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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Kimberley Process 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Kimberley Process Plenary has selected India to assume the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026. This will be the third time India will chair the process.

    About the Kimberley Process

    • It is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society.
    • Aim is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds.
    • Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance armed conflicts against legitimate governments, as defined by UN Security Council resolutions.

    Governance Structure

    • Chair and Vice Chair are appointed by Plenary consensus.
    • Vice Chair of a year automatically becomes Chair the following year.
    • Plenary is the highest decision making body of the Kimberley Process.

    Participants

    • 60 participants representing 86 countries.
    • European Union is counted as a single participant.

    India and the Kimberley Process

    • India has been participating in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme since 2003.
    • This is the third time India has been entrusted with the Chairmanship.
    • India is a major global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, giving it strategic importance in KP deliberations.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Kimberley Process deals only with rough diamonds, not polished diamonds.
      • KP is not a UN body, but works in alignment with UN Security Council resolutions.
      • Certification is mandatory for international trade in rough diamonds among KP participants.
      • EU counts as one participant despite multiple countries.
    Consider the following pairs: (2025)

    Country –        Resource-rich in; 

    I. Botswana:   Diamond; 

    II. Chile:         Lithium; 

    III. Indonesia: Nickel. 

    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? 

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

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    Minamitori Island  

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    Japan has decided to conduct test mining of rare earth rich mud from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals.

    About Minamitori Island

    • Minamitori Island is also known as Marcus Island.
    • It is an isolated Japanese coral atoll located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
    • It marks the easternmost territorial point of Japan.
    • It is the first location in Japan to witness sunrise due to its eastern position.
    • The island is situated about 1,950 kilometres southeast of central Tokyo.

    Geographical and Geological Features

    • Minamitori Island represents the exposed summit of a massive underwater seamount.
    • The seamount rises from the deep ocean floor along the Marcus Necker Ridge.
    • It is the only landmass of Japan that lies entirely on the Pacific Plate.
    • The island provides Japan with a large Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Ocean.

    What is Rare Earth Mud

    • Rare earth mud is a type of pelagic sediment formed from the accumulated remains of plankton.
    • Over millions of years, these sediments become enriched with rare earth elements.
    • The mud contains significant quantities of neodymium and dysprosium.
    • These elements are essential for manufacturing high performance permanent magnets.
    Consider the following statements: (2021)

    1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 

    2. India has received licenses for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 

    3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

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

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Himalayan Red Fox 

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

    Why in the News?

    A roadside sighting of a Himalayan Red Fox near Pangong Tso in Ladakh went viral on social media. Wildlife authorities cautioned that human interaction with wild animals can disturb their natural behaviour and pose ecological risks.

    About Himalayan Red Fox

    • Subspecies of the widespread red fox
      • One of the most adaptable predators of high altitude Himalayan ecosystems

    Conservation Status

    • Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List

    Distribution

    • Native to the Himalayan mountain range
      • Found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet
      • In India, distributed across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh

    Key Facts about Pangong Tso

    • High altitude endorheic lake in the Ladakh Himalayas
      • One third lies in India and two thirds in China
      • World’s highest saltwater lake
      • Known for changing colours such as blue, green, and reddish shades

    Prelims Pointers

    • Himalayan Red Fox shows high ecological adaptability
      • Pangong Tso is saline and landlocked
      • Wildlife disturbance from tourism is an emerging conservation concern
      • Least Concern species can still face localised threats
    Consider the following: (2012)

    1. Black-necked crane 

    2. Cheetah 

    3. Flying squirrel 

    4. Snow leopard. 

    Which of the above are naturally found in India? 

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

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme 

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

    Why in the News?

    India is expected to have more than 100 tsunami ready villages under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in the Indian Ocean region.

    About Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme

    • An international community based recognition programme
    • Developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
    • Focuses on coastal communities vulnerable to tsunami hazards

    Objectives

    • Build resilient coastal communities
    • Enhance awareness and preparedness against tsunamis
    • Protect life, livelihoods and property
    • Reduce loss and damage during tsunami events

    Prelims Pointers

    • Programme is recognition based, not funding based
    • Focus is on last mile preparedness
    • Applies to coastal and island communities
    • Part of global efforts for tsunami risk reduction
    • India is a member of the Indian Ocean tsunami preparedness framework
    The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (2011)

    (a) Mangrove swamps separate human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out. 

    (b) Mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster. 

    (c) Mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami. 

    (d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

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  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    NATGRID Linked with NPR 

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

    Why in the News?

    The National Intelligence Grid has been linked with the National Population Register, enabling real time access to family wise population data for law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

    National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

    • Secure and indigenous intelligence sharing platform
       • Conceptualised in 2009 after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks
       • Became operational in 2024
       • Receives around 45,000 queries per month on average
       • Accessible only to authorised law and security agencies
       • Access expanded to Superintendent of Police rank officers
       • Earlier limited to select central agencies

    Key Agencies with Access

    • Intelligence Bureau
     • Research and Analysis Wing
     • National Investigation Agency
     • Enforcement Directorate
     • Financial Intelligence Unit
     • Narcotics Control Bureau
     • Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

    Prelims Pointers

    • NATGRID is not a law enforcement agency
      • It is a data access and integration platform
      • NPR is different from Census but linked administratively
      • NPR data is family based not biometric centric
      • Gandiva supports facial recognition and analytics
      • NATGRID enhances counter terrorism and organised crime investigation
    Q. With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: Organization Some of its functions It works under (2025)

    I.Directorate of EnforcementEnforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018Internal Security Division- I, Ministry of Home Affairs 

    II.Directorate of Revenue IntelligenceEnforces the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1962Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance 

    III.Directorate General of Systems and Data ManagementCarrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evadersDepartment of Revenue, Ministry of Finance 

    In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched? 

    [A] Only one 

    [B] for Only two 

    [C] All the three 

    [D] None

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Long-billed Vulture 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Bombay Natural History Society, along with the Maharashtra Forest Department, successfully tagged 15 long billed vultures at Melghat Tiger Reserve to support conservation and tracking efforts.

    About Long-Billed Vulture

    • An Old World vulture native to the Asian region
    • Also called Indian long billed vulture due to its elongated beak
    • Medium sized, bulky scavenger feeding mainly on animal carcasses
    • Females are smaller than males

    Habitat and Distribution

    • Found in savannas and open landscapes
    • Common near villages, towns, and cultivated areas
    • Native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
    • Population decline mainly linked to diclofenac poisoning, habitat loss, and food scarcity
    Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to: (2016)

    (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species 

    (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle 

    (c) scarcity of food available to them 

    (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

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

    Samudra Pratap

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Border Area Security Challenges

     Why in the News?

    The Indian Coast Guard inducted Samudra Pratap, the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), under the 02 PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited.

    About Samudra Pratap

    • First indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard
      • Largest ship in the ICG fleet
      • Built to enhance marine pollution response, firefighting, and high-precision operations

    Advanced Onboard Systems

    • Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
      • Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
      • Automated Power Management System (APMS)
      • High capacity external firefighting system

    Prelims Pointers

    • Samudra Pratap is a Pollution Control Vessel, not an offshore patrol vessel
       • Built by Goa Shipyard Limited
       • First ICG ship with Dynamic Positioning DP 1
       • Focused on pollution response and firefighting, not combat dominance
    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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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Thanjavur Painting 

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

     Why in the News?

    The Department of Posts successfully transported a priceless Thanjavur painting of Shri Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya using its Logistics Post service.

    About Thanjavur Painting

    • A classical South Indian painting tradition that originated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, around 1600 AD
      • Also known as Tanjore paintings
      • Traditionally painted on wooden panels called palagai padam
      • Flourished under the Nayakas of Thanjavur
      • Awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag

    Materials and Technique

    • Base prepared using canvas pasted on wooden planks
      • Wooden boards commonly made from jackfruit or teak wood
      • Binding medium includes Arabic gum

    Prelims Pointers

    • Thanjavur paintings are panel paintings, not mural paintings
      • Gold foil and embossed gesso work are defining features
      • Originated in early modern South India, not ancient period
      • GI tag helps protect traditional knowledge and artisans
    Kalamkari painting refers to: (2015)

    (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India 

    (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India 

    (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India 

    (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

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

    K 4 Missile  

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

    Why in the News?

    India successfully tested the K 4 submarine launched ballistic missile from INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, strengthening its sea based nuclear deterrence.

    About K 4 Missile

    • Also known as Kalam 4 (K 4)
      • Nuclear capable intermediate range submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM)
      • Designed mainly for deployment on Arihant class submarine
      • Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation
    • Each Arihant class submarine can carry four K 4 missiles

    Key Features

    • Length about 12 metres
      • Weight around 17 tonnes
      • Two stage solid fuel propulsion system
      • Maximum range around 3,500 km
      • Payload capacity up to 2 tonnes, including nuclear warhead

    Prelims Pointers

    • K 4 is an SLBM, not a cruise missile
       • Operates from nuclear powered submarines
       • Uses NavIC for navigation support
       • Part of India’s indigenous strategic weapons programme
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. 

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

    Haka Dance

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

    Why in the News?

    A Sikh Nagar Kirtan or religious procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, was recently protested through the performance of a traditional haka dance.

    About Haka Dance

    • Haka is a traditional ceremonial dance of the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
    • It is characterised by vigorous movements, rhythmic stamping, hand gestures, and chanting.
    • A key feature is pūkana, which refers to intense facial expressions including widened eyes and protruding tongue.
    • Haka is not a single dance. It varies by tribe (iwi) and region, with each haka often narrating stories of ancestry, warfare, achievements, or important historical events.

    Global Recognition

    • Gained worldwide fame after being adopted as a pre match ritual by New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, in the early 20th century.
    • In November 2024, haka drew global attention when two lawmakers performed it inside the New Zealand Parliament to protest against a proposed bill.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Haka is not always a war dance. It also conveys respect, mourning, and celebration.
      • It is a key expression of intangible cultural heritage of the Māori people.
      • Facial expressions and vocalisation are as important as physical movements.
    With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2024)

    1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 

    2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 

    3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. 

    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 only

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