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Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister and several Union and State leaders paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary, highlighting her role in education and social reform.

    Who was Savitribai Phule

    • Born in 1831 in Maharashtra
    • Social reformer, poet and educationist
    • Recognised as the first female teacher of modern India
    • Worked closely with her husband Jyotirao Phule

    Key Contributions

    • Established India’s first girls’ school in Pune in 1848
    • Pioneered education for women and marginalised communities
    • Actively opposed caste discrimination, untouchability and gender inequality
    • Promoted widow remarriage and shelter for destitute women
    • Believed education was the primary tool for social transformation

    Literary Contribution

    • Used poetry as a medium to spread ideas of equality, justice and rational thinking
    • Her writings criticised social orthodoxy and promoted human dignity

    Legacy and Significance

    • Laid the foundation for women’s education in India
    • Inspired later social reform and feminist movements
    • Symbol of social justice, inclusive education and empowerment

    Prelims Pointers

    • First girls’ school in India was started in Pune
    • Education and social equality were central to her reform agenda
    • Worked during the 19th century social reform movement in Maharashtra
    • Closely associated with anti caste and anti patriarchy movements
    [2016] Satya Shodhak Samaj organized 

    (a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar 

    (b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat 

    (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra 

    (d) a peasant movement in Punjab

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  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launches new logo and mascot

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has unveiled a new logo and a mascot to modernise its institutional identity and strengthen public outreach, as reported by DD News.

    About MoSPI

    MoSPI is the nodal ministry for official statistics in India. It is responsible for data collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination to support evidence based policymaking and national development.

    Aim of the initiative

    • Promote the theme Data for Development
    • Make official statistics more accessible, relatable, and trustworthy
    • Enhance public participation in surveys
    • Improve transparency and accuracy in India’s statistical system

    Key features

    New logo

    • Ashoka Chakra symbolising truth, transparency, and good governance
    • Rupee symbol highlighting the role of statistics in economic planning and policymaking
    • Numerical elements and growth bar representing modern data systems and data driven progress
    • Colour palette of saffron, white, green, and deep blue signifying growth, sustainability, stability, and knowledge

    Mascot “सांख्यिकी”

    • Citizen centric character to simplify complex statistical concepts
    • To be used in surveys, awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, digital platforms, and public events

    Significance

    • Builds public confidence in official statistics through consistent and recognisable communication
    • Encourages higher survey participation leading to better data quality
    • Reinforces evidence based policymaking
    • Supports India’s shift towards transparent, data led governance

    Prelims pointers

    • MoSPI is the nodal ministry for official statistics in India
    • New logo and mascot aim to improve public engagement with data
    • Mascot “सांख्यिकी” is designed for citizen outreach and statistical awareness
    [2009] Which one of the following brings out the publication called “Energy Statistics” from time to time? 

    (a) Central Power Research Institute 

    (b) Planning Commission 

    (c) Power Finance Corporation Ltd. 

    (d) Central Statistical Organization

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India – EU

    Bulgaria joins the eurozone

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

    Why in the news?

    Bulgaria officially adopted the euro as its national currency on January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev and becoming the 21st member of the eurozone.

    About Bulgaria

    What it is

    Bulgaria is a Balkan country in southeastern Europe. It has been a member of the European Union since 2007 and NATO since 2004. The adoption of the euro followed the fulfilment of European Union convergence criteria.

    Location

    • Eastern Balkan Peninsula
    • Strategic link between Europe, the Black Sea region, and West Asia

    Borders

    • Romania in the north
    • Serbia and North Macedonia in the west
    • Greece and Turkey in the south
    • Black Sea in the east

    Geographical features

    • Danubian Plain in the north, an important agricultural belt
    • Balkan Mountains extending east west
    • Rila Rhodope Massif in the south with Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans
    • Black Sea coastline supporting ports, tourism, and trade

    About the eurozone

    What it is

    The eurozone is the group of European Union countries that use the euro as their official legal tender and follow a common monetary policy.

    Evolution

    • 1992 Maastricht Treaty established the Economic and Monetary Union
    • 1999 Euro introduced for electronic transactions
    • 2002 Euro notes and coins entered circulation

    Members

    • 21 European Union countries as of 2026, including Bulgaria

    Key features

    • Single currency system
    • Unified monetary policy by the European Central Bank
    • No internal currency exchange costs
    • Free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour

    Prelims pointers

    • Bulgaria joined the eurozone in 2026
    • Eurozone membership is different from EU membership
    • ECB governs monetary policy of eurozone states
    [2025] Consider the following countries: 

    I. Austria 

    II. Bulgaria

    III. Croatia

    IV. Serbia

    V. Sweden

    VI. North Macedonia

    How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? 

    (a) Only three (b) Only four (c) Only five (d) All the six

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    Central Excise Amendment on tobacco products

    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?

    The Centre has notified the Central Excise Amendment Act 2025 along with related tax changes on tobacco products. The changes will come into force from February 1, 2026. The move ends the GST compensation cess on tobacco and revises excise duties to meet fiscal and public health goals.

    Central Excise Amendment Act 2025

    The Act amends the Central Excise Act 1944 to revise excise duties on tobacco and tobacco related products, which continue to remain outside the complete GST framework.

    Key features

    Revision of excise duties

    The Act revises central excise rates to maintain and increase the overall tax burden after the withdrawal of GST compensation cess.

    Revised excise duty rates

    • Unmanufactured tobacco increased from 64 percent to 70 percent
    • Chewing tobacco increased from 25 percent to 100 percent
    • Hookah and gudaku tobacco increased from 25 percent to 40 percent
    • Smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes increased from 60 percent to 325 percent
    • Cigarettes increased from ₹200 to ₹735 per thousand sticks to ₹2,700 to ₹11,000 per thousand sticks

    Public health objective

    The higher duties aim to raise real tobacco prices faster than income growth, in line with global public health recommendations to discourage consumption.

    GST restructuring on tobacco

    • Beedis placed under 18 percent GST
    • All other tobacco products placed under 40 percent GST
    • New valuation mechanism introduced
       GST value to be calculated on the retail sale price declared on the package for products such as chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini and jarda

    GST compensation cess

    What it is

    An additional levy imposed on select goods to compensate States for revenue losses due to GST implementation.

    Key points

    • Introduced in July 2017 along with GST
    • Initially meant for five years till June 2022
    • Extended till March 31, 2026 due to pandemic related revenue shortfall
    • Used mainly to repay about ₹2.7 lakh crore borrowed to compensate States
    • Levied over and above GST and central excise on tobacco
    • Being completely phased out from February 1, 2026

    Items covered under the cess

    • Tobacco and tobacco products
    • Pan masala
    • Aerated and caffeinated drinks
    • Luxury cars
    • Motorcycles above 350 cc
    • Specified firearms

    Prelims pointers

    • Tobacco products remain partly outside the GST framework
    • Central excise continues on tobacco even after GST
    • GST compensation cess ends from February 1, 2026
    • Higher tobacco taxation serves both revenue and public health objectives
    [2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? 

    1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. 

    2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. 

    3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future. 

    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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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited launches Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi)

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

    Why in the news?

    On New Year, BSNL announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi also called Wi Fi Calling across all telecom circles in India.

    What is VoWiFi

    Voice over WiFi is a telecom service that allows users to make and receive voice calls and SMS over a Wi Fi network instead of a mobile tower.
     It uses IP Multimedia Subsystem and works with the same mobile number and default phone dialer without third party apps.

    How it works

    • Wi Fi connectivity: Phone connects to home, office, or public Wi Fi when cellular signal is weak or unavailable
    • SIM based authentication: User identity is verified through the SIM, ensuring secure communication
    • Internet routing: Voice is converted into data packets and transmitted over the internet
    • Seamless handover: Calls automatically switch between Wi Fi and cellular networks without interruption

    Key features

    • IMS based service with smooth Wi Fi to mobile network transition
    • Uses existing mobile number and handset dialer
    • No additional charges for Wi Fi calls
    • Improved indoor and remote area connectivity
    • Reduces congestion on mobile networks
    • Supported on most modern smartphones via a simple settings toggle

    Significance

    • Reliable calling in homes, offices, basements, and remote locations
    • Useful in rural and underserved areas with broadband access such as Bharat Fiber
    • Better call quality compared to weak cellular signals
    • Enhances BSNL’s network modernization efforts

    Prelims pointers

    • VoWiFi requires a stable Wi Fi connection but no mobile signal
    • Authentication is SIM based, unlike internet calling apps
    • Offered free of cost as normal voice calls
    [2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 

    1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 

    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI Impact Summit 2026 

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

    Why in the News?

    Narendra Modi will inaugurate the AI Impact Summit to be held from 15 to 20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, with participation from over 100 countries, according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    About AI Impact Summit

    The AI Impact Summit is a global high level platform focused on shaping responsible, inclusive and outcome driven Artificial Intelligence solutions for productive sectors of the economy.

    Host Country: India

    Key Highlights

    • Participation from over 100 countries
       • 15 to 20 Heads of Government expected, including France
       • 15,500 plus registrations from 136 countries
       • 76 countries from the Global South
       • Over 100 global AI leaders, including CXOs, CSOs, academics, and policy thinkers

    Notable Global Leaders Confirmed

    • Bill Gates, Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei, Shantanu Narayen, Marc Benioff, Cristiano Amon and Raj Subramaniam

    Core Objective

    • Develop AI solutions for productive sectors
       • Focus areas include: Healthcare, Agriculture, Governance, Education and Manufacturing
    [2025] Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025: 

    1. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024. 

    2. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. 

    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Amazonian Stingless Bees 

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

    Why in the News?

    Municipalities in Peru passed a landmark ordinance granting legal rights to Amazonian stingless bees, making them the first insects in the world to receive such recognition.

    About Amazon’s Stingless Bees

    Stingless bees belong to the Meliponini group and either lack stingers or have non functional stingers, making them harmless to humans. They are critical pollinators in tropical ecosystems.

    Origin

    • Among the oldest bee lineages, existing for nearly 80 million years
       • Emerged during the age of dinosaurs
       • About 500 species globally, nearly half in the Amazon

    Habitat

    • Tropical forests worldwide
       • Highly abundant in the Amazon rainforest
       • Peru hosts over 170 species

    Key Ecological and Cultural Features

    • Primary rainforest pollinators
       • Pollinate over 80 percent of Amazonian plant species
       • Support key global crops like coffee, cacao, avocado, blueberry
       • Deeply embedded in Indigenous knowledge systems
       • Culturally significant to communities such as Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria

    Legal Rights for Stingless Bees

    The ordinance recognises inherent rights, including
     • Right to exist and flourish
     • Right to maintain healthy populations
     • Right to regenerate natural ecological cycles
     • Right to live in pollution free habitats
     • Right to legal representation when threatened

    Significance

    • Global legal first: First instance of insects granted legal rights
       • Stronger conservation framework: Enables legal action against deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss
       • Advances Rights of Nature doctrine: Moves from human centred environmental protection to ecosystem centred justice
    [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? 

    (a) Butterflies 

    (b) Dragonflies 

    (c) Honeybees 

    (d) Wasps

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

    Nimesulide Ban 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has banned manufacture, sale and distribution of oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg with immediate effect under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

    About Nimesulide

    Nimesulide is a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used for acute pain relief and fever reduction.

    Key Features of the Drug

    • Pharmacological class: NSAID
       • Mechanism of action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by blocking inflammatory chemical mediators
       • Therapeutic use: Short term treatment of pain and fever
       • Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, raised liver enzymes
       • Known risk: Hepatotoxicity, especially at higher doses or prolonged use

    Reason for the Ban

    • Oral doses above 100 mg pose serious risk to liver health
       • Increased incidence of drug induced liver injury
       • Safer alternative analgesics available
       • Action taken under Section 26A, which allows banning drugs harmful to public health
    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people 

    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 

    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 

    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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

    Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen global market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first time exporters.

    About Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention

    The Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention is a government backed programme providing financial and institutional support to Indian exporters for accessing and expanding international markets through structured trade and buyer engagement activities.

    Implemented Under

    • NIRYAT DISHA sub scheme
       • Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

    Implementing Ministries

    • Department of Commerce
     • Ministry of MSME
     • Ministry of Finance

    Aim

    • Strengthen global market access for Indian exporters
       • Support MSMEs, first time exporters, and priority sectors
       • Promote export diversification into new and emerging markets
       • Enable predictable, outcome driven export promotion

    Key Features

    • Market access activities: Support for Buyer Seller Meets, Mega Reverse BSMs, international trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade delegations
       • Advance planning: 3 to 5 year rolling calendar of approved events for continuity
       • MSME focus: Minimum 35 percent MSME participation in supported events
       • Financial rationalisation:
       ◦ Revised cost sharing norms
       ◦ Event wise financial ceilings
       ◦ Partial airfare support for exporters with turnover up to ₹75 lakh
       • Digital governance: End to end online processes through trade.gov.in
       • Outcome tracking: Mandatory online feedback on buyer quality, leads generated, and market relevance
       • Technology push: Upcoming support for Proof of Concepts and product demonstrations in sunrise and tech intensive sectors

    Significance

    • Enhances global competitiveness of Indian exports
       • Reduces entry barriers for MSMEs and new exporters
       • Supports India’s goal of export diversification beyond traditional markets
       • Improves market intelligence and buyer connectivity

    Prelims Pointers

    • MAS is not a direct export subsidy
       • Focus on market access, not production incentives
       • Mandatory MSME participation norm
       • Fully digitally monitored scheme
       • Linked to Export Promotion Mission
    Consider the following statements: [2023]

    Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods. 

    Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ (PLI) scheme. 

    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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I. 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    Pralay Missile 

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

    Why in the News?

    Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the Odisha coast, marking a key milestone in user evaluation trials.

    About Pralay Missile

    Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid propellant, quasi ballistic, surface to surface missile designed for high precision conventional strikes against tactical and operational targets.

    Aim

    • Rapid response conventional strike capability for Indian Army and Indian Air Force
     • Battlefield dominance through precision strikes and saturation capability

    Key Features

    • Type: Quasi ballistic surface to surface missile
       • Range: 150 km to 500 km
       • Propulsion: Solid propellant for quick launch readiness
       • Trajectory: Quasi ballistic trajectory, difficult to intercept by enemy air defence systems
       • Guidance: Advanced guidance and navigation system for high accuracy
       • Warhead: Multiple conventional warhead options
       • Salvo launch capability: Multiple missiles fired in quick succession from the same launcher

    Significance

    • Strengthens indigenous missile capability under Atmanirbhar Bharat
      • Enhances conventional deterrence without nuclear escalation
      • Improves operational readiness, survivability, and strike effectiveness
      • Supports precision warfare doctrine of Indian armed forces
    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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