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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    Coup in Guinea-Bissau (2025)

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

    Why in the news? 

    Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s most coup-prone nations, witnessed yet another military takeover on 26 November 2025, overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The coup was led by members of the Presidential Guard, marking the latest in a long line of disruptions to democratic governance in West Africa.

    Geography & Country Profile

    • Location: West Africa, bordered by
      • Senegal (North)
      • Guinea (East & South)
      • Atlantic Ocean (West)
    • Language: Portuguese (Lusophone Africa).
    • Population: Approx. 2.25 million.
    • HDI Rank: 174 / 193 (UNDP).
    • Economy: Dominated by agriculture, especially cashew nuts
      • Cashew = 80%+ of export earnings (World Bank).
    • Known as a hub for drug trafficking (Latin America → Europe).

    Political Background

    • Independence from Portugal in 1974.
    • One of the most unstable countries globally:
      • Has had more successful coups than peaceful transfers of power.
    • Termed the “Coup Trap” country – chronic cycle where military becomes the dominant political actor.
    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Svalbard

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

     Why in the News?

    • Scientists recently observed an unexpected large gathering of walruses on the remote shores of Svalbard, indicating shifting wildlife behaviour in the Arctic due to changing climatic conditions.

    About Svalbard 

    Location

    • A Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
    • Lies between mainland Norway and the North Pole (about halfway).
    • Northernmost permanent human settlement in the world.

    Discovery & Status

    • Discovered by Willem Barentsz (Dutch explorer) in 1596.
    • Svalbard Treaty (1920) → established Norwegian sovereignty.

    Geography

    • ~60% glacier-covered; marked by mountains, fjords.
    • Surrounding seas:
      • Arctic Ocean, Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea.
    Consider the following countries: (2014)

    1. Denmark 

    2. Japan 

    3. Russian Federation 

    4. United Kingdom 

    5. United States of America 

    Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’? 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 3 and 5 only

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  • Tribes in News

    Khiamniungan Tribe

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

    Why in the News?

    • The Prime Minister of India recently mentioned the Khiamniungan tribe of Nagaland in his Mann Ki Baat episode, highlighting their traditional practice of cliff-honey hunting and rich cultural heritage.

    About the Khiamniungan Tribe

    • One of the major Naga tribes inhabiting both:
      • Eastern Nagaland (India)
      • North-Western Myanmar
    • Their homeland lies along the Indo-Myanmar border.
    • The term “Khiamniungan” means “source of great water/river”.
    • Language: Khiamniugan, a Sino-Tibetan Naga language.
    • Social Structure: Traditionally based on a clan system.

    Festivals

    • Tsokum Sumai: Celebrated in September–early October.
      • Purpose: Invoke blessings for a rich harvest.
    • Khaotzao Sey Hok-ah Sumai: Marks the end of agricultural activities for the year.

    Economy & Livelihood

    • Agriculture is the primary occupation.
    • Traditionally practiced jhum cultivation.
    • Renowned for cliff-honey hunting, practiced for centuries.
    Consider the following pairs: Tribe State (2013)

    (1). Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim 

    (2). Karbi : Himachal Pradesh 

    (3). Dongaria Kondh : Odisha 

    (4). Bonda : Tamil Nadu 

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

    (a) 1 and 3 only 

    (b) 2 and 4 only 

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only 

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Ramban Sulai Honey Gets National Spotlight 

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    In the 128th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister highlighted Ramban Sulai Honey from Jammu & Kashmir, noting that the product has gained national recognition after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021.

    Origin

    • Produced in Ramban District, Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Derived from Sulai (wild basil) plants growing naturally in the Himalayan region.

    Distinct Features

    • Taste & Aroma: Naturally sweet with aromatic floral undertones.
    • Colour: Crystal-clear; ranges from white to amber.
    • Season of Production: Bees forage on snow-white Sulai blossoms from August to October.
    • Nutritional Profile: Rich in enzymes, vitamins, and essential minerals.
    • Medicinal Value: Known for high purity and therapeutic benefits.
    • Superior bee strains native to the region.
    • Ideal climatic conditions, giving higher yields than other honey-producing areas of India.
    • Recognised as the district’s One District, One Product (ODOP).

    What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

    A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that: Originate from a specific geographical region, and Possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics exclusive to that region.

    Key Points

    • GI is a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
    • Recognized under: Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement (WTO)

    Indian Legal Framework

    • Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
    • Key provisions:
      • Prevents unauthorized use of GI-tagged names.
      • Valid for 10 years, but can be renewed indefinitely.
      • Provides legal protection and helps preserve traditional knowledge.
    India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2018)

    (a) ILO

    (b) IMF

    (c) UNCTAD

    (d) WTO

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Species of ‘Shadow’ Damselfly Discovered in Kodagu’s Western Ghats 

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

    Why in the News?

    A new damselfly species, Protosticta sooryaprakashi, commonly called the Kodagu Shadowdamsel, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, Karnataka. The finding underscores the rich but still understudied biodiversity of the region.

    Species Details

    • Common Name: Kodagu Shadowdamsel
    • Scientific Name: Protosticta sooryaprakashi
    • Family: Platystictidae (Shadowdamsels)

    Discovery Location

    • Found along the Sampaje River banks (Kodagu District)
    • Also observed in Agumbe high-altitude forests
    • Habitat: Shaded, riparian vegetation in the Western Ghats

    Distinctive Features

    • Males show a sky-blue marking on the prothorax (behind the head).
    • Body: Dark brown to black, unlike the crimson thorax of the related Protosticta sanguinostigma.
    • Unique genital ligula: Tip shaped like a duck’s head (important taxonomic marker).
    • Smaller, more delicate, with weak fluttering flight.
    In which of the following states is the lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? (2013)

    1. Tamil Nadu 

    2. Kerala 

    3. Karnataka 

    4. Andhra Pradesh 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 

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

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Project 17A | Delivery of ‘Taragiri’  

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

    Why in the News?

    • Taragiri, the fourth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) indigenous stealth frigate, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.

    About Taragiri (Yard 12653)

    • Third P17A ship built by MDL.
    • Named after the erstwhile INS Taragiri (Leander-class), which served 1980–2013.
    • Represents major strides in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with 75% indigenous content.
    • Over 200 MSMEs involved; employment generated:
      • ~4,000 direct, 10,000+ indirect.

    Project 17A (P-17A) 

    • Follow-on of P17 Shivalik-class frigates.
    • Total ships: 7
      • 4 at MDL, 3 at GRSE.
    • Aim: Advanced stealth, multi-mission, blue-water capability.
    With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

    1. It is surface-to-surface missile. 

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500km away. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Samudrayaan Mission 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

     Why in the News?

    • Key tests for Samudrayaan, India’s first manned deep-ocean submersible, have been delayed due to the late procurement of syntactic foam cladding from France. The crucial 500-metre test dive is now expected by mid-2025 (around April).

    What is syntactic foam? 

    • A special composite material made of hollow micro-balloons embedded in resin. Provides high buoyancy & resistance to extreme pressure → essential for deep-sea vehicles.

    About Samudrayaan

    • Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
    • Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
    • Aim: Conduct manned exploration of deep-sea resources and collect soil & rock samples from the ocean floor.

    Features of the Manned Submersible (MATSYA-6000)

    • Capacity: 3 persons
    • Maximum Depth: 6,000 metres
    • Hull Material: Titanium sphere (final version)
    • Buoyancy: Achieved using syntactic foam
    • Purpose:
      • Deep-sea mineral exploration
      • Study of polymetallic nodules
      • Geological and biological sample collection

    Depth Significance

    • Only a few countries (USA, Russia, China, Japan, France) have undertaken comparable manned dives.
    The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of (2015)

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence 

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim 

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antartic region 

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Rustic Bunting Spotted in NCR for the First Time

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

    Why in the News?

    A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025.

    About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)

    General Features

    • Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow.
    • Distinctive markings:
      • Males: black head + reddish breast band
      • Females: reddish flank streaks

    Breeding Range

    • Breeds across the northern Palearctic region.
    • Prefers wet coniferous woodlands.

    Migration Pattern

    • Winters in SE Asia & East Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern China).
    • Shows altitudinal migration.
    • Extremely rare visitor to India; usually recorded only in:
      • Northeast India
      • Himalayan belt (Ladakh, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh)

    Status in India

      • Very few sightings historically: Ladakh (2023, 2024), Arunachal Pradesh (2025), Kashmir (2022) and Jammu & Kashmir’s Kangan (2022 — fifth record for India).
    • First Ever Record for Delhi NCR
      • Sighted at Najafgarh Jheel, confirming its first occurrence within a 100 sq km NCR radius.

    IUCN Status

    • 2025 IUCN Red List:
      • Status changed from Vulnerable → Near Threatened
      • Reason: Decline has slowed down over the last decade.
    Consider the following: (2014)

    1. Bats

    2. Bears

    3. Rodents

    The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

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

    MH-60R Seahawk Follow-On Support Deal

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

     Why in the News?

    India on 28 November 2025 signed a ₹7,995-crore follow-on support package with the United States for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The deal comes amid recent tensions after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

    Key Highlights of the Deal

    • Signed under: U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
    • Documents signed: Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs).
    • Duration: 5 years.
    • Purpose: Long-term sustainment support for MH-60R helicopters.

    What the Sustainment Package Includes

    • Provisioning of spares, support equipment, training, technical support.
    • Repair and replenishment of components.
    • Setting up of intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.
    • Improved operational availability and maintainability of the fleet.

    About MH-60R Seahawk

    • Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
    • Type: Maritime variant of the Black Hawk helicopter.
    • Features:
      • All-weather capability
      • Advanced avionics and sensors
      • Multi-mission: ASW, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, search & rescue, logistics.
    Consider the following statements: (2009)

    1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier.

    2. INS Viraat is a submarine.

    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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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    India’s Q2 FY26 GDP Growth  

    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?

    India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 of FY 2025-26 (July–September), marking a six-quarter high, supported mainly by manufacturing and services.
     However, economists flagged concerns over low nominal GDP growth (8.7%), which signals subdued economic activity and potential stress on fiscal targets.

    Key Data

    • Real GDP growth (Q2 FY26): 8.2%
    • Real GDP growth (Q1 FY26): 7.8%
    • Growth in H1 FY26: 8%
    • Nominal GDP growth: 8.7% (vs Budget assumption of 10.1%)
    • Last higher GDP growth: Q4 FY24
    • Government revised full-year growth forecast: “7% or higher”

    Why High Real but Low Nominal Growth?

    • Nominal GDP = Real GDP + Inflation (GDP deflator)
    • A very low deflator (~0.5%) boosted real growth artificially
    • Indicates inflation in tradable/manufactured goods is low, not necessarily high economic momentum
    • Low nominal growth → Lower tax revenues, harder to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.4%

    Sector-wise Performance

    1. Manufacturing

    • Growth: 9.1% (six-quarter high)
    • Reasons:
      • Corporate earnings showed strong growth
      • Low base effect (growth was only 2.1% last year)

    2. Services

    • Growth: 9.2%
    • Within services:
      • Financial, real estate, professional services: 10.2% (nine-quarter high)
      • Public admin, defence & other services: 9.7%

    3. Agriculture

    • 3.5% (lower than 4.1% last year)
    • Slight moderation due to uneven monsoon patterns

    Fiscal Concerns

    • Nominal GDP shortfall may:
      • Reduce tax buoyancy
      • Pressure fiscal deficit (target: 4.4%)
      • Lower denominator for deficit calculation
    • Lower capital expenditure visible (“no upswing in GFCF”)

    Opposition Criticism

    • IMF recently rated India’s national accounts ‘C’, the second-lowest grade
      • Claims real GDP inflated using unrealistically low deflator
      • Points to weak private investment and thin capital formation

    With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements : (2015)

    (1) The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic product has steadily increased in the last decade. 

    (2) The Gross Domestic product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. 

    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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