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12 topicsDefense & Security: 2Economy: 1Editorial: 1Environment: 1Misc: 2Polity: 1Scheme: 3Science & Technology: 1
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Polity

1.Haryana Village Common Lands Amendment (Village Commons)

The Hindu

What & Where

Shamilat deh = Haryana village common land for grazing, water bodies, paths, other shared uses

Haryana Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act 1961 amended to let unauthorised occupants buy specified Shamilat plots

Comparable commons: Charnoi (Madhya Pradesh) & Panchami (Tamil Nadu) allotted mainly to Dalit households

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment enables conversion of de facto possession into de jure private title
  • Village commons exit protective framework, prioritising administrative efficiency over social justice
  • Gram panchayats gain revenue via land sales

Social Concerns

  • Landless lose grazing, fuel, subsistence safety net, intensifying rural inequality
  • Elite capture likely as paperwork and funds decide ownership
  • Dalit-focused safeguards in other states absent in Haryana amendment

Economic Angle

  • Formal titles improve cadastral records, easing planning and service delivery
  • Panchayat coffers swell, but long-term communal asset value may erode
  • Marketisation of commons could spur local real-estate speculation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
State amending ActHaryana
Original Act year1961
Latest change2025 Assembly amendment*
Land category opened for saleCertain Shamilat deh parcels
Payment modeMarket-rate purchase from Gram Panchayat
Stated objectivesClear litigation, update records, raise panchayat revenue
Governance shiftRights-based protection → market ownership
High-risk groupsLandless, Dalit households
Potential winnersOccupants with money, documents, political clout
Similar common-land termsCharnoi (MP), Panchami (TN)
Misc

2.MoSPI New Logo and Mascot Launch (Official Statistics)

DD News
Illustration for MoSPI New Logo and Mascot Launch (Official Statistics)

What & Where

Initiative; MoSPI releases new institutional logo + mascot across India.

Purpose; boost “Data for Development” by making official statistics relatable.

Deployment; surveys, campaigns, educational & digital platforms nationwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Design Elements

  • Ashoka Chakra; integrity signal aligning with national emblem usage.
  • Rupee symbol; ties data collection to fiscal decision-making.
  • Growth bar; visual cue for evidence-based progress tracking.

Public Outreach

  • Mascot सांख्यिकी; citizen-centric character used in IEC material.
  • Multi-channel presence; print, digital, events to raise statistical literacy.
  • Aim; foster trust, encourage public cooperation in field surveys.

Governance Impact

  • Consistent branding; strengthens credibility of official datasets.
  • Enhanced data quality; supports transparent, evidence-led policymaking.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Nodal ministryMoSPI, Govt of India
Newly launchedLogo and mascot (सांख्यिकी)
Mascot roleSimplify statistical concepts for citizens
Logo core symbolsAshoka Chakra, Rupee sign, numerals, growth bar
Colour paletteSaffron-white-green-deep blue
Chakra meaningTruth, transparency, good governance
Rupee sign denotesEconomic planning relevance
Numerical + bar indicateModern data systems, progress
Tagline/theme“Data for Development”
Expected benefitHigher survey participation, better data quality
Economy

3.Central Excise Amendment Act 2025 (Indirect Taxation)

The Hindu
Illustration for Central Excise Amendment Act 2025 (Indirect Taxation)

What & Where

Central Excise (Amendment) Act 2025; revises tobacco duties under Central Excise Act 1944 after GST cess ends

Nationwide implementation; new excise slabs, GST rates, valuation rules effective 1 Feb 2026

GST compensation cess on all goods, incl. tobacco, ceases 1 Feb 2026; earlier loans to States serviced till Mar 2026

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment embeds higher specific and ad-valorem excise slabs for five tobacco categories outside GST base
  • Act maintains overall tax burden post-cess, aligning with GST (Compensation to States) Act mandates
  • Provision enables retail-price-linked valuation for smokeless products to curb mis-pricing

Fiscal Impact

  • Higher duties plus 18-40 % GST expected to offset ≈₹38,000 crore annual cess loss
  • Tobacco remains dual-taxed: central excise + GST, enlarging Centre’s pre-devolution pool
  • Cess inflows till Mar 2026 earmarked for servicing ₹2.7 lakh crore COVID-era loans to States

Public Health

  • Conforms to WHO advice; real tobacco prices set to outpace income growth, deterring initiation
  • 325 % duty on smoking mixtures targets rising hookah/pipe usage in urban lounges
  • Retail-price-based valuation counters under-declaration in loose smokeless segment, improving compliance

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Enactment year2025
Operative date1 Feb 2026
Unmanufactured tobacco duty64 % → 70 %
Chewing tobacco duty25 % → 100 %
Smoking mixtures duty60 % → 325 %
Cigarette duty range₹200–₹735 → ₹2,700–₹11,000 /1000 sticks
GST rate – beedis18 %
GST rate – other tobacco40 %
GST compensation cess startJul 2017
Cess phase-out completion1 Feb 2026
Borrowings repaid via cess≈₹2.7 lakh crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

Following the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, the Parliament of India enacted quite a few GST Acts in the year 2017. Which one of the following does not fall in this category?

Environment

4.Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024 (Groundwater Assessment)

PIB
Illustration for Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2024 (Groundwater Assessment)

What & Where

Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2024: nationwide, block-level audit of recharge, extraction and category status of India’s aquifers.

Evaluates 6,932 assessment units across all States/UTs; classifies them Safe, Semi-critical, Critical, Over-exploited, Saline.

Considers two key processes—natural recharge (rainfall, return flow, structures) and anthropogenic draft (irrigation 62 %, domestic-industrial).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Status Trends

  • Improvement; national draft–recharge gap narrowed, Safe units ↑ by 10.8 percentage points since 2017.
  • Saline units 1.88 %, showing concurrent quality stress despite quantity gains.
  • Hard-rock peninsular belts remain hydro-geologically disadvantaged.

Drivers & Pressures

  • Agriculture extraction dominant; rice–sugarcane belts push 11 % units into over-exploitation.
  • Energy subsidies incentivise free pumping in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu.
  • Urban-industrial demand rising, adds to 245.64 BCM annual draft.

Schemes & Tech

  • NAQUIM & NAQUIM 2.0 map aquifers, enable micro-planning.
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on community-led demand management in 8,220 Gram Panchayats.
  • Master Plan 2020 targets 1.42 crore recharge structures harvesting 185 BCM monsoon runoff.

Challenges

  • Governance fragmentation; groundwater is State subject, pricing and regulation uneven.
  • Climate variability; 75 % rainfall in four monsoon months causes temporal mismatch with year-round demand.
  • Quality hazards—arsenic, fluoride—coexist with depletion, complicating potable supply strategies.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total annual groundwater recharge446.90 BCM (2024)
Annual groundwater extraction245.64 BCM
Stage of extraction60.47 %
Units categorised Safe73.4 % (up from 62.6 % in 2017)
Over-exploited units share11.13 % (2017 value 17.24 %)
Rainfall contribution to recharge≈61 %
Recharge from tanks/ponds/structures25.34 BCM; nearly doubled since 2017
States with most Critical/Over-exploited blocksPunjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

Editorial

5.Climate-Resilient Agriculture Strategy for India (Climate-Resilient Farming)

The Hindu

What & Where

Concept: Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) fortifies crops, soils, systems against droughts, floods, heat while sustaining yields.

Key levers: climate-adapted seeds, water stewardship, soil-carbon practices, diversification, agroforestry, digital early-warning.

Indian context: 51 % net sown area rain-fed; NICRA pilots in 448 villages across all agro-climatic zones.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Schemes & Missions

  • NICRA, NMSA, PKVY, MOVCD-NER anchor field demonstrations, organic inputs, water efficiency.
  • Digital push via AgriStack, Kisan Drones, Soil Health Card, Bhashini for vernacular advisories.
  • BioE3 policy flags CRA as biotechnology priority for economy, environment, employment.

Challenges

  • Adoption gap: high cost, low awareness among 86 % smallholders slows CRA technologies.
  • Quality issues: inconsistent bio-fertiliser standards erode farmer confidence.
  • Fragmented governance: overlapping agriculture, biotech, climate programmes lack unified roadmap.

Technology & R&D

  • Breeding: ICAR, DBT, IARI developing drought, submergence, salinity-tolerant rice, wheat, maize.
  • Precision: AI weather alerts, micro-irrigation, drones cut input use yet depend on digital literacy.
  • Genome editing: regulatory pathway early stage, field coverage still marginal.

International Models

  • USA USDA Climate-Smart initiative funds large-scale carbon-smart farming.
  • EU Green Deal & Farm-to-Fork target chemical cutbacks, soil restoration.
  • China combines stress-tolerant cultivars with water-saving irrigation and digital platforms.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Rain-fed share of net sown area51 %
Food output from rain-fed farms≈40 %
Small & marginal holdings86 % of total farms
Villages with 3G/4G signal95.15 %
Households digitally literate38 %
Land degraded nationwide30 %
Districts under groundwater stress>60 %
Stress-tolerant varieties by ICAR109 released
NICRA launch year2011
Climate-resilient villages demo448

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2021PYQ 1

In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:

GS1 2020PYQ 2

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture?

Science & Technology

6.BSNL Voice over WiFi Service (VoWiFi Technology)

PIB
Illustration for BSNL Voice over WiFi Service (VoWiFi Technology)

What & Where

Definition VoWiFi: voice + SMS carried over Wi-Fi via IP Multimedia Subsystem, uses same SIM number and dialer

Process: SIM-based authentication ➜ packets routed through internet ➜ automatic hand-off to VoLTE if Wi-Fi weak

Geography: BSNL activated nationwide across all Indian telecom circles

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Working

  • Wi-Fi linkage replaces nearby cellular tower, routing voice as digital packets
  • Seamless switching to mobile network prevents call drop during movement
  • No third-party app; native dialer handles call initiation and reception

User Advantages

  • Reliable calling in signal dark spots enhances accessibility for rural and indoor subscribers
  • Better voice clarity owing to stable broadband bandwidth and reduced radio interference
  • Same mobile number; familiar user experience, easing adoption

Security Dimension

  • SIM-based authentication retains encryption level of VoLTE, meeting telecom security norms
  • IMS architecture enables carrier-grade security monitoring and lawful interception compliance

Network Impact

  • Traffic offload frees spectrum, improving overall 4G capacity and quality of service
  • Reduced tower load lowers power consumption and operating expenditure for operator

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch operatorBharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL)
Core protocolIP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
Extra user chargesNil – treated as normal voice calls
Handover partner techVoLTE (4G)
Device requirementVoWiFi-enabled smartphone, simple settings toggle
Authentication modeSIM-based, same as cellular
Key advantage zoneIndoor basements, high-rise, rural low-signal areas
Network benefitOffloads voice traffic, eases tower congestion
Misc

7.Bulgaria Joins Eurozone as 21st Member (Eurozone Expansion)

The Hindu

What & Where

Eurozone – EU monetary union using the euro; launched 1999 under Maastricht Treaty

Bulgaria – Balkan EU member (2007) adopts euro 1 Jan 2026, discarding century-old lev

Euro now legal tender in 21 countries, serving 350 + million Europeans

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Trade facilitation, price transparency, lower transaction costs expected for Bulgaria
  • Single monetary policy via ECB may reduce borrowing spreads and attract FDI
  • Bulgaria remains EU’s poorest; euro adoption aims income convergence

Geopolitical Dimension

  • Euro entry reinforces Western alignment and dampens Russian economic sway
  • Deepens stake in EU decision bodies like Eurogroup and ECOFIN
  • Complements Bulgaria’s NATO membership, stabilising southeastern flank

Eurozone Basics

  • Started with 11 nations in 1999; expanded to 21 by 2026
  • Micro-states Andorra Monaco Vatican San Marino use euro via accords yet lack Eurogroup vote
  • Kosovo and Montenegro use euro unilaterally, outside formal Eurozone

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Adoption date1 January 2026
Bulgaria’s Eurozone position21st member
Previous entrantCroatia 2023
Currency replacedBulgarian lev
Foundational treatyMaastricht Treaty 1992
Users of euro≈ 350 million people
EU states still non-euroSweden Poland Czech Rep Hungary Romania Denmark
Schengen members non-EUIceland Norway Switzerland Liechtenstein

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2007PYQ 1

Which one of the following pairs of countries joined the European Union in 2007?

Defense & Security

8.India Pakistan Line of Control Overview (India-Pakistan Border)

New Indian Express
Illustration for India Pakistan Line of Control Overview (India-Pakistan Border)

What & Where

De facto military boundary slicing the former princely state of J&K between India and Pakistan.

Began 1949 as UN-mediated Ceasefire Line; redesignated “Line of Control” by 1972 Simla Agreement.

Runs ≈740 km from Jammu to Siachen Glacier; distinct from Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Milestones

  • 1947-48 conflict ended with UN-brokered ceasefire drawing original line.
  • 1949 Karachi Agreement formalised Ceasefire Line under UN Military Observer presence.
  • 1972 Simla Agreement redesignated line as LoC; urged bilateral settlement, trimmed UN role.

Security Dimension

  • Ceasefire violations, infiltration, artillery duels, drone-delivered IEDs mark persistent low-intensity conflict.
  • Frontline for India’s counter-terrorism, narcotics interdiction, arms-trafficking control.
  • Militarisation includes surveillance radars, night vision devices, multilayer patrols, forward observation posts.

Infrastructure & Surveillance

  • India’s double-row, flood-lit fence covers ~550 km of its side.
  • Rugged terrain of Pir Panjal, Kashmir Valley, Siachen foothills demands ropeways, avalanche shelters.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Legal statusDe facto, not internationally recognised
Original name / yearCeasefire Line, 1949
Renamed by / yearSimla Agreement, 1972
Total length~740 km
Fencing (Indian side)~550 km double-row fence
ExtentJammu to Siachen Glacier

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

Consider the map given below:

Defense & Security

9.National Investigation Agency Mandate and Powers (Counter-Terror Agency)

The Hindu

What & Where

Federal counter-terror investigation agency created under the NIA Act, 2008; operational since 2009.

Jurisdiction: all Indian States, cross-state probes without consent, extra-territorial cases with Central approval.

Presents charge-sheets before designated NIA Special Courts nationwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment 2019 expanded powers, adding extra-territorial jurisdiction and removing state-consent requirement.
  • Section 6 allows Centre takeover or State referral of scheduled offences suo-motu.
  • Central sanction mandatory before prosecuting under UAPA 1967.

Investigative Scope

  • Mandate covers terrorism, insurgency, national-security crimes of pan-India impact.
  • Collects, analyses, shares counter-terror intelligence; coordinates with domestic & international agencies.
  • May club connected offences discovered during the same probe.

Performance Metrics

  • 2025 conviction rate exceeded 92 %, signalling stronger internal-security enforcement.
  • Dedicated cell handles Left-Wing Extremism terror-finance cases, aiding convictions.
  • Conducts capacity-building programmes to enhance investigative proficiency across agencies.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Establishment year2009
Parent legislationNIA Act, 2008
Key amendmentNIA (Amendment) Act, 2019
2025 conviction rate> 92 %
Case-takeover clauseSection 6, NIA Act
Central nod needed forUAPA-1967 prosecutions
Trial forumNIA Special Courts
Scheme

10.Digital e-Bill System for Fertiliser Subsidies (Fertiliser Subsidy)

HBL

What & Where

Integrated e-Bill System: end-to-end digital platform for fertiliser subsidy claims.

Replaces nationwide manual paper workflow for ~₹2 lakh crore annual subsidy.

Operated by Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • End-to-end digitisation eliminates manual vetting delays.
  • Built-in validation auto-checks bills against predefined eligibility criteria.
  • Real-time dashboard provides centralised expenditure monitoring.

Economic Angle

  • Faster clearing lowers working-capital burden on fertiliser firms.
  • Reduced administrative overhead curbs subsidy leakage, improving fiscal efficiency.
  • Predictable payments may stabilise fertiliser retail prices.

Governance & Accountability

  • Continuous e-tracking curtails discretion and back-dated alterations.
  • Complete audit logs strengthen CAG and internal audits.
  • Digital records support evidence in fraud investigations.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch portfolioMinistry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
Annual subsidy handled≈ ₹2 lakh crore
Core goalTimely, transparent, accountable subsidy disbursal
Workflow natureFully digital; no physical bill movement
Claim submissionOnline by fertiliser companies
Processing orderFIFO (First-In-First-Out)
Payment cycleWeekly subsidy release enabled
Audit safeguardTamper-proof, logged trail

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2020PYQ 1

PAHAL, an initiative to transfer the subsidy to direct bank account of the beneficiaries, is related to

Scheme

11.Export Promotion Mission Market Access Guidelines (Export Support)

The Hindu

What & Where

Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – India’s digital umbrella to strengthen export ecosystem for MSMEs & labour-intensive sectors.

Notified by Ministry of Commerce & Industry; first market-access guidelines released January 2026.

Executed nationwide via two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan (financial) & Niryat Disha (non-financial).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Niryat Protsahan: trade finance, interest subvention, collateral aid, credit enhancement for MSMEs.
  • Niryat Disha: quality compliance, branding, logistics, trade-fair access, district capacity building.
  • Guidelines merge fragmented export schemes into a single digital interface.

Fiscal Support

  • Funding covers participation cost for approved events; aims to lower market-entry expenses.
  • Assistance available for up to three BSMs yearly; MSMEs eligible for four.
  • Incentives target expansion of global footprint for small exporters.

Governance & Policy

  • Coordinated by Dept of Commerce with MSME, Finance, EPCs & states.
  • DGFT provides single-window implementation and monitoring.
  • Mission aligns with Trade Policy 2023-28 objective of USD 2 trn exports.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Nodal ministryCommerce & Industry
Implementing agencyDGFT
Sub-schemes under EPMNiryat Protsahan, Niryat Disha
Delegate assistance cap2 per firm
Minimum delegation size50 participants
MSME share in delegations≥ 35 %
BSM limit per FYFirms 3; MSMEs 4
Key support eventsTrade fairs, BSMs, Mega RBSMs, trade delegations

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

Scheme

12.BEE Standards and Labelling Programme Expansion (Energy Efficiency)

The Hindu

What & Where

Standards & Labelling (S&L): 2006 BEE programme under Energy Conservation Act 2001, rates appliances 1–5 stars for efficiency.

Two label types: Comparative (star-based), Endorsement (meets minimum standards); mandatory or voluntary by notification.

Scope: Household appliances & industrial equipment pan-India; criteria revised periodically to match tech advances.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Energy Conservation Act mandates minimum performance, audits, star disclosure.
  • S&L, ECBC, PAT notified through BEE regulations; criteria tightened every 3 years.
  • States ranked annually via BEE State Energy Efficiency Index to spur competition.

Tech & Schemes

  • NMEEE pillars: PAT, EEFP, MTEE, FEEED—finance, trade, credit guarantees for efficiency.
  • Street Lighting National Programme retrofits LEDs; Bachat Lamp Yojna swapped CFLs for bulbs.
  • UJALA distributed subsidised LEDs, slashing peak demand and bills.

Environmental Impact

  • Star labels drive lower household load, curb national electricity demand growth.
  • 60 Mt CO₂ annual avoidance strengthens India’s Paris targets & energy security.
  • Efficiency upgrades deliver lifetime bill savings, freeing consumer expenditure.

Institutional Setup

  • BEE certifies Energy Managers/Auditors; prescribes audit periodicity for designated consumers.
  • Defines appliance standards, approves test labs, enforces compliance with penalties.
  • Collaborates with financial institutions via EEFP to mainstream green financing.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Implementing bodyBureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power
BEE set-up year2002
Legal anchorEnergy Conservation Act 2001
S&L launch year2006
Star scale1 (least) – 5 (most efficient)
Annual CO₂ cut via S&L≈ 60 million t
Mandatory labels (2026)Expanded to more appliances
NMEEE mission count under NAPCC1 of 8
PAT instrumentTradable Energy Saving Certificates
ECBC notified2017
UJALA focusLED bulbs & fans
State Index bandsFront Runner > 60%; Achiever 50-60%; Contender 30-50%; Aspirant < 30%

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

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