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Type: Prelims Only

  • 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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  • International Monetary Fund,World Bank,AIIB, ADB and India

    Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)

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

    Why in the News?

    The International Monetary Fund has approved USD 206 million in emergency assistance for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument to meet urgent needs caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

    What is Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)

    • An IMF facility providing quick financial assistance
       • Available to any IMF member country
       • Designed for urgent balance of payments needs
       • Part of the General Resources Account (GRA)
       • Used mainly during crises and emergencies

    Types of Rapid Financing Instrument

    1. Regular Window
       • For urgent balance of payments needs due to:
       • Domestic instability
       • Exogenous shocks
       • Fragility
       • Access limits:
       • Up to 50 percent of quota per year
       • 100 percent of quota cumulative
    2. Large Natural Disaster Window
       • For balance of payments needs arising from natural disasters
       • Damage must be 20 percent or more of GDP
       • Higher access limits:
       • Up to 80 percent of quota per year
       • 133.33 percent of quota cumulative

    Example: If a country’s IMF quota = USD 1 billion. Maximum borrowing in one year = USD 500 million

    Prelims Pointers

    • RFI is different from Extended Fund Facility and Stand By Arrangement
      • It does not require long term structural reforms
      • Access limits depend on the nature of the crisis
      • Linked to IMF quota system
    “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following? (2022)

    (a) Asian Development Bank 

    (b) International Monetary Fund 

    (c) United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative 

    (d) World Bank

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  • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

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

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India declined an urgent hearing of a plea challenging the practice of state sponsored ceremonial honours or offering a Chadar by the Prime Minister at the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.

    Who was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti?

    • One of the most revered Sufi saints of India
     • Popularly known as Gharīb Nawāz meaning Benefactor of the Poor
     • Born in 1141 CE in Sistan (Persia)
     • Studied Islamic theology in Samarkand and Bukhara
     • Follower of Sunni Hanafi school
     • Disciple of Khwaja Usman Harooni

    Arrival and Life in India

    • Came to India around 1192 AD
     • Settled in Ajmer
     • Contemporary of Prithviraj Chauhan and Iltutmish
     • Established a Khanqah to serve the poor and needy

    Contribution to Indian History

    • Introduced the Chishti Order of Sufism in India
     • Preached: Love and compassion, Religious tolerance, Charity and service and Detachment from materialism.

    Death and Dargah

    • Died in 1236 CE
     • Buried in Ajmer
     • His tomb is known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah
     • One of the most important pilgrimage centres in India

    With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices? (2012)

    1. Meditation and control of breath 

    2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place 

    3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Telecommunications has reported that the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) has prevented potential losses of about ₹660 crore across the banking ecosystem within six months of its rollout.

    What is Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)?

    • A risk based early warning system to detect financial fraud
     • Launched in May 2025
     • Developed by the Digital Intelligence Unit
     • Classifies mobile numbers based on likelihood of financial fraud

    Risk Categories Under FRI

    • Medium Risk
     • High Risk
     • Very High Risk

    Data Sources Used for Classification

    • Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre via National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
     • DoT’s Chakshu platform
     • Intelligence shared by banks and financial institutions

    How FRI Works

    • Suspected mobile number is flagged by any stakeholder
     • Number undergoes multidimensional risk analysis
     • Classified into Medium, High, or Very High fraud risk
     • Risk status shared instantly with stakeholders through DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)

    Role of Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL)

    • Issued regularly by DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit
     • Contains numbers disconnected due to:
     • Cybercrime involvement
     • Failed verification
     • Exceeding permissible usage limits
     • Such numbers are frequently reused for financial fraud

    Why FRI is Effective?

    • Fraudulent numbers are often short lived
     • Traditional verification takes time
     • FRI provides preemptive risk signalling before losses occur

    Use by Banks and Financial Institutions

    • Decline suspicious transactions
     • Delay high risk transactions
     • Send alerts and warnings to customers
     • Strengthen UPI and digital payment security

    Prelims Pointers

    • FRI is a preventive tool, not a law enforcement mechanism
     • Operates in real time
     • Enhances coordination between telecom and financial sectors
     • Supports secure digital payments ecosystem

    Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)

    (a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments

    (b) Digital currency will totally replace physical currency

    (c) FDI inflows will drastically increase

    (d) Direct transfer of subsidies… will become very effective.

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    GhostPairing Cyber Attack

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team has issued an advisory warning WhatsApp users about a new cyber attack technique called GhostPairing.

    What is GhostPairing?

    • GhostPairing is a WhatsApp account takeover attack
     • Hackers secretly link their own device to a victim’s WhatsApp account
     • No password theft or SIM swap is required
     • Victim often remains unaware of the compromise
     • Gives attackers near complete access to chats and data

    How GhostPairing Works (Modus Operandi)?

    • Victim receives a message from a trusted contact saying “Hi, check this photo”
     • Message contains a malicious link with Facebook style preview
     • Link opens a fake Facebook photo viewer
     • User is prompted to “verify” to view content
     • Victim enters phone number and pairing code
     • Attackers use the code to link their device
     • Full WhatsApp access is granted to attackers

    Advisory and Preventive Measures

    • Do not click suspicious links even from known contacts
     • Never share WhatsApp verification or pairing codes
     • Regularly check Linked Devices in WhatsApp settings
     • Enable two step verification
     • Log out unknown linked devices immediately

    Prelims Pointers

    • GhostPairing exploits human trust, not software vulnerability
     • Uses social engineering and fake web interfaces
     • CERT In is the nodal agency for cyber security advisories in India
     • Linked device feature can be misused if verification codes are shared

    The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to: (2018)

    (a) Exo-planets 

    (b) Crypto-currency 

    (c) Cyber attacks 

    (d) Mini satellites

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  • Soil Health Management – NMSA, Soil Health Card, etc.

    Aluminium Contamination in Kuttanad Paddy Fields

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

    Why in the News?

    Soil tests in Kuttanad, known as the rice bowl of Kerala, show aluminium levels far above safe limits, threatening paddy cultivation and farmer livelihoods.

    Key Findings

    • Aluminium concentration: 77.51 to 334.10 ppm
     • Safe limit for rice cultivation: 2 ppm
     • Present levels are 39 to 165 times higher than permissible limits
     • Samples collected from 12 paddy fields

    Cause of Contamination

    • Increasing soil acidity (increasing aluminium solubility)
     • Aluminium becomes toxic when soil pH falls below 5
     • Aluminium availability increases tenfold with each unit drop in pH

    Impact on Crops

    • Damage to plant root systems
     • Reduced absorption of nutrients: phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium
     • Iron toxicity also increases in acidic soils
     • Decline in paddy yield

    Threat to Livelihood

    • Risk to small and marginal farmers
     • Direct impact on Kerala’s food security
     • Described as a grave environmental imbalance

    Prelims Pointers

    • Aluminium toxicity is linked to acidic soils, not alkaline soils
     • Liming reduces aluminium solubility
     • Kuttanad is a below sea level, wetland rice ecosystem
     • Soil health directly affects nutrient uptake and crop productivity

    What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? (2015)

    1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 

    2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 

    3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN  

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

    Why in the News?

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has lost contact with its Mars orbiter Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN), which has been studying the Red Planet’s atmosphere for over a decade.

    About MAVEN Mission

    • Launch: by NASA
    • Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
    • Mars orbit insertion: September 2014
    • Mission type: Mars orbiter
    • Primary objective: Study the loss of Mars atmosphere to space

    Scientific Objectives

    • Measure the thin upper atmosphere of Mars
    • Study the ionosphere, which consists of charged particles
    • Observe interaction of sunlight and solar wind with the Martian atmosphere
    • Explain how Mars changed from a warm and wet planet to a cold and dry one
    [2016] Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO: 

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission. 

    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA. 

    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Anjadip Inducted into Indian Navy  

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Border Area Security Challenges

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy received Anjadip, the third of eight Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), on December 22, 2025 at Chennai.

    About Anjadip and ASW SWC Project

    • Type: Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
    • Role: Anti submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, mine laying
    • Length: Around 77 metres
    • Propulsion: Waterjets
    • Distinction: Largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets

    Builder and Collaboration

    • Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
    • Project executed under Public Private Partnership
    • Private partner: Larsen and Toubro Shipyard, Kattupalli
    • Classification: Built as per Indian Register of Shipping rules
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? 

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier 

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