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Type: Prelims Only

  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Freshwater Sponge

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

    Why in the News?

    • Scientists from Bose Institute studied freshwater sponges from the Sundarban delta
    • Identified their potential role as bioindicators of toxic metal pollution

    About Freshwater Sponges

    • Among the earliest multicellular eukaryotes
    • Play a key role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health
    • Found in clean streams, lakes, rivers, and estuarine systems
    • Grow on sturdy submerged objects
    • Are filter feeders, filtering large volumes of water
    • Obtain food from water flow through the body and symbiotic algae

    Physical Features

    • Often appear green in colour
    • Green colour due to symbiotic algae living within sponge tissues

    Reproduction

    • Sexual reproduction
    • Asexual reproduction by fragmentation
    • Formation of gemmules
    Tiny, resistant reproductive bodies
    Can survive unfavourable conditions
    Germinate later to form new sponges

    Ecological Role and Significance

    • Act as bioindicators of water quality
    • Absorb toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium
    • Useful in monitoring pollution levels in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems
    • Show potential for bioremediation of polluted water bodies

    Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)

    (a) Catfish 

    (b) Octopus 

    (c) Oyster 

    (d) Pelican

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    SabhaSaar Initiative

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Why in the News?

    • Union Minister informed the Rajya Sabha about the SabhaSaar initiative

    About the Initiative

    • AI enabled voice to text meeting summarisation tool
     • Launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
     • Implemented across States and Union Territories
     • Adopted by Gram Panchayats for Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings
     • Operates on AI and cloud infrastructure
     • Provisioned through India AI Compute Portal
     • Part of the India AI Mission under MeitY

    Key Features

    • Structured minutes of meetings from video and audio recordings
     • Ensures uniformity in Gram Sabha documentation
     • Upload via e GramSwaraj login credentials
     • Built on Bhashini platform
     • Speech to text transcription, language translation, and automated summarisation
     • Supports Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and English

    Significance

    • Strengthens grassroots governance
     • Improves transparency and accountability
     • Bridges language, literacy, and digital divides
     • Enables efficient rural administration and instant access to meeting insights

    Consider the following: (2022)

    1. Aarogya Setu 

    2. CoWIN 

    3. DigiLocker 

    4. DIKSHA 

    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms? 

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

    This 2022 PYQ demonstrates the UPSC’s interest in the underlying technology stack of government initiatives. SabhaSaar is “built on the Bhashini platform” and is “part of the India AI Mission under MeitY”.

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  • Food Processing Industry: Issues and Developments

    Annatto

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

    Why in the news?

    • As informed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru has undertaken four Grant-in-Aid projects related to the study and development of annatto.

    What is Annatto?

    • Annatto is a natural food colouring and flavouring agent.
    • Obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana).

    Origin & Botanical Facts

    • Scientific name: Bixa orellana
    • Native region: Tropical regions of the Americas
    • Plant type: Shrub/small tree
    • Usable part: Seed coating

    Key Chemical Constituents

    • Contains carotenoids (plant pigments)
      • Responsible for yellow-orange colour
    • Rich in:
      • Antioxidants
      • Tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E)
      • Antimicrobial compounds

    Uses of Annatto

    Food Industry

    • Accounts for ~70% of natural food colours used globally
    With reference to ‘palm oil,’ consider the following statements: (2021)

    1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 

    2. Palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 

    3. Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. 

    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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    PM Modi’s Visit to Ethiopia & Adwa Victory Monument

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

    Why in the news? 

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during his official visit in December 2025.

    Battle of Adwa (1896)  

    • Year: 1896
    • Between:
      • Ethiopian forces
      • Italian colonial army
    • Outcome:
      • Decisive Ethiopian victory
      • Ethiopia retained its sovereignty and independence
    • Historical Significance:
      • Symbol of African resistance to colonialism
      • One of the few instances where an African nation defeated a European colonial power during the Scramble for Africa

    Diplomatic & Strategic Significance

    • Reinforces India–Africa relations
    • Strengthens India–Ethiopia strategic partnership
    • Reflects India’s support for:
      • Sovereignty
      • Anti-colonial legacy
      • South–South cooperation

    Honour Conferred

    • PM Modi was awarded Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour:
      • Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia
    (2023) Consider the following pairs: Area of conflict mentioned in news : Country where it is located 1. Donbas : Syria 

    2. Kachin : Ethiopia 

    3. Tigray : North Yemen 

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II

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

    Why in the news?

    • An Indian Army contingent departed for the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the 2nd edition of the joint military exercise “Desert Cyclone II”.
    • The exercise is being conducted at Abu Dhabi from December 18–30, 2025.

    Key Facts for Prelims

    • Name of Exercise: Desert Cyclone II
    • Edition: Second
    • Participating Countries:
      • India
      • United Arab Emirates
    • Location: Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
    • Duration: December 18–30, 2025

    Objectives of the Exercise

    • Enhance interoperability between Indian Army and U.A.E. Land Forces
    • Strengthen bilateral defence cooperation
    • Improve joint operational capabilities under a United Nations mandate
    Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? (2024)

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. 

    Select the answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Food Processing & Related Industries In India

    Why in the News?

    • In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed that ₹10,320 crore worth of loans have been sanctioned under AHIDF.

    About AHIDF

    • The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is a Central Sector Scheme.
    • Total outlay: ₹15,000 crore
    • Announced under the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package.
    • Objective: Boost investment in animal husbandry infrastructure.

    Implementing Agency

    • Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
    • Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

    Eligible Beneficiaries

    • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
    • Private companies
    • Individual entrepreneurs
    • Section 8 companies
    • Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

    Financial Assistance & Benefits

    • Margin money: Minimum 10% by beneficiary
    • Loan component: Up to 90% through scheduled banks
    • Interest subvention: 3% by Government of India
    • Repayment period: Maximum 8 years
      • Includes 2-year moratorium
    Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission: (2025)

    I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. 

    II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. 

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

    (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

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  • Railway Reforms

    Kavach System – Automatic Train Protection (ATP)

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

    Why in the News?

    • The Union Railway Minister informed the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament that the indigenously developed Kavach system has been fully commissioned on over 2,000 km of the Indian Rail network.
    • The rollout is progressing at a very fast pace across multiple railway zones.

    What is Kavach?

    • Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
    • It is designed to prevent train collisions, over-speeding, and signal passing at danger (SPAD).
    • It enhances operational safety through real-time monitoring and automatic intervention.

    Development and Agencies Involved

    • Developed by:
      • Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under Indian Railways
    • Industry partners:
      • Medha Servo Drives Pvt. Ltd.
      • HBL Power Systems Ltd.
      • Kernex Microsystems

    Current Status (as of December 2025)

    • 7,129 km of Optical Fibre Cable laid
    • 860 telecom towers installed
    • 767 railway stations connected to data centres
    • Trackside equipment deployed along 3,413 km
    • 4,154 locomotives equipped with Kavach
    • Around 40,000 technicians and operators trained

    Impact

    • Consequential railway accidents reduced by nearly 90%
    • Accidents declined from 135 (2014) to about 11 currently
    • Demonstrates tangible improvement in railway safety outcomes
    Consider the following statements: (2025)

    I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.

    II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.

    III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

    Which of the statements given above are not correct?

    (a) I and II only 

    (b) II and III only 

    (c) I and III only 

    (d) I, II and III

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History,Post-Independence

    Why in the News?

    On the occasion of Vijay Diwas 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees are now displayed.

    Key Development

    • Portraits of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees displayed
     • Replaced portraits of 96 British Aide de Camps (ADCs)
     • Initiative symbolises removal of colonial legacy and celebration of Indian national heroes

    About Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

    • Highest military decoration of India
     • Awarded for exceptional valour, courage and self sacrifice during war
     • Instituted on 26 January 1950
     • Awarded to personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force
     • Total awardees till date: 21

    Param Vir Dirgha

    • A dedicated gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan
     • Showcases portraits and legacy of Param Vir Chakra awardees
     • Aims to educate visitors about India’s bravest soldiers
     • Reinforces national pride and military heritage

    Broader Context of De Colonialisation Initiatives

    • Rajpath renamed Kartavya Path
     • Indian Navy ensign redesigned, removing Saint George’s Cross and adopting symbols linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
     • Mughal Garden renamed Amrit Udyan
     • Race Course Road renamed Lok Kalyan Marg
     • Ross Island renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep
     • Neil Island renamed Shaheed Dweep
     • Havelock Island renamed Swaraj Dweep
     • Port Blair renamed Sri Vijaya Puram
     • 21 islands named after Param Vir Chakra awardees
     • Republic Day Beating Retreat ceremony now features Indian musical instruments

    Significance for UPSC Prelims

    • Links Vijay Diwas with national military honours
     • Highlights Param Vir Chakra facts and symbolism
     • Reflects policy of removing colonial symbols
     • Important for culture, defence and modern Indian history

    What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? (2024)

    1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. 

    2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. 

    3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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

    Natyashastra

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

    Why in the News?

    The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organised an academic programme titled Natyashastra Synthesis of Theory and Praxis during the 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort, Delhi.

    About Natyashastra

    • Ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts
     • Title derived from Natya meaning dance and drama and Shastra meaning science
     • Composed by sage Bharata Muni
     • Dated between 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE
     • Considered the earliest known treatise on performative arts in South Asia

    Core Themes of Natyashastra

    • Covers drama (natya), performance (abhinaya), music (sangita), emotion (bhava) and aesthetic experience (rasa)
     • Comprises around 36,000 verses
     • Justifies Indian drama as a medium of religious and moral enlightenment

    Global Recognition

    • Included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
     • Recognised for its outstanding global cultural value

    About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
     • An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India

    Mandate of IGNCA

    • Documentation, preservation and dissemination of Indian arts and cultural heritage
     • Training of professionals in cultural studies

    Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhāsa? (2024)

    (a) Kavyaalankara 

    (b) Natyashasta 

    (c) Madhyama-vyoga 

    (d) Mahabhashya

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    DHRUV64 Microprocessor

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

    Why in the News?

    India has unveiled DHRUV64, its first fully indigenously developed microprocessor, marking a major milestone in semiconductor self reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    About DHRUV64

    • Fully indigenous microprocessor developed in India
     • Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C DAC)
     • Part of the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP)

    Key Technical Features

    • 64 bit dual core processor
     • Clock speed of 1.0 GHz ( Very low compared to recent chips like Snapdragan clock speed more 4.0 GHz)
    • Uses superscalar execution allowing multiple instructions simultaneously
     • Supports out of order execution for improved performance
     • Integrated communication and control functions
     • Uses FCBGA packaging, enabling compact and system ready design

    Potential Applications

    • Strategic applications and commercial computing
     • 5G infrastructure
     • Automotive electronics
     • Consumer electronics
     • Industrial automation
     • Internet of Things (IoT) systems

    Significance for India

    • Reduces dependence on foreign microprocessors
     • Strengthens domestic semiconductor ecosystem
     • Enables startups, academia and industry to design and test indigenous systems
     • Supports low cost prototype development for new system architectures
     • Enhances technological sovereignty and national security

    When the alarm of your smart-phone rings… which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario? (2018)

    (a) Border Gateway Protocol 

    (b) Internet of Things 

    (c) Internet Protocol 

    (d) Virtual Private Network

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