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Type: Prelims Only

  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) 

    6 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    Meta is in advanced talks with Google to use its Tensor Processing Units for large scale AI workloads, indicating a major shift in the AI chip ecosystem. This led to a drop in Nvidia’s stock due to concerns over market share loss.

    What is a TPU

    • A specialized hardware chip designed to accelerate artificial intelligence and machine learning processing
     • Developed by Google in 2016
     • Optimized for tensor computations used in deep learning
     • Widely deployed in data centers and cloud platforms

    Why TPUs are Important

    • Deep learning models require high-speed matrix and tensor calculations
     • CPUs are optimized for general-purpose tasks
     • GPUs are effective for parallel graphics and AI workloads
     • TPUs surpass them in efficiency for specific deep learning operations

    How TPUs Work

    • Built to handle large scale tensor and matrix computations
     • Use massive parallelism to execute numerous operations simultaneously
     • Consume less energy while delivering high throughput
     • Include specialized circuits to avoid unnecessary general-purpose processing overhead

    What are GPU and TPU? 

    ​​GPU: general-purpose parallel compute processor (Used by Navidia)

    TPU: AI-specific chip optimised for deep learning tensor operations
    With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

    (1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

    (2) Create meaningful short stories and songs (3) Disease diagnosis

    (4) Text-to-Speech Conversion

    (5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Assam Accord 

    6 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court recently questioned whether a new order enabling entry of persecuted minorities into India violates the Assam Accord’s cut-off date of 24 March 1971 for detecting illegal immigrants.

    Background

    • Signed on 15 August 1985
     • Parties: Union of India, Government of Assam, All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad
     • Ended the Assam Movement (1979 to 1985) against illegal immigration
     • Aim: Detect and expel persons entering Assam illegally after 24 March 1971 (midnight)

    Cut-off Dates and Citizenship Provisions

    • 1 January 1966 fixed as the base cut-off for detection and deletion of foreigners
     • Persons entering Assam from the “Specified Territory” before 1 January 1966 deemed Indian citizens
     • Migrants entering from 1 January 1966 to 24 March 1971:
     To be detected as per Foreigners Act 1946 and Foreigners Tribunals Order 1939
     Names deleted from electoral rolls
      Must register under the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939
     Voting rights only after 10 years from date of detection
     • Migrants entering on or after 25 March 1971: To be detected, deleted from rolls, and expelled as per law

    Clause 6

    • Mandates safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people
     • Constitutional, legislative, and administrative measures envisaged

    Significance

    • Central to demographic and cultural protection concerns in Assam
     • Continues to influence citizenship policies including NRC and related legal debates

    With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)

    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

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    INS Aridhaman

    5 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the News

    The Indian Navy has indicated that INS Aridhaman, India’s third nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), will be inducted soon.

    About INS Aridhaman

    • Second submarine of the Arihant class SSBNs
      • Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project
       • Built at Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam
       • Strengthens India’s nuclear triad with credible sea based deterrence.

    Strategic Significance 

    • Enhances deterrence posture under No First Use policy
       • Consolidates India’s position as a blue water navy
       • Increases maritime security presence in the Indian Ocean Region

    Note: A blue water navy is a maritime force that can operate far beyond its own coastal waters and project power across the deep oceans of the world.

    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic 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

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Humpback Whale Population Recovery

    5 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    The Humpback whale population has seen a major recovery from about 10,000 to nearly 80,000, due to successful conservation measures and their ability to adapt their food sources.

    Humpback Whale 

    • Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
       • Family: Balaenopteridae (Rorqual whales)
       • Type: Baleen whale

    Distribution and Migration

    • Found in all major oceans from sub polar waters to equatorial regions
      • Known for long distance migrations: Polar regions in summer for feeding and Tropical/subtropical seas in winter for breeding

    Physical Characteristics

    • A prominent hump in front of the dorsal fin
      • Extra long pectoral fins (inspiration for the name Megaptera meaning big winged)
      • Females larger than males

    Feeding and Behaviour

    • Unique feeding strategy: Bubble Net Feeding
    • Whales exhale bubbles while spiraling upward to trap prey
    • Diet: Krill and various schooling fish like anchovies, sardines, mackerel, cod, capelin

    Lifespan and Reproduction

    • Sexual maturity: 4 to 10 years
      • One calf every 2 to 3 years

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
      • Population recovery highlights the success of global marine conservation policies and sustainable whaling bans
    With reference to ‘dugong’ a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

    (1) It is a herbivorous marine animal

    (2) It is found along the entire coast of India

    (3) It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Rainbow Water Snake 

    5 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    A Rainbow Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris) was documented for the first time in Uttar Pradesh with photographic evidence from the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

    Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 

    • Location: Indo Nepal border, Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh
       • Established: 1988
       • Area: 1,284 sq km
       • Constituents:
    • Dudhwa National Park
    • Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Buffer includes North Kheri, South Kheri, and parts of Shahjahanpur forest divisions
    • Habitat Type: Typical Tarai Bhabar ecosystem of Upper Gangetic Plains
       • Rivers:
    • Sharda (near Kishanpur)
    • Geruwa (through Katerniaghat)
    • Suheli and Mohana (in Dudhwa NP)
    • All are tributaries of the Ghagra River
    • Vegetation: North Indian Moist Deciduous forests, noted for Sal
       • Flora Examples: Sal, Asna, Asidha, Haldu, Faldu, Gahmhar, Kanju

    Rainbow Water Snake 

    • Scientific Name: Enhydris enhydris
       • Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
       • Nature: Slightly venomous, fish eating freshwater snake
       • Distribution: South and Southeast Asia including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand etc.
       • Habitat: Marshlands, ponds, rice fields freshwater zones
       • Distinctive Features:
    • Up to 130 cm long
    • Two pale stripes along body converging near crown
    • Brown to greenish brown body with pale belly
    In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (2017)

    (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger

    (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction

    (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. 

    (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Revamp Bill 

    5 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Education
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    Over 1,500 academics have protested against the Central government’s proposal to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 and replace it with a new ISI Revamp Bill (Draft ISI Bill 2025). Critics argue that the Bill will erode academic autonomy, alter governance structures, and change the historic character of the ISI.

    About Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)

    • Founded: 1931 by Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
    • Legal Status: Institution of National Importance under ISI Act, 1959.
    • Headquarters: Kolkata (historic location linked to PC Mahalanobis).
    • Centres: Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Tezpur, Giridih, Hyderabad.
    • Academic Strength: ~1,200 students.
    • Fields: Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, Cryptology, Library Science, Quality Management, Operations Research.
    • Contributions:
      • Pioneer in sample survey methodology (NSS lineage).
      • Advanced statistical research and public-good-oriented academic model.
      • Free education + stipends ensuring inclusivity.

    Key Features of the Draft ISI Bill 2025

    • Repeals ISI Act, 1959 replaces existing governance and institutional safeguards.
    • Board of Governors gets overriding powers over the Academic Council, reducing the latter to an advisory status.
    • Government-controlled appointment of the Director replaces existing search-cum-selection process.
    • Allows relocation of headquarters from Kolkata raising concerns over institutional heritage.
    • Higher emphasis on revenue generation:
      • Increased student fees.
      • Commercialisation of research outputs.
    • Restructuring of regional centres possible realignment of federal structure.
    Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 

    1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 

    2. The National Human Rights Commission 

    3. The National Law Commission 

    4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies? 

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

     

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) FY25 

    5 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News
     The RBI’s Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme highlighted a growth of 13.55% in complaints under RB-IOS during FY25, rising to 1.33 million from 1.18 million in FY24.

    What is RB-IOS?
     • A unified dispute redress mechanism of the Reserve Bank of India covering banks, NBFCs, and authorized payment system participants.
     • Aims to simplify the process by introducing One Nation One Ombudsman framework.

    Sources of Complaints
     • Office of RBI Ombudsman (ORBIO) and Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre (CRPC)
     • ORBIO handled nearly 0.30 million complaints in FY25 (0.82% rise YoY)

    Major Categories of Complaints

    1. Loans and advances: 29.25% of total complaints (highest)
    2. Credit cards: 20.04% increase YoY
    3. Mobile/electronic banking: 16.86% share (declined by 12.74% YoY)

    Entity-wise Break-up
     • Banks: 0.24 million complaints (81.53% of ORBIO complaints)
     • NBFCs: 43,864 complaints (14.80%)
     • Among banks:

    • Private sector banks share rose: 34.39% to 37.53%
    • Public sector banks share fell: 38.32% to 34.80% 

    Disposal of Complaints
     • ORBIOs disposed 0.29 million complaints with a 93.07% disposal rate
     • Maintainable complaints: 62.16% of disposed

    • 51.91% resolved through mutual settlement, conciliation, mediation
    • 43.36% rejected
    The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of (2013)

    (1). liquidity of assets 

    (2). branch expansion 

    (3). merger of banks 

    (4). winding-up of banks 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 

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

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    Bitra Island

    4 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Geography
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    The Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, announced that the Indian Navy is setting up a detachment on Bitra Island, and the facility is almost completed. This will make Bitra the third island in Lakshadweep to host a defence establishment.

    About Bitra Island

    • Location: Northern Lakshadweep, Arabian Sea
    • Smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep
    • Land area: 0.105 sq. km
    • Dimensions: Length – 0.57 km | Width – 0.28 km
    • Lagoon area: 45.61 sq. km (significantly larger than the landmass)
    • Population (2011): 271

    Key Features

    • Cultural Significance: Hosts a shrine of Malik Mulla, an Arab saint believed to be buried there.
      • Important pilgrimage site for locals across Lakshadweep.
    • Ecology: Once covered with thick shrubs.
      • Historically a major breeding ground for seabirds, which declined in the 19th century due to human interference.
    • Climate: Similar to Kerala’s climate.
    • Hottest months: March–May
    • Temperature: 25°C – 35°C
    • Humidity: 70–76% throughout most of the year.

    Strategic Importance

    • Located in a key position in the Arabian Sea, critical for maritime security.
    • Enhances surveillance over sea lanes close to India’s western maritime frontier.
    • Adds to Lakshadweep’s defence infrastructure:
      • INS Dweeprakshak – Kavaratti
      • INS Jatayu – Minicoy
      • New Navy detachment – Bitra Island

    Prelims Pointers

    • Bitra = smallest inhabited island of Lakshadweep
    • Features a shrine of Malik Mulla
    • Large lagoon-to-land ratio
    • Strategically vital for India’s naval presence in the Arabian Sea
    • Climate closely resembles Kerala
    Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014)

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar 

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra 

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep 

    (d) Sumatra and Java

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

    WHO Issues Global Guidelines on GLP-1 Drugs for Obesity 

    4 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines (Dec 1, 2025) supporting the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs as long-term treatment for obesity in adults, alongside diet and exercise.
     These guidelines emphasise equitable access, affordability, and caution about long-term safety.

    What are GLP-1 Drugs?

    • GLP-1 = Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists
    • Originally developed for type 2 diabetes
    • Now widely used for medically supervised weight loss
    • Examples: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Liraglutide
    • Mechanism:
      • Reduce appetite
      • Slow gastric emptying
      • Improve insulin sensitivity

    Key WHO Recommendations

    Conditional approval for adults

    • GLP-1 drugs may be used for long-term obesity management
    • Excluded: pregnant women
    • Reason for “conditional” status:
      • Limited long-term efficacy & safety data
      • Uncertainty about outcomes after discontinuation
      • High cost and global inequity in access

    Must be combined with lifestyle interventions

    • Balanced diet + regular physical activity remain essential
    • Drugs cannot replace behavioural changes

     Equity and affordability

    • WHO urges:
      • Generics development
      • Insurance coverage
      • Lower pricing
    • Obesity’s global economic cost projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030
    A company marketing food product advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? (2011)

    1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. 

    2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils. 

    3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers. 

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

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Saving Rock Eagle Owl Eggs at a Telangana Quarry 

    4 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A rare conservation incident unfolded at Yenakathala village, Vikarabad district (Telangana) where operations in a stone quarry were halted for 30+ days to protect five eggs of the endangered Rock Eagle Owl found in a rock crevice. The quarry is incurring ₹1.2 lakh loss per day (₹35 lakh total) to ensure safe hatching. This has been hailed as a “miracle” rescue and an example of community-led wildlife protection.

    About the Rock Eagle Owl (Indian Eagle-Owl) – Bubo bengalensis

    • Also called Bengal Eagle-Owl
    • Large horned owl species
    • Habitat: Hilly scrub forests, cliffs, rock crevices
    • Camouflage: Brown & grey plumage with a white throat patch
    • Distribution: Throughout India
    • IUCN Status: Least Concern globally, but population decreasing
    • In India:
      • Protected under Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
      • This places it at par with species like tigers and elephants in terms of legal protection
    • Threats: 
      • Habitat loss
      • Quarrying and mining
      • Poaching (₹35–40 lakh per bird in black market)
      • Superstitious killings

    Important:

    • Nesting sites are difficult to locate; nests are usually in rock niches and cliffs, not trees.
      The species abandons the nest if touched by humans.
    In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ? (2017)

    (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. 

    (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction. 

    (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. 

    (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

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