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Type: Prelims Only

  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Barcelona Convention COP24 

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

    Why in the News?

    At COP24 of the Barcelona Convention held in Cairo, European Union countries and Mediterranean partners adopted strengthened commitments to protect the Mediterranean Sea from pollution and ecological degradation.

    About Barcelona Convention

    • A legally binding regional environmental agreement led by United Nations Environment Programme
    • Focuses on protection of the Mediterranean Sea and sustainable coastal management

    Key Milestones

    • Adopted on 16 February 1976 as Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution
    • Entered into force in 1978
    • Amended and renamed in 1995 as the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean

    About Mediterranean Sea

    • A semi enclosed intercontinental sea between Europe, Asia and Africa
    • Covers about 2.5 million square kilometres
    • Accounts for roughly 0.7 percent of global ocean area
    • Recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot

    Connectivity

    • Atlantic Ocean through Strait of Gibraltar
    • Black Sea through Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara and Bosporus
    • Red Sea through Suez Canal

    Prelims Pointers

    • Barcelona Convention is a regional sea convention under UNEP
    • Mediterranean Sea is semi enclosed making it vulnerable to pollution
    • COP is the supreme decision making body of the Convention
    • Integrated coastal zone management is a key protocol area
    [2017] Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? 

    1. Jordan 

    2. Iraq 

    3. Lebanon 

    4. Syria 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme 

    5 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, Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology approved 22 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme involving an investment of ₹41,863 crore.

    About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme

    • A flagship incentive scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of electronic components, sub assemblies and capital equipment
    • Implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Aims to reduce import dependence in India’s electronics sector

    Target Segments

    • Printed Circuit Boards, Camera modules, Copper clad laminates, Polypropylene films and Electronics capital equipment.

    Performance Linked Features

    • Incentives linked to incremental production
    • Employment generation based payouts
    • Early movers receive higher benefits

    Strategic Manufacturing Targets

    • 100 percent domestic demand for copper clad laminates
    • 20 percent domestic demand for printed circuit boards
    • 15 percent domestic demand for camera modules

    Ecosystem Linkages

    • Complements Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Electronics
    • Supports India Semiconductor Mission
    • Strengthens the electronics manufacturing ecosystem

    Prelims Pointers

    • ECMS focuses on electronics components rather than finished products
    • Copper clad laminates are critical for PCB manufacturing
    • Scheme uses performance based incentives
    • Electronics manufacturing is a priority sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    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’ 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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  • Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

    India’s Drug Standards Gain Global Recognition

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

    Why in the News?

    India has risen from 123rd to 8th position globally in contributions to the World Health Organization’s pharmacovigilance database, as stated by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda during the release of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026.

    Key Announcement

    • India ranked 8th globally in WHO pharmacovigilance contributions in 2025
    • Earlier rank was 123rd during 2009 to 2014
    • Announcement made at the release of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026
    • Event held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi

    About Indian Pharmacopoeia

    • Official book of drug standards for India
    • Published by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
    • 2026 edition is the 10th edition
    • Sets standards for quality, purity and strength of medicines

    Key Features of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026

    • 121 new monographs added
    • Total monographs increased to 3,340
    • Expanded coverage of
      • Anti tubercular medicines
      • Anti diabetic medicines
      • Anti cancer medicines
      • Iron supplements
    • Supports standardisation under National Health Programmes

    Pharmacovigilance Programme of India

    • Known as Pharmacovigilance Programme of India
    • Implemented under the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
    • Monitors adverse drug reactions and medicine safety
    • Major contributor to WHO global drug safety database

    International Significance

    • Indian Pharmacopoeia standards now recognised in 19 countries of the Global South
    • Pharmacopoeia standards form part of India’s health diplomacy
    • Reflects India’s leadership in pharmaceutical regulation and manufacturing

    Regulatory Advancement

    • First time inclusion of 20 blood component monographs
    • Related to transfusion medicine
    • In line with Drugs and Cosmetics Second Amendment Rules 2020

    Prelims Pointers

    • WHO maintains a global pharmacovigilance database
    • Indian Pharmacopoeia is a statutory reference for drug quality
    • Pharmacovigilance focuses on drug safety after market approval
    • Blood component monographs are linked to transfusion safety
    [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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Drones Used to Detect Virus in Arctic Whales 

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

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have detected Cetacean morbillivirus in Arctic waters for the first time by collecting breath samples from whales using drones.

    About the Study

    • Title Deep breath out molecular survey of selected pathogens in blow and skin biopsies from North Atlantic cetaceans
    • Published in BMC Veterinary Research
    • Lead researcher Helena Costa from Nord University

    Species and Regions Covered

    • Whale species studied Humpback whale, sperm whale and fin whale
    • Regions Northern Norway, Iceland and Cape Verde
    • Sample collection period 2022 to 2025
    • Over 50 whale blow samples collected

    About Cetacean Morbillivirus

    • Infectious virus affecting whales, dolphins and porpoises
    • First discovered in 1987
    • Impacts respiratory and nervous systems
    • Known to cause mass strandings and deaths
    • Spreads through direct contact and respiratory droplets

    Prelims Pointers

    • Whale blow refers to exhaled breath from blowholes
    • Drones are emerging tools in non invasive wildlife research
    • Cetacean morbillivirus is linked to mass marine mammal mortality events
    • Arctic disease surveillance is critical under climate change
    [2020] At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones? 

    1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 

    2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 

    3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis 

    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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  • Land Reforms

    Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development 

    5 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth, Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

     Why in the News?

    At the 50th meeting of PRAGATI, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted land acquisition as a major bottleneck in infrastructure development. The meeting was chaired by Narendra Modi.

    About PRAGATI (Pro Active Governance and Timely Implementation)

    • A digital and institutional mechanism for monitoring major infrastructure projects
    • Chaired by the Prime Minister
    • Ensures coordination among Central Ministries, State governments and local authorities
    • Focuses on expediting project implementation and resolving bottlenecks

    Key Data from 50th PRAGATI Meeting

    • Total projects reviewed Over 3,300
    • Total project value Approximately ₹85 lakh crore
    • Issues raised 7,735
    • Issues resolved 7,156

    Major Causes of Project Delays

    • Land acquisition 35 percent
    • Forest, wildlife and environment clearances 20 percent
    • Right of use or right of way 18 percent
    • Other causes Law and order issues, construction delays, power utility approvals and financial constraints

    Important Observations

    • Several long pending projects initiated as early as the 1990s were completed after PRAGATI was introduced
    • Government has not quantified financial savings from timely monitoring
    • States across political lines have cooperated in resolving issues
    • Complex issues are escalated from Ministry level to PRAGATI for final resolution

    Prelims Pointers

    • PRAGATI is a Prime Minister chaired project monitoring platform
    • Land acquisition is the single largest cause of infrastructure delays in India
    • Environmental and forest clearances are the second biggest bottleneck
    • PRAGATI promotes inter ministerial and Centre State coordination
    [2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

    (a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings. 

    (b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless. 

    (c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation. 

    (d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Savitribai Phule Birth Anniversary 

    5 January 2026 | 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

    3 January 2026 | 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

    3 January 2026 | 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

    3 January 2026 | 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)

    3 January 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    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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