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Type: Prelims Only

  • 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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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Motion to Remove Lok Sabha Speaker: Constitutional & Procedural Aspects

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    • Om Birla has decided not to preside over proceedings of the Lok Sabha until the Opposition’s notice seeking his removal is processed. The notice alleges partisan conduct during House proceedings.
    • Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju released footage alleging disorderly conduct by Opposition MPs near the Prime Minister’s seat.

    Constitutional Provisions

    • Article 93: Provides for election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
    • Under Article 94 of the Constitution of India, a Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (effective majority).
    • Article 95: When the office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker performs the duties.

    Notice Requirement

    • A minimum of 14 days’ notice must be given.
    • The notice must be signed by at least 50 Members of Parliament.
      • This requirement comes from the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, not directly from the Constitution.

    Procedure for Removal

    1. Written notice signed by required number of MPs.
    2. Secretary General examines admissibility.
    3. After 14 days, motion may be taken up.
    4. Speaker does not preside during discussion of the motion.
    5. Requires effective majority of the House.
    [2024] With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration: 

    1. He/She shall not preside. 

    2. He/She shall not have the right to speak. 

    3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    Bangladesh–U.S. Trade Deal: Shift from Indian to U.S. Cotton

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

    Why in the News?

    Bangladesh has announced that it will replace Indian cotton with U.S. cotton following a new trade deal with the United States. The agreement is expected to boost Bangladesh’s access to the U.S. textile market but may impact cotton trade with India.

    Key Features of the Deal

    1. Tariff Concession

    • Standard tariff fixed at 19 percent, lower than rivals like Cambodia and Indonesia.
    • Zero tariff access if Bangladesh’s textile producers use U.S. cotton or manmade fibre.
    • Strong incentive to shift sourcing away from India and Central Asia.

    2. Strategic Significance

    • U.S. is the largest textile export market for Bangladesh. The deal strengthens Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. Bangladesh does not produce significant cotton domestically, giving it flexibility in sourcing decisions.

    India–Bangladesh Cotton Trade Context

    • Bangladesh is one of the largest importers of Indian cotton and yarn.
    • India exported:
      • $1.6 billion worth cotton yarn (2024)
      • $85 million manmade fibre yarn

    Tit-for-Tat Trade Restrictions (2025)

    • Bangladesh restricted yarn imports from India through land ports (April 2025).
    • India imposed curbs on Bangladeshi readymade garment imports (May 2025).
    • Trade tensions followed a broader diplomatic strain in 2024.

    Impact on India

    • Possible decline in cotton and yarn exports to Bangladesh.
    • Impact on Indian textile supply chains, especially land port trade.
    • Strategic trade competition in South Asia.
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 

    2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 

    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. 

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

    Why Manufacturing Growth Has Not Led to Broad Employment

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth,Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Union Budget 2026 reinforces the existing manufacturing strategy, especially through Production Linked Incentive schemes and customs duty rationalisation. However, analysts note that manufacturing growth has not translated into large scale job creation.

    Core Issue: Growth Without Jobs

    1. Stagnant Share in GDP

    • Manufacturing share remains 14 to 17 percent for decades.
    • Successful industrialisers in East Asia reached 25 to 30 percent before stabilising.
    • Indicates incomplete structural transformation.

    2. Jobs Growth Disconnect

    • Organised manufacturing employs about 1.96 crore workers.
    • Only about 57 lakh jobs added in the last decade.
    • Total manufacturing employment around 5.44 crore, with two thirds in informal units.

    Note: Organised factories are productive but create few jobs. Unorganised units absorb labour but remain low productivity and low wage.

    3. Capital Intensive Expansion

    • Firms rely on automation and capital deepening.
    • Output rises faster than employment.
    • Job elasticity of growth remains low.

    4. Skills Mismatch

    • Firms struggle to find job ready workers.
    • Weak firm level training and apprenticeship ecosystem.
    • Skill programmes poorly linked to industry demand.

    5. MSME Constraints

    • MSMEs contribute 35 percent of manufacturing output and about half of exports.
    • Credit expansion improves liquidity but not productivity.
    • Weak technology adoption, poor supply chain integration, limited scaling.
    [2020] With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: 

    1. Worker productivity (Rupee per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas. 

    2. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased. 

    3. In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased. 

    4. The growth rate in rural employment decreased. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    IT Rules 2026 Amendment on AI Content

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has amended the IT Rules to mandate prominent labelling of AI generated photorealistic content and sharply reduce takedown timelines for unlawful material. The rules take effect from February 20, 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Definition of Synthetic Content: AI generated audio, visual or audiovisual content that appears real and indistinguishable from natural persons or real events.
    • Mandatory Labelling: Platforms must seek disclosure if content is AI generated. 
      • If no disclosure, platforms must label it prominently. 
      • Non consensual deepfakes must be removed.
    • Reduced Takedown Timeline: Court or government declared illegal content: within 3 hours. 
      • Non consensual nudity and deepfakes: within 2 hours. Earlier limit was 24 to 36 hours
    • Safe Harbour Impact: Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, intermediaries enjoy safe harbour under Section 79. 
      • Failure to exercise due diligence may lead to loss of immunity.
    • States’ Power: States can now notify more than one officer to issue takedown orders.
    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 

    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 

    3. Disease diagnosis 

    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 

    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: Indo-Pacific and QUAD

    India–Seychelles Joint Vision SESEL

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

    Why in the News

    India and Seychelles adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) during the State Visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to India. The visit coincides with 50 years of Seychelles’ independence and 50 years of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations.

    Key Outcomes 

    Strategic and Political

    • Reaffirmation of special maritime partnership between India and Seychelles
    • Seychelles recognised as a key pillar of India’s Vision MAHASAGAR
    • Agreement to intensify political and parliamentary exchanges

    Development Partnership

    • India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million
      • USD 125 million Rupee denominated Line of Credit
      • USD 50 million Grant assistance
    • Focus areas include sustainability, defence, maritime security, capacity building and inclusive growth

    Digital Public Infrastructure

    • India to assist Seychelles in building Digital Public Infrastructure
    • Includes digital payments and e governance systems

    Health and Food Security

    • Donation of 10 ambulances to Seychelles
    • Seychelles to recognise Indian Pharmacopoeia, easing access to affordable medicines
    • Donation of 1000 metric tonnes of grains to strengthen food security
    • Cooperation on hospital construction and public health capacity

    Capacity Building

    • Expanded cooperation under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
    • Training for civil servants, defence personnel and health professionals
    • Customised training through National Centre for Good Governance
    • Cooperation in cybersecurity, financial intelligence and MSME promotion

    Climate Action and Renewables

    • Cooperation under the International Solar Alliance
    • Support for Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems
    • Seychelles to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
    • India to provide technical support for green transport and power grid management

    Trade, Tourism and Connectivity

    • Direct flights boosted Indian tourist arrivals
    • Agreement to explore further air connectivity
    • Focus on blue economy, fisheries, AI, digital services and affordable housing

    Hydrography and Blue Economy

    • Establishment of Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance
    • Conduct of joint hydrographic surveys
    • Third Joint Commission Meeting on Hydrography to be held in Seychelles in 2026
    [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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  • Human Rights Issues

    NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of stranded Indian workers in Dubai

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News

    The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that Indian migrant workers from Jharkhand are stranded in Dubai, allegedly facing passport seizure, unpaid wages and denial of return to India.

    Key Facts  

    • Number of workers affected: At least 14
    • Home districts: Giridih, Hazaribagh and Bokaro in Jharkhand
    • Nature of employment: Transmission line work
    • Allegations:
      • Passports seized by employer
      • Wages unpaid
      • Salary deductions to recover airfare costs
      • Charges imposed for accommodation
      • Inability to afford food
    • Action by NHRC:
      • Issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand
      • Notice to the State Migrant Workers Control Room
      • Sought a detailed report within two weeks

    Note:

    • The present case directly demonstrates the suo motu powers of NHRC based on media reports.
    • NHRC is a statutory body, not constitutional.
    • Its recommendations are advisory, not binding.
    • It does not have punitive powers but can recommend action.
    [2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 

    2. The National Human Rights Commission 

    3. The National Law Commission 

    4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies? 

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

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Safe Landing Patch Identified near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan 4

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

    Why in the News

    A study by ISRO Space Applications Centre has identified a safe landing patch near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan-4, India’s first lunar sample return mission.

    About Moon’s Mons Mouton

    • Mons Mouton is a large flat topped lunar mountain massif
    • Officially named by the International Astronomical Union

    Location

    • Situated in the south polar region of the Moon
    • Lies close to the rim of the South Pole Aitken Basin
    • Approximately 160 km from the lunar south pole

    Origin

    • Formed due to rim uplift during ancient massive asteroid impacts
    • Represents exposed deep lunar crust, rare and scientifically valuable

    Key Physical Features

    • Width of nearly 100 km
    • Elevation of about 6,000 metres above surrounding terrain
    • Rugged topography with craters and boulder fields
    • Unique illumination conditions
      • Some regions receive near continuous sunlight
      • Others remain in permanent shadow
    • Can be observed during favourable libration even with amateur telescopes
    [2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier? (a) Australia 

    (b) Canada 

    (c) China 

    (d) Japan

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  • NPA Crisis

    Gross NPAs of SCBs at Historic Low

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Finance Ministry informed that the gross non performing assets ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks has declined to a historic low of 2.15 percent as of September 30, 2025, the lowest level seen in more than a decade.

    Key Facts 

    • Gross NPA ratio of SCBs: 2.15 percent
    • Trend: Continuous decline for the last eight financial years
    • Comparison: Lower than the level seen in 2010-11

    Bank wise Gross NPA Ratio as on Sept 30, 2025

    • Public Sector Banks: 2.50 percent
    • Private Sector Banks: 1.73 percent
    • Foreign Banks: 0.80 percent

    Reasons for Decline in NPAs

    • Asset Quality Review initiated by Reserve Bank of India in 2015
    • Government’s 4R strategy
      • Recognition of NPAs
      • Resolution and recovery
      • Recapitalisation of PSBs
      • Reforms in banking and financial ecosystem
    • Improved underwriting standards
    • Stronger balance sheets and sustained profitability of banks
    [2019] What was the purpose of the Inter-Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently? (a) To lessen the Government of India’s perennial burden of fiscal deficit and current account deficit 

    (b) To support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments 

    (c) To act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of Rs. 50 crore or more 

    (d) To aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are under consortium lending

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala

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

    Why in the News

    Researchers have identified and described a new species of dragonfly from Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis, highlighting the rich and still underexplored biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

    Key Facts 

    • Scientific name: Lyriothemis keralensis
    • Taxonomic group: Order Odonata, Family Libellulidae
    • Location of discovery: Varapetty near Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala
    • Habitat:
      • Vegetated pools and irrigation canals
      • Shaded pineapple and rubber plantations
    • Seasonal visibility:
      • Adult dragonflies seen only during the Southwest monsoon from late May to August
      • Remains in aquatic larval stage during the rest of the year
    [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? 

    (a) Butterflies 

    (b) Dragonflies   

    (c) Honeybees 

    (d) Wasps

     

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