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Type: Prelims Only

  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New Species of ‘Shadow’ Damselfly Discovered in Kodagu’s Western Ghats 

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

    Why in the News?

    A new damselfly species, Protosticta sooryaprakashi, commonly called the Kodagu Shadowdamsel, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, Karnataka. The finding underscores the rich but still understudied biodiversity of the region.

    Species Details

    • Common Name: Kodagu Shadowdamsel
    • Scientific Name: Protosticta sooryaprakashi
    • Family: Platystictidae (Shadowdamsels)

    Discovery Location

    • Found along the Sampaje River banks (Kodagu District)
    • Also observed in Agumbe high-altitude forests
    • Habitat: Shaded, riparian vegetation in the Western Ghats

    Distinctive Features

    • Males show a sky-blue marking on the prothorax (behind the head).
    • Body: Dark brown to black, unlike the crimson thorax of the related Protosticta sanguinostigma.
    • Unique genital ligula: Tip shaped like a duck’s head (important taxonomic marker).
    • Smaller, more delicate, with weak fluttering flight.
    In which of the following states is the lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? (2013)

    1. Tamil Nadu 

    2. Kerala 

    3. Karnataka 

    4. Andhra Pradesh 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 

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

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Project 17A | Delivery of ‘Taragiri’  

    1 December 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    • Taragiri, the fourth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) indigenous stealth frigate, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.

    About Taragiri (Yard 12653)

    • Third P17A ship built by MDL.
    • Named after the erstwhile INS Taragiri (Leander-class), which served 1980–2013.
    • Represents major strides in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with 75% indigenous content.
    • Over 200 MSMEs involved; employment generated:
      • ~4,000 direct, 10,000+ indirect.

    Project 17A (P-17A) 

    • Follow-on of P17 Shivalik-class frigates.
    • Total ships: 7
      • 4 at MDL, 3 at GRSE.
    • Aim: Advanced stealth, multi-mission, blue-water capability.
    With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

    1. It is surface-to-surface missile. 

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500km away. 

    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 only

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  • Samudrayaan Mission 

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

     Why in the News?

    • Key tests for Samudrayaan, India’s first manned deep-ocean submersible, have been delayed due to the late procurement of syntactic foam cladding from France. The crucial 500-metre test dive is now expected by mid-2025 (around April).

    What is syntactic foam? 

    • A special composite material made of hollow micro-balloons embedded in resin. Provides high buoyancy & resistance to extreme pressure → essential for deep-sea vehicles.

    About Samudrayaan

    • Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
    • Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
    • Aim: Conduct manned exploration of deep-sea resources and collect soil & rock samples from the ocean floor.

    Features of the Manned Submersible (MATSYA-6000)

    • Capacity: 3 persons
    • Maximum Depth: 6,000 metres
    • Hull Material: Titanium sphere (final version)
    • Buoyancy: Achieved using syntactic foam
    • Purpose:
      • Deep-sea mineral exploration
      • Study of polymetallic nodules
      • Geological and biological sample collection

    Depth Significance

    • Only a few countries (USA, Russia, China, Japan, France) have undertaken comparable manned dives.
    The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of (2015)

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence 

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim 

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antartic region 

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Rustic Bunting Spotted in NCR for the First Time

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

    Why in the News?

    A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025.

    About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)

    General Features

    • Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow.
    • Distinctive markings:
      • Males: black head + reddish breast band
      • Females: reddish flank streaks

    Breeding Range

    • Breeds across the northern Palearctic region.
    • Prefers wet coniferous woodlands.

    Migration Pattern

    • Winters in SE Asia & East Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern China).
    • Shows altitudinal migration.
    • Extremely rare visitor to India; usually recorded only in:
      • Northeast India
      • Himalayan belt (Ladakh, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh)

    Status in India

      • Very few sightings historically: Ladakh (2023, 2024), Arunachal Pradesh (2025), Kashmir (2022) and Jammu & Kashmir’s Kangan (2022 — fifth record for India).
    • First Ever Record for Delhi NCR
      • Sighted at Najafgarh Jheel, confirming its first occurrence within a 100 sq km NCR radius.

    IUCN Status

    • 2025 IUCN Red List:
      • Status changed from Vulnerable → Near Threatened
      • Reason: Decline has slowed down over the last decade.
    Consider the following: (2014)

    1. Bats

    2. Bears

    3. Rodents

    The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

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

    MH-60R Seahawk Follow-On Support Deal

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

     Why in the News?

    India on 28 November 2025 signed a ₹7,995-crore follow-on support package with the United States for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The deal comes amid recent tensions after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

    Key Highlights of the Deal

    • Signed under: U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
    • Documents signed: Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs).
    • Duration: 5 years.
    • Purpose: Long-term sustainment support for MH-60R helicopters.

    What the Sustainment Package Includes

    • Provisioning of spares, support equipment, training, technical support.
    • Repair and replenishment of components.
    • Setting up of intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.
    • Improved operational availability and maintainability of the fleet.

    About MH-60R Seahawk

    • Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
    • Type: Maritime variant of the Black Hawk helicopter.
    • Features:
      • All-weather capability
      • Advanced avionics and sensors
      • Multi-mission: ASW, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, search & rescue, logistics.
    Consider the following statements: (2009)

    1. INS Sindhughosh is an aircraft carrier.

    2. INS Viraat is a submarine.

    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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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    India’s Q2 FY26 GDP Growth  

    29 November 2025 | 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?

    India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 of FY 2025-26 (July–September), marking a six-quarter high, supported mainly by manufacturing and services.
     However, economists flagged concerns over low nominal GDP growth (8.7%), which signals subdued economic activity and potential stress on fiscal targets.

    Key Data

    • Real GDP growth (Q2 FY26): 8.2%
    • Real GDP growth (Q1 FY26): 7.8%
    • Growth in H1 FY26: 8%
    • Nominal GDP growth: 8.7% (vs Budget assumption of 10.1%)
    • Last higher GDP growth: Q4 FY24
    • Government revised full-year growth forecast: “7% or higher”

    Why High Real but Low Nominal Growth?

    • Nominal GDP = Real GDP + Inflation (GDP deflator)
    • A very low deflator (~0.5%) boosted real growth artificially
    • Indicates inflation in tradable/manufactured goods is low, not necessarily high economic momentum
    • Low nominal growth → Lower tax revenues, harder to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.4%

    Sector-wise Performance

    1. Manufacturing

    • Growth: 9.1% (six-quarter high)
    • Reasons:
      • Corporate earnings showed strong growth
      • Low base effect (growth was only 2.1% last year)

    2. Services

    • Growth: 9.2%
    • Within services:
      • Financial, real estate, professional services: 10.2% (nine-quarter high)
      • Public admin, defence & other services: 9.7%

    3. Agriculture

    • 3.5% (lower than 4.1% last year)
    • Slight moderation due to uneven monsoon patterns

    Fiscal Concerns

    • Nominal GDP shortfall may:
      • Reduce tax buoyancy
      • Pressure fiscal deficit (target: 4.4%)
      • Lower denominator for deficit calculation
    • Lower capital expenditure visible (“no upswing in GFCF”)

    Opposition Criticism

    • IMF recently rated India’s national accounts ‘C’, the second-lowest grade
      • Claims real GDP inflated using unrealistically low deflator
      • Points to weak private investment and thin capital formation

    With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements : (2015)

    (1) The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic product has steadily increased in the last decade. 

    (2) The Gross Domestic product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. 

    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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  • Tex-RAMPS Scheme

    29 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Economics

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India approved a new scheme called Tex-RAMPS to strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textiles sector.
     The scheme aligns with India’s push to make its textiles ecosystem future-ready, technologically advanced, and globally competitive.

    What is Tex-RAMPS?

    Tex-RAMPS = Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up Scheme. It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles.

    Outlay & Duration

    • Total Outlay: ₹305 crore
    • Period: FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31
    • Co-terminus with the upcoming Finance Commission cycle

    Objectives

    To future-proof India’s textiles & apparel (T&A) ecosystem by:

    • Strengthening research and innovation
    • Building robust data systems
    • Enhancing global competitiveness
    • Supporting start-ups
    • Improving capacity development across the sector
    Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

    (a) Department of Science and Technology 

    (b) Ministry of Employment 

    (c) NITI Aayog 

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Grey Seal Milk Complexity  

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

    Why in the News?

    A study published in Nature (Nov 2025) found that grey seal milk contains 332 different oligosaccharides—33% more than human breast milk, previously considered the most complex.

    Key Findings

    Highest Oligosaccharide Diversity

    • Grey seal milk contains 332 oligosaccharides
       (Human milk: ~100).
    • This is the largest number ever recorded in any mammal’s milk.

    Functions of Oligosaccharides

    • Boost immunity (protect against bacteria & viruses).
    • Support gut microbiome formation.
    • Aid digestive tract development.
    • Provide energy and growth support for pups.

    Why Grey Seal Milk is So Complex?

    • Grey seals:
      • Live in harsh, high-risk environments.
      • Mothers fast for ~18 days while feeding pups.
      • Pups grow extremely rapidly during this period.
    • Complex sugars help pups survive extreme conditions and develop strong immunity quickly.

    Study Details

    • Conducted by the University of Gothenburg (Sweden).
    • Samples collected from Atlantic grey seals on a small Scottish island.
    • Analytical method used: Deep mass spectrometry.
      • A very advanced method of mass spectrometry that can detect hundreds to thousands of molecules in a sample with very high accuracy.
    Consider the following: 

    1. Bats 

    2. Bears 

    3. Rodents 

    The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only 

    (b) 2 only 

    (c) 1, 2 and 3 only 

    (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

    This PYQ is chosen because it directly addresses the peculiar biological feature (hibernation) that allows mammals to survive challenging environmental conditions, which conceptually mirrors the adaptive features of the grey seal

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

    Aloe vera Compounds as Potential Alzheimer’s Inhibitors  

    29 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the news?

    A new study (Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025) suggests that common plant molecules from Aloe vera—especially Beta sitosterol—may inhibit key enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Findings are based entirely on in silico (computer simulation) techniques.

    What is Computer Simulation (In Silico Research)?

    • Computer simulation, often called in silico research, refers to the use of computational tools and algorithms to model biological, chemical, or physical processes.
    • It allows scientists to predict molecular interactions, drug behavior, and biological outcomes without physical experiments.

    Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

    • Most common form of dementia.
    • Characterised by:
      • Memory loss
      • Cognitive decline
      • Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
      • Loss of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
    • Enzymes involved in acetylcholine breakdown:
      • Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      • Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
    • Current drugs (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) work by inhibiting these enzymes but do not stop disease progression.

    Why Aloe vera?

    • Used for 3000+ years in traditional medicine.
    • Contains bioactive compounds such as Beta sitosterol, Succinic acid, polysaccharides, and phenolics.

    Major Findings

    • Beta sitosterol showed strong binding affinity to both enzymes:
      • AChE: −8.6 kcal/mol
      • BChE: −8.7 kcal/mol
    • The binding strength is higher than that of other screened compounds like Succinic acid.
    • ADMET results suggest:
      • Good absorption
      • Low toxicity
      • Favourable pharmacokinetic profile
    Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022)

    (a) Cloud Services 

    (b) Quantum Computing 

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

    This PYQ is chosen because it tests a fundamental concept related to the cutting edge of computational power and modelling, which is the operational domain of computer simulation.

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

    Vitamin B12 Deficiency & Skin Manifestations 

    29 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the news?

    According to a study published in Canad­ian Family Physician, Vitamin B12 deficiency often shows early dermatological symptoms—such as pigmentation, dryness, and inflammation—before neurological or hematological complications appear.

    What is Vitamin B12?

    • Water-soluble vitamins are essential for: Red blood cell formation, Nerve function, DNA synthesis and Cell growth and repair

    Why Skin Shows Early Signs?

    • B12 deficiency → reduced RBC production → low oxygen delivery to skin → visible skin changes.
    • Weak immunity and impaired nerve function further worsen dermatological issues.
    High-Risk Groups

    More prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency:

    • Vegetarians/vegans
    • Adults > 50 years
    • Individuals with:
      • Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease
    • Those taking:
      • Antacids (PPIs/H2 blockers)
      • Metformin
    • People with poor nutrient absorption
    Consider the following pairs: Vitamin : Deficiency disease (2014)

    1. Vitamin C : Scurvy 

    2. Vitamin D : Rickets 

    3. Vitamin E : Night Blindness 

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

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

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