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Type: Prelims Only

  • Army’s animals wing

    Why in the News?

    At the Republic Day Parade 2026, the Remount and Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army will, for the first time, showcase a curated animal contingent including Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and raptors, highlighting the operational role of animals in military logistics and combat support.

    About the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)

    • A specialised corps of the Indian Army
    • Responsible for
      • Breeding, rearing and training of Army animals
      • Veterinary care and animal health services
    • Supports operations in high altitude, desert and difficult terrains

    Historical Background

    • Origin traced to the Stud Department established in Bengal in 1779
    • Reorganised as
      • Army Veterinary Corps in 1920
      • Indian Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1950
    • Formally designated as Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1960
    • Motto: Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma
    • Awarded the President’s Flag in 1989
    • Headquarters at Meerut

    Role and Functions of RVC

    • Ensures operational readiness of animals for
      • Logistics
      • Reconnaissance
      • Counter terrorism
      • Disaster response
    • Mules and ponies used for supply transport where vehicles and aircraft cannot operate
    • Army dogs trained for
      • Explosive and mine detection
      • Tracking and guarding
      • Avalanche and disaster rescue
      • Combat roles
    • Supports UN peacekeeping missions, Military diplomacy and NCC horse riding training
    [2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called: 

    (a) Operation Sankalp 

    (b) Operation Maitri 

    (c) Operation Sadbhavana 

    (d) Operation Madad

  • Kerala declares Bacillus subtilis ‘State microbe’

    Why in the News?

    Kerala has declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, becoming the first State in India to officially notify a state microbe during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM).

    About Bacillus subtilis

    • A probiotic or beneficial bacterium
    • Widely found in soil, environment, human gut and fermented foods
    • Known for disease control, soil health improvement and boosting agricultural productivity
    • Has potential for development of commercial microbial products

    Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM)

    • Established by the Kerala government to study the role of microorganisms in health, environment and sustainability
    • Focuses on translational research for societal benefit
    • Works under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in collaboration with Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council

    Prelims Takeaway

    • Kerala is the first State to declare a State Microbe
    • Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic bacterium with health and agriculture applications
    • CoEM is India’s first integrated microbiome translational research platform
    [2022] Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: 

    1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast

    2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut

    3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Neolithic Relics Unearthed at Lakkundi, Karnataka

    Why in the News?

    Excavations begun on January 16 at the Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple premises in Lakkundi village of Gadag have yielded Neolithic period relics, strengthening efforts to nominate Lakkundi for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

    About Lakkundi

    • Located about 12 km from Gadag district headquarters
    • Historically known as Lokkigundi
    • Referred to as the village of hundred wells and temples
    • Mentioned in 11th and 12th century inscriptions, compared to Amaravati for affluence
    • Known for tankashale or mint

    Historical Significance

    • Ruled by Kalyana Chalukyas, Yadavas and Hoysalas
    • Capital of Hoysala king Eradane Ballala (Veeraballala) in 1192 AD
    • Centre of Jainism and Shaivism

    Cultural and Religious Legacy

    • Associated with Queen Attimabbe, known as Daana Chintamani, patron of Jainism
    • Built temples, Jain basadis and wells for public welfare
    • Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Prashasti instituted by Karnataka government
    • Shelter to 12th century Sharanas like Ajaganna and Muktayakka linked to Basaveshwara movement

    Architectural Features

    • Temples built in Kalyana Chalukya architectural style
    • Mumbai State Gazetteer records 13 temples, including Kashi Vishveshwara, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha, Nanneshwara and Someshwara. 
    • Wells are noted for ornate stone carvings

    Prelims Pointers

    • Neolithic findings indicate prehistoric human activity
    • Lakkundi reflects temple town planning with wells
    • UNESCO tentative list precedes final World Heritage inscription
    • Community participation is central to heritage conservation here
    [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 

    1. Shantiniketan 

    2. Rani-ki-Vav 

    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 

    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya 

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

  • SAARG Committee for NPS Investment Framework

    Why in the News?

    The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has constituted a Committee of Investment Experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) to review and modernise the National Pension System investment framework.

    What is SAARG?

    • A high level expert committee constituted by PFRDA
    • Mandate: Review, recommend and strengthen the investment architecture of NPS
    • Objective: Support long term retirement wealth creation, diversification, risk management and subscriber choice
    • Tenure: The Committee to submit its report within 9 months to PFRDA

    Core Objectives of SAARG

    • Strengthen NPS investment framework in line with
      • Global pension best practices
      • Indian investment ecosystem
    • Improve Portfolio diversification, Risk governance, Liquidity management and Subscriber outcomes

    Significance

    • Enhances resilience and credibility of NPS
    • Aligns pension investments with
      • Long term demographic needs
      • Global best practices
    • Supports retirement security for a growing subscriber base

    Prelims Pointers

    • SAARG is an expert committee, not a statutory body
    • NPS is regulated by PFRDA, not RBI or SEBI
    • Focus on strategic asset allocation and risk governance
    • Sustainability and climate risk integration included in pension investments
    [2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? 

    (a) Resident Indian citizens only 

    (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only 

    (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments 

    (d) All Central Governments Employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

  • Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2025

    Why in the News?

    The President of India has approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2025 to 30 individuals for acts of exceptional courage in saving lives.

    • 6 Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 6 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 18 Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 6 awards are posthumous

    What are the Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards?

    • A civilian life saving gallantry award series
    • Recognises meritorious acts of humane nature involving personal risk to save another person’s life
    • Established in 1961
    • Originated as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry Awards

    Categories

    • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Conspicuous courage in saving life under very great danger to the rescuer
    • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage and promptitude under great danger to the rescuer
    • Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage and promptitude involving grave risk of bodily injury to the rescuer

    Eligibility

    • Open to persons of all genders and walks of life
    • Posthumous awards permitted
    • Acts considered include rescues during Drowning, Fires, Accidents, Electrocution, Mine rescues and Natural calamities.
    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: 

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. 

    Which of the above statements are not correct? 

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

  • Padma Awards 2026

    Why in the News?

    The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on the eve of Republic Day, with the President of India approving 131 awards across the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories.

    What are the Padma Awards?

    • Among India’s highest civilian honours
    • Conferred for distinguished and exceptional service with a clear element of public service
    • Instituted in 1954 by the Government of India

    Historical Background

    • Initially, two civilian awards were instituted in 1954
      • Bharat Ratna
      • Padma Vibhushan
    • In 1955, Padma Vibhushan was reclassified into three categories
      • Padma Vibhushan
      • Padma Bhushan
      • Padma Shri
    • Awards are announced annually on Republic Day
    • Not conferred during 1978 to 1979 and 1993 to 1997

    Categories and Purpose

    • Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
    • Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
    • Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Open to all persons, irrespective of race, gender, occupation, or position
    • Government servants, including PSU employees, are generally not eligible
      • Exception for doctors and scientists
    • Normally not awarded posthumously
      • Permitted in exceptional cases
    • Minimum gap of 5 years required for a higher Padma category
      • Can be relaxed in deserving cases
    • Award recognises excellence plus, not merely long service

    Fields Recognised

    • Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science and Engineering, Trade and Industry, Medicine, including AYUSH, Literature and Education, Civil Service, Sports and Others, such as culture, environment, wildlife conservation, and human rights
    Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: 

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. 

    Which of the above statements are not correct? 

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

  • Long Range Anti Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR AShM)

    Why in the News?

    India will publicly debut its Long Range Anti Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR AShM) at the 77th Republic Day parade, marking India’s entry into the elite hypersonic anti ship weapons club.

    What is LR AShM?

    • Indigenous hypersonic glide missile (More than Mach 5 Speed)
    • Designed to engage high value naval targets such as aircraft carrier battle groups
    • Capable of very long range strikes with extreme speed and manoeuvrability

    Developed By

    • Defence Research and Development Organisation
    • For the Indian Navy
    • Intended mainly for coastal battery and maritime strike roles

    Aim

    • Enhance maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region
    • Neutralise enemy surface combatants at stand off distances
    • Strengthen A2 AD Anti Access Area Denial capabilities through shore based mobile launchers
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    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

  • US Exit from World Health Organization

    Why in the News?

    On 23 January 2026, the United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization after Donald Trump restarted the exit process at the beginning of his second term.

    Background

    • US announced withdrawal on Day 1 of Trump’s second term in 2025 through an executive order
    • Decision based on allegations that WHO failed in handling COVID 19
    • US confirmed it will not rejoin or participate even as an observer

    Financial Dimension

    • US was WHO’s largest single contributor
    • Outstanding unpaid dues around 260 million dollars
    • All US funding to WHO has been stopped
    • Under US law, one year notice is required, but payment obligation is legally disputed

    WHO’s Response

    • WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the US to reconsider
    • Warned of global public health fallout
    • WHO may cut up to 25 percent of its workforce due to funding gap
    [2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, Consider the following statements: 

    1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³

    2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather

    3. PM 10 can penetrate the long barrier and enter the bloodstream

    4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

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

  • Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework

    Why in the News?

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework to integrate quantum technologies into the Indian Armed Forces.

    What is the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework?

    • A strategic vision and roadmap document
    • Guides systematic adoption and operationalisation of quantum technologies
    • Applies across Army, Navy and Air Force
    • Focused on achieving future battlefield superiority

    Note: Quantum refers to quantum science and quantum technologies based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of matter and energy at atomic and sub atomic scales.

    Aim

    • Tri services integration through jointness and interoperability
    • Alignment of defence requirements with the National Quantum Mission
    • Adoption of a civil military fusion approach

    Key Features

    • Four Pillars of Quantum Integration: Quantum communication, Quantum computing, Quantum sensing and metrology, and Quantum materials and devices.
    • Tri Services Jointness: Unified implementation across Army, Navy and Air Force. Avoids silo based development.
    • Civil Military Fusion Model: Collaboration with academia, startups, industry and government sectors. Dedicated governing and coordinating bodies.
    • Future Battlefield Orientation: Secure communications, Superior sensing and navigation, Faster decision making, Resilience against cyber and electronic warfare threats
    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? 

    (a) Cloud Services 

    (b) Quantum Computing 

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • Water Bankruptcy and Global Agriculture

    Why in the News?

    A recent UN report titled Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post Crisis Era, released by United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health on 20 January 2026, warns that the world has entered a phase of global water bankruptcy, severely impacting agriculture and food security.

    What is Water Bankruptcy?

    • A condition where long term water use exceeds renewable inflows and safe depletion limits
    • Agriculture is no longer facing a temporary water crisis but operating beyond hydrological sustainability
    • Rivers, lakes, aquifers, wetlands, soils and glaciers damaged beyond realistic recovery

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Agriculture and Water Use: ~70 percent of global freshwater withdrawals used for agriculture.Expansion of agricultural land is no longer viable
    • Scale of Exposure:~3 billion people live in areas with declining or unstable water storage. More than half of global food production located in water stressed regions. 170 million hectares of irrigated cropland under high or very high water stress.
    • Land and Soil Degradation: Over 50 percent of global agricultural land moderately or severely degraded. Global salinisation has degraded. 82 million hectares of rainfed cropland. 24 million hectares of irrigated cropland. Accelerates desertification and reduces soil moisture retention.
    [2021] Among the following, which one is the least water efficient crop? 

    (a) Sugarcane 

    (b) Sunflower 

    (c) Pearl millet 

    (d) Red gram