Exposure

      • Equity cap in the Government Composite Scheme raised from 15 percent to 25 percent
      • Current equity exposure around 19 percent
      • Corporate bond exposure has reduced slightly
      • G Sec share remains largely stable
      • Objective: Improve long term returns while maintaining prudent risk levels.
      • Investment in AIFs: NPS to allow exposure to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) by March 2026

    • MARS Committee

      • PFRDA has constituted the Minimum Assured Return Scheme (MARS) committee
      • Exploring a pension product offering a guaranteed minimum return
    [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 Government Employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    African Union Summit and Institutional Challenges

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

    Why in the News?

    The African Union (AU) held its annual summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, amid rising conflicts, military coups, and governance crises across Africa, raising concerns about its effectiveness and enforcement capacity.

    About the African Union

    • Established in 2002, replacing the Organization of African Unity
    • Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    • Members: 55 African countries
    • Objective: Promote unity, peace, security, democracy, and economic integration in Africa

    Key Institutional Features

    • Peace and Security Council (PSC): Conflict prevention and peacekeeping
    • African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance: Opposes unconstitutional changes of government
    • Provision to suspend members after military coups

    Current Challenges

    • 10 military coups since 2020 across Africa. AU has struggled to enforce its rule barring coup leaders from contesting elections. Ongoing conflicts in: Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sahel region insurgencies
    • Weak response to controversial elections in: Tanzania and Burundi
    • Financial constraints:
    • Missed self funding targets (2020, 2025)
    • Around 64 percent funding from external partners such as the US and EU

    Why is the AU Considered Weak?

    • Member states reluctant to grant strong enforcement powers
    • Dependence on external funding limits autonomy
    • Political divisions among members
    • Limited ability to intervene in internal conflicts
    [2023] In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them? 

    (a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements 

    (b) Establishment of Chinese military bases 

    (c) Southward expansion of Sahara Desert 

    (d) Successful coups

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    DAC Grants AoN Worth ₹3.6 Lakh Crore for Rafale, P-8I and Major Defence Modernisation Push

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Government Budgeting

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Rajnath Singh has granted Acceptance of Necessity for defence procurement proposals worth about ₹3.6 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I aircraft.

    About Defence Acquisition Council

    • Apex decision making body for capital procurement in the Ministry of Defence after the Kargil War of 1999.
    • Headed by the Defence Minister
    • Grants Acceptance of Necessity, which is the first formal step in defence procurement
    • Functions under the framework of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

    Composition 

    • The council is chaired by the Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri). Key members include the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force), and the Defence Secretary, with the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Planning & Procurement) as Member Secretary.

    Key Points: Recent procurement proposals: 

    • Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): First stage of capital procurement approval under Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
    • Indian Air Force: 114 Rafale Multi Role Fighter Aircraft, combat missiles, and High Altitude Pseudo Satellite for ISR and ELINT roles.
    • Indian Navy: Six P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for anti submarine warfare and maritime strike capability.
    • Indian Army: Procurement of Vibhav anti tank mines and overhaul of T-72, BMP II and armoured recovery vehicles.
    [2024] Consider the following aircraft: 1. Rafael 

    2. MiG-29 

    3. Tejas MK-1 

    How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? 

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

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    New CPI Inflation Series (Base Year 2024): Food Weight Reduced to 37%

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news?

    India’s new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with base year 2024 will reduce the weight of food and beverages from 45.86% to 36.75%, aligning the inflation basket with updated household consumption patterns from the 2023–24 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).

    What is CPI?

    The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures retail inflation by tracking changes in prices of goods and services consumed by households.

    It is:

    • The headline inflation measure in India
    • Used by the Reserve Bank of India for monetary policy
    • Based on periodic base year revision to reflect current consumption patterns

    Key Changes in the New CPI Series

    • Food Weight Reduced
      • From 45.86% → 36.75%
      • Reflects decline in food expenditure share
      • Based on Engel’s Law: As income rises, share of food expenditure falls
    • HCES Findings:
      • Rural food share: 52.9% (2011–12) → 47.04% (2023–24)
      • Urban food share: 42.62% → 39.68%
    • Housing Weight Increased
      • From 10.07% → 17.66%
      • Now includes: Water, Electricity, Gas and Other fuels
      • Methodological change: Employer provided accommodation excluded
      • This may exert upward pressure on inflation.
    • Basket Expansion
      • Items increased from 299 → 358
      • Reclassification of categories
      • Linking factor to be released for back series comparison

    Why Was High Food Weight a Concern?

    • Food inflation is often supply driven.
    • Monetary policy cannot control vegetable or cereal supply in short run.
    • High food weight caused:
      • Excess volatility in headline inflation
      • Constraints on repo rate decisions

    Example:

    • October 2025 CPI: 0.25%
    • Food inflation: (-)5.02%
    • Food price fall dragged headline inflation sharply lower

    Implications for RBI

    • The RBI follows Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT):
      • Target: 4%
      • Tolerance band: 2–6%
      • Mandated under RBI Act amendment (2016)
    • Lower food weight may:
      • Reduce volatility
      • Give clearer signal of core inflation
      • Improve monetary policy transmission
      • However, higher housing weight may increase measured inflation.
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that of 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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

    Pakistan Raises Indus Waters Issue over Sawalkot Dam

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

    Why in the News?

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that it has formally sought details from India regarding the Sawalkot Dam project, asserting that there will be no compromise on Pakistan’s water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

    Indus Waters Treaty (1960)

    Key Features

    • Signed in 1960 between:
      • India
      • Pakistan
      • Brokered by the World Bank

    River Allocation

    • Eastern Rivers (Exclusive use to India): Ravi, Beas and Sutlej
    • Western Rivers (Primarily for Pakistan, limited use to India): Indus, Jhelum and Chenab
    • India can build:
      • Run of the river hydroelectric projects
      • Non consumptive use projects
         But must share technical details with Pakistan.

    Sawalkot Dam Issue

    • Proposed on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner has written to India seeking:
      • Complete technical details
      • Design specifications
      • Compliance verification under IWT
    [2009] Consider the following statements: 1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty. 

    2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank. 

    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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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Supreme Court Stays Haryana’s Aravalli Zoo Safari Project

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

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court of India has refused to allow the Haryana government to proceed with its proposed Aravalli Zoo Safari Project until the definition of the “Aravalli Range” is scientifically clarified by experts.
    • The Court observed that no one will be allowed to “touch the Aravallis” until the matter is conclusively settled.

    About the Aravalli Range

    • One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world
    • Extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
    • Acts as:
      • Natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert
      • Groundwater recharge zone
      • Biodiversity hotspot
      • Climate regulator for North India

    What is the Zoo Safari Project?

    • Proposed by Haryana Government
    • Initially planned over 10,000 acres, later reduced to 3,300 acres
    • Envisioned as the world’s largest zoo safari
    • Includes:
      • Big cat zones
      • Enclosures for birds, reptiles and butterflies
    • Located in Gurgaon and Nuh districts
    • Petitioners, including retired Indian Forest Service officers and NGO “People for Aravallis”, argued that the project could further degrade the ecologically fragile region.
    [2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1. Deep gorges 

    2. U-turn river courses 

    3. Parallel mountain ranges 

    4. Steep gradients causing land sliding 

    Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? 

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

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

    National Song Guidelines Issued by Government of India

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated guidelines regarding the playing and singing of the National Song, including procedural aspects such as drum roll before band performance and mass singing protocols.

    What are the Special Orders

    • The Government of India, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued executive instructions regulating the manner in which the National Song Vande Mataram may be played and sung on official and significant occasions.
    • These are executive guidelines issued under Article 73 of the Constitution, not under any specific Act of Parliament.

    Key Provisions

    • Playing by Band: When played by a band, the National Song should be preceded by a roll of drums to alert the audience, unless another clear indication is given.
    • Official Version: Only the official version should be used. It should be accompanied by mass singing on occasions such as
      • Unfurling of the National Flag
      • Cultural or ceremonial functions other than parades
      • A trained choir may be arranged to coordinate with the band. Adequate public address systems should be ensured. Printed lyrics may be circulated where required.
    • Other Significant Occasions: It may be sung on occasions invested with significance due to the presence of Ministers or dignitaries. There is no exhaustive list of such occasions. Respect and proper decorum must always be maintained.
    • In Schools: The day may begin with community singing of the National Song. School authorities should promote respect for
      • National Song
      • National Anthem
      • National Flag

    Constitutional and Legal Position

    • The National Song is not mentioned in the Constitution of India.
    • There is no law mandating compulsory singing.
    • It does not have statutory protection similar to the National Anthem under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm. 

    Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3 : 2. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Deendayal Upadhyaya  

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

    Why in the News

    The Vice-President of India paid tributes to Deendayal Upadhyaya on his death anniversary, recalling his philosophy of Integral Humanism and his vision of Antyodaya.

    Key Facts

    • Born: 1916
    • Died: 11 February 1968
    • President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh
    • Political philosopher and organiser

    Major Contributions

    • Philosophy of Integral Humanism

        • Propounded in 1965.
        • Advocated holistic development of body, mind, intellect and soul.
        • Emphasised harmony between individual, society and nature.
        • Rejected both extreme capitalism and state socialism.

    • Concept of Antyodaya

        • Welfare of the last person in the social order.
        • Inspired several later welfare schemes and inclusive development models.

    • Political Organisation

        • Strengthened and expanded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
        • Contributed to ideological consolidation of nationalist politics in post independence India.

    • Economic Thought

      • Promoted self reliance and decentralised economy.
      • Emphasised indigenous models of development rooted in Indian culture.
    [2018] Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948? (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George 

    (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deendayal Upadhyaya and M.N. Roy (Option provided) 

    (c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu 

    (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

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  • Steel Industry – Current challenges, National Steel Policy 2017, etc

    Carbon Capture to Drive India’s Green Steel Transition

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

    Why in the News

    The Prime Minister shared an article highlighting the role of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in decarbonising India’s steel sector, aligning with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment.

    India’s Steel Sector at a Glance

    • India is the world’s second largest crude steel producer.
    • Production: Around 152 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.
    • Target under National Steel Policy 2017:
      • 300 million tonnes by 2030-31
      • 500 million tonnes by 2047

    Note: Steel production contributes nearly 10 to 12 percent of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions due to coal based blast furnace and direct reduced iron routes.

    What is CCUS

    Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage involves:

    • Capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes
    • Utilising it for industrial applications or
    • Storing it underground to prevent atmospheric release

    It helps address process emissions that cannot be eliminated through energy efficiency or renewable power alone.

    Government Measures

    • Green Steel Taxonomy:Defines emission intensity benchmark: Less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of finished steel
      • Introduces star rating framework
    • National Green Hydrogen Mission: ₹455 crore allocated for pilot projects in steel sector
    • Union Budget Allocation: ₹20,000 crore for piloting CCUS across five sectors including steel

    Significance

    • Helps decarbonise existing steel plants without immediate asset replacement
    • Enhances global competitiveness amid carbon border measures
    • Supports Net Zero 2070 target
    • Encourages industrial ecosystems around carbon transport and storage
    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries: 1. Fertilizer plants 

    2. Oil refineries 

    3. Steel plants 

    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries? 

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

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

    Indian Inscriptions Found in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings

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

    Why in the News

    Researchers have identified nearly 30 Indian inscriptions in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, shedding new light on trade and cultural links between ancient Tamilagam, other parts of India and the Roman Empire during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.

    Key Findings

    • Tamil Majority Presence

      • Most inscriptions belong to individuals from southern India, especially ancient Tamilagam, though some were from north-western and western India.

    • Repeated Name: Cikai Koṟṟaṉ

      • Appears eight times across five tombs.
      • Found near entrances and high interior walls.
      • The term Koṟṟaṉ has Tamil roots associated with victory and warfare.
      • Related to the Chera warrior goddess Koṟṟavai and the word koṟṟavaṉ meaning king.
    • The name also appears in:
      • Sangam literature such as Purananooru
      • Inscriptions from Pugalur, linked to the Chera dynasty
      • A pottery sherd found at Berenike in Egypt

    • Other Tamil Names

      • Kopāṉ varata kantan meaning Kopāṉ came and saw
      • Cātaṉ
      • Kiraṉ

    The name Kopāṉ has also been found at Ammankovilpatti in Tamil Nadu.

    Historical Significance

    • Confirms movement of Indian traders or visitors beyond Red Sea ports into the Nile valley.
    • Strengthens evidence of Indo Roman trade links.
    • Earlier excavations at Berenike had already shown Indian trade presence.
    • This discovery shifts focus from coastal trade points to inland Egyptian sites.
    [2023] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as: (a) capital cities 

    (b) ports 

    (c) centres of iron and steel making 

    (d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

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