Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 Category: Miscellaneous Context: László Krasznahorkai wins Nobel Prize in literature. About Nobel Prize in Literature 2025: Awardee: Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025. Reason for award: His philosophical, bleakly funny novels often unfold in single sentences, and his “compelling and visionary oeuvre, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.” Significance: The Nobel judges praised his “artistic gaze which is entirely free of illusion, and which sees through the fragility of the social order combined with his unwavering belief in the power of art. The judges applauded his “extraordinary sentences, sentences of incredible length that go to incredible lengths, their tone switching from solemn to madcap to quizzicSal to desolate as they go their wayward way.” About the Writer: László Krasznahorkai is a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through [Franz] Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess.” Several works, including his debut, Satantango, and The Melancholy of Resistance were turned into films. He also won the National Book Award for Translated Literature in the U.S. in 2019 for Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming. Source: The Hindu Surrogacy Category: Polity and Governance Context: Supreme Court said that retrospective age limits under surrogacy law violate reproductive autonomy. About Surrogacy in India: Definition: Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (known as the surrogate mother), agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. Permissibility: Under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, Surrogacy is permissible only for altruistic purposes or for couples with proven infertility or disease. Prohibition of Commercial surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy, including for sale or exploitation purposes, is strictly prohibited. Eligibility for Couples: Couples must be married for at least 5 years. The wife must be aged between 25-50 years, and the husband between 26-55 years. The couple must not have any living child, whether biological, adopted, or through surrogacy, except in cases of children with disabilities or life-threatening disorders. Criteria for Surrogate mother: The surrogate mother must be a close relative of the couple. She must be a married woman with at least one child of her own. Her age must be between 25-35 years, and she must have only been a surrogate once in her life. Parental Status upon Birth: Upon birth, the child is legally recognized as the biological child of the intended couple. Rule for abortion: Abortion of the foetus requires consent from both the surrogate mother and the relevant authorities, following the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Types and Forms of Surrogacy: Different types of Surrogacy: Traditional Surrogacy: Traditional surrogacy involves using the intended father’s sperm to fertilise the surrogate’s egg. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, and the resulting baby is biologically related to the surrogate mother and the intended father. Gestational Surrogacy: In gestational surrogacy, the baby is not biologically related to the surrogate. An embryo, created using the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) and the biological mother’s egg (or donor egg), is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus for her to carry to term. Various forms of Surrogacy: Altruistic Surrogacy: It refers to a surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate does not receive financial compensation beyond reimbursement for medical expenses and other related costs. The primary motivation for the surrogate in altruistic surrogacy is typically to help another individual or couple achieve their dream of having a child. Commercial Surrogacy: It involves a contractual agreement where the surrogate mother receives financial compensation beyond just reimbursement for medical expenses and other costs associated with the pregnancy. This compensation may vary depending on factors such as location, legal regulations, and the specific terms of the surrogacy agreement. Source: The Hindu Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Category: Science and Technology Context: Antimicrobial resistance has become, a communication crisis; instead of talking only about the future collapse of healthcare systems, the focus must be on the present impact on individual bodies. About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Definition: Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections. Natural process: It is a natural phenomenon as bacteria evolve, making drugs used to treat infections less effective. Formation of superbugs: Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. Global threat: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to global health. Reasons for the Spread of AMR: High burden of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, etc. that require antimicrobial treatment. Hygiene lapses in hospitals and clinics facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria. Overprescribing by doctors under pressure from patients (often self-medication), incomplete antibiotic courses, and broad-spectrum antibiotics used unnecessarily create selective pressure for resistant bacteria. Unregulated over-the-counter availability and affordability of antibiotics fuel self-medication and inappropriate use. Low public understanding of AMR and proper antibiotic use encourages misuse. Measures Taken by India to Address AMR: National Programme on AMR containment was launched in 2012 to strengthen AMR Surveillance Network by establishing labs in State Medical College. National Action Plan on AMR was launched in April 2017 with the aim of involving various stakeholder ministries/departments. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken initiatives to develop new drugs /medicines through international collaborations in order to strengthen medical research in AMR.         Source: The Hindu UN Peacekeeping Force Category: International Relations Context: The United Nations will begin slashing its peacekeeping force, as a result of the latest U.S. funding cuts to the world body. About UN Peacekeeping Force: Nature: UN Peacekeeping refers to the activities carried out by the United Nations (UN) to help maintain or restore international peace and security in conflict-affected areas. UN Peacekeepers are also known as ‘Blue Helmets.’ Origin: It began in 1948 with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires.

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 Category: Science and Technology Context: An Australian, a Japanese and a Jordanian-American scientists were announced winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering and creating a class of materials, called metal-organic frameworks (MOF).         About Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025: Awardees: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Significance: Their pioneering work on MOFs porous materials with vast surface areas has revolutionized applications in gas storage, catalysis, and environmental sustainability. The discovery represents a transformative advancement in chemical sciences, with potential benefits for medicine, clean energy, and climate solutions. Applications: Following the laureates’ groundbreaking discoveries, chemists have since built tens of thousands of different MOFs. Some of these may contribute to solving some of humankind’s greatest challenges, with applications that include separating PFAS (a family of chemicals that are believed to be toxic) from water, breaking down traces of pharmaceuticals in the environment, capturing carbon dioxide or harvesting water from desert air About the experiment: It all started in 1989, when Richard Robson tested utilising the inherent properties of atoms in a new way. He combined positively charged copper ions with a four-armed molecule; this had a chemical group that was attracted to copper ions at the end of each arm. When they were combined, they bonded to form a well-ordered, spacious crystal. It was like a diamond filled with innumerable cavities. Robson immediately recognised the potential of his molecular construction, but it was unstable and collapsed easily. However, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi provided this building method with a firm foundation; between 1992 and 2003 they made, separately, a series of revolutionary discoveries. Kitagawa showed that gases can flow in and out of the constructions and predicted that MOFs could be made flexible. Yaghi created a very stable MOF and showed that it can be modified using rational design, giving it new and desirable properties. Source: The Hindu Rabindranath Tagore Category: History and Culture Context: The Odisha government has announced plans to restore ‘Pather Puri’, the residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Puri, and transform it into a museum. About Rabindranath Tagore: Background: He was the youngest of 13 children born to Debendranath Tagore, a leading figure in the Brahmo Samaj, and Sarada Devi. Tagore received early education at home, with his family emphasizing literary and cultural learning. Schooling and higher education: He attended several schools, including a stint at the University College London, though he did not complete formal schooling. Multi-faceted personality: Rabindranath Tagore was a Bengali poet, novelist, and painter, who was highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the west. He was an exceptional literary figure and a renowned polymath who singlehandedly reshaped the region’s literature and music. Sobriquets: He was also referred to as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. Association with Mahatma Gandhi: He was a good friend of Mahatma Gandhi and is said to have given him the title of Mahatma. Votary of national integration: He had always stressed that unity in diversity is the only possible way for India’s national integration. World Parliament for Religions: He had spoken at the World Parliament for Religions in the years 1929 and 1937. Contribution to education system: Besides all his literary achievements he was also a philosopher and educationist who in 1921 established the Vishwa-Bharati University, a university that challenged conventional education. Contributions as a poet: He is said to have composed over 2000 songs and his songs and music are called ‘Rabindra Sangeet’ with its own distinct lyrical and fluid style. He is responsible for modernising Bengali prose and poetry. His notable works include Gitanjali, Ghare-Baire, Gora, Manasi, Balaka, Sonar Tori, He is also remembered for his song ‘Ekla Chalo Re’. He published his first poems aged 16 under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’. He not only gave the national anthems for two countries, India and Bangladesh, but also inspired a Ceylonese student of his, to pen and compose the national anthem of Sri Lanka. Awards: In 1913 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work on Gitanjali. He was the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize. In 1915 he was awarded knighthood by the British King George V. In 1919, following the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre, he renounced his Knighthood. Source: The Hindu PM-KUSUM Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: The Union government is looking to showcase the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) programme to several African countries and island nations, Union Minister for Renewable Energy (MNRE) said. About PM-KUSUM Scheme: Launch: The PM-KUSUM was launched by the MNRE in 2019, in order to endow installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce dependence on grid, in grid-connected areas. Objective: It aims to enable farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their arid lands and to sell it to the grid. It also seeks to increase the income of farmers by allowing them to sell surplus solar power to the grid. Components of the scheme: 10,000 MW of decentralized ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants. Installation of 20 lakh solar-powered agriculture pumps. Converting 15 lakh agriculture pumps, already connected to the grid, into solar. Significance: It incentivises the farmers to sell surplus solar energy to the states, which in turn will augment their income. If farmers are able to sell surplus power, they will be incentivised to save power and, in turn, it will mean the reasonable and efficient use of groundwater. The scheme is expected to create job opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar power projects. Challenges: The cost of setting up solar power projects can be high, and some farmers may not have access to the necessary financing. Due to power subsidies, the recurring cost of electricity is so low that farmers keep on pumping water and the water table is going down. Integrating decentralized solar power projects into the grid may pose technical challenges and stability issues,

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Category: Science and Technology Context: The Nobel Prize for Physics this year will be awarded to three scientists to tease greater insight into the workings of the quantum world.          About Nobel Prize in Physics 2025: Awardees: The Nobel Prize 2025 in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke from the University of California, Berkeley, Michel H. Devoret of Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, and John M. Martinis of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Awarded for: They have been recognized for their pioneering work on the macroscopic quantum phenomena in electrical circuits, specifically the demonstration of quantum tunneling and energy quantization on a macroscopic scale. Significance: This groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of quantum mechanics in engineered systems and opened new avenues for quantum technology applications. About the experiment: Much like early insight into quantum mechanics paved the way for transistors and silicon chips in the 1950s, the three scientists devised an electrical circuit with two superconductors, components that can conduct a current without any electrical resistance. They separated these with a thin layer of material — called a Josephson junction — that did not conduct any current at all. In this experiment, they showed that they could control and investigate a phenomenon in which all the charged particles in the superconductor behave in unison, as if they are a single ‘particle’ that fills the entire circuit. Following this, they were able to demonstrate that such a particle could be made to behave simulating the flow of electricity even without voltage, a prerequisite for the flow of current. Source: The Hindu Supermoon Category: Geography Context: A supermoon was visible on the night of October 7 and will appear twice more in November and December.     About Supermoon: Feature: A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as the perigee. Reason: Because the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, its distance from the earth varies throughout the month by around 50,000 km. When the moon is near its perigee and also directly opposite the sun, the full moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point. This is the supermoon. Nomenclature: The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defining it as a special event when a full moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to Earth. Frequency: In a typical year, there may be two to four full supermoons and two to four new supermoons in a row. Impact: Supermoons influence the tides, creating perigean spring tides. These tides are slightly higher and lower than usual because the moon’s stronger gravitational pull acts in concert with that of the sun. While the changes are typically modest, they can exacerbate coastal flooding when combined with storm surges. Significance: Culturally, supermoons have long captured human imagination, inspiring folklore and spiritual observances across civilisations. They also offer opportunities for astronomers and photographers to observe lunar surface details and study tidal effects more clearly. Source: The Hindu Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Category: Economy Context: RBI is waiting for other countries to launch digital currency and is in no hurry to roll out Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) nationwide for retail, said Deputy Governor.        About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Nature: A CBDC is a legal tender issued by a central bank in digital form. Authorised by Central Bank: Unlike private cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are backed by the central bank, ensuring stability and trust. Objective: The main objective is to mitigate the risks and trim costs in handling physical currency, costs of phasing out soiled notes, transportation, insurance and logistics. Use of wallets: The digital fiat currency or CBDC can be transacted using wallets backed by blockchain. Difference with virtual currencies: Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, it is different from decentralised virtual currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued by the state and lack the ‘legal tender’ status. First country to launch: Bahamas was the first economy to launch its nationwide CBDC namely Sand Dollar in 2020. Major advantages: CBDCs leverage digital security measures, potentially reducing the risk of counterfeiting and theft compared to physical cash. Digital transactions can be settled instantly and efficiently, facilitating faster and more cost-effective payments. Programmable features could be introduced to enable targeted disbursement of government benefits or encourage specific financial behaviours, promoting financial inclusion. Challenges associated: Robust security measures are crucial to protect the e-rupee system from cyberattacks. Balancing user privacy with the need for anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism measures is a critical aspect. The RBI made CBDC non-remunerative and non-interest-bearing to mitigate potential risks of bank disintermediation. Source: The Hindu Periyar Tiger Reserve Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A 32-year-old forest watcher in the Periyar Tiger Reserve was found dead in the Ponnambalamedu forest area in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. About Periyar Tiger Reserve: Nomenclature: It is named after the Periyar River, which originates within the reserve. Location: It is situated in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. It is set high at Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats, adjacent to the border with Tamil Nadu. Formation: It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and later declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Terrain: The terrain is hilly and undulating with a maximum altitude of 2016 m. The highest peak is Kottamala (2016 m). Vegetation: It comprises tropical evergreen forests, semi- evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, transitional fringe evergreen forests, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations. Drainage: Major rivers flowing through the reserve are the Periyar and Mullayar. Dams: Mullaperiyar Dam is located within the PTR.  Flora and fauna: Important flora includes teak, mangoes, rosewood, jamun, jacarandas, terminalias, tamarind, royal ponciana, bamboo, etc. Fauna includes Elephants, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog, and Tiger.

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Category: Miscellaneous Context: The annual Nobel Week kicked off with three scientists, sharing the Nobel Prize in Medicine for unravelling tantalising aspects of the human immune system. About Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025: Awardees: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Bruncko, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi. Awarded for: They were awarded for discovering the mechanism and key constituents of the so-called ‘peripheral immune tolerance’, a fundamental mechanism that prevents our immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. Identification of T-cells: Their collaborative research identified Regulatory T cells (Tregs), specialized immune cells that act as “guardians” to prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells. The discovery of the Foxp3 gene revealed its crucial role in the development of Treg cells and in controlling immune tolerance. Significance: Their discovery has helped blaze new paths into treating cancer as well as auto-immune disease, a condition by which the immune system ends up harming healthy cells they are meant to protect. This may also lead to more successful transplantations. Several of these treatments are now undergoing clinical trials. Contribution of Shimon Sakaguchi: He made the first key discovery in 1995. At the time, many researchers were convinced that immune tolerance only developed due to potentially harmful immune cells being eliminated through a process called central tolerance. Mr. Sakaguchi showed that the immune system is more complex and discovered a previously unknown class of immune cells, which protects the body from autoimmune diseases. Contributions of Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell: They made the other key discovery in 2001, when they presented the explanation for why a specific mouse strain was particularly vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. They had discovered that mice have a mutation in a gene that they named Foxp3. They also showed that mutations in the human equivalent of this gene triggered a serious autoimmune disease, IPEX. Two years after this, Mr. Sakaguchi was able to link these discoveries. He proved that the Foxp3 gene governs the development of the cells he identified in 1995. These cells, now known as ‘regulatory T cells’, monitor other immune cells and ensure that our immune system tolerates our own tissues. Source: The Hindu Lingayats Category: History and Culture Context: Karnataka Minister countered the demand for a separate religious status for Lingayats, and said that “no force can separate Veerashaivas and Lingayats” in the State. About Lingayats: Nature: Lingayats are followers of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and his vachana (verses) philosophy, which emphasized equality, social justice, and devotion, rejecting Brahmanical authority, temple worship, and caste distinctions. Shaivite: They are a Shaivite sect in Hinduism that emerged in Karnataka during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. Basavanna, a minister in the court of Kalachuri King Bijjala (1157-67 CE), was the key proponent of Lingayatism. Worship of Ishtalinga: They promoted work as worship and offered spiritual enlightenment for all, including householders and artisans. Lingayats worship ishtalinga, a formless God, and reject rituals, focusing on honest labour and social redistribution. Rejected Brahmanical Authority: They prioritized direct worship of Shiva and rejected the Vedic authority, the caste system, and Brahmin ceremonies. Fostered social reforms: They encouraged post-puberty marriage, re-marriage of widows, and the promotion of inter-caste relationships. Anubhava Mantapa: Basavanna established the Anubhava Mantapa, a “Hall of Experience,” where people from all social backgrounds could gather, discuss religious and social issues, and share their experiences. Questioned theory of re-births: They bury their dead instead of cremating them (as they believe that devotees will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world). Gave importance to compassion: They stressed the importance of being a compassionate and socially productive human being in this world and in this life. Kayaka as means of worship: They considered all forms of labour and means of livelihood (kayaka) a form of worship. They provided the honest earnings from labour (kayaka), which are primarily used for social redistribution, called ‘dasoha’. Distribution: Lingayats are found primarily in Karnataka, where Lingayats comprise a major population. They are also found in significant numbers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Difference with Veershaivas: Veerashaivism, a sect deeply rooted in the Vedas and Agamas, centres solely around the worship of Lord Shiva as mentioned in Hindu mythology. Its followers are devoted to five religious centres known as Pancha Peethas, which are established similarly to the four peethas set up by Adi Shankara. Source: The Hindu Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 Category: Polity and Governance Context: Finance Minister said that government intends to amend Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act as deliberations within the government continue on bringing in new legislation to allow the private sector to operate nuclear plants in India. About Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010: Nature: It is India’s nuclear liability law ensuring compensation for victims and defining responsibility for nuclear accidents. In sync with CSC: It aligns with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC, 1997), adopted post-Chernobyl to set global minimum compensation standards. India ratified CSC in 2016. Follows global conventions: It follows the nuclear liability principles of the Vienna Convention 1963, Paris Convention 1960, and Brussels Supplementary Convention 1963. Puts a cap on operator liability: The Act imposes strict, no-fault liability on operators, caps operator liability at Rs 1,500 crore. Provision for intervention of government: If damage claims exceed Rs 1,500 crore, the CLNDA expects the government to intervene. The government’s liability is capped at the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), roughly Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,300 crore.  Nuclear Damage Claims Commission: The Act also establishes a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission to ensure fair compensation and resolve conflicts.  Supplier Liability: India’s CLNDA is unique as it introduces supplier liability under Section 17(b), enabling operators to seek recourse against suppliers; unlike global frameworks like the CSC, which place liability solely on the operator.  Broadens supplier responsibility: Unlike CSC, which allows recourse only for contractual breaches or intentional acts,

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary was sworn in as the Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). About Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): Location: It is an autonomous region in the state of Assam in India. Composition: It is made up of four districts (Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri) on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, surrounded by the foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Jurisdiction: The area under the jurisdiction of BTC, formed under the 2003 Accord, was called the Bodo Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD). Sixth Schedule: BTC is an area governed under the 6th schedule. However, BTC is an exception to the constitutional provision under the 6th schedule. Members: It can constitute up to 46 members out of which 40 are elected. Of these 40 seats, 35 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes and non-tribal communities, five are unreserved and the rest six are nominated by the governor from underrepresented communities of the BTAD. Separate State: The first organised demand for a Bodo state came in 1967-68 under the banner of the political party called Plains Tribals Council of Assam. Assam Accord: In 1985, when the Assam Movement culminated in the Assam Accord, many Bodos saw it as essentially focusing on the interests of the Assamese-speaking community. Evolution of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): The first Bodo Accord was signed with the ABSU in 1993, leading to the creation of a Bodoland Autonomous Council with limited political powers. The second Bodo Accord was agreed to create a self-governing body for the Bodo Areas in the State of Assam. In pursuance of this, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was created in 2003 with some more financial and other powers. The third Bodo Accord was signed in 2020. It promised more legislative, executive and administrative autonomy under the Sixth Schedule to Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and expansion of the BTC territory in lieu of statehood. Source: The Hindu Hilsa Fish Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Bangladesh’s defence force said it has deployed warships and patrol aircraft to protect Hilsa fish from illegal fishing during its spawning season. About Hilsa Fish: State fish: It is the state fish of West Bengal and the national fish of Bangladesh. Clupeidae family: It is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family, which includes herring fish. Uniqueness: It is also called Ilish and holds an exceptional position in the culinary customs and social practices of Bengal. It is a fish that is highly prized because of its delicate flavour, distinct taste, and silky texture. Location: It is found in rivers and estuaries in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Persian Gulf area. They travel to rivers like the Ganges River and Godavari River in India. Lifespan: Hilsa fish live in both saltwater and freshwater. They spend most of their lives in the ocean. However, when it’s time to lay their eggs, they swim up into rivers. This journey is called a migration.  Appearance: Hilsa fish have a silvery body. They are quite flat and have a pointed head.  Weight: Hilsa can grow up to about 50 cm, weighing more than 3 kg. They are known for their many small bones. Conservation Status: It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List. Source: The Hindu Kaziranga National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A female calf born to one of the oldest elephants in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has been named Mayabini to honour Zubeen Garg. About Kaziranga National Park: Nature: It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. Location: It is situated in the north-eastern part of India in the state of Assam. Terrain: It is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools. Rivers: The River Diffalu, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the National Park while another tributary, Moradifalu, flows along its southern boundary. Flora: It is primarily famous for its dense and tall elephant grasses intermixed with small swamplands. It also includes an abundant cover of water lilies, water hyacinths and lotus. Fauna: Many endangered and threatened species like Rhino, Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, and Gangetic River dolphin are commonly found in the habitat. Uniqueness: It is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals. National Park: It was declared as a National Park in 1974. Tiger Reserve: It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, the park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.          Source: The Hindu International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Category: International Relations Context: Iran’s top diplomat said that cooperation with the IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog was no longer relevant following the reimposition of international sanctions on it. About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Nature: IAEA is an intergovernmental organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Establishment: It was established in 1957 as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organisation within the UN, and governed by its own founding treaty, viz. the Statute of the IAEA. Main functions: The IAEA works to ensure that nuclear technology is used solely for peaceful purposes. It applies comprehensive nuclear safeguards, including: Monitoring, On-site inspections, Information analysis, and Other techniques to verify peaceful use. Relations with UN: It reports to both the UNGA and the UNSC and is headquartered at the UN Office at Vienna, Austria Distinction: In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work for a safe and peaceful world. Membership: The IAEA has 180 member states, India being one of the founding members of it. Institutional structure: The General Conference, composed of all member states, meets annually to approve budgets and

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Stablecoins Category: Economy Context: Hinting at a possible shift in India’s cryptocurrency policy, Union Finance Minister said countries would have to “prepare to engage” with stablecoins whether they welcome the change or not. About Stablecoins: Nature: Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that attempt to maintain stable prices as they are pegged to an underlying asset, such as a basket of currencies or precious metals like gold. Terminology: Although the term “stablecoin” is commonly used, there is no guarantee that the asset will maintain a stable value in relation to the value of the reference asset when traded on secondary markets or that the reserve of assets, if there is one, will be adequate to satisfy all redemptions. Difference with cryptocurrencies: Stablecoins are designed for everyday use, offering price stability unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. They enable easy value transfer, support financial services, and maintain stability through collateral reserves or algorithmic supply control.  Popular stablecoins like Tether and USD Coin are backed by the US dollar. Types of Stablecoins: There are primarily three types of stablecoins: fiat-collateralized, crypto-collateralized, and non-collateralized (algorithmic). Fiat-collateralized stablecoins are pegged to a specific asset, such as a fiat currency.  The entity behind the stablecoin maintains a reserve of the asset or assets backing the stablecoin, supporting the value of the digital currency.  On the other hand, non-collateralized (algorithmic) stablecoins use software algorithms to automatically adjust the supply of the stablecoin based on demand, aiming to maintain a stable price. Status of stablecoins in India: India does not currently recognise stablecoins, treating all cryptocurrencies as Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) under Section 2(47A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. In 2023, VDAs were brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, to curb misuse and enhance oversight. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or ‘Digital Rupee’ is India’s official alternative to stablecoins, which allows programmable payments (e.g., Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes), tracking usage by expiry, location, or purpose. Source: The Hindu Banni Festival Category: History & Culture Context: Two people were killed and more than a hundred were injured at the annual Banni festival at Devaragattu in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. About Banni Festival: Nature: It is a tradition in Andhra Pradesh where villagers fight with sticks to claim a deity’s idol on Vijayadashami. The objective of this event is to snatch the idols from the God’s team, leading to a fierce battle known as the Banni Fight. Occasion: It is celebrated on the night of Dussehra celebration (Vijaya Dasami) every year. Location: It is held on the premises of Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple (situated at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). Linkage with Vijayanagara Empire: This festival was celebrated by people under the Vijayanagara Empire. Significance: It is celebrated on the account of the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demonish Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people at Devaragattu region. Rituals: The ritual takes place at midnight when the procession of idols of the ruling deities Malamma (Parvati) and Malleshwara Swamy (Shiva) are brought down the hill temple at Neraneki. Devotees carry long sticks or lathis with them for hitting each other with these sticks on the head. The basic idea of this fight is to capture the procession idol. Source: The Hindu Presumptive Taxation Category: Economy Context: The government think tank Niti Aayog suggested the introduction of a presumptive taxation scheme for foreign companies to provide certainty and simplicity. About Presumptive Taxation: Nature: It is a simplified tax scheme where income is calculated based on a presumed rate of profit rather than actual income. Need: Despite India’s inherent appeal and remarkable FDI growth, structural impediments such as ambiguous PE (permanent establishment), regulations introduce tax uncertainty and dampen investments. Objectives: To provide relief to taxpayers from the tedious work of maintaining regular books of account under certain circumstances. To provide tax certainty and reduce compliance burdens. To align with India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub under initiatives like Make in India. Importance: The optional presumptive taxation scheme would help resolve disputes concerning PE (permanent establishment), simplifying compliance and protecting revenue. By adopting a presumptive taxation scheme, India can transform its tax regime from a ‘minefield’ into a ‘well-lit path.’ Impact on businesses: A company opting for this scheme can declare income at a prescribed rate; in lieu of that, it is relieved from maintaining books of accounts for audit by tax authorities. Source: The Hindu NATO Category: International Relations Context: A quarter of a century after it joined NATO, Poland will finally join the alliance‘s fuel pipeline network, amid rising tension on its eastern frontier. About NATO: Nature: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance. Formation: It was established on April 4, 1949, with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C. by 12 founding member countries from Europe and North America. Objective: It was established with the primary goal of providing collective defence against potential aggression, particularly from the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Over the years, NATO has evolved to address a range of security challenges beyond its original mandate. Uniqueness: NATO’s primary mission is collective defence, as outlined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. This article stipulates that an attack on one member country will be considered an attack on all, and the members will respond collectively. Founding members: The original 12 founding members of NATO were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Expansion: NATO has expanded since its founding, with new member countries joining in multiple rounds. The alliance currently consists of 32 member countries. Political Leadership: The North Atlantic Council (NAC) serves as NATO’s principal political decision-making body, composed of ambassadors from all member countries. Funding: In 2006, NATO Defense Ministers agreed to a commitment that 2% of their countries’ GDP would be allocated towards defence spending. However, the majority of NATO members do not meet this

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Sir Creek Category: International Relations Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan that “any aggression by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area will be met with a resounding response that will change both history and geography.” About Sir Creek: Disputed area: Sir Creek is a 96-km strip of water disputed between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch marshlands. Nomenclature: Originally named Ban Ganga, Sir Creek is named after a British representative. Acts as a boundary: The Creek opens up in the Arabian Sea and roughly divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh Province of Pakistan. Importance: Apart from strategic location, Sir Creek’s core importance is fishing resources. Sir Creek is considered to be among the largest fishing grounds in Asia. Possibility of oil and gas: The area has possible presence of great oil and gas concentration under the sea, which are currently unexploited thanks to the impending deadlock on the issue. Background of dispute: The dispute lies in the interpretation of the maritime boundary line between Kutch and Sindh. Pakistan claims the entire creek as per paragraphs 9 and 10 of the Bombay Government Resolution of 1914 signed between then the Government of Sindh and Rao Maharaj of Kutch, which set the boundary as the eastern flank of the creek popularly known as Green Line. But India claims that the boundary lies mid-channel as depicted in another map drawn in 1925, and implemented by the installation of mid-channel pillars back in 1924. In its support, it cites the Thalweg Doctrine in International Maritime Law, which states that river boundaries between two states may be divided by the mid-channel if the water-body is navigable. UNCLOS favours India’s stand: Acceding to India’s stance would mean shifting of the land/sea terminus point several kilometres to the detriment of Pakistan, leading in turn to a loss of several thousand square kilometres of its Exclusive Economic Zone under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Sources: The Hindu Kathakali Category: History & Culture Context: Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, witnessed history when 16-year-old Sabri, became the first Muslim girl to perform Kathakali at the prestigious institution since its founding in 1930. About Kathakali: Origin: Kathakali emerged in the 17th century in the kingdom of Travancore (present-day Kerala). The art form was initially performed in temple precincts and later gained popularity in the royal courts. Based on ancient texts: Kathakali is based on Natya Shastra, the ancient treatise on dance, written by Sage Bharata. However, It relies on Hasthalakshana Deepika, another classical text for its hand gestures. Precursors: Dance-drama art form called ‘Krishnanattam’ and Ramanattam based on Mahabharata and Ramayana are precursor of ‘Kathakali’. Composition: Kathakali combines elements of dance, music, mime, and drama. Features of dance: The four aspects of abhinaya – Angika, Aharya, Vachika, Satvikaand the Nritta, Nritya and Natya are combined perfectly in this dance form. Features of music: Kathakali music follows the traditional sopana sangeet of Kerala. It is said to be the ritual singing of the Ashtapadis on the flight of steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Use of Mudras: The movements are highly stylized and include intricate footwork, rhythmic swaying, and various hand gestures called mudras. Emphasis on facial expressions: The dancers use their facial expressions, known as rasas, to convey emotions and tell stories. Downfall in 20th century: Kathakali was in peril and on the verge of extinction in the beginning of 20th century. Revival: Renowned Poet Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja took the initiative to set up Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre of excellence for classical art forms for the revival of kathakali. Major exponents: Kavungal Chathunni Panicker and Kalamandalam Gopi are its most eminent representatives. Source: The Hindu Thumri Category: History & Culture Context: Thumri (one of the ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music) lost its voice as Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away leaving a musical legacy. About Hindustani Music: Origin: While the historical roots of both the music types belong to the Bharata’s Natyasastra, they diverged in the 14th century. Focus: The Hindustani branch of music focuses more on the musical structure and the possibilities of improvisation in it. The Hindustani branch adopted a scale of Shudha Swara Saptaka or the ‘Octave of Natural notes’. Composition: The Hindustani music has elements of ancient Hindu tradition, Vedic philosophy and Persian tradition as well. Based on teacher-disciple tradition: Since ancient times, it has been passed from one to another through the Guru-Shishya Parampara. Musical instruments: The musical instruments used in Hindustani are Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar, Santoor, Flute and violin. Raga system: It is based on the Raga system. The Raga is a melodic scale comprising of basic seven notes. Major styles: There are ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music like the Dhrupad, Khayal, Tappa, Chaturanga, Tarana, Sargam, Thumri and Ragasagar, Hori and Dhamar. About Thumri: Origin: Originated in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, mainly in Lucknow & Benares, around 18th century. A romantic & erotic style of singing; also called “the lyric of Indian classical music.” Themes: Compositions are mostly on love, separation and devotion. Distinct feature: Erotic subject matter portrayed picturesquely from the various episodes of the lives of Lord Krishna & Radha. Language: Lyrics are typically in Brij Bhasha and are usually romantic & religious. Linkage with Khayal: A Thumri is usually performed as the last item of a Khayal concert. Gharanas: Three main gharanas of thumri are Benaras, Lucknow and Patiala. Exponent: Begum Akhtar is one of the most popular singers of thumri style. Source: The Hindu ICDS Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme completed 50 years of its launch. About ICDS:   Launch: Launched in 1975, it is one of the world’s largest programmes providing for an integrated package of services for the holistic development of the child.  Ministry: The Umbrella ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Flagship programme: The ICDS Scheme providing for supplementary nutrition, immunization and

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed NGOs to submit applications for renewal of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration at least four months before expiry. About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010: Nature: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, regulates foreign contributions to protect national sovereignty and security. It governs the receipt and use of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies operating in India. Objective: The FCRA 2010 aims to ensure that foreign donations do not compromise the nation’s sovereignty or internal security. Amendments: Amendments were made in 2020 which brought certain changes. About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020: Validity & Renewal: FCRA registration is valid for five years, and NGOs are required to apply for renewal within six months of the registration’s expiry. Mandates Aadhaar: Office bearers must provide an Aadhaar or passport/OCI card for registration. Need for SBI account: Contributions must be received in a designated SBI branch in New Delhi. Puts a cap on administrative Use: Administrative expense limits were reduced from 50% to 20%. Suspension Extension: Initially, registration suspension can be enforced for a period of 180 days. This suspension can be further extended by an additional 180 days. Prohibits certain activities The applicant must not represent fictitious entities. The applicant should not have been involved in religious conversion activities, either directly or indirectly. The applicant must not be engaged in activities related to sedition. The FCRA prohibits candidates, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, politicians, and political organizations from receiving foreign funds. FCRA Rules 2022 In July 2022, the MHA introduced changes to FCRA rules. These changes included increasing the number of compoundable offences from 7 to 12. The rules also raised the limit for contributions from relatives abroad that do not require government intimation from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and extended the time limit for intimation of the opening of bank accounts. Source: The Hindu Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) Category: Science & Technology Context: Recently, NASA launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to map the heliosphere’s boundary, trace energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting. About IMAP: Nature: The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, will explore and map the very boundaries of our heliosphere, a huge bubble created by the Sun’s wind that encapsulates our entire solar system. Functioning: The IMAP mission will use 10 scientific instruments to chart a comprehensive picture of what’s roiling in space, from high-energy particles originating at the Sun, to magnetic fields in interplanetary space, to remnants of exploded stars in interstellar space. Mass of the spacecraft: It weighs around 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds). Launch vehicle: It is launched using Falcon 9, which is a partially reusable, two-stage-to-orbit, medium-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX. Location: The IMAP spacecraft is situated at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1), at around one million miles from Earth toward the Sun. There, it can provide about a half hour’s warning to voyaging astronauts and spacecraft near Earth of harmful radiation coming their way. Investigating heliophysics: The mission will primarily investigate two of the most important overarching issues in heliophysics, viz. how charged particles from the Sun are energized to form what’s known as the solar wind and how that wind interacts with interstellar space at the heliosphere’s boundary. Help astronauts: The IMAP mission will additionally support real-time observations of the solar wind, which can flood the near-Earth space environment with dangerous particles and radiation that could harm technology and astronauts in space and disrupt global communications and electrical grids on Earth. Expected outcomes of the mission: Uncover fundamental physics at scales both tiny and immense.  Improve forecasting of solar wind disturbances and particle radiation hazards from space. Draw a picture of our nearby galactic neighborhood. Help determine some of the basic cosmic building materials of the universe. Increase understanding of how the heliosphere shields life in the solar system from cosmic rays. Source: The Hindu RoDTEP Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) incentive scheme for exporters until March 31, 2026. About RoDTEP Scheme: Launch: It was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Objective: The RoDTEP scheme is designed to reimburse exporters for embedded duties, taxes, and levies that are not otherwise refunded under any other existing scheme. Eligibility: Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are both eligible for the benefits of this scheme. There is no particular turnover threshold to claim the RoDTEP. India as country of origin: The exported products need to have the country of origin as India. SEZs: The Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units are also eligible to claim the benefits under this scheme. Compliant with WTO norms: The RoDTEP scheme, which replaced the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), is fully aligned with World Trade Organization norms. Role of CBIC: Rebates under RoDTEP Scheme will be issued as transferable duty credits or electronic scrips (e-scrips), maintained in an electronic ledger by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Multi-sector scheme: Under RoDTEP, all sectors, including the textiles sector, are covered, so as to ensure uniformity across all areas. Source: The Hindu Partition of Bengal Category: History & Culture Context: Recently, Undivided Bengal’ emerged as the popular theme of Durga Puja in West Bengal. About Partition of Bengal: Background: The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was initiated by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, citing administrative efficiency due to the vast size and population of Bengal. However, the underlying motive was to weaken the growing nationalist movement by dividing Hindus and Muslims. Bengal was split into two provinces: Eastern Bengal and Assam (Muslim-majority) and Western Bengal (Hindu-majority). The move was widely opposed by Indian nationalists, who saw it as a strategy of “divide and rule.” The partition sparked widespread protests and gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement, eventually leading to its annulment in 1911. Course