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15 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 4GS-3: 9
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GS-1Scheme

1.Northeast Buddhist Circuit development scheme

LiveMint

What & Where

Heritage–tourism Buddhist Circuit (Northeast) announced in Union Budget 2026-27 for conservation, connectivity, promotion of Buddhist sites.

Covers Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Tripura, plus North Bengal; integrates temples, monasteries, pagodas, vihars.

Focus on livelihood-linked tourism: e-bus mobility, industrial-corridor linkage, urban hubs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Scheme: Buddhist Circuit (Northeast) targets conservation, interpretation centres, digital guides, last-mile e-mobility.
  • 4,000 e-buses sanctioned for inter-city tourist shuttles across Purvodaya states.
  • East Industrial Corridor to align freight, warehousing with pilgrimage routes.

Cultural Sites

  • Tawang Monastery India’s largest; 17th-century complex, 18-ft gilded Buddha.
  • Rumtek Monastery Sikkim; seat-in-exile of Gyalwang Karmapa, Kagyu school.
  • Golden Pagoda Namsai showcases Burmese Theravada design, gold-plated exterior.

Economic Angle

  • ₹5,000-crore CITY Economic Regions to cluster industry, services near heritage towns.
  • Heritage tourism expected to widen local livelihoods via crafts, homestays, guides.
  • Improved SE Asian connectivity may raise foreign Buddhist arrivals, spend.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Budget year2026-27
Scheme nameBuddhist Circuit (Northeast)
Geographic coverageNE states + North Bengal
Tourism destinations plannedFive Purvodaya locations
E-buses for tourists4,000
Largest Indian monasteryTawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Oldest Sikkim monasteryDubdi, 1701
Birthplace of 6th Dalai LamaUrgelling Monastery
CITY Economic Regions outlay₹5,000 cr / 5 yrs
Industrial corridor nameEast Industrial Corridor

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

The scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) provides assistance for

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

2.Guru Ravidas birth anniversary significance

PIB

What & Where

Identity: 15th-century Nirguna-Bhakti saint from marginalized leather-worker caste, revered across North India

Geography: Born Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh); major shrines Varanasi, Punjab, Rajasthan

Commemoration: 649th Jayanti observed on Magha Purnima, 1 Feb 2026, nationwide tributes led by Prime Minister

Quick Facts for MCQs

Philosophy & Ideas

  • Nirguna: Rejects ritual and attributes, stresses formless divine
  • Beghumpura: Envisions casteless, fear-free egalitarian society
  • Sahaj: Advocates spontaneous realisation of unity in diversity

Literary Legacy

  • Vernacular: Hymns composed in everyday dialects for mass appeal
  • Adi Granth: Inclusion grants cross-religious recognition within Sikh canon
  • Panchvani: Works safeguarded by Dadupanthi tradition

Social Impact

  • Anti-caste: Direct challenge to Brahminical hierarchy and untouchability
  • Inclusivity: Followers from all strata, royal devotee Meera Bai highlighted
  • Ravidassia: Teachings anchor distinct 21st-century community and scripture

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Birth periodc. 1450 – 1520 CE
BirthplaceSeer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi
CommunityChamar/Jatav leather-worker
Spiritual lineageDisciple of Ramananda; contemporary of Kabir
Notable discipleMeera Bai
Bhakti streamNirguna (formless devotion)
Key utopiaBeghumpura – city without sorrow
Core conceptSahaj – effortless mystical union
Scripture presence40+ hymns in Adi Granth
Dadupanthi linkVerses in Panchvani
Modern sectRavidassia religion
Holy book (sect)Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass
Annual observanceMagha Purnima (full moon)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna School of Bhakti?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से किसे मीरा बाई का गुरु माना जाता था ?

GS-2Editorial

3.India Canada diplomatic tensions overview

Business Standard
Illustration for India Canada diplomatic tensions overview

What & Where

Five Eyes: post-WWII signals-intelligence alliance of US-UK-Canada-Australia-NZ under 1946 UKUSA Agreement.

Alliance tiers: core Five → ‘Nine Eyes’ (+ Netherlands, Denmark, France, Norway) → ‘14 Eyes’ (+ Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden).

CEPA: proposed India-Canada comprehensive economic partnership covering goods, services, investment, trade facilitation, IPR.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political & Diplomatic

  • Tit-for-tat diplomat expulsions; Canada halted consular ops; India paused visa processing for Canadians.
  • Ottawa seeking Five Eyes support; New Delhi labels assassination allegation “absurd, motivated”.
  • Vienna Conventions cited by Canada for staff safety; India obligated to ensure premises inviolability.

Economic Angle

  • CEPA talks frozen amid row; trade momentum and pension-fund investments face uncertainty.
  • Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy earlier tagged India as key diversification partner.
  • Uranium supply possible under 2013 nuclear pact; continuity depends on diplomatic thaw.

Diaspora & Education

  • Sikh community politically influential in Canada; Khalistan activism strains bilateral trust.
  • Visa processing delays jeopardise fresh Indian student intake and family travel.
  • IC-IMPACTS research hub sustains limited academic cooperation despite tensions.

Security Dimension

  • India views Khalistani groups abroad as terror threat undermining sovereignty.
  • Collaboration on maritime security, counter-terrorism in Indo-Pacific stalled.
  • G20 and G7 partners urged quiet mediation to prevent wider strategic fallout.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
India-Canada diplomatic start1947
Bilateral goods trade 2023USD 9.36 bn
Canada’s FDI rank in India18th (USD 3.3 bn, 2000-23)
Indian diaspora in Canada1.8 million; NRIs ≈ 1 million
Indian share of Canada’s int’l students~40 %
Nuclear Cooperation AgreementSigned 2010; operational 2013
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations1961
Assassination triggering rowHardeep Singh Nijjar, June 2023
Five Eyes membersUS, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT a member country of the Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC)?

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, 1954 में भारत और चीन द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित ‘पंचशील’ समझौते में निहित पाँच सिद्धांतों का भाग नहीं है ?

GS-2Scheme

4.Budget 2026 education and skills reforms

Economic Times
Illustration for Budget 2026 education and skills reforms

What & Where

Union Budget 2026–27 allocates major outlay for India’s education–skill–employment ecosystem

Aligns with NEP-2020 and Viksit Bharat, spanning school, higher, vocational and health training

Includes new governance bodies, university townships, sectoral skilling, inclusivity measures and science facilities

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structural Reforms & Governance

  • Committee: high-powered panel targets 10% services share, embeds AI
  • University-Townships: five corridor clusters merge study, skills, research
  • Corporate-Mitras: ICAI/ICSI train compliance mentors for MSMEs

Skilling & Sectoral Initiatives

  • AVGC labs in 15k schools, 500 colleges nurture creators
  • Samarth 2.0 modernises textile skilling via industry–academia link
  • Hospitality: council upgraded, 10k guides upskilled through IIM

Health & Science

  • AHPs: 1 lakh professionals added across 10 disciplines
  • AYUSH: three new institutes, pharmacy upgrades for manpower
  • Astrophysics: four telescope, planetarium facilities for immersive learning

Inclusivity & Gender

  • Girls-Hostels: one STEM hostel sanctioned per district
  • Divyangjan: tailored IT, AVGC, hospitality training envisaged
  • Eastern NID: challenge-route selection boosts regional design

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
High-Powered Standing Committee target10% global services share by 2047
Proposed University Townships5 clusters
AVGC Content Creator Labs15,000 schools + 500 colleges
Allied Health Professionals addition1,00,000 in 5 years
Caregiver training seats5 lakh
New AI Institutes of Ayurveda3 institutes
Veterinary professionals expansion>20,000 via subsidy
Girls’ Hostels plan1 per district
Tourist guides upskilling10,000 guides at 20 sites

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the National Education Policy 2020 in India ?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements concerning the National Education Policy, 2020:

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

5.National Leprosy Day awareness initiatives

PIB

What & Where

Leprosy = chronic bacterial disease (Mycobacterium leprae) attacking skin & peripheral nerves.

Spreads via untreated‐case droplets; curable through free WHO-supplied Multidrug Therapy (MDT).

India: National elimination (<1/10,000) achieved 2005; prevalence 0.57/10,000 in 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Clinical Features

  • Hypopigmented/reddish patches with sensory loss; thickened nerves causing numbness.
  • Motor impairment leads to claw hand, foot drop, chronic ulcers.
  • Advanced signs: facial nodules, nasal bleeding, eyebrow loss.

Policy Timeline

  • 1954-55 NLCP launch; 1983 upgrade to NLEP.
  • 2005 national elimination achieved, sustenance phase ongoing.
  • 2023-27 NSP crafted to recover Covid-19 setbacks, mirror Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-30.

Outreach & IEC

  • Health Ministry conducts nationwide IEC drive on National Leprosy Day.
  • Focus: early detection, stigma reduction, treatment adherence.
  • Channels: community meetings, print-digital media, ASHA worker engagement.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
National Leprosy DayLast Sunday of January
Causative agentMycobacterium leprae
Main transmissionDroplet infection from untreated persons
TreatmentMultidrug Therapy (Rifampicin + Dapsone + Clofazimine)
MDT cost & supplierFree, procured by WHO
India elimination milestone2005 (<1/10,000 prevalence)
Current national prevalence0.57/10,000 population (2025)
Flagship programmeNational Leprosy Eradication Programme (since 1983)
Evolved fromNational Leprosy Control Programme 1954-55
Current roadmapNational Strategic Plan 2023-27
Transmission-interruption target2027
End-leprosy target year2030 (aligned to WHO NTD Roadmap)
GS-2PolityQuick Bite

6.Personality rights framework in India

The Hindu

What & Where

Personality rights: legal control over commercial use of one’s name, image, voice, likeness.

Two limbs: Right of Publicity (economic) & Right to Privacy (dignitary).

Current spotlight: Delhi High Court notice in Salman Khan vs foreign AI voice-generator case.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Article 21 privacy + multiple IP statutes collectively protect celebrity persona.
  • Copyright moral rights, Trademark S14, IT S66C provide civil–criminal remedies against unauthorised commercial use.
  • Use permissible only if non-misleading, no implied endorsement.

Judicial Precedents

  • 2026 Salman Khan injunction challenged by foreign AI firm seeking vacate order.
  • 2025 Aishwarya case barred deepfake circulation, unauthorised likeness use.
  • Foreign entities lack Article 19 speech/trade protections before Indian courts.

Technology Angle

  • AI voice-cloning/deepfakes heighten personality-rights infringement risks.
  • Digital likeness theft prosecutable under IT Act Sec 66C.
  • Rapid tech outpaces existing IP/privacy enforcement mechanisms.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Recent HC matterSalman Khan v. foreign AI voice platform (2026)
Core statutesCopyright 1957, Trademarks 1999, IT Act 2000
Article anchoring rightArt. 21 – life & personal liberty (Puttaswamy 2017)
Trademark barSec 14 – no mark implying link with living/deceased (<20 yrs) sans consent
IT Act offenceSec 66C – identity theft of electronic credentials
Copyright safeguardMoral rights prevent distortion/misuse of author/performer work
Types of personality rightsPublicity right; Privacy right
Notable 2025 rulingAishwarya Rai Bachchan; HC stopped AI-generated impersonation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

GS-3Scheme

7.Biopharma Shakti biopharma scheme

ETH

What & Where

Definition: Biopharma SHAKTI = Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation; Union Budget 2026-27 flagship.

Process: Promotes domestic biologics & biosimilars for non-communicable diseases via R&D, manufacturing, trials, regulation.

Geography: Pan-India; new/upgraded NIPERs, 1,000+ accredited clinical-trial sites, 3 chemical parks.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure Push

  • Institutes: 10 NIPER interventions to expand skilled workforce, translational research.
  • Trials: 1,000-site network aims global-standard data, faster approvals.
  • Chemical parks: Cluster model reduces life-science import dependence.

Regulatory Strengthening

  • CDSCO: Dedicated scientific reviewers to match global approval timelines.
  • Harmonisation: Faster dossiers expected to aid export competitiveness.
  • Compliance: Upgrades align with ICH, WHO GMP norms.

Bio-Manufacturing & Circular Economy

  • Biologics: Focus on in-house monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins.
  • Biogas: Excise exemption incentivises blending with CNG, supports waste-to-fuel chain.
  • Agri-biotech: Bharat-VISTAAR channels AI for crop, bio-resource optimisation.

Traditional Knowledge

  • Evidence: WHO Jamnagar hub bolsters clinical validation of AYUSH therapies.
  • Exports: Quality-linked initiatives aim larger Ayurvedic share in global wellness market.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total outlay₹10,000 crore over 5 years
Target diseasesCancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders
New NIPERs3 institutes
Upgraded NIPERs7 institutes
Clinical-trial sites1,000+ accredited locations
Chemical parks3 plug-and-play clusters
Regulator boostedCDSCO gets scientific review cadre
AI farm toolBharat-VISTAAR (ICAR content, multilingual)
Biogas-CNG dutyBiogas value excluded from Central Excise
WHO centreJamnagar Global Traditional Medicine Centre upgraded

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

“पेकेन पार्थेनोकार्पी” की चर्चा प्रायः किस संदर्भ में की जाती है ?

GS-3Scheme

8.Budget boost for livestock and fisheries

PIB

What & Where

Union Budget 2026-27 boosts Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) allocation to ₹8,915.26 cr, India.

Focus areas: livestock value chains, veterinary capacity, blue economy infrastructure, export competitiveness.

Sectors grew 7.1 % vs crops 3.5 %, now ~16 % of national farm income.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Budgetary Outlay

  • Allocation prioritises saturation of veterinary services, blue economy infra, export facilitation.
  • Fisheries support highest ever, reflecting sector’s export share.
  • Capital subsidies structured as credit-linked, encouraging private investment.

Livestock Measures

  • Workforce: 20,000 + vets to strengthen animal health delivery.
  • Incentives: Loan-linked subsidies for private vet colleges, labs, breeding centres.
  • Indigenous breeds: RGM ₹800 cr targets productivity of native cattle.

Fisheries Measures

  • Infrastructure: 500 reservoirs, Amrit Sarovars for inland aquaculture expansion.
  • Inclusion: Women-led groups, 200 + fisheries startups integrated via FPO model.
  • Export dominance: ₹2,761.80 cr to sustain India’s top seafood exporter status.

Tax & Trade Reforms

  • Duty-free inputs: Limit tripled to 3 % aiding processors’ cost-competitiveness.
  • EEZ/high-sea catch: Declared duty-exempt, easing raw material access.
  • Courier exports: ₹10 lakh ceiling scrapped, opening global e-commerce to small entities.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Overall MoFAHD outlay FY27₹8,915.26 cr
YoY rise in livestock & fisheries budget26.7 %
Livestock & fisheries growth FY267.1 %
Share in farm income~16 %
Veterinary professionals to be added20,000 +
Rashtriya Gokul Mission allocation₹800 cr
Entrepreneurship scheme outlay₹500 cr
Fisheries sector allocation₹2,761.80 cr
Reservoirs / Amrit Sarovars covered500
Duty-free seafood input limit3 % of export turnover
EEZ/high-sea catch customs dutyNil
Courier export value capRemoved (was ₹10 lakh)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

GS-3Economy

9.Income Tax Act 2025 reforms

Hindustan Times
Illustration for Income Tax Act 2025 reforms

What & Where

Income Tax Act, 2025 – brand-new central direct-tax law for India

Enters into force nationwide on 1 April 2026

Supersedes the Income-tax Act, 1961 after 65 years

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Statute completed after July 2024 review in record time
  • Offences like non-audit converted from criminal to fee-based
  • Courts empowered to substitute imprisonment with fine

Compliance & Procedures

  • Redesigned forms aim for layman usability; notified early for acclimatisation
  • Assessment and penalty merged into single common order to curb litigation
  • Staggered deadlines differentiate individuals, non-audit entities

Penalties & Prosecution

  • Technical defaults decriminalised; focus shifts to monetary deterrence
  • Combined assessment-penalty order reduces multiple proceedings
  • Nominal revision fees introduced instead of harsher late-filing penalties

Disclosure Scheme

  • FAST DS 2026 targets students, returning NRIs with overseas assets/income
  • Immunity from prosecution for disclosures under ₹1 crore/₹5 crore thresholds
  • Payment of specified tax/fee mandatory for availing scheme

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Budget that unveiled ActUnion Budget 2026-27
Statute replacedIncome-tax Act, 1961
Effective date1 April 2026
ITR-1 & ITR-2 due date31 July
Non-audit business/trust due date31 August
Revised/belated return last date31 March of next FY
Fee for post-Dec 31 revision₹1,000 (<₹5 lakh) / ₹5,000 (>₹5 lakh)
Update after reassessmentAllowed; pay extra 10 % tax
Max imprisonment under Act2 years (down from 7)
FAST DS window length6 months in 2026

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1997PYQ 1

The Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) was introduced in the Budget of the Government of India for the year

GS-3Infrastructure

10.Rare Earth industrial corridors initiative

Indian Express
Illustration for Rare Earth industrial corridors initiative

What & Where

Rare Earth Corridors: state-anchored clusters integrating mining, separation, R&D and manufacturing of rare-earth permanent magnets.

Key flow: Monazite beach-sand extraction → REE separation → alloying → sintered REPM fabrication → downstream EV, wind, defence use.

Core geography: four coastal, monazite-rich states — Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • REPM scheme; supports integrated units from oxide to finished magnet under Productivity Linked Incentive model.
  • Corridor design; co-locates logistics, power, testing labs, common effluent plants to cut processing costs.
  • State SPVs; anchor land, clearances, plug-and-play sheds for MSME magnet makers.

Geography & Resources

  • Odisha Chhatrapur, Kerala Chavara, AP Srikakulam, TN Manavalakurichi host high Neodymium-Praseodymium light REE sands.
  • Inland prospects: Arunachal Papum Pare, Rajasthan Balotra, West Bengal Purulia show heavy-REE enrichment.
  • Carbonatite complexes Amba Dongar & Kamthai (Gujarat) flagged for future mixed-REE extraction.

Economic Angle

  • Import reduction; corridors aim to localise magnets where China currently controls ~90 % global supply chain.
  • Clean-tech boost; assured REPM feeds EV motors, 3 MW wind turbines, high-efficiency solar trackers.
  • Value addition; moving from raw monazite export (<₹20 /kg) to REPMs (>₹8,000 /kg) multiplies coastal GDP.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Budget year2026–27
Corridors announced4
Coastal host statesOdisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Principal oreMonazite beach placers
Target REPM capacity6,000 MTPA
REPM scheme outlay₹7,280 crore
Sales-linked incentive₹6,450 crore
Capital subsidy₹750 crore
Magnet imports FY25>53,000 MT
Mission linkNational Critical Minerals Mission

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to India, consider the following statements :

GS-3S&T

11.Moltbook AI-only social platform

Times of India

What & Where

Definition: Moltbook is a global AI-only social network; humans can only watch interactions

Process: Large language model agents join via API, post, comment, organise sub-communities

Scale: ≈5 million agents, thousands of submolts, millions of posts emerged within initial days

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Capability

  • Interaction: Context windows and probabilistic reasoning drive narrative generation
  • Coordination: Multi-agent system simulates societies without explicit task coding
  • Adaptation: Agents evolve norms, humour, even deviance unscripted

Ethical & Governance

  • Autonomy: Large-scale unsupervised agent discourse raises controllability questions
  • Accountability: No clear mechanism to assign responsibility for harmful emergent content
  • Consent: Human observers cannot intervene, challenging traditional oversight models

Social Dynamics

  • Culture: Agents spontaneously form belief systems and philosophical schools
  • Economy: Virtual cryptocurrencies and exchange rules created without human prompt
  • Identity: Cross-architecture agents debate self and recognise model siblings

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Participation eligibilityOnly authenticated AI agents
Human roleRead-only spectators
Structural analogueReddit-style submolts
Access modeAPI, not keyboards
Core modelsGPT, Claude, Gemini families
Reported agent count~5 million within days
Emergent creationsMock religions, political systems, cryptocurrencies
Cross-model dialogueYes; agents recognise lineage
Governance scriptsNone pre-programmed
Key concern areasAutonomy, alignment, accountability
GS-3Security

12.Record defence outlay indigenisation push

The Hindu

What & Where

Union Budget 2026-27, India; earmarks record ₹7.85 lakh cr for defence modernisation and Aatmanirbhar push.

Capital focus: equipment renewal, indigenised manufacturing, post-operation capability gaps.

Core geography: 75 % domestic sourcing; Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Allocation lifts defence spend to ~2 % GDP, highest absolute amount ever.
  • Capital outlay surge 22 % to speed modernisation cycles.
  • ₹1.39 lakh cr domestic orders expected to boost MSME-led supply chains.

Tech & Schemes

  • Customs waiver on aviation parts spurs domestic civilian/trainer aircraft production.
  • New Construction & Infrastructure Equipment scheme supports tunnel-borers for high-altitude roads.
  • Duty-free imports of capital goods for critical-mineral processing aid advanced defence electronics.

Security Dimension

  • Enhanced capital buys cover post-operation equipment shortfalls across services.
  • Rare Earth Corridors secure magnet supply for missiles, radars, EW systems.
  • Extended nuclear duty relief fortifies long-term strategic energy security.

Welfare & Pensions

  • Tax-free status granted to both service and disability elements of armed-forces pensions.
  • Benefit applies to personnel invalided out due to service-related disability in armed, paramilitary forces.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total defence outlay₹7.85 lakh crore
YoY increase15.19 %
Share in Union expenditure14.67 %
Share of GDP≈2 %
Capital expenditure₹2.19 lakh crore
Capital acquisitions₹1.85 lakh crore
Domestic procurement quota75 % of capital acquisition
Indigenous procurement value₹1.39 lakh crore
Customs duty waiver, nuclear importsValid till 2035
Rare Earth Corridor statesOdisha, Kerala, Andhra Pr., Tamil Nadu

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2025PYQ 1

केंद्रीय बजट, 2025-26 में व्यय की निम्नलिखित में से किस मद को उच्चतम आवंटन प्राप्त हुआ?

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 2

केंद्रीय बजट 2022-23 में राजस्व व्यय का सबसे बड़ा घटक निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा है?

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

13.India expands Ramsar network to 98 sites

PIB

What & Where

Ramsar Site – wetland tagged internationally significant under 1971 Ramsar Convention, commemorated each 2 Feb as World Wetlands Day.

Chhari-Dhand – seasonal saline wetland, Banni grasslands–Kutch salt-flats, Gujarat’s arid west.

Patna Bird Sanctuary – 1 sq km freshwater marsh–woodland patch, Jalesar, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity Highlights

  • Waterfowl – ~30,000 Common Cranes, large Greater & Lesser Flamingos rely on Chhari-Dhand each winter.
  • Threatened birds – Critically Endangered Sociable Lapwing, Vulnerable Common Pochard recorded in Chhari-Dhand.
  • Migratory influx – Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, Northern Pintail throng tiny Patna marsh in winters.

Geographical Context

  • Landscape – Chhari-Dhand wedged between Banni grasslands and Rann salt flats, extreme arid-saline setting.
  • Habitat mosaic – Patna mixes freshwater marsh, woodlands, grasslands amid intensive agricultural matrix.
  • Phenomenon – Chhari-Dhand famed for nocturnal “Chir Batti” lights across open flats.

Conservation Status

  • BirdLife tag – Patna Bird Sanctuary classified Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA).
  • Ramsar upgrade – Both sites added Feb 2026, strengthening India wetland network.
  • Faunal support – Surrounding drylands host chinkara, caracal, desert fox around Chhari-Dhand basin.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Ramsar Convention year1971
World Wetlands Day2 February
India Ramsar sites total98
Chhari-Dhand peak spread≈ 80 sq km (monsoon)
Chhari-Dhand flywayWestern migratory route
Chhari-Dhand Reserve statusGujarat’s only Conservation Reserve
Patna Sanctuary areajust over 1 sq km
Patna flywayCentral Asian
Patna bird species listed178
Patna plant species listed252

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

Which of the following about Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is/are correct?

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

With reference to Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultanpur National Park, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary and Wadhwana Wetland, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

14.Coking coal listed as critical mineral

PIB

What & Where

Definition: Specialized bituminous coal that carbonises into coke for blast-furnace iron reduction

Global nodes: Major producers China Australia Russia USA Canada; India imports mainly from Australia

Indian belts: ~37.37 Bt resources concentrated in Jharkhand followed by Madhya Pradesh West Bengal Chhattisgarh

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • MMDR Section 11C enables Centre to notify minerals as critical without Parliamentary amendment
  • Feb 2026 Gazette lists coking coal separately in Part D ensuring priority in allocation and funding

Industrial Linkage

  • Steelmaking route blast furnace needs metallurgical coke therefore coking coal directly drives cost competitiveness
  • Import heavy reliance exposes India to seaborne price swings and supply disruptions impacting Aatmanirbhar aspirations

Resource & Trade Balance

  • Proven resources sizable yet output lags causing 57.58 Mt imports FY 25
  • Government push aims to substitute imports using domestic Jharkhand Barakar formations and new washeries

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Legal tagCritical & Strategic Mineral
Governing lawMines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957
Enabling sectionSection 11C
Schedule part addedPart D of First Schedule
Definition widened inPart A of First Schedule
Declaration year2026
Coking coal per tonne steel~780 kg
India steel ranking2nd largest producer
Import dependence~95 % requirement
Import volume FY 2024-2557.58 million t
Main import sourceAustralia
Domestic resource estimate37.37 billion t
Largest resource stateJharkhand
Key propertiesStrong caking; low ash, sulfur, P
Top global producersChina Australia Russia USA Canada

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?

GS1 2015PYQ 2

In India, the steel production industry requires the import of

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

15.ExoMiner++ open-source exoplanet detection AI

The Hindu

What & Where

ExoMiner++ – NASA deep-learning AI model for spotting exoplanets in telescope photometry

Operates on Kepler & TESS stellar-brightness time-series, flagging transit dips

Released open-source for worldwide replication and upgrade

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Features

  • Explainability layer supplies human-readable rationale and score
  • Filters binary stars, background objects that mimic transit signals
  • Scales to analyse many more stars simultaneously than predecessor

Data Sources

  • Kepler legacy dataset used for robust model training
  • TESS ongoing survey provides real-time candidate hunting
  • Future integration aimed at Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Mission Significance

  • Open-source release democratises exoplanet research tools
  • Rapid validation pipeline accelerates catalogue building for follow-up studies
  • Supports GS-III themes: space tech, scientific innovation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
DeveloperNASA
AI TypeDeep-learning, explainable
Core TaskExoplanet classification vs false positives
Training DatasetsKepler + TESS photometry
Candidates Found~7,000 in TESS data
OutputConfidence score with reasoning

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