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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Delhi Parsi Anjuman Centenary  

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

    Why in the News?

    Delhi Parsi Anjuman DPA is celebrating its 100 years of establishment in 2025.

    About Parsis in India

    • Parsis migrated to India around 8th century CE from Persia modern day Iran due to religious persecution.
     • They followed sea trade routes and mainly settled in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
     • Known for contributions in trade industry law healthcare and public life.

    Parsis in Delhi

    • First Parsi settlement in Delhi dates to the 19th century.
     • Legend links early Parsi presence to Meherjirana the first Dastur invited by Mughal emperor Akbar during the 16th century.
     • Major influx occurred after British shifted capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
     • First recorded Parsi migrant to Delhi was Naowroji Kapadia from Bharuch Gujarat.

    Delhi Parsi Anjuman DPA

    • Established in 1925 by 40 trustees.
     • Location Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi.
     • First President Naowroji Kapadia.
     • Meaning of Anjuman Persian word meaning congregation.
     • Objective Cultural spiritual and social hub for the Parsi community in Delhi.
     • Current Parsi population in Delhi around 500 in 2023-24.

    Key Institutions under DPA

    • Dar-e-Mehr Zoroastrian fire temple established in 1961.
     • Only Zoroastrian fire temple in North India.
     • Dharamshala banquet hall and Katgara Hall newly renovated in 2025.

    Important Facts for Prelims

    • Delhi Parsi Anjuman founded in 1925.
     • Centenary year 2025.
     • Dar-e-Mehr in Delhi is the only fire temple in North India.
     • Parsis played a key role in shaping Delhi’s legal architectural and healthcare institutions.

    Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO? (2024)

    (a) Chhau dance 

    (b) Durga Puja 

    (c) Garba dance 

    (d) Kumbh Mela

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Agentic AI  

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

    Why in the News?

    Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently noted that India is witnessing strong momentum in the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence, particularly agentic AI applications.

    About Agentic AI

    Agentic AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence that emphasises autonomous decision-making and action. It is designed to act independently in a goal driven manner with minimal human intervention.

    Core Concept

    • Based on AI agents that simulate human-like decision making
     • Capable of setting goals, planning steps, and executing tasks on its own
     • Goes beyond traditional AI systems that mainly respond to prompts or analyse data

    Prelims Pointers

    • Agentic AI emphasizes autonomy and goal orientation
    • Uses large language models as its reasoning engine
    • Key stages include perception, reasoning, planning, action, and reflection
    • Represents an evolution beyond prompt based AI systems
    With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

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

    Diving Support Craft A20

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

    Why in the news?

    The Indian Navy is set to commission Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command, marking a key milestone in indigenous naval capability.

    About Diving Support Craft A20

    • First vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft class
     • Lead ship in a series of five DSCs
     • Built by M s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata
     • Designed for a wide range of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters

    Prelims Pointers

    • DSC A20 is an indigenously built naval auxiliary vessel
    • Builder: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
    • Hull type: Catamaran
    • Command: Southern Naval Command
    • Focus areas include diving operations, underwater missions, and salvage support
    Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Pallas’s Gull 

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

    Why in the News?

    The rare migratory Pallas’s Gull was recently sighted at Udhwa Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand, marking its return after nearly a decade.

    About Pallas’s Gull

    • Also known as the Great Black headed Gull
     • One of the largest gull species in the world
     • World’s largest black headed gull and third largest gull overall
     • Family: Laridae
     • Scientific name: Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus

    Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern

    Distribution and Migration

    • Breeds in colonies across marshes and islands of southern Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia
     • Migratory species
     • Winters in the Mediterranean region, Arabian Peninsula, and Indian subcontinent.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Pallas’s Gull is a migratory wetland dependent bird
    • Associated with Central Asian Flyway
    • Udhwa is Jharkhand’s only bird sanctuary and a Ramsar Site
    • Species belongs to the Laridae family
    Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? (2015)

    (a) Bhitarkanika National Park 

    (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park 

    (c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park 

    (d) Sultanpur National Park

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

    Boreendo

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

    Why in the News?

    Boreendo, an ancient traditional musical instrument from Pakistan, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

    About Boreendo

    • Also known as Bhorindo
     • Traditional wind instrument from the Sindh region of Pakistan
     • Believed to be around 5,000 years old
     • Origins traced to Mohenjo Daro of the Indus Valley Civilisation

    Physical Features

    • Hollow spherical body with sound holes
     • Made of clay that is sun dried and kiln fired
     • Decorated using clay paint

    Cultural Practices

    • Played mainly by men
     • Women traditionally decorate the instrument
     • Used during winter bonfires, weddings, and local festivals

    UNESCO Significance

    • Listed under Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
     • Recognition highlights the risk of decline due to reduced practitioners and changing cultural practices
     • Aims to promote preservation, transmission, and awareness of the art form

    Prelims Pointers

    • Region: Sindh, Pakistan
     • Material: Clay
     • Type: Wind musical instrument
     • Civilisational link: Indus Valley Civilisation
     • UNESCO list focuses on endangered living traditions

    The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of: (2025)

    (a) carnelian 

    (b) clay 

    (c) bronze 

    (d) gold

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

    Charaichung Festival at Majuli  

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

    Why in the News?

    Assam’s Majuli island hosted the second edition of the Charaichung Festival, aimed at reviving Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary, Charaichung, established in 1633 AD.

    About Charaichung Sanctuary

    • Established in 1633 AD by Ahom King Swargadeu Pratap Singha (Burha Roja).
    • Considered Asia’s first protected royal bird sanctuary.
    • Holds a 392-year-old legacy.
    • Once thriving, the sanctuary has deteriorated and now requires active conservation.
    • Home to around 150 species of indigenous and migratory birds.

    About the Charaichung Festival

    • Held from December 7 to 10, 2025, at Majuli.
    • Organised by Majuli Sahitya and local communities.
    • Objective:
       • Revive Charaichung sanctuary
       • Strengthen bird conservation
       • Promote Majuli as a global tourism destination
    • Includes a special forest conservation exhibition showcasing biodiversity protection efforts.

    Significance of Majuli

    • Recognised as the world’s largest river island.
    • One of India’s important bird habitats, attracting domestic and international nature enthusiasts.
    • Rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
    Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? (2015)

    (a) Bhitarkanika National Park 

    (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park 

    (c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park 

    (d) Sultanpur National Park

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Mass Mortality of Goniopora Corals at One Tree Reef  

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

    Why in the News?

    A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B (December 10, 2025) reports unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality at One Tree Reef (OTR) in the southern Great Barrier Reef, driven by extreme heat and rapid spread of black band disease (BBD).

    Background

    • Coral reefs have shaped Earth’s climate for 250 million years.
    • OTR has not witnessed bleaching of this severity for decades.
    • The impacted species, Goniopora (flowerpot or daisy corals), typically live in lagoons and turbid reefs and are known for thermal tolerance, making their mass mortality alarming.

    Why Black Band Disease Spread at OTR

    • BBD is common in the Caribbean but historically rare in the southern Great Barrier Reef.
    • OTR is offshore and not affected by major nutrient pollution — usually a known trigger.
    • Other coral genera at OTR that bleached did not develop BBD.
    • Northern Great Barrier Reef surveys (2024) showed very low incidence (1–2 percent).
    Consider the following statements: (2018)

    1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters. 

    2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines. 

    3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Pension Reforms

    Onboarding of MTNL Pensioners onto SAMPANN  

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

    Why in the News?

    The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) has inaugurated the onboarding of all Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) pensioners onto the SAMPANN portal, marking a major step in modernizing pension administration under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

    About the MTNL Pensioners

    • The onboarding covers 45,939 MTNL pensioners from Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Includes both current retirees (November 2025) and past pensioners.
    • Event held at the Office of Principal CCA, Delhi.
    • Pensioners received E-PPOs (Electronic Pension Payment Orders) during the event.

    About SAMPANN

    System for Accounting and Management of Pension (SAMPANN)

    • A centralized, comprehensive telecom pension management platform of the DoT.
    • Enables fully digital processing of pension cases.

    Key Features of SAMPANN

    • Accurate, rule-based pension calculations.
    • Integrated case processing with end-to-end digital workflow.
    • PFMS-linked timely pension disbursements.
    • Multi-modal grievance redressal system.
    • Mobile app support (Android and iOS).
    • Real-time dashboards for monitoring and transparency.
    • Reduction of paperwork and delays.
    Consider the following statements: (2020)

    1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. 

    2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data. 

    3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products. 

    4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India. 

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

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

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Movement  

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

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister recently urged citizens to actively participate in the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ movement, a national initiative to help people reclaim their unclaimed financial assets.

    About the Movement

    • Launched by the Central Government in October 2025.
    • Objective: Enable citizens to locate and recover unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual fund amounts, and other financial assets.

    Scale of Unclaimed Funds in India

    • Banking sector: Rs 78,000 crore unclaimed.
    • Insurance companies: Rs 14,000 crore unclaimed.
    • Mutual funds: Rs 3,000 crore unclaimed.
    • Dividends: Rs 9,000 crore unclaimed.
    • Deposits lying idle for 10 years or more are classified as unclaimed deposits.

    Dedicated Portals for Easy Access

    • Unclaimed bank deposits
       • Regulatory Body: Reserve Bank of India
       • Portal: UDGAM Portal
    • Unclaimed insurance proceeds
       • Regulatory Body: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
       • Portal: Bima Bharosa Portal
    • Unclaimed mutual fund amounts
       • Regulatory Body: Securities and Exchange Board of India
       • Portal: MITRA Portal
    • Unpaid dividends and unclaimed shares
       • Regulatory Body: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
       • Portal: IEPFA Portal
    Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for (2015)

    (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates 

    (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas 

    (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country 

    (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    NSIL and ISRO Technology Transfer 

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

    Why in the News?

    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has so far signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) to license technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries.

    About NSIL

    • Commercial arm of the Department of Space (DoS), incorporated under the Companies Act 2013.
    • Mandated to:
      • Commercialise ISRO technologies.
      • Enable industry participation in space missions.
      • Act as the actual licensor of ISRO technologies.

    Technology Transfer Mechanism

    Types of Agreements

    1. Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) – Define rights, obligations, and usage of transferred technology.
    2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – Contain explicit confidentiality clauses protecting commercially sensitive information.

    Role of IN-SPACe

    • Acts as a facilitator for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
    • NSIL remains the licensing authority.

    Oversight for Fairness

    • A dedicated Technology Transfer Committee reviews all proposals.
    • Ensures transfers are transparent, equitable, and accountable.

    Transparency and RTI Compliance

    • NSIL is a public authority under RTI Act, 2005.
    • Suo motu disclosure under Section 4:
      • Lists technologies available for transfer.
      • Guidelines and procedures for NGEs.
      • Periodically updated information on technology transfers.

    What Information is Public?

    • Names and details of industries receiving ISRO technologies
       (furnished under RTI and available via ISRO/DoS websites such as URSC, IN-SPACe, NSIL).
    • Media publications also highlight certain transfers.

    Information Exempt from Disclosure

    Under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, NSIL does not disclose:

    • Commercial terms.
    • Payment details.
    • Copies of agreements.
       These are considered commercially sensitive or strategic.
    With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Consider the following statements : (2018)

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 

    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 

    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None

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