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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    UNEA-7: Rift Over UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Funding Crunch

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

    Why in the news?

    The seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) begins in Nairobi amid deep divisions over the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026–2030 and a significant decline in core funding. The MTS acts as UNEP’s operational mandate guiding global work on climate, biodiversity, pollution and land restoration.

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    About UNEP

    • Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
    • Established: 1972 (Stockholm Conference outcome)
    • Governing body: UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)
    • Works on: climate, biodiversity, pollution, land, chemicals, resource efficiency, environmental governance.

    About UNEA

    • Meets biennially.
    • World’s highest-level decision-making body on environment.
    • Each member state of the UN has one vote.

    UNEP’s Environment Fund (EF)

    • Voluntary, but based on an indicative scale of contributions.
    • Provides core, unearmarked funding.
    • Decline in EF impacts UNEP’s operational independence.

    Medium-Term Strategy (MTS)

    • 5-year framework guiding programmatic priorities.
    • Needed for budget approval.
    • Current debate concerns the 2026–2030 MTS text.

    Triple Planetary Crisis

    • Climate change
    • Biodiversity loss
    • Pollution and waste

    Plastics Treaty Process

    • Negotiated under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
    • UNEP serves as secretariat, but mandate expansion is contested.
    Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (2015)

    (a) Bretton Woods Conference 

    (b) Montreal Protocol 

    (c) Kyoto Protocol 

    (d) Nagoya Protocol

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay 

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

     Why in the news?

    • The family of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, author of Vande Mataram, recently praised the Prime Minister for commemorating the 150 years of the national song.

    About Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

    • Born: 27 June 1838, Kantalpara, 24 Parganas (Bengal Presidency)
    • Died: 8 April 1894
    • Also known as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
    • Regarded as “Sahitya Samrat” (Emperor of Literature) of Bengali literature.
    • One of the first two graduates of the University of Calcutta; later obtained a law degree.
    • Served in the British Indian government.

    Literary Contributions

    Early Works

    • Began as a poet, later shifted to fiction.
    • First Novel: Durgeshnandini (1865) – first Bengali romance.

    Major Works

    • Kapalkundala (1866), Mrinalini (1869), Vishbriksha (1873), Chandrasekhar (1877), Rajani (1877), Rajsimha (1881) and Devi Chaudhurani (1884)

    Most Famous Work

    • Anand Math (1882)
      • Based on the Sannyasi Rebellion (late 18th century).
      • Contains “Vande Mataram”, later adopted as the national song.

    Vande Mataram

    • Written in Sanskrit.
    • First sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress.
    • Adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950 by the Constituent Assembly.
    • Symbol of Indian nationalism and anti-colonial struggle.
    With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the follow-ing statements: (2020)

    (1) It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind. 

    (2) It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs. 

    (3) The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal. 

    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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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    NATGRID  

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

    Why in the News?

    • NATGRID is now receiving around 45,000 data-access requests per month, according to government officials.
    • At the 2024 DGP Conference (Nov 28–30, Raipur), chaired by the Prime Minister, all law-enforcement agencies were directed to scale up use of NATGRID in investigations.
    • States have been asked by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to use the platform extensively to access multiple government and private datasets.

    What is NATGRID?

    • National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is an integrated intelligence platform that provides secure, real-time access to various databases for police and investigative agencies.
    • Conceptualised in 2009 after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
    • Became operational in 2023 (last year).
    • It is accessible only to authorised security agencies.

    Institutional Developments

    • NATGRID gained momentum in 2019 under Home Minister Amit Shah, who resolved inter-agency differences and expanded access to States.
    • In 2020, NATGRID signed an MoU with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which links ~14,000 police stations nationwide.

    Recent Challenges Reported

    • Slow or time-consuming login procedures
    • Delays in receiving information that is expected to be real-time

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • NATGRID conceptualised → 2009, after 26/11.
    • Operational → 2023.
    • Provides access to government + private datasets.
    • No FIR required to use the platform.
    • Integrated with CCTNS through an MoU with NCRB (2020).
    • Access allowed to SP-rank officers and central agencies.
    • Aim → real-time, secure, multi-source data access for intelligence and investigation.

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Measles  

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    • According to recent global health reports, measles caused approximately 95,000 deaths in 2024, despite the presence of a highly effective vaccine.
    • Most deaths occurred among unvaccinated children under five, highlighting concerns about declining immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and disruptions in routine immunization services in several regions.
    • The spike has raised alarms globally, making measles a significant public health priority in 2025.

    About Measles

    • Type: Highly contagious airborne viral disease.
    • Causative Agent: Measles virus (family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus).
    • Severity: Can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death.

    Who Is at Risk?

    • Any non-immune person.
    • Higher risk:
      • Unvaccinated young children
      • Pregnant persons
    • Common in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

    Treatment

    • No specific antiviral treatment.
    • Management is supportive (hydration, fever control, nutrition, monitoring complications).

    Prevention

    • Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine offers long-term protection.
    • India:
      • Measles vaccine included in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.
      • Ongoing campaigns aim to eliminate measles and rubella.

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • Measles virus → Paramyxoviridae.
    • Virus survives 2 hours in air/surfaces → high transmission.
    • No antiviral; vaccine is key preventive tool.
    • Koplik spots → diagnostic hallmark.
    • India introduced measles vaccine in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) → 1985.
    • Recent spike in global deaths makes measles a current affairs hotspot.
    HINI virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)

    (a) AIDS 

    (b) Bird flu 

    (c) Dengue 

    (d) Swine flu

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    Benin

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

    Why in the news?

    Benin President Patrice Talon said the security forces stopped a coup attempt by some soldiers in Cotonou on December 7.

    Key Facts

    • Country in West Africa
      Total area about 112622 sq km
       Borders: Niger to the northeast and east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso to the northwest and the Southern coastline on the Bight of Benin (Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean)
    • Major rivers:
      • Niger and its tributaries Mékrou, Alibori, Sota (northeast)
      • Mono, Couffo, Ouémé
    • Official capital: Porto Novo
      • Largest city and de facto capital: Cotonou
    • Approx population: 10.87 million (2016)
    • Official language: French
       Widely spoken local languages: Fon, Yoruba
    • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
    • Former French colony; independence in 1960
    • Type of government: Presidential Republic
      • Multi-party democratic system
    In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them? (2023)

    (a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements 

    (b) Establishement of Chinese military bases 

    (c) Southward expansion of Sahara Desert 

    (d) Successful coups

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

    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?

    An IMF report has recognized UPI as the worlds largest real time retail fast payment system by transaction volume. As per ACI Worldwide (Prime Time for Real Time 2024), UPI accounts for about 49 percent of global real time payment transactions.

    Note: UPI accounts for 85% of all digital payments within India.

    Key Facts

    • Global leadership
    • India: 129.3 billion transactions
    • 49 percent share of global real time payment volume
    • Followed by: Brazil 14 percent, Thailand 8 percent, China 6 percent and South Korea 3 percent
    • Developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
    • Regulatory oversight Reserve Bank of India and Ministry of Finance support policy push
    • Government support initiatives
      • Incentive scheme for low value BHIM UPI transactions
      • PIDF (Payments Infrastructure Development Fund) for merchant infrastructure in Tier 3 to 6 areas
      • Expansion of RuPay UPI acceptance across transport, ecommerce, and public services

    Infrastructure Growth: 5.45 crore digital touch points deployed through PIDF in Tier 3 to 6 centers (as of Oct 2025)

    • 56.86 crore QR codes deployed to approx 6.5 crore merchants (FY 2024-25)
    Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India? (2018)

    (a) Indian Banks’ Association 

    (b) National Securities Depository Limited 

    (c) National Payments Corporation of India 

    (d) Reserve Bank of India

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

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

    Why in the news?

    India chaired a high level meeting of Big Cat Range Countries in New Delhi, where the Union Environment Minister invited all such countries to join IBCA. India will host the Global Big Cats Summit in 2026.

    What is IBCA?

    A global cooperative initiative launched by India to protect big cats and their habitats worldwide.
     Envisioned by the Prime Minister of India.

    Species covered

    Seven big cats:
    Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma

    Purpose

    • Strengthen conservation and ecological balance
    • Promote knowledge sharing, capacity building
    • Encourage nature based solutions for green growth
    • Safeguard ecosystems and enhance climate resilience

    Current Status

    • Secretariat: New Delhi, India
    • Members: 18 countries
    • Observer countries: 3
    • Supported by various international organisations
    Consider the following statements: (2016)

    1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 

    2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. 

    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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Sri Lanka

    Operation Sagar Bandhu

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

    Why in the news

    The Indian Navy has deployed four more warships carrying 1000 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief stores to cyclone hit regions of Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

    About the Operation

    • An ongoing Indian Navy initiative to provide urgent assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of a severe cyclone.
       • Focus includes Search and Rescue and supply of essential relief material.

    Indian Ocean Region Significance

    • Reinforces India’s role as a reliable first responder in the region.
       • Strengthens India Sri Lanka people level relations.
       • Showcases India’s naval capability in disaster response and logistics.

    Associated Vision

    • Aligned with India’s commitment to Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and cooperative maritime outreach in the Indian Ocean Region.
    Consider the following pairs: Country – Important reason for being in the news recently (2022)

    1. Chad — Setting up of permanent military base by China 

    2. Guinea — Suspension of Constitution and Government by military 

    3. Lebanon — Severe and prolonged economic depression 

    4. Tunisia — Suspension of Parliament by President 

    How many pairs given above are correctly matched? 

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

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

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

    Why in the news?

    DRDO has handed over seven indigenous defence technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Armed Services.

    Technologies Transferred

    1. High-Voltage Power Supply for Airborne Self-Protection Jammers
       Enhances protection of aircraft from radar guided threats
    2. Tide-Efficient Gangway for Naval Jetties
       Assists safe crew movement in high tidal variation zones
    3. Advanced VLF-HF Switching Matrix System
       Efficient communication routing in naval platforms
    4. VLF Loop Aerials for Underwater Platforms
       Underwater long-range communication support
    5. Indigenous Waterjet Propulsion System for Fast Interceptor Craft
       Marine propulsion technology aiding coastal security
    6. Process for Recovery of Lithium Precursors from Used Lithium-ion Batteries
       Supports strategic material recycling and energy security
    7. Long-Life Seawater Battery System
       Provides sustained power for underwater surveillance

    About the TDF Scheme

    • Implemented by DRDO
    • Objective:
      • Support MSMEs and startups in defence innovation
      • Promote import substitution of critical technologies
    • Funding support up to 90 percent of development cost
    • Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation push
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic 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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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Shingles Disease 

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the news?

    A recent large study shows that shingles vaccination can reduce the risk of death from dementia and may help slow disease progression.

    What is Shingles

    • A viral infection characterized by a painful rash
    • Causative agent: Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
      • Same virus responsible for chickenpox
      • Remains latent in nerve cells after recovery from chickenpox
      • Can reactivate later in life

    Transmission

    • Shingles itself is not contagious
    • But the virus can spread to people without prior immunity, causing chickenpox (not shingles)

    Symptoms

    • Cluster of blisters appearing in a band-like pattern on one side of the body (typically torso, neck, or face)
    • Pain, burning, tingling sensation
    • Fever, fatigue, headache
    • Can lead to post-herpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain)
    HINI virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)

    (a) AIDS 

    (b) Bird flu 

    (c) Dengue 

    (d) Swine flu

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