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Type: Prelims Only

  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Channa bhoi

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

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered a new species of snakehead fish named Channa bhoi from the state of Meghalaya, adding to India’s freshwater biodiversity.

    About Channa Bhoi

    • Newly identified species of snakehead fish
     • Discovered from a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village
     • Location: Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya
     • Named after the Bhoi people, an indigenous group of the Khasi tribe inhabiting the region

    Taxonomic and Ecological Details

    • Belongs to the Gachua group of snakehead fishes
     • The Gachua group is known for high species diversity in the Eastern Himalayan region
     • Phylogenetic analysis shows it is a sister species to Channa bipuli, found in Northeast India

    Distinctive Physical Features

    • Bluish grey body colour
     • Each scale has minute black spots
     • Spots form eight to nine horizontal rows of broken lines along the body
     • Distinctive banding patterns on the pectoral fins
     • Unique colour pattern differentiates it from closely related species

    Significance of the Discovery

    • Highlights the rich freshwater biodiversity of Northeast India
     • Emphasises the importance of mountain stream ecosystems
     • Reflects ongoing discoveries in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

    Key Prelims Fact

    • With this discovery, the total number of Channa species recorded in India has increased to 26

    In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘living root bridges’ are found in (2015)

    (a) Meghalaya 

    (b) Himachal Pradesh 

    (c) Jharkhand 

    (d) Tamil Nadu

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Ekam AI and Project SAMBHAV

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

    Why in the News?

    During Vijay Diwas celebrations, the Indian Army showcased indigenous defence technologies including Ekam AI and Project SAMBHAV, highlighting progress in defence indigenisation and secure digital capabilities.

    About Ekam AI

    • Fully indigenous and secure Artificial Intelligence platform
     • Designed for sensitive and classified environments
     • No dependence on foreign software or external cloud systems

    Key Features of Ekam AI

    • Data analysis, document management and decision support
     • User friendly AI accessible across all personnel levels
     • No requirement of specialised technical expertise
     • Ensures data security and digital sovereignty

    Significance of Ekam AI

    • Strengthens national data sovereignty
     • Reduces strategic dependence on foreign AI platforms
     • Builds trusted national digital infrastructure

    About Project SAMBHAV

    • Portable satellite based communication system
     • Developed by the Indian Army
     • Provides mobile connectivity in remote, border and disaster affected areas

    Key Features of Project SAMBHAV

    • Rapid deployment capability
     • Functions in network denied areas
     • Supports military operations and civilian disaster response

    Significance of Project SAMBHAV

    • Enhances communication resilience
     • Strengthens national disaster management infrastructure
     • Demonstrates dual use defence technology

    What is Vijay Diwas

    • Observed annually on 16 December
     • Commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 India Pakistan War
     • Led to the liberation of Bangladesh

    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic speeds throughout their fights, 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-fu-elled 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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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Bioenergy Capacity Addition in India 

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

     Why in the News?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reported major additions in biomass, waste-to-energy and biogas capacity over the last 10 years.
     • Data shared in Lok Sabha on 17 December 2025

    Key Achievements in the Last 10 Years

    • Biomass power capacity added: 2,361 MW
     • Waste to Energy capacity added: 227.56 MWe
     • Biogas plants installed: 2.88 lakh plus plants

    National Bioenergy Programme (NBP)

    • Implemented by MNRE
     • Phase I notified on 02 November 2022
     • Time period: 2022 23 to 2025 26
     • Budget outlay: ₹998 crore
     • Supports biogas, biomass, bio CNG and waste to energy projects

    Earlier Bioenergy Schemes

    • National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP)
     • New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme (NNBOMP)
     • Biomass power and bagasse cogeneration scheme
     • Energy from urban, industrial and agricultural waste programme

    Prelims Pointers

    • Bioenergy falls under renewable energy
    • MNRE is the nodal ministry
    • Bio CNG is part of SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative linkage
    • Waste to energy supports urban waste management
    Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: (2025)

    I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 

    II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 

    III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) 

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

    Why in the News?

    • A large multi-city study highlights the high prevalence of early GDM in Indian women
     • Early GDM linked with higher future diabetes risk

    What is GDM?

    • Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy
     • Affects about 14 percent of pregnancies worldwide

    Types of GDM

    • Early GDM (EGDM): Diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy
     • Late GDM (LGDM): Diagnosed between 24 to 28 weeks

    STRiDE Study

    • Conducted at 7 antenatal clinics
     • Sample size: over 3000 pregnant women
     • Locations: Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry
     • Published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

    Key Findings

    • Early GDM prevalence: 21.5 percent
     • Late GDM prevalence: 19.5 percent
     • Early GDM affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women

    A company marketing food product advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? (2011)

    1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. 

    2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils. 

    3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers. 

    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

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  • Food Safety Standards – FSSAI, food fortification, etc.

    FSSAI Egg Safety Drive 

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

    Why in the News?

    • FSSAI launched a nationwide egg safety drive. Triggered by allegations of nitrofurans residues in eggs

    Regulatory Authority

    • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
     • Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food

    Trigger for Action

    • Viral social media video alleging nitrofurans in Eggoz eggs
     • Raised public health concerns

    Action by FSSAI

    • Directed Food Safety Officers to collect samples
     • Sampling of branded and unbranded eggs
     • Testing in 10 FSSAI laboratories across India

    About Nitrofurans

    • Synthetic antibiotics
     • Banned in food producing animals
     • Residues may occur due to illegal veterinary use
     • Linked to carcinogenic risk

    International Context

    • European Union has banned nitrofurans in food producing animals

    Company Response

    • Eggoz assured consumer safety
     • Committed to publishing lab reports publicly
     • Reaffirmed compliance with food safety norms

    Public Health Significance

    • Strengthens food safety surveillance
     • Protects consumer health
     • Addresses risks of antibiotic residues and AMR

    Prelims Pointers

    • FSSAI functions under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
     • Eggs are animal origin food products
     • Antibiotic residue monitoring is part of food safety regulation

    In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as (2019)

    (a) pesticides in agriculture 

    (b) preservatives in processed foods 

    (c) fruit-ripening agents 

    (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Kerala’s Butterfly Diversity 

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

    Why in the News?

    A new monograph published in ENTOMON journal affirms that Kerala hosts the highest butterfly diversity among Indian States along the Western Ghats.

    Source of Study

    • Title: The Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Rhopalocera) of Kerala: Status and Distribution
    • Journal: ENTOMON, open access quarterly journal
    • Published by: Association for Advancement of Entomology
    • Lead researcher: Kalesh Sadasivan

    Key Findings

    • Kerala records 328 butterfly species.
    • Includes 41 species endemic to the Western Ghats.
    • Western Ghats as a whole support 337 butterfly species, most of which are found in Kerala.

    Butterfly Families in Kerala

    Nymphalidae: 97 species, Lycaenidae: 96 species, Hesperiidae: 82 species and Other families: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Riodinidae

    Migratory Species

    36 migratory butterfly species documented. Highlights Kerala as a key migratory corridor for seasonal butterfly movement.

    • Conservation Status
    • 22 species from Kerala listed in the IUCN Red List.
    • Most are Least Concern.
    • 2 species classified as Near Threatened.

    Legal Protection in India

    • 70 butterfly species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
    • 4 species under Schedule I. Majority under Schedule II.

    Larval Host Plant Diversity

    • Over 1,800 larval feeding records documented.
    • Includes 350 plus new field observations.
    • Covers nearly 800 plant species.
    • One of the largest region specific host plant compilations in India.
    Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences? (2017)

    1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected. 

    2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants. 

    3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds. 

    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

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    India Post’s DHRUVA Framework

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Department of Posts has proposed the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), supported by a draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023.

    What is DHRUVA?

    DHRUVA stands for Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. It aims to standardise and digitally share physical addresses through virtual labels similar to email IDs.

    Nature

    Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI. Based on consent based address sharing.

    Key Components

    • Digital Label: Proxy address like name@dhruva instead of full physical address.
    • DIGIPIN: 10 digit alphanumeric geo coded location pin developed by India Post.
    • Coverage: Every 12 square metre area in India has a unique DIGIPIN.

    Institutional Ecosystem

    • Address Service Providers: Generate virtual address labels.
    • Address Validation Agencies: Authenticate address information.
    • Address Information Agents: Manage user consent and sharing.
    • Governing Entity: NPCI like body to oversee the framework.

    How It Works

    • User authorises sharing of the virtual address label.
    • Platform receives descriptive address and geo coded DIGIPIN.
    • Ensures controlled access to address data.

    Major Use Cases

    • Logistics and delivery services.
    • E commerce platforms and gig economy platforms.
    • Consent based data sharing of addresses.
    • Seamless address updates during relocation.
    • Service discovery for doorstep services.

    Importance

    • Improves last mile delivery, especially in rural areas.
    • Reduces errors from incomplete or informal addresses.
    • Enhances user control over personal address data.

    Concerns and Criticism

    • Relies on personal data and user consent, unlike structure based address systems used globally.
    • May create incomplete datasets for urban planning if consent is denied.
    • Needs clear legislative backing.

    Associated Initiative

    • DIGIPIN: Open sourced, location coordinate based addressing system by India Post.

    Relevant Law

    • Post Office Act, 2023 and its proposed amendment.

    Prelims Pointers

    • DHRUVA proposed by Department of Posts.
    • DIGIPIN is location based, not a traditional PIN code.
    • DHRUVA links addresses to individuals, not surveyed structures.
    • Consent framework is the core feature.
    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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman

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

    Why in the News?

    Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, with 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on board, citing illegal fuel smuggling.

    Key Details of the Incident

    • Seizure carried out by Iranian forces off the Sea of Oman coast
     • Reported by Fars News Agency
     • Vessel was allegedly carrying six million litres of contraband diesel fuel
     • The tanker had disabled its navigation systems
     • Action linked to enforcement against fuel smuggling operations

    Iran and Fuel Smuggling

    • Retail fuel prices in Iran are among the lowest globally
     • Creates strong incentives for cross border fuel smuggling
     • Iranian authorities frequently intercept vessels accused of illegal fuel transport in the Gulf region

    Regional and International Context

    • Iran seized another tanker last month for unauthorised cargo
     • Iran denied that the seizure was retaliatory
     • The incident follows a recent US seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela
     • The US alleged that the ship was transporting oil linked to Iran and Venezuela

    US Sanctions Angle

    • US Treasury imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2022
     • Sanctions linked to alleged ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC and Hezbollah

    Prelims Pointers

    • Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz
     • Region is strategically vital for global energy trade
     • Fuel smuggling is common in regions with subsidised energy prices
     • Maritime seizures often have geopolitical and security implications
     • Crew nationality issues raise consular and diplomatic concerns

    Consider the following statements: (2024)

    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. 

    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 

    (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    BlueBird 6 Satellite and LVM 3

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

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is scheduled to launch the BlueBird 6 satellite, developed by US based AST SpaceMobile, on 21 December 2025 using India’s heavy lift rocket LVM 3.

    About BlueBird 6 Satellite

    • Developer: AST SpaceMobile USA
     • Purpose: Provides direct to device internet connectivity, enabling normal mobile phones to access broadband without dependence on ground based cell towers
     • Weight: Around 6.5 tonnes, making it among the heaviest commercial satellites launched by ISRO
     • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit LEO
     • Technology: Equipped with one of the largest phased array antennas ever deployed in space, covering nearly 2,400 square feet
     • Capable of direct communication with standard smartphones
     • Significance: Enhances global mobile broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and rural regions
     • Strategic importance: Strengthens Indo US space cooperation and expands commercial space launch collaboration
     • Future impact: Helps bridge the digital divide by providing internet access in regions without cellular infrastructure

    About LVM 3

    • Full name: Launch Vehicle Mark 3
     • Also called GSLV Mk III or Bahubali
     • India’s heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO
     • Designed for large satellite launches and human spaceflight missions

    With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, Consider the following statements: (2018)

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 

    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 

    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. 

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

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

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (Suvaran Maran)

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

    Why in the News?

    A commemorative postage stamp honouring Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II was recently released by the Vice President of India, highlighting his importance in early medieval South Indian history.

    About Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar

    • Reign period: c. 705 AD to 745 AD
     • Also known as Suvaran Maran and Shatrubhayankar
     • Belonged to the Mutharaiyar lineage of Tamil Nadu
     • Known as a brave warrior, able administrator, and patron of learning
     • Fought alongside Pallava king Nandivarman II in several battles
     • Represents the phase of powerful Pallava feudatories gaining autonomy

    Religious and Cultural Patronage

    • Patron of Shaivism
     • Jain monk Vimalachandra visited his court for religious and philosophical debates
     • Reflects religious tolerance and intellectual exchange

    Who were the Mutharaiyars

    • A prominent chieftain clan of early medieval Tamil Nadu
     • Served as feudatories of the Pallava dynasty
     • Gained political prominence as Pallava authority weakened
     • Eventually ruled as independent regional powers

    Territorial Influence

    • Dominated regions along the Cauvery river basin
     • Key areas: Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli
     • Controlled fertile agrarian zones and cultural centres

    Architectural Contributions

    • Renowned temple builders under Pallava influence
     • Major contributors to rock cut cave temples
     • Cave temple activity continued till the early ninth century
     • Acted as a link between Pallava and early Chola architecture

    Consider the following events in the history of India: (2020)

    (1) Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja (2) Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I (3) Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I (4) Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time? (a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 (b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2 (c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3 (d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

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