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Type: Prelims Only

  • 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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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    NHAI proposal for sound barrier near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

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

    Why in the News?

    The National Highways Authority of India has proposed constructing a soundproof barrier wall along a highway stretch passing close to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka to minimise the impact of traffic noise on wildlife.

    About Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

    • Located near Srirangapatna, Karnataka
    • Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River
    • Declared a bird sanctuary in 1940

    What is the NHAI Proposal?

    • Construction of a sound barrier wall along a highway stretch near the sanctuary
    • The objective is to reduce vehicular noise and disturbance
    • Proposal applies to the eco sensitive zone and buffer area of the sanctuary
    • Clearance required from the National Board for Wildlife

    Why are Sound Barriers Important Near Protected Areas?

    • Noise pollution affects
      • Bird breeding behaviour
      • Nesting success
    • Feeding and migration patterns
      • Traffic movement can fragment habitats
      • Sound barriers act as mitigation measures, not expansion approvals

    Legal and Regulatory Framework

    • Wildlife clearance mandatory for projects near protected areas
    • Eco sensitive zones notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986
    • NBWL clearance required for projects affecting wildlife habitats
    • Reflects principle of sustainable infrastructure development
    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 1. Nagarhole National Park 

    2. Papikonda National Park 

    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 

    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    Police action on illegal rat-hole coal mining after court directions

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters,Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Police in Meghalaya have been directed by the judiciary to identify and act against owners of illegal rat hole coal mines, following repeated mining accidents and continued violations despite a long standing ban.

    What is Rat Hole Coal Mining?

    • Rat hole mining is a primitive and hazardous method of coal extraction where miners dig narrow horizontal or vertical tunnels, often just large enough for a person to crawl through.
    • This practice is mainly found in parts of Meghalaya due to unique land ownership patterns.

    Judicial Background

    • The National Green Tribunal banned rat hole coal mining in 2014. The ban was imposed due to
      • Severe environmental damage
      • Frequent loss of lives
      • Absence of safety standards

    Why Does Illegal Mining Continue?

    • Coal bearing land is often privately or community owned
    • Weak enforcement and local political economy
    • High demand for coal and informal labour
    • Difficult terrain and limited monitoring capacity
    [2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government

    2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. 

    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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  • Finance Commission – Issues related to devolution of resources

    16th Finance Commission proposal to scrap Revenue Deficit Grants

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

    Why in the News?

    Some States have raised concerns over indications that the Sixteenth Finance Commission may recommend phasing out or scrapping Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG), arguing that it could adversely impact fiscally weaker States.

    What are Revenue Deficit Grants?

    • Revenue Deficit Grants are statutory transfers recommended by the Finance Commission to States whose revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts even after tax devolution.
    • Their objective is to ensure that States can meet basic administrative and social sector expenditure without resorting to excessive borrowing.

    Constitutional Basis

    • Provided under Article 275 of the Constitution
    • Grants are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India

    Why are Revenue Deficit Grants Given?

    • To correct vertical fiscal imbalance between Centre and States
    • To support States with weak revenue raising capacity
    • To ensure minimum standards of public services across States
    • To prevent revenue deficits from crowding out capital expenditure

    What is the Proposal of the 16th Finance Commission?

    • Move towards eliminating revenue deficits rather than financing them
    • Encourage States to undertake fiscal discipline and tax reforms
    • Shift focus from revenue support to performance based and capital linked transfers
    • Reduce long term dependence of States on unconditional grants

    Concerns Raised by States

    • Hill and special category States depend heavily on RDG
    • Post GST regime has reduced States’ fiscal flexibility
    • Fear of widening inter State fiscal disparities
    • Risk of increased borrowing and debt stress

    Significance for Fiscal Federalism

    • Tests the balance between fiscal autonomy and fiscal responsibility
    • Reflects shift from entitlement based transfers to outcome based federalism
    • Could redefine the nature of Centre State financial relations
    [2025] Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct? I. It has recommended grants of ₹4,800 crores from the year 2022–23 to 2025–26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes

    II. 45% of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States

    III. ₹45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms

    IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    India and Malaysia sign pacts to expand ties

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

    Why in the News?

    India and Malaysia signed multiple agreements to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, semiconductors, digital technologies, and local currency trade settlement during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Malaysia.

    Key Agreements and Outcomes

    • 11 agreements and MoUs signed covering trade, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors
    • Framework pact for semiconductor cooperation, including supply chains and manufacturing ecosystems
    • Agreement to promote local currency trade settlement using Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit
    • Expansion of cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security
    • Decision to establish an Indian Consulate General in Malaysia
    • Malaysia reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC

    Strategic and Economic Significance

    Indo-Pacific and ASEAN

    • Reinforces India’s Indo-Pacific vision
    • Emphasises ASEAN centrality, especially the role of ASEAN

    Trade and Economy

    • Local currency settlement reduces dependence on US dollar
    • Supports India’s push for internationalisation of the Rupee
    • Boosts trade resilience amid global financial volatility

    Technology and Energy

    • Semiconductor cooperation supports India’s electronics manufacturing goals
    • Energy collaboration aligns with clean energy transition and energy security

    Defence and Security Dimension

    • Strengthening defence ties in the maritime domain
    • Cooperation in counter-terrorism with emphasis on zero tolerance and no double standards
    • Enhances stability in the Indo-Pacific sea lanes
    [2011] With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements: 

    1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs. 

    2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War. 

    3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement 

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

    Why in the News?

    A historic agreement was signed in New Delhi on 5 February 2026 between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, paving the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

    About the Agreement

    • Signed in the presence of Amit Shah and Neiphiu Rio
    • Applies to six districts of Eastern Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator
    • Represents a negotiated settlement through dialogue
    • Does not affect Article 371A of the Constitution

    What is FNTA

    • A territorial authority for Eastern Nagaland
    • Created to address long standing political and developmental demands
    • Aimed at accelerated and inclusive regional development

    Key Provisions

    • Devolution of powers over 46 subjects to FNTA
    • Creation of a mini Secretariat for FNTA
    • Headed by Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary
    • Development outlay shared proportionally based on population and area
    • Union Ministry of Home Affairs to bear initial establishment expenditure
    • Fixed annual financial allocation by Government of India

    Institutional and Constitutional Aspects

    • FNTA functions within the constitutional framework of Nagaland
    • Article 371A remains fully protected
    • Enhances financial autonomy and decision making
    • Focus on infrastructure, economic empowerment and resource utilisation
    [2024] The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members: 1. Governor of the Constituent State 

    2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State 

    3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India 

    4. The Home Minister of India 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Guidelines 

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    India has released its first ever national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) to address long standing gaps in identifying victims of mass fatality disasters.

    What is Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)?

    • A scientific and systematic process to identify deceased persons in mass fatality incidents
    • Used in air crashes, earthquakes, floods, fires, industrial accidents and terror attacks
    • Ensures accurate identification and dignified handover of remains to families

    Organisations Involved

    • National Disaster Management Authority as nodal agency
    • National Forensic Sciences University for technical and drafting support
    • State police, health departments, forensic laboratories and emergency responders
    • Aligned with global best practices of Interpol DVI framework

    Aim of the Guidelines

    • Ensure accurate identification and legal certification of deaths
    • Create a uniform national protocol for mass fatality management
    • Integrate modern forensic science and digital tools into disaster response
    [2014] Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Serengsia Battle 1837  

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

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren commemorated an Adivasi resistance event linked to the Serengsia battle of 1837, but historians and Adivasi activists have contested the official date of remembrance, calling for historically accurate commemoration.

    About the Serengsia Battle

    • Fought in 1837 between Ho Adivasis and the British East India Company
    • Took place in Serengsia Valley, present day West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand
    • Part of a broader phase of Adivasi resistance in the Kolhan region

    Who Were the Ho Adivasis

    • Indigenous inhabitants of the Kolhan region
    • Region includes East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan

    Background to the Uprising

    • Kolhan came under Bengal Presidency around 1820–21
    • British imposed revenue, allowed non Adivasi settlement and enforced Hindi and Oriya
    • Exploitation by zamindars and social oppression triggered resistance
    • Earlier uprising known as Kol Uprising of 1831
    [2011] Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century? (a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products 

    (b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas 

    (c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas 

    (d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Sodium Ion Batteries and India’s Battery Strategy  

    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 recent policy focused analysis highlighted sodium ion battery technology as a strategic alternative for India to reduce dependence on lithium ion batteries, strengthen energy security and address critical mineral supply risks.

    Background

    • Batteries are central to EVs, renewable energy storage and digital devices
    • Lithium ion batteries currently dominate due to high energy density and long cycle life
    • India faces high import dependence for lithium, cobalt and nickel

    India’s Current Battery Push

    • Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing supported under PLI scheme
    • About 40 GWh capacity allocated, but limited domestic upstream ecosystem
    • Heavy reliance on imported raw materials and components

    What are Sodium Ion Batteries

    • Batteries that use sodium instead of lithium as the charge carrier
    • Sodium is abundant and widely available
    • Compatible with existing lithium ion manufacturing lines with minor changes

    Performance Comparison

    • Lower energy density than lithium ion batteries
    • Suitable for grid storage, two wheelers and stationary applications

    Global Status

    • Around 70 GWh sodium ion capacity operational globally in 2025
    • Expected to reach nearly 400 GWh by 2030
    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt 

    II. Graphite 

    III. Lithium 

    IV. Nickel 

    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? 

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

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  • Anti Defection Law

    Disqualification of MLAs and Speaker’s Powers 

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

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court of India has given a final three week deadline to the Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker to decide the remaining disqualification petitions against MLAs elected on BRS tickets who later joined the Congress. The Court warned that failure to comply would invite contempt proceedings.

    What is the issue?

    • Disqualification petitions were filed against 10 MLAs under the anti defection law
    • Allegation is defection from Bharat Rashtra Samiti to Congress after elections
    • Speaker rejected 7 petitions in December 2025
    • One more petition has since been decided
    • Remaining petitions are still pending

    Supreme Court directions so far

    • Matter pending before SC since December 2024
    • July 31, 2025 order directed Speaker to decide all petitions within three months
    • Non compliance led to contempt petitions
    • January 16, 2026 hearing granted two weeks extension
    • February 2026 order gives last chance of three weeks with contempt warning

    Legal and constitutional basis

    • Anti defection law is contained in the Tenth Schedule
    • Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is the adjudicating authority
    • Speaker’s decisions are subject to judicial review
    • Power of contempt flows from Articles 129 and 142 of the Constitution
    [2022] With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements: 1. The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House. 

    2. The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case. 

    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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