Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Category: International Relations Context: The summit between U.S. President and Chinese President in Busan, South Korea, ended with several outcomes for bilateral ties between the two countries and may also impact India and Quad.                            About Quad: Members: QUAD, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a strategic forum comprising four countries: the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. Objective: The Quad is aimed at promoting regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Not a formal grouping: The Quad is a loose grouping rather than a formal alliance. It does not have a decision-making body or a secretariat, or a formal structure like NATO or the United Nations. The alliance is maintained through summits, meetings, information exchanges, and military drills. Revolves around Indo-Pacific region: The four countries share a common interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and countering China’s expanding influence in the region. Counters influence of China: The Quad is seen as a mechanism for balancing China’s influence in the region (through ‘String of pearls’ theory), although its members have stressed that it is not a military alliance and is open to other countries who share their values and interests. Other focus areas: The QUAD aims to promote people-to-people ties through academic and cultural exchanges and enhance disaster relief and humanitarian assistance capabilities. It also resolves debt issues under the G20 Common Framework through the ‘Quad Debt Management Resource Portal.’ Evolution: 2007: The Quad was initially formed in 2007 during an informal meeting of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who first proposed the idea of creating the Quad. 2012: The Japanese Prime Minister highlighted the concept of the ‘Democratic Security Diamond’ in Asia, which includes the US, Japan, India, and Australia. 2017: Once again confronted with the growing danger posed by China, the four nations revitalized the Quad by expanding its goals and devising a system that aimed to gradually establish an international order based on rules. India, Japan, USA, and Australia held the first ‘Quad’ talks in Manila ahead of the ASEAN Summit 2017. Source: The Hindu Adaptation Gap Report 2025 Category: Miscellaneous Context: Amid rising global temperatures, UNEP’s 2025 Adaptation Gap Report: Running on Empty finds that a yawning gap in adaptation finance for developing countries is putting lives, livelihoods and entire economies at risk. About Adaptation Gap Report: Published By: It is an annual flagship publication of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) –Copenhagen Climate Centre with contributions from multiple global institutions and experts. Objective: The Adaptation Gap Report tracks global progress on climate adaptation planning, implementation, and finance, assessing how far the world is from achieving climate resilience goals. Focus on developing countries: To evaluate whether nations—especially developing ones—are adapting fast enough to climate impacts, and to quantify the adaptation finance gap to support global negotiations under the UNFCCC and COP30. Important highlights from Adaptation Gap Report 2025: The report updates the cost of adaptation finance needed in developing countries, putting it at US$310 billion per year in 2035, when based on modelled costs. When based on extrapolated needs expressed in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, this figure rises to US$365 billion a year. Meanwhile, international public adaptation finance flows to developing countries were US$26 billion in 2023: down from US$28 billion the previous year. This makes adaptation financing needs in developing countries 12-14 times as much as current flows. If current finance trends continue, the Glasgow Climate Pact goal of doubling international public adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 will not be achieved, while the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance is not ambitious enough to close the finance gap. The private sector could do more – with potential to provide around US$50 billion per year if backed by targeted policy action and blended finance solutions. Source: UNEP Bharat Taxi Category: Government Schemes Context: India is set to launch it’s first-ever cooperative cab service “Bharat Taxi” in November 2025 in Delhi and it aims to address challenges faced by both commuters and drivers using private cab services. About Bharat Taxi: Launched by: It is launched by Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). Objective: It aims to build a robust, fairer system settling growing urban cab facility needs in the country. Based on cooperative model: This cooperative cab service offers a transparent, driver-owned alternative to private aggregators where drivers become members and shareholders instead only as ’employees’. One stop solution for passengers and drivers: Bharat Taxi is expected to be as a materialistic solution for the long-standing challenges faced by both commuters and drivers using private cab services. The model ensures all the stakeholders including the driver, the passenger behind the wheels have a voice in the system. Integration with other government services: The platform integrates with government digital services like DigiLocker and UMANG, ensuring seamless verification and service access. Management: Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited manages Bharat Taxi comprising cooperative leaders and driver representatives. It is backed by eight major institutions, renowned for its strong governance, transparency, and long-term sustainability for the initiative. Source: Deccan Herald Saranda Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on the Jharkhand government’s plea to reduce the expanse of to be notified Saranda sanctuary from its earlier 310 sq km to 250 sq km to exclude 60 sq km of forest inhabited by tribals to protect their forest rights. About Saranda Sanctuary: Location: It is a proposed wildlife sanctuary in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, located within the Saranda Forest Division, known as one of Asia’s largest Sal (Shorea robusta) forests and a key biodiversity hotspot at the Jharkhand–Odisha border. Nomenclature: Situated in southern Jharkhand, the Saranda region—means “land of seven hundred hills.” Area: It covers about 856 sq km, of which 816 sq km is reserved forest. Ecological corridor between several states: It lies within the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve, forming a vital ecological corridor between Jharkhand, Odisha, and

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Indus Water Treaty (IWT) Category: International Relations Context: Writers are beginning to explain the ramifications of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which was a shared heritage between India and Pakistan. About Indus Water Treaty (IWT): Parties: Indus Waters Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan and was brokered by the World Bank. Objective: The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the water of the Indus River and its five tributaries Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab. Allocation of rivers: It prescribes how water from the six rivers of the Indus River System would be shared between India and Pakistan. It allocated the three western rivers Indus, Chenab and Jhelum to Pakistan for unrestricted use, barring certain non-consumptive, agricultural and domestic uses by India and the three Eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej were allocated to India for unrestricted usage. Permanent Indus Commission: Under the Indus Waters Treaty, both countries must set up a Permanent Indus Commission, mandated to meet annually. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The IWT provides a three-step dispute resolution mechanism under which “questions” on both sides can be resolved at the Permanent Commission, or can also be taken up at the inter-government level. Unresolved differences between the countries on water-sharing can be addressed by the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert (NE). Appeal from a Neutral Expert of WB can be referred to a Court of Arbitration set up by the World Bank. Major projects under IWT: Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai: Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project is built on river Marusudar, a tributary of the Chenab. Lower Kalnai is developed on the Chenab. Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project: It is a run-of-the-river project located in J&K. Pakistan objected to the project arguing that it would affect the flow of the Kishanganga River (called the Neelum River in Pakistan). In 2013, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration (CoA) ruled that India could divert all the water with certain conditions. Ratle Hydroelectric Project: It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station on the Chenab River, in J&K. Source: The Hindu Helium Category: Science and Technology Context: When cooled to just a few degrees above absolute zero, helium becomes a superfluid and can move freely without getting stuck, something impossible for any normal fluid. About Helium:   Nature: It is an inert gas and does not react with other substances or combust. Atomic number: Its atomic number is 2, making it the second lightest element after hydrogen. Uniqueness: Helium has a very low boiling point (-268.9° C), allowing it to remain a gas even in super-cold environments. Non-toxic: The gas is non-toxic, but cannot be breathed on its own, because it displaces the oxygen humans need for respiration. Space technology: Helium is used to pressurize fuel tanks, ensuring fuel flows to the rocket’s engines without interruption; and for cooling systems. As fuel and oxidiser are burned in the rocket’s engines, helium fills the resulting empty space in the tanks, maintaining the overall pressure inside. Easy detection of leaks: Its small atomic size and low molecular weight mean its atoms can escape through small gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems. But because there is very little helium in the Earth’s atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected – making the gas important for spotting potential faults in a rocket or spacecraft’s fuel systems. Source: The Hindu 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the body in charge of deciding the pay structure and retirement benefits of central government employees.                   About 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC): Nature: The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is a temporary expert body set up by the Union Government to review and recommend revisions in the salary structure, allowances, and pension benefits of Central Government employees. Establishment: It was announced in January 2025 and formally constituted after Cabinet approval in October 2025 to ensure timely implementation from 2026. Composition: It has 3 members. It is headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retd.) and the other two members include Prof. Pulak Ghosh (IIM Bangalore) and Pankaj Jain, IAS (Petroleum Secretary). Tenure: The Commission will submit its final report within 18 months of constitution and may provide interim recommendations on specific issues. Coverage: The 8th CPC covers serving and retired employees of the Central Government, defence forces, All India Services, and Union Territories. Functions: It will examine and propose changes in pay scales, allowances, and pension structures. It will also consider the overall economic situation and maintain budgetary discipline while recommending pay revisions. Equity Across Sectors: It will ensure parity between Central services, PSUs, and private sector employees in terms of emoluments and working conditions. Sustainability of Pensions: It will address concerns related to non-contributory pension liabilities and their long-term fiscal implications. Expected Implementation: The recommendations are expected to come into effect from January 1, 2026, continuing the decade-long cycle of pay revisions followed since the First CPC (1946). Source: The Indian Express SJ-100 Aircraft Category: Defence and Security Context: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for production of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100. About SJ-100 Aircraft:   Nature: It is a new generation short-haul jet aircraft of Russian origin. It is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft. Design: Earlier called the Sukhoi Superjet 100, it originally was designed by the now-merged Russian aircraft company Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. Operation: The aircrafts are being operated by more than 16 airlines across the world, nine of them being from Russia. Uses: The aircraft is primarily used for commercial purposes. It can operate at extreme weather conditions, from -55 degrees Celsius to +45 degrees Celsius. Seating capacity: It is capable of accommodating 103 seats and has a flight range of 3,530 kilometres. The aircraft has been touted as having low operating costs for airlines. Significance for India:

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Index of Industrial Production (IIP) Category: Economy Context: Growth in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, stood at 3.2% in September last year. However, growth had since accelerated to 4.3% by July 2025, following which it slowed again. About Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Nature: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a key statistical tool used to measure the short-term changes in the volume of production in Indian industries.  Objective: It provides insight into the growth or contraction of industrial activity over a given period, making it a crucial economic performance indicator. Nodal ministry: The IIP is published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Base year: The current base year for the index is 2011–12. This base year was adopted to reflect modern industrial structure and production patterns, following periodic revisions from earlier base years such as 1937, 1946, 1951, 1956, and so on. Sectoral Composition of IIP (Weight-wise): Manufacturing: 77.63% of total weight (809 items) Mining: 14.37% (29 items) Electricity: 7.99% (1 item) Composite indicator: It is a composite indicator that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under: Broad sectors, namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods. Eight Core Sectors: These comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The eight core sector industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products, Electricity, Steel, Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Cement, Fertilizers. Source: The Hindu National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Ahead of Cyclone Montha’s landfall on Tuesday night, the National Disaster Response Force deployed 25 teams across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, while another 20 teams were on standby. About National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Establishment: NDRF was established under section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Role: It is a multi-skilled and highly specialist force capable of dealing with all types of natural and man-made disasters like Floods, Cyclone, Earthquakes, Landslides, Building-collapse, Trains and road accidents etc. Objective: It is aimed at specialized response to natural and man-made disasters. Nodal ministry: It functions under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headed by a Director General. Expansion: Initially established in 2006 with 8 Battalions, the NDRF has now expanded to 16 Battalions, drawn from the CAPF, viz Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal and Assam Rifles. Importance: The strategic deployment of NDRF resources, characterized by “proactive availability” and “pre-positioning” during imminent disaster situations, has proven instrumental in mitigating damages caused by natural calamities across the country. It has also been very active in responding to natural disaster under multi-lateral and bi-lateral agreement at international level. Notable works: The NDRF teams responded during triple disaster (Earthquake, Tsunami and Radiation Leakage) of Fukushima, Japan in 2011 and during Earthquake in Nepal in 2015. Source: The Hindu Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) Category: Government Schemes Context: Union Electronics and IT Minister announced the approval of first trench of 7 projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): Launch: The ECMS, was launched in April 2025 as a complement to the India Semiconductor Mission. Objective: It seeks to strengthen India’s electronics value chain beyond finished goods and chip fabrication by boosting Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and linking Indian firms with Global Value Chains (GVCs).   Major sectors: ECMS supports horizontal linkages with automobile, power, and industrial sectors. Uniqueness: It is the first dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme focused specifically on boosting electronics components manufacturing. Tenure: The scheme has a tenure of 6 years (1 year of gestation period) i.e. from FY2025-26 to FY2031-32. Incentive Structure: The ECMS provides turnover-linked, capex-linked, or hybrid fiscal incentives, with a portion of both turnover and capex incentives linked to employment generation. Incentives will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to firms ready for early production.   Importance: Electronics is India’s third-largest export, with the country being the 2nd-largest mobile manufacturer globally. The ECMS, along with Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and semiconductor initiatives, is crucial for establishing a USD 500 billion electronics manufacturing ecosystem by 2030-31. Source: PIB Dogri Language Category: History and Culture Context: According to the former Director of the Central Institute of Languages (CIIL), India has lost over 220 languages in the last 50 years. In recent years, growing concern has emerged over the gradual decline of the Dogri language in the Jammu region.                          About Dogri Language: Origin: It is an Indo-Aryan language (language of the Vedas and Laukik Sanskrit), part of the larger Indo-European family of languages. Earliest reference: The earliest written reference to Dogri (using the paleonym Duggar) is found in the Nuh sipihr (“The Nine Heavens”), written by the poet Amir Khosrow in 1317 CE. Evolution over time: Like other modern Indo-Aryan languages, Dogri has also passed through Old Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit) and Middle Indo-Aryan (Pali, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha) stages of development and entered the modern Indo-Aryan stage around the 10th century A.D. Hence, it shows its three-fold process of development of its sound structure, expressing its affinity with Shaurseni Prakrit. Script: Once the official script of the Dogra princely state under Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–85 CE), it was written in Dogra Akkhar but later replaced by Devanagari script in the 20th century. Current relevance: It is one of the 22 scheduled languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and an official language of J&K since 2020. It was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003. Major features: Dogri uses 10 vowels and 28 consonants with tonal variations (level, falling, rising). It displays nasalization, metathesis, and tone-based sound differentiation. It also incorporates borrowings from Persian and English while retaining Sanskritic roots. Prevalent in northern states: It is spoken in

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Maha MedTech Mission Category: Government Schemes Context: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with the ICMR and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the Maha MedTech Mission to boost India’s medical technology ecosystem. About Maha MedTech Mission: Nature: The Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)–MedTech is a national initiative to accelerate innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge medical technologies in India, enhancing access and affordability in healthcare. Launch: It is jointly launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Objective: It aims to reduce India’s dependence on high-cost medical imports, strengthen domestic capacity, and ensure equitable access to affordable and high-quality medical devices and diagnostics aligned with national health priorities such as tuberculosis, cancer, and neonatal care. Funding: It provides Rs. 5–25 crore per project (up to ₹50 crore for exceptional cases) for startups, MSMEs, academic, hospital, and industry collaborations. Coverage: It covers devices, diagnostics, implants, AI/ML-based tools, robotics, and assistive technologies. Enabling Frameworks: It includes Patent Mitra for IP protection, MedTech Mitra for regulatory clearances, and a Clinical Trial Network for validation. Source: PIB Great Nicobar Island Project Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Home minister Amit Shah said that India’s maritime global trade will get a boost with proposed Great Nicobar Island Project. About Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project: Launch: The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project was conceived by NITI Aayog and it was launched in 2021. Objective: It aims to build an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a township, and a gas–solar power plant. Implementation: It is implemented by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).  In sync with Vision 20147: It aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and is one of the key projects under the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Tribal Safeguards: Large-scale development in GNI is permitted only after consultations with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Directorate of Tribal Welfare and Andaman Adim Janjati VikasSamiti (AAJVS), as mandated by the Jarawa Policy (2004) and Shompen Policy (2015). Environmental Safeguards: The Project incorporates strict environmental safeguards, following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and based on detailed EIAs and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Source: The Hindu Vande Mataram Category: History and Culture Context: PM Modi acknowledged 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ in Mann ki Baat episode. About Vande Mataram: Meaning: Vande Mataram (meaning “I bow to thee, Mother”) is India’s national song, symbolizing reverence to the motherland and evoking patriotism and unity among citizens. Composition: It was composed in Sanskritised Bengali by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s and it was first published in his novel Anandamath (1882). First public rendition: The song’s first public rendition was by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session. It became the anthem of India’s freedom struggle, sung in protests and revolutionary gatherings despite being banned by the British. Adoption as national song: The Indian National Congress in 1937 adopted its first two stanzas as the National Song, balancing inclusivity and secular appeal. Comparison to national anthem: On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly accorded Vande Mataram equal honour to the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.” Current Status: It is recognized by the Government of India as equal in stature to the National Anthem and its instrumental version is played at the closing of every Parliament session. Source: The Hindu CRYODIL Category: Science and Technology Context: In a breakthrough, scientists have developed a ready-to-use, egg yolk-free solution, CRYODIL with shelf life of 18 months, at refrigeration temperature, for cryopreserving buffalo semen. About CRYODIL: Nature: CRYODIL is a ready-to-use, egg yolk-free semen extender designed to preserve buffalo semen for long durations while maintaining fertility and motility. Development: It is developed by scientists at the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Bengaluru. Objective: It aims to provide a safe, efficient, and affordable alternative to traditional egg-yolk-based semen extenders and enhance buffalo breeding efficiency in India. Long Shelf Life: It has the ability to preserve semen for up to 18 months without contamination or loss of motility. No risk of microbial defilement: It eliminates risk of microbial contamination associated with egg yolks and uses purified whey proteins instead of egg yolk, ensuring consistent semen quality. Cost-Effective: It is cheaper and easier to produce compared to imported commercial extenders. Source: The Hindu MISHTI Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: While 19,220 hectares of land under MISTHI scheme has been taken up in Gujarat, only 10 hectares of mangrove plantation has been taken up in West Bengal which accounts for about 42% of mangrove cover in country. About MISHTI Scheme: Nature: The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) scheme is a government-led initiative aimed at increasing the mangrove cover along the coastline and on salt pan lands. Launch: It was launched after India joined the ‘Mangrove Alliance for Climate’ launched during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the UNFCCC held in November 2022. Objective: It aims to restore mangrove forests by undertaking mangrove reforestation/afforestation measures along the coast of India across various states. Nodal Ministry: It comes under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Focus areas: It is primarily focused on the Sundarbans delta, Hooghly Estuary in West Bengal and other bay parts of the country, but also includes other wetlands in the country. Financial assistance: Under this scheme the government is providing financial assistance to local communities to undertake mangrove plantation activities.  Leverage of other schemes: It leverages the strengths and provisions of different government schemes and initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Fund and other relevant sources. Participatory mechanism: The plantation activities are carried out in a participatory manner, involving local communities and NGOs, to ensure sustainability and community ownership of the initiative. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (GS

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Lokpal Category: Polity and Governance Context: The number of complaints, Lokpal has received since it began functioning in 2019-20 has dropped from a peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to just 233 this year till September. About Lokpal: Nature: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union. It is a statutory body without any constitutional status. Work: They perform the function of an “ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters. Composition: Lokpal is a multi-member body, that consists of one chairperson and a maximum of 8 members. Out of the maximum eight members, half will be judicial members and minimum 50% of the Members will be from SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minorities and women. Eligibility: Chairperson of the Lokpal should be either the former Chief Justice of India or the former Judge of Supreme Court having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, etc. The judicial member of the Lokpal either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a High Court. Term: The term of office for Lokpal Chairman and Members is 5 years or till the age of 70 years. Appointment: The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. Selection panel: The selection committee is composed of the Prime Minister who is the Chairperson, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha,  Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her and One eminent jurist. Powers: Lokpal has powers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or procured by means of corruption in special circumstances. It has the power to recommend transfer or suspension of public servant connected with allegation of corruption. It also has the power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry. Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of Lokpal includes Prime Minister, Ministers, members of Parliament, Groups A, B, C and D officers and officials of Central Government. However, it does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs in the matter of anything said in Parliament or a vote given there. Exception: The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs in the matter of anything said in Parliament or a vote given there. Source: The Hindu Western Ghats Category: Geography Context: The expansive Western Ghats and two other national parks in India have been categorised as being of “significant concern” in the IUCN list of natural World Heritage sites across Asia. About Western Ghats: Nomenclature: The range is called Sahyadri in northern Maharashtra and Sahya Parvatham in Kerala. The northern portion of the narrow coastal plain between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is known as the Konkan Coast. The central portion is called Kanara and the southern portion is called Malabar region or the Malabar Coast. In the south the range is known as the Nilgiri malai in Tamil Nadu. Views about its formation: The mountains of the Western Ghats are Block Mountains formed due to the down warping of a part of land into the Arabian Sea. The mountains of the Western Ghats are not true mountains, but are the faulted edge of the Deccan Plateau. Geographical extent: The Western Ghats extend from the Satpura Range in the north, go south past Goa, through Karnataka and into Kerala and Tamil Nadu end at Kanyakumari embracing Indian ocean. These mountains cover an area of around 140,000 km² in a 1,600 km long stretch. Prominent hill stations: It is home to many hill stations like Matheran, Lonavala-Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Amboli Ghat, Kudremukh and Kodagu. Major rivers: West flowing: The rivers that originate in Western Ghats and flow towards west are Periyar, Bharathappuzha, Netravati, Sharavathi, Mandovi etc. East flowing: The rivers that originate in Western Ghats and flow towards east include three major rivers viz. Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, and many smaller/tributary rivers such as Tunga, Bhadra, Bhima, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Hemavathi, Kabini. Influence on climate: The high montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern. The Ghats act as a key barrier, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer. Vegetation: The western slopes have tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests marked predominantly by Rosewood, Mahogany, Cedar etc. The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats have dry as well as moist deciduous forests marked predominantly by Teak, Sal, Shisham, Sandalwood trees. Wildlife: The Nilgiri marten, brown palm civet, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian brown mongoose, small Indian civet and leopard cat are the small carnivores living in the forests of the Western Ghats. Many species are endemic, such as the Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius) and the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus). Uniqueness: It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the eight hotspots of biological diversity in the world due to its high level of biological diversity and endemism. Protected areas: Western Ghats is home to India’s two biosphere reserves, 13 National parks, several wildlife sanctuaries and many Reserve Forests. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve forms the largest contiguous protected area in the Western Ghats. Source: The Hindu Birsa Munda Category: History and Culture Context: In the run-up to the fifth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, which will mark the end of tribal icon Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, the Union government has written to the States, saying they “must organise” commemorative events at the State and district levels from November 1 to 15. About Birsa Munda: Birth: He was born in Ulihatu on 15th November 1875, now in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, to a poor sharecropper (sajhadar) family. He belonged to the Munda tribe, a major Adivasi community of the Chotanagpur plateau. Education: He attended local schools under the guidance of Jaipal Nag. He then studied at a missionary school and later at BEL school in Chaibasa for four years. He was also influenced by Christianity but

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Cyclones Category: Geography Context: The well-marked low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to become a cyclonic storm is likely to cause heavy rain, especially in north Tamil Nadu. About Cyclones: Definition: Cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather. Nomenclature: The word Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos meaning the coils of a snake. It was coined by Henry Peddington because the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea appear like coiled serpents of the sea. Direction of air: The air circulates in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. Types: There are 2 types of cyclones, viz. Tropical cyclones and Extra-Tropical cyclones. About Tropical Cyclones: Definition: Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges. Uniqueness: Tropical Cyclones are one of the most devastating natural calamities in the world. Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm tropical oceans. Conditions required: The conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are: Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C. Presence of the Coriolis force. Small variations in the vertical wind speed. A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation. Upper divergence above the sea level system. Different names in different regions: They are known as Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean; Hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean; Tornados in the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA.; Willy-willies in north-western Australia and Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Naming of tropical cyclones: The naming of tropical cyclones is a recent phenomenon. The process of naming cyclones involves several countries in the region and is done under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). About Extratropical Cyclones: Different names: Extratropical cyclones are referred to as mid-latitude depressions, temperate cyclones, frontal depressions and wave cyclones. Location: These are active above the mid-latitudinal region between 35° and 65° latitude in both the hemispheres. Uniqueness: The direction of movement is from west to east and more pronounced in the winter seasons. It is in these latitude zones the polar and tropical air masses meet and form fronts. Formation: The origin and development of temperate cyclones is best explained by the Polar Front theory. Source: The Hindu Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Category: History and Culture Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near Kevadia in Gujarat on October 31 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Birth: He was born on 31st October 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. Career: He completed law studies in England, earning a prize in Roman Law, and returned to India as a barrister in 1913. Legacy: He is popularly known as the “Iron Man of India” for his determination and firm approach. He is revered as a symbol of national unity and resilience. Statue of Unity: In 2018, the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 meters (600 feet), was inaugurated at Kevadia, Gujarat, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.  His birth anniversary is observed as National Unity Day (31st October). Contributions in the Indian National Movement: He played a pivotal role in Kheda Satyagraha (1918) demanding tax exemptions for farmers affected by crop failure due to drought.  He led the resistance during the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) against an unjust tax increase, earning him the title “Sardar” for his leadership. He played crucial role during Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience. He embraced Gandhi’s vision, leading actions like the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and facing multiple imprisonments for his involvement.  He chaired the 46th session of the Congress in 1931, navigating through the Gandhi-Irwin Pact discussions.  He was arrested and imprisoned during Quit India Movement (1942). Role after independence of India: He was India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.  He spearheaded the integration of 562 princely states into the Indian Union, securing stability and democracy for millions. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 allowed princely states to declare independence.  He was instrumental in establishing the modern All India Services, strengthening the administrative framework of the country.  He is remembered as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants” for his contribution to reinforcing the bureaucratic system.  National Civil Services Day (21st April) honours Sardar Patel’s 1947 speech, calling civil servants “the steel frame of India” and reinforcing their dedication to public service. He led the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Tribal and Excluded Areas in the Constituent Assembly. Source: The Hindu Gyan Bharatam Mission Category: Government Schemes Context: The Gyan Bharatam Mission on manuscripts, will sign Memorandums of Understanding with around 20 institutes across the country for conservation, upkeep, and digitisation of manuscripts. About Gyan Bharatam Mission: Launch: The Gyan Bharatam Mission was announced in Union Budget 2025-26. Objective: The mission’s mandate is to preserve and establish a dedicated digital platform, known as the National Digital Repository (NDR), to share India’s manuscript heritage worldwide. Nodal Ministry: It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture for identifying, documenting, conserving, digitising, preserving, and promoting India’s vast manuscript heritage. Importance: With over 44 lakh manuscripts documented in Kriti Sampada (National Database of Manuscripts), it preserves India’s civilisational knowledge spanning philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, arts, literature, and spirituality. Establishment of dedicated cell: The cluster centres have been asked to constitute a dedicated Gyan Bharatam Cell experienced in each vertical, in the spirit of voluntary service, to represent the Centre with sincerity, while also serving as a vital channel of communication to foster collaboration and ensure smooth coordination. Components of the mission: Survey & Documentation: Nationwide identification and cataloguing of manuscripts. Conservation & Restoration: Safeguard fragile texts through scientific and traditional methods. Digitisation & Repository: AI-assisted digitisation and creation

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Gaganyaan Mission Category: Science and Technology Context: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on Thursday said that about 90% of the development work on the Gaganyaan mission had been completed. About Gaganyaan Mission: Nature: It is India’s first human spaceflight program. Objective: It aims to send a crew of 3 astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400 km for 3 days and return them safely to Earth. Importance: Gaganyaan success will place India among the elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) with human spaceflight capability. Phased mission: It includes unmanned test missions followed by the first manned mission expected to happen in early 2027. Astronauts selected: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla are India’s astronauts-designated for Gaganyaan. Training: Astronaut Training Facility established in Bengaluru caters to Classroom training, Physical Fitness training, Simulator training and Flight suit training. Training modules cover Micro-gravity familiarization through Parabolic Flights, Aero-medical training, Recovery & Survival training, Crew Training Simulators, etc. Key Technologies for Crew Safety: Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3): It is a modified version of ISRO’s LVM3 rocket. It includes solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages, re-configured to meet human rating requirements. It is capable of launching the Orbital Module to a Low Earth Orbit (400 km) and features a Crew Escape System (CES) with high burn rate solid motors to ensure crew safety during emergencies. Orbital Module (OM): It houses the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) with life support, avionics, and propulsion systems. The CM is a habitable space with an Earth-like environment, with a pressurized inner structure and unpressurized external structure. The SM supports the CM in orbit, providing thermal, propulsion, power systems, avionics, etc. but remains unpressurized. Preparatory tests for the mission: Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT): Validate parachute and deceleration systems. Test Vehicle Missions (TV): Test abort and launch systems. Pad Abort Test (PAT): Check crew module safety from various altitudes. Water Survival Test Facility (WSTF): Recovery trials with Navy support. Source: The Hindu Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), which heads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has directed digital monitoring for tracking the supply chain of high-risk solvents. About Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): Nature: It is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India for the medical devices industry under the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules. Ministry: It works under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Headed by: Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is the head of the CDSCO. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. Major functions: Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for, Regulatory control over the import of drugs Approval of new drugs and clinical trials Approval of certain licences as Central Licence Approving Authority Coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations. About Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): DCGI is the head of the department of the CDSCO of the Government of India. It is responsible for approval of licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines and sera in India. DCGI also sets standards for the manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India. Source: The Hindu ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Category: International Relations Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) leaders’ summit, but will attend the meeting virtually on October 26 instead.       About ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations): Nature: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization which was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states. Establishment: It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day. Members: Its members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Motto: The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”. Secretariat: Its secretariat is located in Indonesia, Jakarta. Decision Making: The primary mode of decision-making in ASEAN is consultation and consensus. Fundamental principles: The ASEAN fundamental principles, as contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976 are: Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner. Renunciation of the threat or use of force. Effective cooperation among themselves. Institutional mechanism: ASEAN Summit: It meets annually to discuss regional issues and set policy directions. ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): It oversees the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): It is a platform for dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues among ASEAN member countries and their partners. Forums led by ASEAN: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Launched in 1993, the twenty-seven-member multilateral grouping was developed to facilitate cooperation on political and security issues to contribute to regional confidence-building and preventive diplomacy. ASEAN Plus Three: The consultative group initiated in 1997 brings together ASEAN’s ten members, China, Japan, and South Korea. East Asia Summit (EAS): First held in 2005, the summit seeks to promote security and prosperity in the region and is usually attended by the heads of state from ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. ASEAN plays a central role as the agenda-setter. ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Meeting: The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region. Source: The Indian Express Kafala System Category: International Relations Context: In a welcome relief for millions of