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Type: Prelims Only

  • Railway Reforms

    Indian Railways Becomes World’s Largest Electrified Rail

    8 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Indian Railways has become the largest electrified rail network in the world, with about 99.2 percent of its broad gauge network electrified as of November 2025.

    About Indian Railways Electrification Achievement

    • Indian Railways is India’s national transporter and one of the world’s largest railway networks
    • It has achieved near complete electrification of its broad gauge routes
    • The milestone was achieved under Mission 100 percent Railway Electrification

    Background

    • Railway electrification in India began in 1925
    • Mission mode acceleration started after 2014

    Objectives of Mission 100 percent Railway Electrification

    • Eliminate diesel traction
    • Shift to clean electric traction
    • Reduce carbon emissions and air pollution
    • Lower fuel import dependence
    • Improve speed, reliability, and operational efficiency

    Key Features and Data

    • About 99.2 percent of nearly 70,000 route kilometres electrified
    • Electrification speed increased from
       • 1.42 km per day during 2004 to 2014
       • More than 15 km per day during 2019 to 2025
    • 25 States and Union Territories fully electrified
    • Only around 0.8 percent network remains non electrified

    Renewable Energy Integration

    • Solar capacity increased from 3.68 MW in 2014 to about 898 MW in 2025
    • Supports cleaner traction and lower operational emissions
    • Aligns with India’s renewable energy and climate goals

    Technological Advancements

    • Use of Automatic Wiring Trains
    • Mechanised Overhead Equipment foundation systems
    • Faster and safer electrification with reduced manual intervention
    [2025] Consider the following statements: 

    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Remarkable New Species Discovered in India in 2025

    8 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    In December 2025, Indian scientists announced the discovery of multiple new species across diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Eastern Himalayas to the Western Ghats, highlighting India’s rich and still underexplored biodiversity.

    Key New Species Discovered

    Bridgeoporus kanadii

    Type: Macro fungi
    Discovery region: West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
    Habitat: Old growth Abies fir trees
    Key features:

    • Thick, leathery and massive fruiting body
    • Extremely sturdy, capable of bearing human weight
       Significance:
    • Indicates high fungal diversity in Eastern Himalayan forests
    • Highlights ecological value of old growth conifer ecosystems

    Rhinophis siruvaniensis

    Type: Non venomous shieldtail snake
     Family: Uropeltidae
     Discovery region: Siruvani Hills, Kerala, Western Ghats
     Key features:

    • Fossorial or burrowing lifestyle
    • Specialized tail shield for digging and protection
       Significance:
    • Adds to endemic reptile diversity of the Western Ghats
    • Reinforces the region as a global biodiversity hotspot

    Neelus sikkimensis

    Type: Springtail or Collembola
    Discovery region: High altitude cold desert soils of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas
    Key features:

    • Wingless arthropod with a jumping organ called furcula
    • First record of the genus Neelus in India
       Significance:
    • Identified by Zoological Survey of India
    • Global species count of Neelus expanded to eight
    • Indicates biodiversity even in extreme cold environments

    Parasynnemellisia khasiana

    Type: Fungus
    Taxonomy: Completely new genus and species
    Discovery region: Khasi Hills near Mawsynram, Meghalaya
    Habitat: Dense bamboo forests in ultra high rainfall zones
    Key features:

    • Grows in association with bamboo ecosystems
    • Adapted to one of the wettest regions on Earth
       Significance:
    • Demonstrates unexplored microbial diversity of Northeast India

    Dolomedes indicus

    Type: Fishing spider
    Discovery region: Wayanad and Lakkidi, Western Ghats, Kerala
    Key features:

    • Semi aquatic spider
    • Can skate on water surfaces
    • Hunts aquatic insects and small fish

    Significance:

    • First confirmed fishing spider species in India
    • Highlights freshwater dependent arthropod diversity

    Ophiorrhiza mizoramensis

    Type: Flowering shrub
    Family: Rubiaceae or coffee family
    Discovery region: Murlen National Park, Mizoram
    Key features:

    • Grows up to one metre
    • Dark purplish pink tubular flowers
    • Unique stigma lobe structure

    Conservation status:

    • Provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered
    • Fewer than 200 mature individuals recorded

    Overall Significance

    • Confirms India as a megadiverse country
    • Highlights importance of Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats
    • Strengthens case for habitat conservation and taxonomy research
    • Shows climate resilient and niche specific species evolution

    Prelims Pointers

    • Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are global biodiversity hotspots
    • New genus discovery indicates unexplored fungal diversity
    • High altitude ecosystems also host unique micro fauna
    • Many new species face immediate conservation threats
    [2022] With reference to ‘Gucchi’ sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 

    1. It is a fungus. 

    2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas

    3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India

    Which of the statements given above is correct? 

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

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

    1000 Years of Survival of Somnath Temple 

    7 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Art and Culture
    Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister of India highlighted the thousand year survival of the Somnath Temple, marking 1,000 years since the 1026 CE attack by Mahmud of Ghazni.

    Somnath Temple

    • One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
    • Revered across Hindu tradition
    • Known as the Eternal Shrine due to repeated destruction and reconstruction

    Location

    • Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, Saurashtra region of Gujarat
    • Located on the Arabian Sea coast
    • At the Triveni Sangam of Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers

    Historical Significance

    Ancient Origins

    • Mentioned in Shiva Purana
    • Evidence of worship since antiquity
    • Multiple reconstructions in pre medieval times

    1026 CE Event

    • Temple attacked and plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni
    • Considered a major historical rupture in Indian history

    Medieval Period

    • Rebuilt by rulers such as Kumarapala of the Chaulukya dynasty
    • Reconstructed under Chudasama kings
    • Destroyed again during Sultanate invasions

    Symbol of Resilience

    • Historical records indicate the temple was destroyed six times
    • Rebuilt after every destruction
    • Became a symbol of civilisational continuity and faith

    Architectural Features

    • Built in Chaulukya or Solanki style
    • Prominent shikhara and richly carved stone walls
    • Garbhagriha houses the Jyotirlinga
    • Famous inscription stating no landmass lies between Somnath and the South Pole, symbolising cosmic alignment

    Modern Reconstruction

    Post Independence Revival

    • Reconstruction initiated in 1947
    • Led by Vallabhbhai Patel as a civilisational responsibility
    • Designed by architect Prabhashankar Sompura using traditional methods

    Inauguration

    • Inaugurated on 11 May 1951
    • By Rajendra Prasad
    • Despite the political debates of the period

    Present Management

    • Managed by the Somnath Trust
    • Trust is chaired by the Prime Minister of India
    [2022] The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 

    1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 

    2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni

    3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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

    India Inaugurates Global Standard Environmental and Solar Calibration Facilities  

    7 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India has inaugurated the world’s second National Environmental Standard Laboratory and the world’s fifth National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration at CSIR National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi.

    National Environmental Standard Laboratory NESL

    • An apex national facility for testing, calibration and certification of air pollution monitoring instruments
    • Designed specifically for Indian climatic and environmental conditions

    Location

    • CSIR National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi

    Institutions Involved

    • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    • CSIR National Physical Laboratory

    Objectives

    • Establish India specific environmental measurement standards
    • Improve accuracy and reliability of air quality data
    • Support implementation of National Clean Air Programme

    Key Features

    • Calibration under Indian conditions such as temperature, humidity and dust load
    • Provides traceable and standardised pollution data
    • Supports regulators, startups, MSMEs and domestic manufacturers
    • Only UK and India currently have such national level facilities

    Significance

    • Strengthens pollution governance
    • Reduces dependence on foreign calibration labs
    • Improves credibility of air quality monitoring across India

    National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration

    • A high precision metrology facility for calibration of solar cells
    • Ensures globally comparable photovoltaic measurements

    Location

    • CSIR National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi

    Key Features

    • Uses Laser based Differential Spectral Responsivity system
    • Achieves world leading uncertainty of 0.35 percent (k=2)
    • Developed in collaboration with Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
    • Only the fifth such facility worldwide

    Importance

    • Supports solar manufacturing and R and D
    • Enhances trust in Indian photovoltaic performance data
    • Boosts renewable energy transition and exports

     Significance

    • Positions India as a global leader in environmental and energy metrology
    • Strengthens Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
    • Supports climate action, clean energy goals and evidence based policymaking

    Prelims Pointers

    • NESL is linked to air pollution monitoring
    • Solar calibration facility ensures international PV measurement standards
    • CSIR NPL is India’s national metrology institute
    • Only five countries globally have national primary solar calibration facilities
    [2014] With reference to technology for solar power production, consider the following statements: 

    1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. 

    2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 

    3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for photovoltaics. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Greenland Sovereignty and US Interest 

    7 January 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has rejected renewed remarks by Donald Trump on taking over the island. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that citizens should not fear an imminent American annexation, while European powers reaffirmed support for Greenland’s sovereignty.

    Political Status of Greenland

    • World’s largest island
    • Population around 57,000
    • Autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark
    • Controls internal affairs, while defence and foreign policy remain with Denmark
    • Not an independent NATO member, but covered under Denmark’s NATO membership

    Strategic Importance of Greenland

    • Located between Europe and North America
    • Critical for US ballistic missile defence systems
    • Part of the Arctic region, gaining importance due to climate change
    • Rich in critical minerals and rare earth elements
    • Important for reducing dependence on Chinese mineral supply chains

    International Law Angle

    • Territorial sovereignty is a core principle of international law
    • Annexation of another territory without consent violates UN principles
    • NATO is based on collective defence, not internal coercion

    Prelims Pointers

    • Greenland is not an independent country
    • Defence of Greenland is linked to Denmark’s NATO membership
    • Arctic geopolitics is driven by security, minerals, and climate change
    • Public opinion in Greenland strongly opposes US annexation
    [2014] Consider the following countries: 

    1. Denmark 

    2. Japan 

    3. Russian Federation 

    4. United Kingdom 

    5. United States of America 

    Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’? 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 3 and 5 only

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    Global Environment Facility Approves New UNEP Projects  

    7 January 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The Global Environment Facility approved US$52.8 million for four new projects led by the United Nations Environment Programme at its 70th Council meeting.

    About Global Environment Facility

    • A multilateral environmental financing mechanism
    • Provides grants and blended finance to developing countries and economies in transition
    • Supports projects that deliver global environmental benefits

    Establishment

    • Established in 1991
    • Created ahead of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit

    Objectives

    • Support country driven projects with global environmental benefits
    • Integrate action on climate change, biodiversity, land degradation, oceans, chemicals and pollution
    • Strengthen environmental governance while promoting sustainable development

    Conventions for Which GEF Serves as Financial Mechanism

    • Convention on Biological Diversity
    • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
    • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
    • Minamata Convention on Mercury
    • Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement

    Significance

    • Largest source of multilateral biodiversity funding globally
    • More than US$26 billion provided in grants
    • Over US$153 billion mobilised in co financing
    • Active in more than 160 countries
    • Contributes to environmental protection along with livelihood improvement

    Prelims Pointers

    • GEF predates the Rio Earth Summit
    • Serves as a financial mechanism for multiple multilateral environmental agreements
    • Works closely with UN agencies including UNEP
    • Focuses on projects with global environmental benefits
    [2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

    (a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’

    (b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

    (c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment

    (d) Both (a) and (b)

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    RBI Announces ₹1 Trillion OMO Purchase

    6 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth, Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India announced a ₹1 trillion Open Market Operation purchase along with a 5 billion dollar rupee swap to inject durable liquidity into the banking system amid rupee weakness beyond 90 per dollar and foreign capital outflows.

    What is an Open Market Operation Purchase

    • An OMO purchase is when the RBI buys government securities from banks and financial institutions
    • Objective is to inject durable and long term liquidity into the financial system
    • Leads to an increase in bank reserves and eases short term interest rates

    Purpose of OMO Purchases

    • Inject durable liquidity into the banking system
    • Improve monetary policy transmission so lending rates align with repo rate changes
    • Stabilise money market rates such as the Weighted Average Call Rate
    • Support financial stability during periods of currency and capital flow stress

    Significance of the Recent OMO

    • Offsets rupee liquidity drain caused by foreign portfolio outflows
    • Supports monetary transmission during external sector stress
    • Prevents sharp spikes in government bond yields
    • Strengthens lending capacity of banks for businesses and households

    Prelims Pointers

    • OMO is a quantitative monetary policy tool
    • OMO purchase injects liquidity while OMO sale absorbs liquidity
    • Operation Twist reshapes the yield curve
    • Durable liquidity differs from short term tools like repo and reverse repo
    [2013] In the context of Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to 

    (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI 

    (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade 

    (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI 

    (d) None of the above

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    India Hosts 20th Session of UNESCO ICH Committee  

    6 January 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    India is hosting the 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort.

    About the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

    • A statutory body of UNESCO
    • Established under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
    • Responsible for promoting, supervising and implementing safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage worldwide

    India and Intangible Cultural Heritage

    • India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List
    • Hosting the session reflects India’s growing role in global cultural diplomacy

    About Intangible Cultural Heritage

    • Refers to living traditions and cultural expressions passed through generations
    • Includes performing arts, rituals, festivals, crafts, oral traditions and social practices
    • Emphasises community participation and transmission rather than physical monuments

    Prelims Pointers

    • ICH focuses on living heritage not tangible monuments
    • The Intergovernmental Committee has 24 members
    • No consecutive terms allowed for Committee membership
    • Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ceremonial venue
    [2024] Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO? 

    (a) Chhau dance 

    (b) Durga Puja 

    (c) Garba dance 

    (d) Kumbh Mela

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025  

    6 January 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    India and Malaysia have commenced the 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

    What is Exercise Harimau Shakti

    • A bilateral military training exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army
    • Aims to strengthen coordination in counter insurgency and peacekeeping operations

    Significance

    • Enhances interoperability between Indian and Malaysian forces
    • Strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and military diplomacy
    • Improves preparedness for United Nations peacekeeping missions
    • Supports safer and more coordinated ground operations in complex environments

    Prelims Pointers

    • Exercise Harimau Shakti is a bilateral army level exercise
    • Focuses on counter insurgency and UN peacekeeping scenarios
    • Conducted on Indian soil for the 2025 edition
    • Involves sub conventional warfare training
    [2024] Joint Military Exercises Question (Excerpted from): Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 

    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) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    Niger Eliminates Onchocerciasis  

    6 January 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Niger has become the first country in the African region to eliminate onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, as recognised by World Health Organization.

    Key Achievement

    • Niger is the fifth country globally to halt transmission of onchocerciasis
    • First country in Africa to achieve this milestone
    • Official declaration made by Niger’s Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs

    Countries That Have Eliminated Onchocerciasis

    • Niger, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico

    About Onchocerciasis

    • Also known as river blindness
    • A parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus
    • Second leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide after trachoma

    Mode of Transmission

    • Spread through the bite of infected black flies
    • Black flies breed near fast flowing rivers and streams
    • Humans are infected when larvae enter the body through fly bites

    Symptoms and Impact

    • Severe itching and skin lesions
    • Visual impairment and irreversible blindness in advanced stages
    • Major cause of disability in rural communities
    [2014] Consider the following diseases: 

    1. Diphtheria 

    2. Chickenpox 

    3. Smallpox

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India? 

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

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