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Type: Prelims Only

  • INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded INSV Kaundinya as it embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, highlighting India’s ancient maritime traditions.

    About INSV Kaundinya

    • A heritage sailing vessel of the Indian Navy
      • Built using the ancient Indian stitched ship technique
      • Constructed without iron nails, wooden planks stitched together with coir rope
      • Inspired by shipbuilding traditions mentioned in ancient Indian texts and coastal practices
      • Named after Kaundinya, an ancient Indian mariner linked to early maritime voyages

    Stitched Ship Technique

    • One of the oldest shipbuilding methods in the world
      • Practiced along India’s western coastline in ancient times
      • Provided flexibility and strength for long ocean voyages
      • Evidence found in Harappan seals, Ajanta murals, and classical literature

    Significance

    • Showcases India’s rich maritime history
      • Reinforces historical India Gulf links
      • Promotes indigenous knowledge systems
      • Enhances naval heritage awareness

    Prelims Pointers

    • Type: Heritage sailing vessel
      • Technique: Stitched ship construction
      • Built by: Indian artisans with Indian Navy support
      • Diplomatic relevance: India Oman historical maritime ties
    [2011] India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most convincing explanation/explanations? 

    (a) As compared to other countries, India had better ship-building technology in ancient and medieval times. 

    (b) The rulers of southern India always patronised traders, brahmin priests and Buddhist monks in this context. 

    (c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea voyages. 

    (d) Both (a) and (b)

  • Frequency Comb

     Why in the News?

    • Frequency combs are highlighted as key modern tools used in atomic clock calibration and other precision measurements.

    What is a Frequency Comb

    • A special type of laser light
    • Its spectrum looks like the teeth of a comb
    • Connects the radio frequency domain (below ~100 GHz) with the optical domain (above ~200 THz)
    • Acts as a precise bridge between microwave and optical frequencies

    Key Characteristics

    • Emits many evenly spaced frequencies, not a single colour
    • Frequency spacing is extremely regular
    • Exhibits very high stability and precision
    • Enables coherent phase connection across wide frequency ranges
    • Compact and highly reliable measurement tool

    Why It Is Important

    • Allows comparison of an unknown light frequency with a stable reference
    • Achieves extraordinary measurement accuracy
    • Revolutionised precision metrology and optical physics

    Applications of Frequency Combs

    • Calibration of atomic clocks
    • Measurement of gravitational redshift effects on light
    • Detection of exoplanets using precise stellar spectroscopy
    • High speed and ultra precise spectroscopy
    • Fundamental physics experiments and precision navigation

    Prelims Takeaway

    • Frequency comb equals laser with evenly spaced frequencies
    • Acts as a frequency ruler for light
    • Essential for atomic clocks, astrophysics, spectroscopy, and precision measurements
    The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of (2015)

    (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth 

    (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available 

    (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space 

    (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

  • Industrial Hemp

    Why in the News?

    • The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a policy push to legalise and regulate industrial hemp cultivation.

    What is Industrial Hemp

    • Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.
    • Belongs to the Cannabis genus and Cannabaceae family
    • Herbaceous, dioecious plant
    • Botanically related to marijuana but very different in use and effects
    • THC content less than 0.3%
    • High fiber content and negligible psychoactive effect

    Industrial Hemp vs Marijuana

    • Marijuana: High tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and psychoactive
    • Industrial hemp: Extremely low THC, used for industrial and commercial purposes

    Key Characteristics

    • Fast growing crop
    • Environment friendly
    • Requires relatively less water and pesticides
    • Suitable for diversified agro industrial value chains

    Applications of Industrial Hemp

    • Fibre and textiles: Cloth, upholstery, ropes
    • Industrial uses: Auto parts, paper, packaging
    • Energy: Biofuel production from stalk
    • Construction: Building materials like hempcrete
    • Seeds and oil: Food products and animal feed. Oil for cosmetics, lotions and personal care products

    Policy Significance

    • Opens avenues for farmer income diversification
    • Boosts green economy and sustainable industries
    • Potential for employment generation in hill states

    Prelims Takeaway

    • Industrial hemp is legally distinct from narcotic cannabis due to very low THC
    • Multi sector utility crop with applications in textiles, construction, energy, food and cosmetics
    According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)

    1. Cassava 

    2. Damaged wheat grains 

    3. Groundnut seeds 

    4. Horse gram 

    5. Rotten potatoes 

    6. Sugar beet 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  

    Why in the News?

    • To ensure faster grievance redressal for air passengers, the government has operationalised the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR).

    About PACR

    • Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India
    • Objective: Prompt, effective and coordinated resolution of air traveller grievances

    Key Features

    • Functions as an integrated control hub at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi
    • Brings together officials from:
      • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
      • Airports Authority of India (AAI)
      • Airline operators and other aviation stakeholders
    • Operates 24×7
      • Continuous monitoring of aviation operations
      • Real time passenger assistance
      • On the spot grievance coordination
    Consider the following airports: (2024) 

    1. Donyi Polo Airport 

    2. Kushinagar International Airport 

    3. Vijayawada International Airport. 

    In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? 

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

  • Kolleru Lake

    Why in the News?

    • Kolleru Lake is gaining recognition for its black dried fish, now popular in domestic and international markets.

    What is Black Dried Fish

    • A traditional sun dried fish product
    • Prepared by drying small freshwater or brackish water fish without heavy salting
    • Dark colour develops due to natural oxidation and fermentation during drying
    • Strong aroma and long shelf life

    Location and Physical Features

    • One of the largest freshwater lakes in India
    • Located in Andhra Pradesh, near Eluru
    • Lies in the inter-deltaic plain of Krishna and Godavari
    • Acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for both rivers
    • Shallow lake in nature

    Hydrology

    • Receives water from Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru, Errakalva rivers
    • Also fed by 18 drains
    • Drains into the Bay of Bengal through Upputeru outlet

    Ecological Importance

    • Known as Peerless Fisherman’s Paradise and Bird Heaven
    • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in November 1999
    • Designated a Ramsar Wetland in November 2002
    • Supports over 20 million migratory birds annually
    • Key species: Grey pelican, Painted stork, Open billed stork
    • Hosts migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas

    Socio-Economic Significance

    • Sustains livelihoods through fishing, duck farming, and paddy cultivation
    • Traditional black dried fish is a unique local product with growing market value

    Prelims Pointers

    • Largest freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh
    • Ramsar site and wildlife sanctuary
    • Flood moderation role for Krishna and Godavari
    • Internationally known for migratory birds and fisheries
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    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

  • Dhasan River 

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, dismissed an appeal challenging the cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan River in Jhansi district.

    About Dhasan River

    • A right bank tributary of the Betwa River
       • Betwa River is a tributary of the Yamuna
       • Flows through the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
       • Known as Dasharna in the ancient period
    • Originates in Begumganj tehsil, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
       • Forms the south eastern boundary of Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh

    Infrastructure

    • Lehchura Dam is built across the Dhasan River
       • Primarily an irrigation dam
       • Supplies water through the Dhasan Canal System (DCS) for agricultural use

    Prelims Pointers

    • Dhasan is a right bank, not left bank tributary
       • Flows through Bundelkhand, a drought prone region
       • Ancient name Dasharna is important for history culture linkage
       • Sand mining issues fall under NGT jurisdiction
    Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? [2018] 

    1. Decreased salinity in the river 

    2. Pollution of groundwater 

    3. Lowering of the water-table 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

  • Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) 

    Why in the News?

    The Northeast Frontier Railway achieved its highest-ever single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System.

    About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System

    • A modern semi-mechanised track relaying system used for rapid replacement of railway tracks
       • Developed by Plasser & Theurer
       • Designed to speed up track renewal while reducing traffic disruption
       • Enhances safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency

    Key Features

    • Uses self-propelled portal cranes operating on an auxiliary track of 3400 mm gauge
       • Auxiliary track has the same centre line as the track being renewed
       • Portal cranes can self-load and unload materials from Bogie Flat Wagons (BFRs)
       • High lifting capacity up to 9 tonnes
       • Capable of handling 13 m long PRC sleeper panels
       • Suitable for new track construction and modernisation of existing tracks

    Benefits

    • Faster renewal of longer track lengths within shorter traffic blocks
       • Minimal disruption to train operations
       • Cost effective due to reduced manual labour
       • Lowers life-cycle maintenance costs
       • Improves precision and safety in track laying

    Prelims Pointers

    • PQRS is a semi-mechanised, not fully automated system
       • Uses portal cranes, not conventional cranes
       • Works in coordination with Bogie Flat Wagons
       • Key objective is rapid track renewal with minimal traffic block
    Consider the following statements: [2025]

    I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. 

    II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. 

    III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. 

    Which of the statements given above are not correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

  • Camellia sinensis

    Why in the News?

    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified that a beverage can be legally called tea only if it is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis.

    About Camellia sinensis

    • Belongs to the family Theaceae
    • Commonly known as the tea plant
    • Primary source of green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea
    • Grows as a shrub or evergreen tree
    • Can reach a height of up to 16 metres
    • Widely cultivated on mountain slopes
    • Thrives at altitudes up to 2200 metres

    Required Climatic Conditions

    • Temperature range of 15°C to 23°C
    • Requires a warm and humid climate
    • Needs at least 5 hours of sunlight daily
    • Annual rainfall of 150 to 300 cm, evenly distributed
    • Prefers slightly acidic, calcium free soil
    • Requires porous sub soil
    • Sloping terrain essential for proper drainage

    Global Distribution

    • Cultivated in subtropical and warm temperate regions
    • Native to South east Asia
    • Major tea producing countries include China, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Japan, Korea and Malaysia

    Prelims Pointers

    • All true teas come from Camellia sinensis
    • Herbal or flower infusions are not tea under FSSAI norms
    • Tea prefers acidic soils and high rainfall
    • Oxidation level differentiates green, oolong, black, and white teas
    Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements: (2010)

    1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas. 

    2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only. 

    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

  • Rashtriya Prerna Sthal

    Why in the News?

    • The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

    About Rashtriya Prerna Sthal

    • Developed as a national memorial and inspirational complex
      • Dedicated to the life, ideals, and values of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
      • Envisioned as a site of enduring national significance
      • Designed to promote leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration

    Location and Extent

    • Located on the banks of the Gomti River
      • Situated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
      • Spread across 65 acres

    Statues and Key Structures

    • Features 65 foot high bronze statues
      • Statues of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee
      • Each statue weighs 42 tonnes
      • Each statue platform is surrounded by a water body
    Consider the following pairs: (2024)

         Party : Its Leader 

    1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh : Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 

    2. Socialist Party : C. Rajagopalachari 

    3. Congress for Democracy : Jagjivan Ram 

    4. Swatantra Party : Acharya Narendra Dev 

    How many of the above are correctly matched? 

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

  • Quality Council of India 

    Why in the News?

    • The Quality Council of India recently announced a comprehensive set of next generation quality reforms aimed at strengthening India’s quality ecosystem across healthcare, laboratories, MSMEs, and manufacturing sectors.

    About Quality Council of India (QCI)

    • Non profit autonomous organisation
    • Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860
    • Established in 1997
    • Set up jointly by the Government of India and Indian industry

    Industry Associations Involved

    • ASSOCHAM
    • Confederation of Indian Industry
    • Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

    Administrative Control

    • Functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
    • Department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

    Key Functions of QCI

    • Acts as the national accreditation body of India
    • Provides a framework for independent third party assessment of Products
    • Promotes adoption of quality standards related to
    • Quality Management Systems
    • Food Safety Management Systems
    • Product certification and inspection bodies
    • Plays a key role in propagation and adherence to quality standards across sectors
    • Leads the National Quality Campaign for a nationwide quality movement

    Boards and Divisions under QCI

    • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
    • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)
    • National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)
    • National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
    • National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP)
    With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements: (2017)

    1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry. 

    2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government. 

    Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2