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Type: Prelims Only

  • 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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  • Tex-RAMPS Scheme

    Prelims Only | Economics | : Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India approved a new scheme called Tex-RAMPS to strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textiles sector.
     The scheme aligns with India’s push to make its textiles ecosystem future-ready, technologically advanced, and globally competitive.

    What is Tex-RAMPS?

    Tex-RAMPS = Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up Scheme. It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles.

    Outlay & Duration

    • Total Outlay: ₹305 crore
    • Period: FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31
    • Co-terminus with the upcoming Finance Commission cycle

    Objectives

    To future-proof India’s textiles & apparel (T&A) ecosystem by:

    • Strengthening research and innovation
    • Building robust data systems
    • Enhancing global competitiveness
    • Supporting start-ups
    • Improving capacity development across the sector
    Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

    (a) Department of Science and Technology 

    (b) Ministry of Employment 

    (c) NITI Aayog 

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Grey Seal Milk Complexity  

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

    Why in the News?

    A study published in Nature (Nov 2025) found that grey seal milk contains 332 different oligosaccharides—33% more than human breast milk, previously considered the most complex.

    Key Findings

    Highest Oligosaccharide Diversity

    • Grey seal milk contains 332 oligosaccharides
       (Human milk: ~100).
    • This is the largest number ever recorded in any mammal’s milk.

    Functions of Oligosaccharides

    • Boost immunity (protect against bacteria & viruses).
    • Support gut microbiome formation.
    • Aid digestive tract development.
    • Provide energy and growth support for pups.

    Why Grey Seal Milk is So Complex?

    • Grey seals:
      • Live in harsh, high-risk environments.
      • Mothers fast for ~18 days while feeding pups.
      • Pups grow extremely rapidly during this period.
    • Complex sugars help pups survive extreme conditions and develop strong immunity quickly.

    Study Details

    • Conducted by the University of Gothenburg (Sweden).
    • Samples collected from Atlantic grey seals on a small Scottish island.
    • Analytical method used: Deep mass spectrometry.
      • A very advanced method of mass spectrometry that can detect hundreds to thousands of molecules in a sample with very high accuracy.
    Consider the following: 

    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

    This PYQ is chosen because it directly addresses the peculiar biological feature (hibernation) that allows mammals to survive challenging environmental conditions, which conceptually mirrors the adaptive features of the grey seal

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

    Aloe vera Compounds as Potential Alzheimer’s Inhibitors  

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the news?

    A new study (Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025) suggests that common plant molecules from Aloe vera—especially Beta sitosterol—may inhibit key enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Findings are based entirely on in silico (computer simulation) techniques.

    What is Computer Simulation (In Silico Research)?

    • Computer simulation, often called in silico research, refers to the use of computational tools and algorithms to model biological, chemical, or physical processes.
    • It allows scientists to predict molecular interactions, drug behavior, and biological outcomes without physical experiments.

    Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

    • Most common form of dementia.
    • Characterised by:
      • Memory loss
      • Cognitive decline
      • Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
      • Loss of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
    • Enzymes involved in acetylcholine breakdown:
      • Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      • Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
    • Current drugs (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) work by inhibiting these enzymes but do not stop disease progression.

    Why Aloe vera?

    • Used for 3000+ years in traditional medicine.
    • Contains bioactive compounds such as Beta sitosterol, Succinic acid, polysaccharides, and phenolics.

    Major Findings

    • Beta sitosterol showed strong binding affinity to both enzymes:
      • AChE: −8.6 kcal/mol
      • BChE: −8.7 kcal/mol
    • The binding strength is higher than that of other screened compounds like Succinic acid.
    • ADMET results suggest:
      • Good absorption
      • Low toxicity
      • Favourable pharmacokinetic profile
    Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022)

    (a) Cloud Services 

    (b) Quantum Computing 

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

    This PYQ is chosen because it tests a fundamental concept related to the cutting edge of computational power and modelling, which is the operational domain of computer simulation.

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

    Vitamin B12 Deficiency & Skin Manifestations 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the news?

    According to a study published in Canad­ian Family Physician, Vitamin B12 deficiency often shows early dermatological symptoms—such as pigmentation, dryness, and inflammation—before neurological or hematological complications appear.

    What is Vitamin B12?

    • Water-soluble vitamins are essential for: Red blood cell formation, Nerve function, DNA synthesis and Cell growth and repair

    Why Skin Shows Early Signs?

    • B12 deficiency → reduced RBC production → low oxygen delivery to skin → visible skin changes.
    • Weak immunity and impaired nerve function further worsen dermatological issues.
    High-Risk Groups

    More prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency:

    • Vegetarians/vegans
    • Adults > 50 years
    • Individuals with:
      • Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease
    • Those taking:
      • Antacids (PPIs/H2 blockers)
      • Metformin
    • People with poor nutrient absorption
    Consider the following pairs: Vitamin : Deficiency disease (2014)

    1. Vitamin C : Scurvy 

    2. Vitamin D : Rickets 

    3. Vitamin E : Night Blindness 

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) None

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  • Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

    International Astronomical Union (IAU) 

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

    Why in the news?

    • A 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater has been named after Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan. The naming was approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
    • Several other names proposed by Kerala scientists for Martian landforms were also approved.

    About the Martian Crater

    • Estimated to be 3.5 billion years old, dating back to Mars’ early geological history.
    • Located in a region studied for traces of ancient water and habitability.

    Who Was M.S. Krishnan?

    • Full name: Maharajapuram Seetharaman Krishnan
    • One of India’s most influential geologists, known as a foundational figure in modern Indian geological studies.
    • Served as Director, Geological Survey of India (GSI) (1950–1956).

    Major Contributions

    • Mapped India’s geological structures, including:
      • Indian stratigraphy
      • Peninsular shield
      • Himalayan formations
    • Played a leading role in mineral exploration and petroleum geology in India.
    • Contributed to studies on:
      • Gondwana formations
      • Economic geology
      • Earth resources of India

    Famous Work

    • Author of the landmark textbook “Geology of India and Burma”, a globally referenced work in earth sciences.

    About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

    • Founded: 1919
    • A senior international body that governs professional astronomical activities worldwide.
    • Mission: Promote and safeguard astronomy through research, communication, education, development, and international cooperation.
    • Headquarters: Paris, France
    • India is a member of it 
    What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA)’ project? (2017)

    (a) To detect neutrinos 

    (b) To detect gravitational waves 

    (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system 

    (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

    This PYQ is selected because it directly tests knowledge of a major international scientific venture in the field of astronomy/cosmology, which is conceptually linked to the mandate of the IAU

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  • Skilling India – Skill India Mission,PMKVY, NSDC, etc.

    Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme & BRIC  

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

    Why in the news? 

    At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the growing importance of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme and India’s rising biotech innovation ecosystem.

    Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme

    • It is one of the programmes launched under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI).
    • A Government of India initiative to bridge the gap between research and enterprise.
    • Encourages young scientists, innovators, and researchers to become scientist-entrepreneurs.
    • Helps convert lab research → market-ready innovations.

    About BRIC

    • Established: 2023
    • Type: Pan-India umbrella network of biotechnology research institutions.
    • First major experiment in merging multiple institutes under one collaborative body.
    • Ranked as India’s top organization in biological sciences research (Nature Index India 2025).
    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation India (NIF)? (2015)

    (1) NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government. 

    (2) NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institution in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institution. 

    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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  • Tribes in News

    Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Diversity Of India

    Why in the news?

    • On 23 November 2025, Israel approved a major plan to bring all remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from Northeast India by 2030.
    • This marks a significant step in the decades-long Aliyah (immigration to Israel) process.

    Who are the Bnei Menashe?

    • Indigenous community from Manipur and Mizoram.
    • Claim descent from Menashe (Manasseh), one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrian Empire ~2,700 years ago.
    • Faced historical disputes over their Jewish identity.
    • In 2005, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the then Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, formally recognised them as “descendants of Israel”, enabling immigration.
    In India, if a religious sect/community is given “the status of a national minority, what special advantages is it entitled to? (2011)

    1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. 

    2. The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha. 

    3. It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme. 

    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park  

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

    Why in the news?

    • A Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), a bird species native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, was recorded on 23 November in the Dhela zone of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. This is considered a vagrant bird sighting.

    About Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

    • Family: Fringillidae (Finches)
    • Size: ~18 cm
    • Wingspan: 29–33 cm
    • Distinctive Feature: Very powerful, heavy bill capable of cracking extremely hard seeds/nuts.
    • Plumage: Males and females similar; males slightly darker.

    Native Range

    • Europe and North Africa
    • Temperate Asia, including:
      • Mongolia and Kazakhstan
    • Not native to India.

    Status in India

    • Sighting classified as a vagrant record—bird appears outside its usual distribution range.
    • Only two previous records in the Indian subcontinent:
      • Muzaffarabad (1908) – PoK
      • Aliabad (2017) – PoK
    • This is one of the very few confirmed sightings.
    Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? (2018) 

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. 

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above

    This question tests the critical concept of non-native or exotic species impacting biodiversity, which is the implicit environmental concern raised by the Hawfinch sighting.

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