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Type: Prelims Only

  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    National IED Data Management System (NIDMS)  

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

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurated the National IED Data Management System (NIDMS) at the National Security Guard garrison in Manesar, calling it a next generation shield against terrorism.

    What is NIDMS

    • A national online digital platform and centralised repository of data related to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents
    • Designed to support investigation, pattern analysis, and deterrence strategies against terror attacks
    • Provides single click access to IED related data across India
    • Nodal Agency: National Security Guard (NSG)
    • Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs

    Key Objectives

    • Strengthen counter terrorism investigations
    • Identify patterns in modus operandi and explosives
    • Enable scientific and evidence based prosecution
    • Improve inter agency coordination

    Key Features

    • Two way data platform
      • Agencies can upload fresh IED incident data
      • Agencies can access historical data
    • Comprehensive database: Chronicles all bomb blasts since 1999
    • One nation one data repository: Uniform access for central and state agencies
    • Fully secure national digital platform
    • Enables standardisation, integration, and secure sharing of IED data

    Agencies Covered

    • National Investigation Agency
    • State Anti Terrorism Squads
    • Central Armed Police Forces
    • State and Union Territory police forces
    • Intelligence and investigation agencies

    Integration with Other Security Databases

    NIDMS will interlink with existing national security platforms:

    • CCTNS connecting over 17,700 police stations
    • ICJS 2 integrating data from 22,000 courts
    • e Prisons database with over 2.2 crore prisoners
    • e Prosecution database with around 2 crore cases
    • e Forensics with more than 31 lakh samples
    • NAFIS with over 1.2 crore fingerprints
    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of: 

    (a) Digital security infrastructure 

    (b) Food security infrastructure 

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure 

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India – EU

    India Participates in the Weimar Triangle Format  

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

    Why in the News?

    India participated for the first time in the Weimar Triangle format, where Poland publicly supported India amid United States pressure on Russian oil imports, signalling growing strategic convergence between India and key European powers.

    What is the Weimar Triangle

    • A trilateral political and diplomatic grouping
    • Members: France, Germany and Poland
    • Created to promote European integration, political dialogue, and security cooperation
    • Established in 1991
    • Named after Weimar
    • First meeting of the three foreign ministers held in Weimar
    • Initially focused on post Cold War European reconciliation

    Aims of the Weimar Triangle

    • Build a united and secure Europe
    • Strengthen political, security, and economic cooperation
    • Coordinate responses to Russia related security challenges
    • Bridge Western Europe and Central Eastern Europe

    Significance of India’s Participation

    • Marks India’s diplomatic outreach beyond traditional EU formats
    • Indicates European strategic autonomy in engaging India
    • Public support by Poland strengthens India’s position on energy security
    • Reflects growing India Europe convergence amid global geopolitical stress

    Prelims Pointers

    • Weimar Triangle has three European members
    • Created in 1991
    • Not an EU institution but an informal strategic forum
    • Important in Russia Ukraine context
    • India participated for the first time
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the ‘Trade and Technology Council’

    Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control

    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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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Technology 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India is preparing to roll out Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V) communication technology by the end of 2026 to significantly reduce road accidents, especially during fog, rear end collisions, and pile ups.

    What is Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V) Technology

    • A direct communication system that allows vehicles to exchange information with each other
    • Works without mobile network or internet
    • Vehicles send and receive real time safety alerts when another vehicle comes dangerously close
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

    How the V2V System Works

    • A SIM like communication device installed inside vehicles
    • Vehicles broadcast signals about: Speed, Position, Direction and Sudden braking
    • Nearby vehicles receive instant alerts and warn drivers

    Key Features

    • 360 degree communication: Alerts received from all sides of the vehicle
    • Distance warning system: Warns drivers if another vehicle comes too close
    • Stationary vehicle detection: Alerts about parked or broken down vehicles on roads
    • Fog safety: Highly effective during low visibility conditions
    • Pile up prevention: Reduces chances of multi vehicle collisions on highways
    [2023] Consider the following actions: 

    1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously 

    2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive

    3. Detection of the tilt of the smart phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode 

    In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required? 

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

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

    Zehanpora Buddhist Site and Kashmir’s Ancient Buddhist Past  

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

    Why in the News?

    Archaeologists have unearthed ancient Buddhist stupas and settlement remains at Zehanpora in Baramulla, reviving Kashmir’s 2,000 year old Buddhist past. The breakthrough was aided by century old photographs preserved in a French museum, which guided modern excavations.

    About the Zehanpora Discovery

    • Location: Zehanpora village, Baramulla district, along the Jhelum River
    • Site lies on an ancient Silk Route corridor linking Kashmir to Central Asia and Kandahar
    • Excavations began in July 2025 after drone surveys, aerial mapping, and ground verification

    Key Archaeological Findings

    • Three Buddhist stupas
    • Urban type settlement complex likely including chaityas and viharas
    • Apsidal stupa architecture with pradakshina path
    • Kushan era artefacts
      • Pottery shards
      • Copper objects
      • Stone walls
    • Evidence of long term monastic and urban activity

    Historical Significance

    Gandhara Buddhist Network

    • Discovery firmly links Kashmir to the Gandhara Buddhist cultural network
    • Establishes Kashmir as a central hub of Buddhist learning, not a peripheral region
    • Demonstrates cultural and intellectual exchange between South Asia and Central Asia

    Chronological Context

    • Buddhist presence in Kashmir began during Ashoka’s reign (3rd century BCE)
    • Flourished under the Kushan Empire (1st to 3rd century CE)
    • Kushans promoted urbanisation, trade, and Buddhism

    Literary Corroboration

    • Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang mentioned entering Kashmir via the Silk Route
    • Zehanpora excavation provides material archaeological evidence supporting textual references

    Role of French Museum Photographs

    • In 2023, century old photographs showing three stupas in Baramulla were discovered
    • Images validated local archaeological hypotheses
    • Triggered systematic excavation and site identification

    Prelims Pointers

    • Zehanpora is located in Baramulla district
    • Site linked to Gandhara Buddhism
    • Artefacts belong mainly to Kushan period
    • Apsidal stupas allow circumambulatory worship
    • Discovery aided by foreign archival material
    [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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  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Issues & Development

    PANKHUDI Portal  

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister launched PANKHUDI, an integrated digital portal to improve ease of living for women and children by streamlining CSR and voluntary partnerships.

    About PANKHUDI Portal

    • A single window integrated digital platform
    • Facilitates CSR and voluntary contributions for women and child development
    • Enables transparent funding, proposal tracking, and outcome monitoring
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development

    Objectives

    • Strengthen coordination among government, citizens, NRIs, NGOs, and corporates
    • Improve transparency and accountability in social investments
    • Enhance service delivery and outcomes for women and children nationwide

    Key Features

    Unified CSR Interface

    • Single platform for individuals, NRIs, NGOs, corporates, and government agencies
    • Simplifies collaboration with government programmes
    • Priority Focus Areas: Nutrition, Health, Early Childhood Care and Education,Child welfare and protection, Women’s safety and empowerment

    Support to Flagship Missions

    • Digitally strengthens
      • Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
      • Mission Vatsalya
      • Mission Shakti

    End-to-End Transparency

    • Online registration and proposal submission
    • Digital approvals and real time monitoring
    • Non cash contributions only to ensure traceability

    Scale of Impact

    • Covers more than 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres
    • Around 5,000 Child Care Institutions
    • Nearly 800 One Stop Centres
    • About 500 Shakhi Niwas
    • Around 400 Shakti Sadan

    Significance

    • Reduces procedural friction in government partnerships
    • Enhances monitoring and convergence of welfare schemes
    • Improves measurable impact of CSR and voluntary funding
    • Strengthens digital governance in social sector delivery

    Prelims Pointers

    • PANKHUDI is a CSR facilitation portal
    • Focused on women and child development
    • Operates through non cash contributions
    • Linked with major flagship missions
    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements: 

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 

    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities. 

    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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  • Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

    District Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan

    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?

    The Ministry of Textiles has launched the District Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan to convert 100 high potential districts into Global Export Champions and upgrade 100 Aspirational Districts into self reliant textile hubs.

    What is the DLTT Plan

    • A sector specific, district level transformation strategy for textiles
    • Uses data driven categorisation to tailor interventions
    • Covers districts at different stages, from advanced export clusters to foundation stage districts

    Objectives

    • Drive inclusive, sustainable, and export oriented growth in textiles
    • Decentralise policy execution to districts
    • Strengthen MSMEs and formalise the workforce
    • Build globally competitive textile clusters

    Significance

    • Moves India up the textile value chain
    • Diversifies export baskets
    • Strengthens MSMEs and formalises labour
    • Boosts women led and SHG led enterprises
    • Accelerates development in aspirational, eastern, and north eastern districts

    Prelims Pointers

    • DLTT follows a district first approach
    • Uses data driven classification
    • Integrates skilling, infrastructure, and exports
    • Strong focus on inclusive and regional development
    [2022] Which of the following activities constitute the real sector in the economy? 

    1. Farmers harvesting their crops 2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics 

    2. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company 

    3. A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Dust Experiment (DEX) 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Indian Space Research Organisation has confirmed that an interplanetary dust particle enters Earth’s atmosphere roughly every 16 minutes, based on observations from India’s first cosmic dust detector Dust Experiment (DEX).

    About Dust Experiment (DEX)

    • India’s first indigenously developed cosmic dust detector
    • Designed to detect and measure high speed interplanetary and orbital dust particles
    • Studies dust impacts in Earth’s upper atmosphere

    Developed by

    • Indian Space Research Organisation
    • Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad

    Mission Platform

    • Flown aboard PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)
    • Part of PSLV C58 XPoSat mission

    Aim

    • Direct measurement of cosmic dust flux
    • Improve understanding of space environment
    • Enhance satellite safety and planning of future crewed deep space missions

    Prelims Pointers

    • DEX is India’s first cosmic dust detector
    • Operates from PSLV POEM
    • Measures interplanetary dust particles
    • IDPs originate from comets and asteroids
    • Critical for satellite protection and deep space missions
    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets? 

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material

    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury

    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    Child Marriage in India 

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has intensified efforts to eliminate child marriage through the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (BVMB) campaign, with targets to reduce prevalence by 10 percent by 2026 and make India child marriage free by 2030 in line with SDG 5.3.

    What is Child Marriage

    • Any marital union where
      • Female is below 18 years, or
      • Male is below 21 years
    • Considered a violation of human rights and a barrier to health, education, and gender equality

    Historical Evolution of Laws in India

    • Reform movement led by Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotirao Phule
    • Age of Consent Act, 1891: First legal intervention against early marriage
    • Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 (Sarda Act): Minimum age fixed at 14 for girls and 18 for boys
    • Amendments of 1948 and 1978: Raised age to 18 for girls and 21 for boys
    • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006: Shift from restraint to prohibition, protection, and punishment

    Current Legal Framework

    • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006
      • Child marriages are voidable
      • Void if involving force, trafficking, or deceit
      • Provides for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers
    • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023
      • Sexual relations with a wife below 18 constitute rape
    • POCSO Act 2012
      • Sexual activity within child marriage treated as aggravated penetrative sexual assault

    Current Trends and Data

    • NFHS 5 (2019 to 21): 23 percent of women aged 20 to 24 were married before 18
    • Significant decline compared to earlier decades but still widespread
    • High prevalence regions: West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Central and Eastern India.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Child marriage is a criminal offence
    • PCMA 2006 focuses on prevention and protection
    • POCSO overrides personal laws
    • Elimination target aligned with SDG 5.3
    [2020] In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around: 

    1. women’s right to gain education 

    2. age of consent 

    3. restitution of conjugal rights 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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

    Spina Bifida in India  

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    India continues to report one of the highest global burdens of Spina Bifida, despite strong scientific evidence that pre conception folic acid intake can prevent more than 70 percent of cases.

    What is Spina Bifida

    • A congenital neural tube defect
    • Occurs when the spinal cord and its protective coverings fail to develop properly
    • Develops during early pregnancy, usually within the first 28 days after conception
    • Leads to lifelong disability of varying severity
    • Non communicable and Non infectious

    Causes

    • Caused by abnormal closure of the neural tube
    • Inadequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy
    • Poor maternal nutrition and anaemia
    • Unplanned pregnancies without micronutrient supplementation
    • Possible genetic susceptibility combined with environmental factors

    Treatment and Management

    • Early surgical repair: Closure of the spinal defect soon after birth to prevent infection
    • Hydrocephalus management: Use of ventriculo peritoneal shunt to drain excess fluid
    • Rehabilitation care: Long term physiotherapy and occupational therapy
    • Orthopaedic interventions: Corrective surgeries, braces or casts for skeletal deformities

    Prevention

    • Daily folic acid supplementation before conception and during early pregnancy
    • Food fortification and maternal nutrition programmes
    • Awareness about planned pregnancies
    • Integration with maternal health schemes

    Prelims Pointers

    • Spina bifida is a neural tube defect
    • Neural tube closes within 28 days of conception
    • Folic acid deficiency is the most important risk factor
    • Prevention is more effective than post birth treatment
    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: 

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 

    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth

    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents

    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. 

    How many of the statements given above are correct? 

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

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    US Withdraws from UNFCCC and IPCC

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India,Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

    Why in the News?

    US President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from 66 international organisations, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This makes the US the first country to formally exit the UNFCCC.

    United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

    The UNFCCC is the foundational global treaty that governs international cooperation on climate change. It provides the legal and institutional framework under which global climate negotiations take place.

    Established

    • Adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit
    • Entered into force in 1994
    • Nearly universal membership among UN countries

    Key role

    • Organises annual Conference of Parties (COP) climate negotiations
    • Hosts the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming
    • Establishes systems for
      • Emissions reporting
      • Transparency and accountability
      • Climate finance mechanisms
      • Carbon markets and rule making

    Legal implications of US withdrawal

    • Withdrawal takes effect one year after formal notice
    • Exit from UNFCCC automatically means exit from the Paris Agreement
    • US will no longer be a Party to COP negotiations
    • Can attend meetings only as an observer, without bargaining rights

    Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

    The IPCC is the UN body that assesses and synthesises global scientific research on climate change, its impacts, and mitigation and adaptation options.

    Functions

    • Produces comprehensive assessment reports
    • Provides scientific benchmarks for climate negotiations
    • Informs global and national climate policy

    Impact of US exit

    • Reduces US influence over global climate science assessments
    • Limits formal nomination of US experts to IPCC author teams
    • US scientists may still contribute as reviewers or through non government nominations
    [2009] The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at: 

    (a) United Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972 

    (b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992 

    (c) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002 

    (d) UN Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen, 2009

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