A new butterfly species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district has been named Euthalia zubeengargi in honour of Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon of Assam, whose death on September 19, 2025 triggered widespread public reaction.
What Is the Newly Discovered Butterfly Species?
• Scientific Name: Euthalia zubeengargi • Common Name Proposed: Basar Duke • Genus: Euthalia • Habitat: Semi evergreen forests • Elevation Range: 600 to 750 metres • Location: Leparada district, Arunachal Pradesh
Why Is the Discovery Important?
• Only Two Male Individuals recorded • One Collected Specimen • One Photographed in Wild • Indicates Rare or Highly Localised Species • Found in Forest Ecosystem of Eastern Himalayas
[2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Himachal Pradesh (c) Karnataka (d) Maharashtra
The Union Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each. However, fuel prices at petrol pumps remained unchanged because the benefit was not passed on to consumers.
Why Did Fuel Prices Not Decrease Despite Excise Duty Cut?
• Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) • Diesel duty reduced to Zero • Petrol duty reduced to ₹3 per litre • Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) absorbed benefit instead of consumers • Objective was to reduce losses faced by OMCs • Government clarified cut not meant to lower retail prices
Why Are Oil Marketing Companies Facing Losses?
• Global crude oil prices surged above $111 per barrel • Public sector OMCs selling fuel below cost • Under recovery around ₹24 per litre petrol • Under recovery around ₹30 per litre diesel • Total losses around ₹2,400 crore per day
Why Did Government Increase Export Duties?
• Export duty on diesel increased to ₹21.5 per litre • Export duty on ATF increased to ₹29.5 per litre • Expected additional revenue ₹1,500 crore • Helps offset fiscal loss from excise duty cut
What Is the Fiscal Impact of the Decision?
• Excise duty cut cost around ₹7,000 crore • Export duty increase adds ₹1,500 crore • Net revenue loss around ₹5,500 crore per 15 days • Review every fortnight by government
What Other Measures Were Announced?
• Commercial LPG allocation increased by 20% • Total LPG allocation raised to 70% of pre crisis levels • Priority sectors where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) unavailable
[2025] Suppose the revenue expenditure is ₹80,000 crores and the revenue receipts of the Government are ₹60,000 crores. The Government budget also shows borrowings of ₹10,000 crores and interest payments of ₹6,000 crores. Which of the following statements are correct? I Revenue deficit is ₹20,000 crores. II Fiscal deficit is ₹10,000 crores. III Primary deficit is ₹4,000 crores. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III
Union Home Ministry issued average 290 online content takedown notices per day under Information Technology Act 2000, indicating rise in online regulation and cybersecurity threats.
Key Highlights
• 1,11,185 suspicious online content blocked in 2024 to 25 • 290 takedown notices per day issued by Home Ministry • Social media platforms must remove content within 3 hours • Sharp rise in cybersecurity incidents reported
Legal Provision
Section 79 of Information Technology Act 2000
Section 79(1)
• Provides Safe Harbour Protection • Platforms not liable for user generated content
Section 79(3)(b)
• Safe harbour removed if • Platform fails to remove flagged unlawful content • Government can issue takedown notices
Nodal Agency
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre I4C
• Designated on March 13, 2024 • Empowered to issue takedown notices • Functions under Ministry of Home Affairs
Sahyog Portal
• Centralised portal for sending takedown notices • Police agencies across India can issue requests • Used to coordinate with social media platforms
3 Hour Rule
Social media platforms must Remove unlawful content Within 3 hours of receiving order. Order may come from Court, Government agency, and Law enforcement
Rise in Cybersecurity Incidents
According to CERT In
2021: 14.02 lakh incidents
2022: 13.91 lakh incidents
2023: 15.92 lakh incidents
2024: 20.41 lakh incidents
2025: 29.44 lakh incidents
Highest incidents reported from National Capital Territory of Delhi
What is CERT In
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
• National cybersecurity agency • Established under Section 70B of IT Act 2000 • Functions under Ministry of Electronics and IT
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1 Service providers 2 Data Centres 3 Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
US juries held Meta and Google liable in lawsuits related to harm caused to children, potentially challenging legal protections under Section 230 of US law.
Key Verdicts
California Case
• Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable • Harm caused: Depression and suicidal thoughts • Platforms involved: Instagram and YouTube • Compensation ordered: $6 million
New Mexico Case
• Jury found Meta liable • Allegation: Misleading about child safety • Issue: Sexual exploitation risks on platform • Compensation ordered: $375 million
What is Tech Liability Shield
Tech Liability Shield refers to legal protection given to technology platforms such as social media companies so they are not held responsible for user generated content.
This protection mainly comes from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996 in the United States.
Section 230 Tech Liability Shield
Section 230 states
• Online platforms are not treated as publishers • Platforms not liable for user posted content • Companies protected from lawsuits over user activity
Often called The law that built the internet
[2019] Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ (GDPR) in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018? (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) The European Union (d) The United States of America
Union Cabinet approved extension of Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme (IVFRT) for five years till 2031 with ₹1800 crore budget outlay to modernise India’s immigration system and strengthen security.
What is IVFRT Scheme
• Centralised immigration management system • Integrates visa issuance, immigration clearance and foreigner registration • Implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs • Managed by Bureau of Immigration • Covers airports, seaports and land immigration posts
Background
• Approved in 2010 • Initial budget ₹1011 crore • Aims to digitise immigration and visa processes • Now extended to strengthen new immigration framework
Why Extension is Needed
1. New Immigration Law 2025
• Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enacted • Need for modernised immigration tracking • Strengthening foreigner monitoring system
2. Rising Illegal Migration
• Tracking overstaying foreigners • Monitoring visa misuse • Addressing human trafficking networks • Strengthening border management
3. Increasing International Travel
• Growth in tourism and business travel • Need for faster immigration clearance • Efficient passenger management
Key Features of IVFRT
• Online visa application system • Biometric based identification • Real time tracking of foreigners • Integrated immigration database • Automated alerts and risk assessment • Contactless visa and immigration process
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.
Key Findings
• Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion • Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent • Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs • Households bore 91 percent of total expenses • Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure
High Burden States
Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal
What is Typhoid
• Bacterial infectious disease • Caused by Salmonella Typhi • Spread through contaminated food and water • Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water
What is Antibiotic Resistance
• Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics • Medicines become less effective • Treatment becomes longer and more expensive • Higher risk of complications
[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
India recorded highest electricity demand in five years during January February 2026, driven by unusual winter weather patterns, cold spells and early heat conditions.
Key Data
January 2026
• Electricity demand: 143 Billion Units • January 2025: 136 Billion Units • Peak demand: 245.4 GW • January 2022 peak: 193 GW • Five year increase: Nearly 28 percent
February 2026
• Electricity demand: 133 Billion Units • Peak demand: 244 GW • Highest February demand in five years • Nearly equal to summer demand
Long Term Trend
• January demand increased 28 percent since 2022 • February demand increased 23 percent since 2022 • Peak load increased 26 to 27 percent • Indicates structural growth in electricity demand
[2025] Consider the following statements: 1 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO 2 /capita. 2 In terms of CO 2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region. 3 Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO 2 emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
A Down To Earth report (March 2026) highlighted that Kashmir has recorded seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall.
Key Findings
Declining Snowfall
Seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall
Winter 2025 to 26 precipitation:
Actual: 100.6 mm
Normal: 284.9 mm
Deficit: 65 percent
February 2026 Rainfall
Actual rainfall: 14.2 mm
Normal rainfall: 130.4 mm
Deficit: 89 percent
Srinagar Record
Only 5.3 mm precipitation
One of the lowest since 1901
Rising Winter Temperatures
Record Temperatures
Srinagar February average maximum:
15.6°C in 2026
Previous record: 14.9°C in 2016
Gulmarg Temperature
Early March temperature:
17.2°C
13.7°C above normal
Why Snowfall Matters in the Himalayas
Natural Water Storage
Snow acts as natural reservoir
Gradual melting feeds: Rivers, Streams and Irrigation systems
[2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Reserve Bank of India rejected all bids in Treasury Bill auction
Government planned to raise ₹35,000 crore
Move aimed at boosting banking system liquidity before financial year end (March 31)
What RBI Did
Cancelled auction of:
91 day Treasury Bills
182 day Treasury Bills
364 day Treasury Bills
No borrowing by government
First full cancellation in 13 months
What are Treasury Bills
Short term government borrowing instruments
Issued by Government of India
Managed by Reserve Bank of India
Zero coupon securities
Sold at discount, redeemed at face value
Types of T Bills: 91 day Treasury Bills, 182 day Treasury Bills and 364 day Treasury Bills.
Why RBI Cancelled Auction
1. Improve Banking Liquidity
Government not borrowing means:
Money remains in banking system
Banks have more funds to lend
Liquidity boost estimated: ₹35,000 crore
2. Financial Year End Liquidity Needs
Banks need funds for:
Balance sheet adjustments
Meeting regulatory requirements
Managing withdrawals
3. Tax Inflows to Government
Government recently received: Advance tax payments and GST collections
Reduced need for immediate borrowing
4. Avoid Market Pressure
Higher yields expected in auction
RBI avoided: Interest rate spikes and Market volatility
[2018] Consider the following statements: 1 The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities. 2 Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments. 3 Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
The Supreme Court stated that the Union Home Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram is not mandatory and does not violate constitutional freedoms.
Background
Union Home Ministry issued January 28 advisory
Suggested:
Playing Vande Mataram in full
At public and ceremonial events
Petition filed challenging advisory
Supreme Court Observations
Advisory Not Mandatory
Court clarified:
Advisory is not binding
No penalty for non compliance
No legal consequences
Court stated
Advisory only prescribes protocol
No threat to constitutional freedoms
Petition based on vague apprehensions
Petitioner’s Arguments
Petitioner argued
Advisory makes singing socially mandatory
Creates pressure to conform
May burden those refusing to sing
Playing Vande Mataram before National Anthem reduces anthem’s importance
Court’s Response
No legal burden exists
No notice or punishment mentioned
Advisory uses non mandatory language
Example
Schools may begin day with Vande Mataram
“May” means optional
Government’s Position
Solicitor General argued
Respect for national symbols should be organic
Cited Article 51A Fundamental Duties
Citizens must respect:
National Flag
National Anthem
National Anthem vs National Song
Historical Context
January 24, 1950 decision
Jana Gana Mana adopted as National Anthem
Vande Mataram adopted as National Song
Important
Article 51A mentions National Anthem
Does not explicitly mention National Song
Supreme Court Decision
Petition termed premature
Court refused to intervene
Petitioners may approach court if: Discrimination occurs and Coercion happens
[2011] Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a Fundamental Duty? (a) To vote in public elections (b) To develop the scientific temper (c) To safeguard public property (d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
