September 2025

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Self-Respect Movement Category: HISTORY Context:  100 Years of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu Origins and Description Began in 1925 as a movement against caste and gender hierarchy. Led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, who used the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu to spread radical, non-Brahmin ideas. Political Impact Periyar engaged with the Justice Party, advocating militant non-Brahminism to counter Congress’s caste politics. Offered an alternative social reform agenda, challenging upper-caste dominance. Radical Social Reforms Popularized self-respect marriages, promoted women’s rights (remarriage, property), and expanded public debate. Kudi Arasu articulated radical positions on caste and gender, influencing reforms in Hindu society. Justice Party’s Role The South Indian Liberal Federation empowered non-Brahmins and widened political participation. However, non-elite non-Brahmins often remained marginalized. Legacy and Recognition Fostered awareness and pride among non-Brahmin masses about their rights. Its legacy reshaped caste dynamics, gender politics, and social reform, retaining relevance in contemporary Tamil society. Learning Corner: E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar)  Born: 17 September 1879, Erode, Tamil Nadu Known as: Periyar (“The Great One”) Role in Social Reform Founded the Self-Respect Movement (1925) to challenge caste hierarchy, Brahminical dominance, and gender inequality. Advocated rationalism, atheism, and social justice, rejecting religious orthodoxy and superstition. Strongly opposed untouchability, hereditary caste privileges, and dominance of upper castes in politics and society. Political Engagement Initially associated with the Indian National Congress, but resigned due to differences over caste discrimination. Later allied with the Justice Party, pushing for non-Brahmin representation in politics and education. Played a major role in shaping Dravidian ideology, which later influenced parties like DMK and AIADMK. Key Reforms Promoted Self-Respect Marriages (without Brahmin priests, based on equality). Championed women’s rights: widow remarriage, right to property, education, and opposition to child marriage. Used journalism (Kudi Arasu weekly) and public debates to spread rationalist and egalitarian ideas. Legacy Revered as the “Father of the Dravidian Movement.” Left a lasting impact on Tamil society, politics, and social justice discourse. His ideas continue to shape debates on caste, rationalism, and social reform in South India. Source: THE HINDU WTO Category: INTERNATIONAL Context : India at SCO Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Vladivostok Key Highlights Reaffirmed commitment to a WTO-centered, open, fair, and inclusive multilateral trading system. Called for a development-centered trade agenda, including: Permanent solution on public stockholding for food security. Effective Special and Differential Treatment for developing nations. Urged restoration of a two-tier WTO dispute settlement system. Emphasized need for transparent export measures, warning against misuse and artificial scarcity. Stressed export diversification, resilient supply chains, and MSME integration for shared prosperity. Broader Priorities Showcased India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI, ONDC) and proposed SCO collaboration on digital economy and secure digitalization. Advocated climate action on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, opposing trade-linked discrimination. Highlighted AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) as a driver of jobs, exports, and creative industries. Significance Strengthens rule-based, fair, and inclusive trade through WTO. Enhances regional economic cooperation, connectivity, and sustainable growth within SCO. Learning Corner: World Trade Organization (WTO)  Established: 1 January 1995 (replacing GATT, 1947). Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Membership: 164 members (including India). Objectives Promote free, fair, and predictable international trade. Provide a platform for trade negotiations and settlement of disputes. Ensure non-discrimination through Most Favoured Nation (MFN) and National Treatment principles. Support developing countries through Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT). Core Functions Administers WTO Agreements (on goods, services, and intellectual property – TRIPS, GATS, AoA). Trade Dispute Settlement: Operates a two-tier system – Panel and Appellate Body. Monitoring and Transparency: Oversees trade policies of members through reviews. Capacity Building: Technical assistance and training for developing/least developed countries. Current Issues Appellate Body Crisis: Non-functioning since 2019 due to U.S. opposition to judge appointments. Agriculture Negotiations: Dispute over food security, subsidies, and public stockholding. Digital Trade: Rules on e-commerce and data flow are contested. Developing Country Concerns: Need for fairer S&DT provisions. Significance Provides a rule-based multilateral trading system, preventing unilateralism. Ensures predictability, transparency, and stability in global trade. Key platform for addressing global challenges like supply chain resilience, climate-linked trade issues, and digital economy. Source:  PIB Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Category: HISTORY Context: Marks the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the “Bard of the Brahmaputra.” Named after his iconic song Bistirna Parore, symbolizing unity and cultural resilience. Began at Guijan, Dibrugarh, featuring live renditions of Hazarika’s songs, folk performances, and cultural showcases by communities like Moran, Motok, Tea Tribe, Sonowal Kachari, Deuri, and Gorkha. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s Musical Legacy Bistirna Parore, inspired by Ol’ Man River, turned the Brahmaputra into a metaphor for human struggle, justice, and solidarity. His music united generations, carried Assam’s culture to global audiences, and embodied peace and brotherhood. Significance Serves as a living tribute to Hazarika’s unmatched influence. Celebrates Assam’s cultural diversity, creativity, and collective spirit along the Brahmaputra. Learning Corner: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika  Born: 8 September 1926, Sadiya, Assam Known as: Bard of the Brahmaputra Profession: Singer, lyricist, composer, poet, filmmaker, and cultural icon. Contributions Gave voice to the struggles, hopes, and unity of people through songs rooted in Assamese folk traditions. His iconic song Bistirna Parore used the Brahmaputra as a metaphor for justice, solidarity, and resilience (inspired by Ol’ Man River). Brought Assamese and North-Eastern culture to national and global platforms. Advocated themes of peace, universal brotherhood, and social justice through music and films. Composed music for Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi films, making regional music nationally popular. Recognitions Bharat Ratna (2019) – India’s highest civilian award. Padma Vibhushan (2012, posthumous), Padma Bhushan (2001). Recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992) for contribution to Indian cinema. Legacy Revered as a cultural unifier of Assam and the North-East. Left behind a legacy of socially conscious art that continues to inspire movements for justice, equality, and cultural pride. His centenary is celebrated with music and cultural programs across Assam and beyond. Source: PIB Sree Narayana Guru Category: HISTORY Context : Tribute to Sree Narayana Guru on His Birth Anniversary The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sree Narayana Guru, recalling his vision of equality, compassion, and universal

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) SAMHiTA Conference Category: POLITY Context:  External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the SAMHiTA Conference on South Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical Contributions Objectives Digital Archive: Digitize and unify manuscripts scattered across global collections for wider access. Mathematical Heritage: Highlight South Asia’s contributions to mathematics and related sciences. Global Collaboration: Partner with international institutions for preservation and knowledge exchange. Key Highlights Dr. Jaishankar emphasized self-reliance in intellectual leadership and showcasing India’s civilizational and mathematical heritage. The initiative strengthens cultural diplomacy, enhances research infrastructure, and deepens India’s role in global knowledge networks. Learning Corner: South Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical Contributions Manuscript Traditions in South Asia Diversity of Scripts and Languages: South Asia has one of the richest manuscript traditions in the world, spanning Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Persian, Arabic, and Tibetan among others. These manuscripts cover religion, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, grammar, and arts. Materials and Mediums: Manuscripts were traditionally inscribed on palm leaves, birch bark, parchment, and handmade paper, often preserved in temples, monasteries, mathas, and royal libraries. Centers of Manuscript Culture: Nalanda and Vikramshila Universities: Major repositories of Buddhist and scientific manuscripts. Kerala and Tamil Nadu: Palm-leaf manuscripts in Ayurveda, astronomy, and mathematics. Kashmir: Known for Shaiva and Buddhist manuscripts on birch bark. Persianate Traditions: Mughal patronage encouraged preservation of texts in astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. Transmission and Global Spread: Manuscripts were carried along trade routes and through cultural exchanges to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, influencing global knowledge systems. Mathematical Contributions of South Asia South Asia played a foundational role in global mathematical development: Decimal Place Value System & Zero: The concept of zero as a number and the place value system emerged in India (e.g., Brahmagupta, 7th century CE). This became the foundation of modern arithmetic. Algebra and Arithmetic: Aryabhata (5th century CE): Introduced place value notation, trigonometric functions (sine, cosine). Brahmagupta (7th century CE): Systematic rules for zero and negative numbers; quadratic equations. Bhaskara II (12th century CE): Solutions to indeterminate equations; contributions to calculus-like concepts. Geometry and Trigonometry: Sulbasutras (c. 800–500 BCE) contain rules for altar construction, approximations of √2, and Pythagorean triples. Indian trigonometric methods later influenced Islamic and European mathematics. Astronomical Mathematics: Mathematics was closely tied to astronomy for calendar-making and planetary calculations. Works like Surya Siddhanta combined mathematics with cosmology. Transmission to the World: Indian numerals were transmitted via the Arabs (“Arabic numerals”) to Europe, revolutionizing commerce and science. Indian trigonometry and algebra shaped Islamic Golden Age mathematics. Source: AIR Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Category: POLITY Context : India’s birth rate and Total Fertility Rate (TFR) have seen a notable decline in 2023–2025, marking the first dip in two years and pushing fertility further below the replacement level of 2.1. Key Data Birth Rate: 18.4 per 1,000 in 2023 (down from 21.4 in 2013 and 36.9 in 1971). TFR: 1.9 in 2023–25, below replacement level. Rural vs Urban: Rural TFR at 2.1, urban rates lower. State Variation: Bihar and UP remain high; Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi report as low as 1.4–1.6. Reasons for Decline Higher female literacy and workforce participation, leading to delayed marriages. Urbanization and rising costs encourage smaller families. Wider contraceptive use and family planning awareness. Youth migration for education and jobs. Implications India’s population will likely peak at around 1.7 billion in the next 40 years before declining. Long-term effects include an aging population, shrinking workforce, and higher demand for elderly care. Policy focus will shift toward social security, healthcare for elderly, and labor market reforms. Learning Corner: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Definition: TFR is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years (15–49 years), assuming current fertility patterns remain constant. Replacement Level Fertility: The TFR needed for a population to replace itself without migration is about 2.1 (slightly above 2 to account for child mortality). India’s Current Status: As of 2023–25, India’s TFR has declined to 1.9, below replacement level. Factors Influencing TFR: Female education and workforce participation Access to contraception and healthcare Socio-economic conditions and urbanization Cultural and regional variations Implications: A declining TFR leads to slower population growth, eventual population stabilization, and later population decline. It also causes population aging, reduced labor force, and increased demand for elderly care. However, it reflects progress in health, literacy, and women’s empowerment. Source:  THE HINDU Malacca Straits Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: Singapore has officially backed India’s interest in joining joint patrols of the Malacca Straits, marking a new phase in bilateral maritime security cooperation and regional collaboration. Key Details In September 2025, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Lawrence Wong discussed India’s formal role in the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP), currently involving Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Singapore views India’s participation as strengthening regional security, technology pooling, and balancing major power influence in the Indo-Pacific. Strategic Importance The Malacca Strait is a vital chokepoint: nearly 40–50% of global trade and 70% of Asia’s oil imports pass through it. For India, about 60% of sea-based trade and almost all LNG imports transit this route. India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands, just 600 km away, provide operational leverage for the Indian Navy. Impact on Regional Security India’s entry will boost anti-piracy, anti-trafficking, and intelligence operations, drawing on its naval experience in the Gulf of Aden. It strengthens India’s Act East policy, deepens ASEAN-led security structures, and contributes to Indo-Pacific balance. Technological Cooperation The partnership will advance collaboration in AI, quantum computing, unmanned vessels, and surveillance technologies. Joint ventures may include autonomous patrol craft and quantum-secure communications for maritime safety. Learning Corner: Malacca Strait Geography: The Malacca Strait is a narrow stretch of water between the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia & Singapore) and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It connects the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) with the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). Its narrowest point, the Phillip Channel near Singapore, is only about 2.7 km wide, making it one of the world’s most significant maritime chokepoints. Strategic Importance: Handles about 40–50% of global trade and nearly 70% of Asia’s oil imports. Vital

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Vikram 32 Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first Made in India Vikram 32-bit chip at Semicon India 2025, marking a milestone in the country’s semiconductor industry. The Vikram 32-bit Processor, an upgraded version of the earlier 16-bit VIKRAM1601 microprocessor, was developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the Semiconductor Laboratory, Chandigarh. It has been used in ISRO’s launch vehicles since 2009 for space flight and avionics. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the chip to PM Modi, along with 31 prototype chips developed by IITs and NITs. India currently has five semiconductor units under construction, one pilot line completed, and two more units set to begin production soon. This achievement strengthens India’s position as an emerging semiconductor hub, boosting global confidence in its technology sector. Learning Corner: The Vikram 32-bit chip is India’s first indigenously developed 32-bit microprocessor for space applications. It is an advanced version of the earlier VIKRAM1601 (16-bit) processor and has been developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in collaboration with the Semiconductor Laboratory, Chandigarh. The chip is specifically designed for space flight and avionics systems in ISRO’s launch vehicles and has been in operational use since 2009. Its development marks a major step in India’s semiconductor self-reliance, showcasing the country’s ability to design and manufacture high-end processors for critical sectors like space technology. The presentation of this chip at Semicon India 2025 highlights India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and its strategic push to become a global manufacturing hub. Source: THE HINDU Maitree Category: DEFENCE Context : The 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military exercise Maitree-XIV began on September 1, 2025, at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya Participants: 120 personnel from India’s Madras Regiment and 53 from Thailand’s 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade. Focus: Counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain under UN Charter Chapter VII, including tactical drills, joint planning, special arms skills, fitness, and raiding operations. Significance: Strengthens defence ties, interoperability, and mutual trust, culminating in a 48-hour validation exercise simulating real-world scenarios. Background: Started in 2006, Exercise Maitree remains a key bilateral initiative enhancing defence cooperation and regional strategic partnership between India and Thailand. Learning Corner: Major military exercises of India  Exercise Partner / Participants Type Focus / Objective Maitree Thailand Army Counter-terrorism, semi-urban/jungle warfare, interoperability. Garuda Shakti Indonesia Army (Special Forces) Counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, jungle survival. Shakti France Army Counter-terrorism in semi-urban and high-altitude conditions. Surya Kiran Nepal Army Counter-insurgency, disaster response, humanitarian assistance. Nomadic Elephant Mongolia Army Counter-insurgency, peacekeeping, and desert warfare. Hand-in-Hand China Army Counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance under UN mandate. Yudh Abhyas USA Army Counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping operations. Indra Russia Tri-services Counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and joint operations. Sampriti Bangladesh Army Counter-terrorism and disaster management. Ajeya Warrior United Kingdom Army Counter-terrorism and joint tactical operations. Garuda France Air Force Air-to-air combat, interoperability, strategic cooperation. Cope India USA Air Force Air combat tactics, strategic airlift, and joint operations. Indo-Russian Avia Indra Russia Air Force Air defence, ground attack coordination. Varuna France Navy Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and interoperability. Malabar USA, Japan, Australia Navy (Quadrilateral) Maritime security, freedom of navigation, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. JIMEX Japan Navy Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and joint tactical manoeuvres. Simbex Singapore Navy Anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, and sea control operations. Konkan United Kingdom Navy Maritime security, anti-piracy, and naval cooperation. MILAN Multinational (Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific) Navy (Multilateral) Maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security. Source:  PIB BHARATI initiative Category: ECONOMICS Context: APEDA has launched the BHARATI initiative (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) to accelerate India’s agri-food exports Focus: Promoting innovation, incubation, and export opportunities in GI-tagged products, organic foods, superfoods, livestock, and AYUSH items. Features: A three-month acceleration programme covering product development, export readiness, market access, regulatory compliance, and solutions for perishability, logistics, and value addition. Technology: Integration of AI-based quality control, blockchain traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, agri-fintech, and sustainable packaging. Impact: Nationwide awareness campaigns and a scalable incubation model to boost India’s global standing in agri-food exports through technology and entrepreneurship. Source: PIB Bond yields Category: ECONOMICS Context Bond yields in India have risen despite RBI’s rate cuts due to structural and market factors that outweigh policy easing. Heavy Government Borrowing: The 2025–26 Budget projects net borrowing of ₹11.55 lakh crore, creating oversupply of bonds and pushing yields higher. Fiscal Concerns: Rising debt (₹17.55 lakh crore in March 2025, projected to ₹19.01 lakh crore in March 2026) and deficit worries make investors demand higher returns. Liquidity Management: RBI injected liquidity but absorbed it through Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auctions, sending mixed signals and limiting the effect of rate cuts. Weak Demand & Global Factors: Banks, insurers, and foreign investors have shown lower appetite, while global bond yields remain elevated. Risk Premium: Despite low inflation (below 2% in July 2025), investors seek a premium amid fiscal and global uncertainties. The yield–repo spread has widened to around 100 basis points, the largest in 2025. Learning Corner: Relation between bond yields and rate cuts: Normal Case – When Rate Cuts Lower Yields Suppose RBI’s repo rate is 6%, and the government issues a 10-year bond with a coupon (interest) of 7%. If RBI cuts the repo rate to 5%, new loans and bonds will generally offer lower returns (closer to 5–6%). Investors now rush to buy the older bond paying 7%, raising its price. Since Yield = (Coupon ÷ Price) × 100, higher price → lower yield. Example: Bond with ₹1,000 face value paying ₹70 annually (7%). If demand pushes its price to ₹1,100 → Yield = 70 ÷ 1100 = 6.36% (lower than before). Exceptional Case – Why Yields May Rise Despite Rate Cuts RBI again cuts repo rate from 6% → 5%. But suppose the government announces huge borrowing (₹11.5 lakh crore). That means more bonds will be supplied in the market. Investors worry about fiscal deficit and demand higher return to hold these extra bonds. Even though RBI cut rates, bond prices may fall due to oversupply and risk concerns. Example:

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) RTE Act Category: POLITY Context:  The Supreme Court of India has called for a revisit of the blanket exemption granted to minority institutions under the RTE Act, 2009, holding that such exemption could undermine education standards. Key Bench Observations Expressed serious doubts on the 2014 Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust ruling that upheld full exemption. Warned that exemptions may be misused to evade child-centric regulations. Clarified there is no conflict between Article 21A (Right to Education) and Article 30(1) (Minority Rights); both can co-exist. Suggested that the 25% quota should also allow admission of children from outside the minority community for broader inclusiveness. Broader Context Provisions like TET and reservation for disadvantaged groups should ideally apply to all institutions, including minority ones, to maintain inclusiveness and quality. Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act (admission of disadvantaged groups) does not dilute minority character and should be applied. Court stressed that the 2014 ruling needs reconsideration to uphold the universalization of elementary education and protect child welfare standards. Learning Corner: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 Enactment: Came into force on 1st April 2010, operationalizing Article 21A of the Constitution (Right to Education as a Fundamental Right). Objective: To provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group 6–14 years. Key Provisions: No child shall be denied admission for lack of documents or late admission. Prohibits physical punishment, mental harassment, screening tests, capitation fees, and private tuition by teachers. Mandates minimum infrastructure standards (student-teacher ratio, classroom, drinking water, toilets, etc.). Teacher Qualifications: Only trained and qualified teachers allowed; Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandated. 25% Reservation (Section 12(1)(c)): Private unaided schools must reserve 25% seats for disadvantaged and weaker section children. Emphasizes continuous and comprehensive evaluation—no detention till completion of elementary education. Coverage: Applies to government, local authority, and private unaided schools (except minority institutions, as per earlier court rulings—now under reconsideration). Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS Tianjin Declaration Category: INTERNATIONAL Context : The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders, through the Tianjin Declaration, unanimously condemned terrorism, referencing attacks in Pahalgam Key Points from the Declaration Opposed unilateral sanctions and supported fairness in global governance. Condemned targeting civilians in conflicts, mentioning Gaza and Afghanistan. Supported political stability in Afghanistan and endorsed China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Summit Highlights PM Modi and President Putin discussed peace, stability, and cooperation, including Ukraine. Xi Jinping stressed fairness in global leadership and warned against Cold War mentality. Laos was upgraded to SCO partner status; members backed humanitarian aid and economic development. Learning Corner: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Formation: Established in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan (building on the earlier “Shanghai Five” group). Membership: Currently 9 members – China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran (joined in 2023). Several observer states and dialogue partners also participate. Headquarters: Beijing, China. Official Languages: Chinese and Russian. Objectives Promote regional peace, security, and stability. Combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “three evils”). Enhance economic, cultural, and connectivity cooperation. Encourage multipolarity and fairness in global governance. Key Features Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Based in Tashkent, focuses on intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism. Annual Summits & Declarations: Used to align on political, security, and economic issues. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Endorsed by SCO, though India remains opposed. Expanding outreach with observer states, dialogue partners, and partner status (e.g., Belarus in process of joining, Laos as partner). Source:  THE HINDU CEREBO Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: CEREBO is an indigenously developed, portable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It can detect intracranial bleeding and edema within a minute, is radiation-free, safe for infants and pregnant women, and can be used even by paramedics or unskilled personnel where CT/MRI scans are unavailable. Importance & Usage Provides colour-coded, cost-effective, quick results for TBI detection. Useful in ambulances, trauma centres, rural clinics, and disaster zones. Improves outcomes through early diagnosis and triage without specialized infrastructure. Clinical trials have shown accuracy and integration into emergency pathways, with potential for global adoption. Context: Traumatic Brain Injuries TBIs are a major health burden in India, with 1.5–2 million cases annually, largely from road accidents. Many remain undiagnosed due to mild or hidden symptoms, leading to long-term impairments. CEREBO helps bridge gaps in rural and emergency TBI care, offering rapid, objective assessment. Source: THE HINDU Multithread and Single thread Rivers Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: Geographers at the University of California Santa Barbara have uncovered why some rivers split into multiple channels (multi-threaded) while others remain single-threaded Physical Mechanism Single-thread rivers maintain equilibrium between bank erosion and bar accretion—what erodes from one bank matches what is deposited on the opposite side, keeping the river stable. Multi-threaded rivers erode banks more quickly than they deposit material, resulting in channel widening and eventual splitting due to this persistent imbalance. Broader Implications The distinction between river types affects flood risks, erosion hazards, and ecosystem services; understanding these patterns is increasingly important as extreme weather events become more common. Research showed many rivers historically shifted from multi-threaded to single-channel forms after human intervention, such as damming and sand mining, underscoring the impact people have on river morphology. Technical Approach Scientists mapped river bank positions and water flows using thousands of satellite images, measuring erosion and gravel/sediment deposition to reveal cycles of instability behind channel splitting. This work highlights that river channel form is shaped not by static equilibrium but by repeated instability, informing future river management and flood prediction models. Learning Corner: Meandering Definition: Meanders are the sinuous, snake-like bends in a river channel that develop in its middle and lower courses due to lateral erosion and deposition. Formation Process: On the outer bank, fast-flowing water causes erosion (river cliff). On the inner bank, slower water leads to deposition (point bar). This continuous process accentuates the bends. Characteristics: Develops in rivers with gentle gradient, large volume of water, and fine sediments. Migration of meanders over time may lead to the formation of oxbow lakes when a bend gets

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Blue Dragons Category: POLITY Context:  Several beaches in Spain were closed after the arrival of blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) Several beaches in Spain were closed after the arrival of blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus), small but venomous sea slugs capable of delivering extremely painful stings. These creatures float upside down on the ocean surface, feeding on venomous jellyfish and incorporating their toxins for defense. Rarely seen in the Mediterranean, their sudden presence surprised scientists and locals. Stings can cause pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting, though not usually fatal. Their appearance is linked to shifting water currents and marine anomalies, possibly driven by climate change. Learning Corner: Blue Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) A small but strikingly blue sea slug (nudibranch) found in warm ocean waters. Floats upside down on the water surface using a gas-filled sac in its stomach. Feeds mainly on venomous organisms like Portuguese man o’ war and jellyfish, storing their stinging cells (nematocysts) in its own tissues. This ability makes its sting extremely painful, causing swelling, nausea, and vomiting, though not usually fatal. Rarely seen in the Mediterranean; presence there is linked to shifting water currents and climate change. Considered an indicator of marine ecological anomalies. Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS APK scams Category: ENVIRONMENT Context : APK scams are a fast-growing cybercrime in India where fraudsters spread fake Android Package Kit (.APK) files disguised as official apps to steal sensitive personal and financial data. Victims are lured through calls or messages about blocked bank accounts or subsidies and tricked into downloading malicious apps. Once installed, these apps capture OTPs, banking details, and contacts in real time, enabling immediate fund theft. They are traded on underground platforms, and stolen data is decoded for fraudulent transactions. These apps often self-delete after theft, making tracking difficult. Authorities are countering the menace by tracing digital trails, coordinating with banks and telecom operators, and raising public awareness, but losses remain significant due to the scams’ scale and sophistication. Different types of cybercrime: Phishing & Smishing – Fraudulent emails or SMS messages trick users into revealing personal/banking details. Malware Attacks – Malicious software (viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware) used to steal data, disrupt systems, or extort money. Ransomware – Encrypts a victim’s files and demands ransom for decryption. Identity Theft – Stealing personal information (like Aadhaar, PAN, bank details) to commit fraud. Financial Frauds – Online banking frauds, UPI scams, fake investment schemes, and APK-based fraud apps. Cyberstalking & Online Harassment – Using digital platforms to stalk, threaten, or harass individuals. Hacking & Data Breaches – Unauthorized access to systems or databases to steal sensitive data. Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks – Overloading a network/server to make it unavailable. Online Child Exploitation – Circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming. Intellectual Property Theft – Piracy, software cracking, or stealing trade secrets. Cyber Terrorism – Attacks on critical infrastructure, government systems, or spreading extremist propaganda online. Cryptocurrency & Dark Web Crimes – Illegal trading, money laundering, and transactions through untraceable crypto wallets. Source:  THE HINDU Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: The Supreme Court has asked the government for a status update on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court has asked the government for a status update on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that its prolonged absence affects citizens’ rights and undermines India’s federal principles. The Constitution allows for admission, establishment, and formation of states, as seen in J&K’s reorganization in 2019. While upholding the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Court directed statehood restoration and noted that the last Assembly elections were held in October 2024. Restoring statehood is seen as crucial to uphold constitutional values, equitable resource sharing, and the federal balance. Learning Corner: Constitutional provisions of state creation in India: Article 1: India is a “Union of States.” This emphasizes indestructibility of the Union but not of individual states. Article 2: Parliament may admit new states into the Union or establish new states. Example: Sikkim admitted in 1975. Article 3: Parliament has the power to form a new state by separation of territory, uniting two or more states/UTs, or altering boundaries/names of existing states. Example: Telangana created in 2014. Procedure under Article 3: President refers the proposal to the concerned State Legislature for its views. However, the State Legislature’s opinion is not binding on Parliament. Article 4: Laws made under Articles 2 and 3 are not considered constitutional amendments under Article 368. Significance: Ensures flexibility for reorganization of states to accommodate linguistic, cultural, administrative, or political demands while maintaining the Union’s integrity. Source: THE HINDU Coral microatolls Category: POLITY Context: This can be directly asked in prelims Research on coral microatolls—sensitive to the lowest tides—provides a continuous record of sea-level changes since 1959, refining projections and highlighting the urgent need for local monitoring and adaptation strategies. These findings are crucial for protecting coral reefs, island nations, and regional stability against climate risks. Learning Corner: Coral Microatolls – Brief Note Definition: Coral microatolls are disk-shaped coral formations that grow outward rather than upward, as their vertical growth is restricted by the lowest tide levels. Unique Feature: Their flat, saucer-like tops record sea-level changes over time because they grow only within a narrow vertical range controlled by tidal variations. Scientific Importance: They act as natural tide gauges, providing long-term, continuous records of sea-level fluctuations spanning decades to centuries. Climate Studies: Used to reconstruct past sea levels and refine projections of future rise, especially critical for vulnerable low-lying islands. Conservation Relevance: Help monitor the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, coral reef health, and coastal communities. Source: THE HINDU Ramon Magsaysay Award Category: CULTURE Context: Educate Girls, an Indian non-profit dedicated to enrolling unprivileged and out-of-school girls, has won the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Founded in Rajasthan, the organization works in rural and remote areas to address gender injustice in education, ensuring girls remain in school until they secure credentials for higher studies or employment. This is the first time an Indian organization has