Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Category: Polity and Governance Context: CEC of India is set to assume the role of the Chairperson of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026. About International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA): Establishment: It is an inter-governmental organisation established in 1995 to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes worldwide. Objective: The objectives of the Institute are to support stronger democratic institutions and processes, and more sustainable, effective and legitimate democracy. Secretariat: Its secretariat is located in Stockholm, Sweden. Association with UN: International IDEA has been granted UN observer status. Member countries: It currently has 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan as observers. India is a founding member of International IDEA Governance: The Institute’s governance consists of a Council of Member States, a Steering Committee, a Finance and Audit Committee, a Board of Advisers and a Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General. Major functions: Its working modalities include four elements: knowledge production, capacity development, advocacy as well as convening of dialogues. Focus areas: It focuses on six workstreams namely: Electoral Processes Constitution-Building  Democracy Assessment Political Participation and Representation Climate Change and Democracy Digitalization and Democracy Source: The Hindu Sirpur Archaeological Site Category: History and Culture Context: Sirpur is set for a facelift as Chhattisgarh pushes for a UNESCO World Heritage tag for the 5th Century archaeological site. About Sirpur Archaeological Site: Location: It is located in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. It is a 5th–12th Century archaeological site located on the banks of the Mahanadi. Other names: It is also known as Shripur and Sripura. Discovery: It was first discovered in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham, a British army engineer who became the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1871. Later excavations: Excavations stalled in subsequent years, resuming only in the early 1950s, and later in the 1990s and 2003. Historical significance: It was the flourishing capital of Dakshina Kosala under the Panduvanshi and later Somavamshi kings. Its rulers patronised art, architecture, and religious scholarship, making it a flourishing urban centre of its time. Major Buddhist centre: It was a major Buddhist centre with large viharas, meditation halls and excavated stupas. Visted by Chinese travellers: Excavations have revealed significant Buddhist remains, including the Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihara, visited by Chinese traveller Xuanzang in the 7th century CE. Religious and commercial hub: It also has a 6th Century market complex, showing Sirpur was both a religious and commercial hub. Notable Structures at the site: Lakshmana Temple (dedicated to Vishnu): It is one of India’s finest brick temples which was built around the 7th Century. Surang Tila complex: It is built on a high terrace and has multiple shrines in the panchayatana style (one main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary ones). Tivaradeva Mahavihara: It houses a significant Buddha statue. Suitability for UNESCO’s tag: Sirpur’s location along the Mahanadi creates a sacred riverine cultural landscape with ghats and temple clusters, aligning with UNESCO’s concept of a combined work of nature and humankind, enhancing the site’s value. Source: The Indian Express Etalin Hydroelectric Project (EHEP) Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The Project Affected Peoples Forum (PAPF) of Arunachal Pradesh has urged NHPC Ltd to reinstate every local worker previously engaged in the Etalin Hydroelectric Project. About Etalin Hydroelectric Project (EHEP): Location: It is a 3,097 MW hydropower project planned in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley. Rivers associated: The project involves two gravity dams, one on the Dri River and another on the Talo (Tangon) River, both tributaries of the Dibang River, with an underground powerhouse near their confluence close to Etalin village. Construction: The project is being executed by NHPC Limited (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation). Nature: It is a type of hydroelectric power generation project that utilizes the natural flow and elevation drop of a river to produce electricity. Uniqueness: It is one of the largest hydropower projects proposed in the country in terms of installed capacity. EHEP is proposed to be developed as a combination of two run-of-the-river schemes. Environmental impact: The project will require the felling of over 270,000 trees and the diversion of over 1,100 hectares of unclassified forest land. Concern: The project area falls under the “richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone” and “one of the mega biodiversity hotspots of the world”. Indigenous tribes: The project area is dominated by indigenous populations belonging to Idu-Mishmi tribes. Source: Northeast Now Vikram-I Rocket Category: Science and Technology Context: PM Modi inaugurated Skyroot-built India’s first private rocket Vikram-I in Hyderabad. About Vikram-I Rocket: Development: It is developed by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space start-up. Nomenclature: It is India’s new private orbital-class launch vehicle named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. Uniqueness: It is India’s first privately-built orbital-class rocket capable of launching satellites into Earth orbit. Thrust: It produces 1,200 kN of thrust using an all-carbon composite structure for enhanced lightweight strength and efficiency. Design: The design emphasises simplicity, reliability, and the ability to launch within 24 hours from any location. Stages: It has four stages and the first three stages are solid-fuelled, providing robust initial thrust, topped by a hypergolic liquid upper stage for precise orbital adjustments. Stage 4 uses a cluster of four Raman engines. Targets small satellite segment: It is built to target the small-satellite segment and is capable of placing multiple satellites into orbit in a single mission. Payload Capacity: It can deploy up to 350 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO) and 260 kg into a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Source: India Today Tex-RAMPS Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: The Government of India has approved the Tex-RAMPS Scheme, to strengthen research, innovation and competitiveness in textiles sector. About Tex-RAMPS Scheme: Nature: It is a Central Sector Scheme focused on research, assessment, monitoring, planning, and start-up support for the textiles sector. Nodal ministry: It is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Objective: It aims to future-proof

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Category: International Organisations Context: The International Monetary Fund’s annual review has given India’s national accounts statistics, a grade of ‘C’, the second-lowest rating. About International Monetary Fund (IMF): Nature: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 191 member countries, each of which has representation on the IMF’s executive board in proportion to its financial importance. Establishment: The IMF, also known as the Fund, was conceived at a UN conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States, in July 1944. Reason behind its foundation: The 44 countries at that conference sought to build a framework for economic cooperation to avoid a repetition of the competitive devaluations that had contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Major objectives: To foster global monetary cooperation To secure financial stability and facilitate international trade To promote high employment and sustainable economic growth To reduce poverty around the world and ensure macro-economic growth To promote exchange rate stability, and an international payment system Governance setup: Board of Governors: It consists of one governor and one alternate governor for each member country. Each member country appoints its two governors. Ministerial Committees: The Board of Governors is advised by two ministerial committees- International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and Development Committee. Executive Board: It is 24-member Executive Board elected by the Board of Governors. Management: IMF’s Managing Director is both chairman of the IMF’s Executive Board and head of IMF staff. The Managing Director is appointed by the Executive Board by voting or consensus. Membership: Any other state, whether or not a member of the UN, may become a member of the IMF in accordance with IMF Articles of Agreement and terms prescribed by the Board of Governors. Membership in the IMF is a prerequisite to membership in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Quota system: On joining the IMF, each member country contributes a certain sum of money, called a quota subscription, which is based on the country’s wealth and economic performance. Members’ voting power is related directly to their quotas (the amount of money they contribute to the institution). Use of SDRs: Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) is the IMF’s unit of account and not a currency. The currency value of the SDR is determined by summing the values in U.S. dollars, based on market exchange rates, of a SDR basket of currencies (U.S. dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and the Chinese renminbi). Capacity Development: It provides technical assistance and training to central banks, finance ministries, tax authorities, and other economic institutions. Source: The Hindu INS Mahe Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, during a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. About INS Mahe: Nature: It is the first of the eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy. Construction: It is indigenously designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Nomenclature: The ship takes her name from the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. The town’s maritime heritage and tranquil estuary mirror the ship’s balance of elegance and strength. Mascot: Its mascot, the Cheetah, embodies speed and focus. Motto: Its motto “Silent Hunters” reflects the ship’s stealth, vigilance, and unyielding readiness. Capability: Designed for a wide range of coastal defence missions, Mahe is equipped for underwater surveillance, search and rescue duties, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and complex mine-laying tasks. Uniqueness: The 78-meter-long vessel is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system. This advanced propulsion system ensures superior manoeuvrability and a reduced acoustic signature, crucial in anti-submarine operations carried out in littoral waters. Step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat: With over 80% indigenous content, the ship underscores the Indian Navy’s sustained efforts to promote indigenisation through homegrown solutions and innovative technologies. Embodies spirit of Kalaripayattu: The ship’s crest features the Urumi, the flexible sword of Kalaripayattu, rising from stylised blue waves – a symbol of agility, precision, and lethal grace. Design: Its compact design and high agility make it ideal for operations in shallow waters where conventional destroyers and frigates face navigational constraints. These ships are equipped with one RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher and two sets of light-weight torpedo-tube launchers for launching anti-submarine torpedoes. Source: PIB Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme Category: Government Schemes Context: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology recently said that the EIR initiative is successfully cultivating a new generation of scientist-entrepreneurs. About Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme: Nature: It is one of the programs introduced under National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI). Objective: It aims to encourage graduate students to take to entrepreneurship as a prospective career option by providing financial and non-financial support in the form of a fellowship.  Implementation: It is implemented by the Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India in association with NCL Venture Centre, Pune. Financial Support: The recipient is eligible to get financial support of up to INR 30,000/- monthly. It is offered to graduate students for a maximum period of 12 months. Mentorship: The Programme includes mentoring support and guidance, technical and financial advice, industry connections etc. Connects lab to market: It helps innovators convert scientific discoveries into market-ready solutions through mentoring, incubation and industry linkages. Promotes scientist-entrepreneurs: It cultivates a new generation of scientist-entrepreneurs, where researchers are encouraged to innovate, patent and commercialise their ideas. Mitigates risk: A primary goal is to minimize the risk involved in pursuing technology-based startups, thereby creating a stronger pipeline of entrepreneurs for incubators. Source: PIB International Astronomical Union (IAU) Category: Science and Technology Context: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved the name of a 3.5 billion-year-old crater on Mars, after M.S. Krishnan, the pioneering Indian geologist.            About International Astronomical Union (IAU): Nature: It is a global organization of professional astronomers, at the PhD level and beyond who are active in professional education and research in astronomy. Establishment: It was founded in 1919 as a senior body governing international professional astronomical activities worldwide. Objective:

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Cuban Gar Category: Environment and Ecology Context: In Cuba’s mosquito-infested swamp, scientists race to save a prehistoric predator, Cuban Gar, which is as old as dinosaurs. About Cuban Gar: Scientific name: The scientific name of Cuban gar is Atractosteus tristoechus. It is a fish in the family Lepisosteidae. Other names: It is also known as the manjuari. Prehistoric in nature: This fish is part of a family called “gars,” which have been around for about 100 million years. Distribution: It is a tropical, freshwater species, although it also inhabits brackish water. It is found in rivers and lakes of western Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. Uniqueness: It has the ability to breathe some atmospheric air in absence of sufficiently oxygenated water. It is also notable for its high tolerance of high ammonia and nitrate levels in water. Habitat: It is found in various habitats from large lakes and rivers to sluggish tributaries, backwaters and pools, and can surive in both fresh and brackish waters. Diet pattern: Gars are ambush predators feeding on smaller fishes and aquatic crustaceans in nature. Threats: It includes habitat loss, and introduction of invasive species like African walking catfish. IUCN status: It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red Data list. Source: India Today Fujiwhara Effect Category: Geography Context: Multiple cyclonic storms with rare Fujiwhara interaction is likely in Bay of Bengal in the following week.      About Fujiwhara Effect: Definition: The Fujiwhara Effect occurs when two cyclones form near each other or approach each other close enough to allow the Fujiwhara interaction to take place.  Outcome of binary interaction: Extratropical cyclones can exhibit binary interaction when within a distance of 2,000 km of each other. Tropical cyclones exhibit this type of effect when separated by a distance of less than 1,400 km.  Direction: During the Fujiwhara interaction, the centers of the two cyclones involved in the phenomenon begin to mutually orbit in a counterclockwise direction about a point between the two cyclones. Dependent on relative mass: The position of the point is dependent on the intensity and relative mass of the cyclonic vortices. The smaller cyclone involved in the Fujiwhara Effect moves at a faster rate than the bigger one about the central point. Can lead to larger cyclones: The Fujiwhara Effect might lead the two cyclones to spiral into the central point and merge with each other, or it might trigger the development of a larger cyclone.  It might also divert the original path of one or both the cyclones. Source: Down To Earth Exercise Suryakiran Category: Defence and Security Context: The 19th edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025” commenced today at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. About Exercise Suryakiran: Countries involved: It is the joint military exercise conducted between India and Nepal. Representing regiment: The Indian contingent is being represented mainly by troops from the ASSAM Regiment. Objective: The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse conduct of Sub Conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.’ Significance: It will further enhance the level of defence cooperation between Indian Army and Nepal Army. Focus areas: To enhance interoperability between the two armies in Counter-Terrorism (CT) Operations, jungle warfare, and mountain operations.  To improve coordination in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the United Nations (UN) Charter.  To emphasise on operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment conservation. About Exercise Suryakiran XIX: It aims to strengthen battalion-level synergy in Jungle Warfare, Counter-Terrorism Operations in Mountainous Terrain, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR), Environmental Conservation, and Integrated Ground–Aviation Operations. It will focus on incorporating niche and emerging technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based ISR, AI-enabled decision support tools, unmanned logistic vehicles and armoured protection platforms. Source: PIB Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) Category: Government Schemes Context: The Ministry of Finance has notified the Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025, introducing changes to the Capital Gains Account Scheme, 1988. About Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS): Launch: It was introduced by the Central Government in 1988 to help taxpayers claim exemptions on long-term capital gains.  Legal provision: Under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act, income from capital gains must be reinvested within 3 years to avoid tax liability.  However, there could be instances when the due date for filing income tax falls during this specified tenure.  Exception: If a taxpayer is unable to invest in such a short period of time, they can deposit such underutilised capital gains under CGAS. However, taxpayers must deposit such funds before filing their Income Tax Returns. Short-term gains not eligible: Investing the gains in this account is treated the same as direct reinvestment for exemption purposes. However, short-term capital gains are not eligible for the CGAS, as exemptions apply only to long-term capital gains. Persons who can deposit: Any taxpayer who earns long-term capital gains and wants to claim exemption can deposit in the CGAS. This includes Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Companies, and any other person eligible for capital gains exemption.  Usage: The scheme is mainly used when the taxpayer is unable to reinvest the capital gains before the due date of filing their income tax return but intends to invest within the specified period to claim exemption. Timeline: The deposited amount must be used within the stipulated period to invest in the eligible asset; otherwise, it will be treated as taxable capital gain in the year the deadline expires. About Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025: Previously, CGAS deposits were largely limited to public sector banks and a few older institutions.  Under the new notification, all non-rural branches of 19 major private banks are now authorised to receive deposits and maintain CGAS accounts.  The “non-rural branch” condition means that only branches at centres with population 10,000 or more (per 2011 census) are in scope. The amended scheme explicitly defines ‘electronic mode’ of deposit to include credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, BHIM/Aadhaar Pay etc. Source: CNBC TV 18 Abujhmadiya Tribe Category: Society Context:

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) HAMMER Weapon System Category: Defence and Security Context: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) signed an agreement for the production of HAMMER weapon system in India. About HAMMER Weapon System: Nomenclature: HAMMER stands for Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range. It is also known as a glide bomb. Nature: It is an air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system and can be fitted to standard bombs of 250kg, 500kg, and 1,000kg weights. Development: Originally developed by Safran Electronics and Defence (SED), France, it is now set for joint manufacturing with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India. Range: HAMMER precision-guided munitions have a range of up to 70 km. It  Difficult to intercept: It is resistant to jamming, and capable of being launched from low altitudes over rough terrain. It is difficult to intercept and can penetrate fortified structures. Manoeuvrability: It is optimised for mountain warfare (e.g., Ladakh), allowing precision strikes even in complex topography and high-altitude environments. Uniqueness: It is a precision-guided weapon system known for its high accuracy and modular design, making it adaptable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Significance of agreement: The development is crucial because India previously ordered this weapon system, along with other armaments, from France to equip its Rafale fighter jets in 2020 during standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. Source: The Indian Express APDIM Category: International Institutions Context: Recently, the 10th Session of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.               About APDIM: Nomenclature: APDIM stands for Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management. Nature: It is a regional institution of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).  Vision: Its vision is to ensure effective disaster risk information is produced and used for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.  Mandate: It aims to reduce human and material losses due to natural hazards and contribute to the effective design, investment and implementation of disaster risk reduction and resilience policies. Administration: It is governed by a Governing Council consisting of eight ESCAP member countries elected for a period of three years (India is one of the members for a period from 2022 to 2025). Headquarter: Its headquarters is located in Tehran, Iran. Functions: It functions as a regional facility to strengthen the science-policy interface. It also promotes effective regional cooperation, facilitates dialogue. Facilitates disaster management between countries: It facilitates the exchange of expertise, experiences, and knowledge in disaster information management between and within the countries of the region. Acts as a knowledge hub: It acts as a regional knowledge hub, consolidating and sharing disaster-related data, strengthening information systems, and supporting cooperation on transboundary hazards. Source: PIB Hayli Gubbi Volcano Category: Geography Context: The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region for several hours after 12,000-year dormancy. About Hayli Gubbi Volcano: Location: Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Afar, northeastern Ethiopia, within the Danakil Depression – one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Hotspot for seismic activity: The Afar Triple Junction, where the Red Sea Rift, Gulf of Aden Rift, and East African Rift meet, makes this region a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity. Uniqueness: The current eruption is unique because the volcano is believed to have erupted after nearly 12,000 years, based on geological evidence from the Afar Rift. Composition of volcanic plume: The ash cloud contained a mix of volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, glass shards, and rock fragments, transported at high altitudes between 15,000-45,000 ft. These aerosols can persist in the atmosphere for days to weeks depending on wind patterns and atmospheric stability. Significance: The Hayli Gubbi eruption highlights the geological volatility of the East African Rift System (EARS) where active volcanism, fissure eruptions, and spreading ridges are common. At the junction of diverging plates: It is one of the world’s most tectonically active rift systems where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging. Characterised by basaltic lava: The region is characterised by basaltic lava, fissure systems, and frequent seismic activity linked to the continental rifting process. Source: The Hindu Special Leave Petition (SLP) Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Jammu & Kashmir HC has observed that dismissal of a Special Leave Petition (SLP), does not lead to merger of the impugned order with the Supreme Court’s order. About Special Leave Petition (SLP): Definition: A SLP is a request made to the Supreme Court seeking special permission to appeal against any judgment, order, or decree from any court or tribunal (except military tribunals), even when the law does not provide a statutory right of appeal. Not a right: Special Leave Petition (SLP) is not a right—it’s a privilege granted by the Supreme Court at its discretion. It is a discretionary/optional power of the SC, and the court can refuse to grant the appeal at its discretion. Constitutional provision: Article 136 states that the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, or order from any court or tribunal in India. Conditions for using SLP: It can only be exercised when a substantial question of law or gross injustice has been committed. A judgement, decree, or order need not be final for an SLP. An interim or interlocutory order or decree can also be challenged. Filed by: SLP can be filed by any aggrieved party (individual or business). government bodies, public sector undertakings or NGOs or associations (in relevant cases). Filed against: SLP can be filed against judgments from High Courts, Tribunals (except those under armed forces) or Quasi-judicial bodies. Time limit to file SLP: It can be filed against any judgment of the High Court within 90 days from the date of judgment or it can be filed within 60 days against the order of the High Court refusing to grant the certificate of fitness for appeal to SC. Procedure for a SLP: A SLP must contain

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Advisory Jurisdiction of SC Category: Polity and Governance Context: The Supreme Court has provided its opinion on a Presidential reference made under Article 143. About Advisory Jurisdiction of SC: Related Article: Article 143 (Advisory jurisdiction) empowers the President of India to seek the SC’s advisory opinion on any question of law or fact that is of public importance and is likely to arise or has already arisen. Exclusivity: The SC’s advisory jurisdiction is exclusive to the President. Significance: It gives the President the power to refer any question of law or fact of public importance to the Supreme Court for its opinion, based on the Union Council of Ministers’ advice. Opinion not binding: The opinion expressed by the SC is only advisory and not a judicial pronouncement. Hence, it is not binding on the president; she may follow or may not follow the opinion. Acts as authoritative legal opinion: Though advisory in nature, it facilitates the government to have an authoritative legal opinion on a matter to be decided by it. Minimum bench of 5 judges: Article 145 (3) requires such references to be heard by a bench of at least five judges. Historical Context: Advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 is derived from the Government of India Act, 1935, which allowed the Governor-General to refer legal questions to the federal court. The Canadian Constitution allows its SC to provide legal opinions, while the US SC refrains from giving advisory opinions to uphold a strict separation of powers.  Past Instances of Such References: Some landmark cases include:  Delhi Laws Act case (1951): Defined the scope of delegated legislation.  Kerala Education Bill (1958): Harmonized Fundamental Rights with Directive Principles.  Berubari case (1960): Held that territorial cession requires a constitutional amendment.  Keshav Singh case (1965): Explained legislative privileges.  Presidential poll case (1974): Allowed elections despite vacancies in State Assemblies.  Third Judges case (1998): Established the Collegium system for judicial appointments.  Source: The Hindu LuPEX Mission Category: Science and Technology Context: A Japanese delegation recently held discussions with the senior leadership of the ISRO and visited the facilities of the space agency to review the status of the LuPEX mission. About LuPEX Mission: Collaborating agencies: It is a collaborative mission between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Objective: It aims to explore the moon’s southern polar region, investigating the presence of water and other elements, potentially in the form of surface ice. Scheduled launch: The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025. Uniqueness: The LUPEX will be a precursor to the ISRO’s lunar sample return mission and for sending the first Indian to the moon by 2040. Launch vehicles: The mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry the MHI, Japan-made lunar rover. Focus on lunar night survival: It aims to showcase innovative surface exploration technologies. The special focus is on vehicular transport and lunar night survival. Functions of rover: The rover will drive on its own to search for areas where water is likely to be present and sample the soil by digging into the ground with a drill. It will be equipped with instruments for measuring the water content of regolith (lunar sand), drilling, and sampling. Instruments of other space agencies carried: The rover will carry not only the instruments of ISRO and JAXA but also those of the US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Source: The Hindu Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Tata Power Company Ltd said it has signed commercial agreements with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) for the development of Dorjilung hydroelectric power project in Bhutan. About Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project: Location: It is a planned 1125 MW run-of-river project situated in the eastern Lhuentse and Mongar Districts of Bhutan. Associated river: It will be built on the Kurichhu River, a tributary of the Drangmechhu that flows into India. Partnership: Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has signed an MoU with Tata Power Company Limited for the joint development of the project. Use of SPV: The Project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), with DGPC and Tata Power holding equity shares of 60% and 40%, respectively. Completion of the project: The project is expected to be commissioned by early 2032. Role of world bank: The project is financed by the World Bank. Power capacity: At a height of approximately 139.5 m, the concrete-gravity dam channels nearly 287 m3/s through a 15 km headrace tunnel to an underground powerhouse housing six Francis turbines, designed to generate around 4.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually. Estimated cost: At a total project cost of ₹13,100 crore, Dorjilung will be Bhutan’s second-largest hydropower project, and the largest Public–Private Partnership (PPP) hydro project ever undertaken in the country.  Source: CNBC TV 18 Brihadeeswarar Temple Category: History and Culture Context: Marking World Heritage Week, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised a heritage walk and clean-up drive at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. About Brihadeeswarar Temple: Location: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Other names: It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram.  Dravidian temple: It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. Construction: It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD. Uniqueness: It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple. Cultural Significance: It has a repository of Tamil inscriptions detailing rituals, gifts, and the temple’s construction overseen by Raja Raja Chola himself. Use of granite: The entire temple structure is made out of granite. Structure: The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Sangai Festival Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, the Sangai Festival in Manipur began amid a protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of NGOs, impacting attendance. About Sangai Festival: Location: It is celebrated in the state of Manipur. Nomenclature: It is an annual festival, started in the year 2010, which is named after the state animal, the Sangai. Objective: It aims to showcase Manipur’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous tradition. The festival promotes the cultural extravaganza of Manipur through music, dance and various native art forms that are part of the Manipuri tribes and people. Use of Ras Leela: The state’s classical dance form, ‘Ras Leela,’ renowned for its distinctiveness, takes centre stage during the festival.  Theme: The themes of 2025 is “Where blossoms breathe harmony.” About Sangai: Endemic to Manipur: It is a subspecies of Eld’s deer endemic to Manipur. It also has immense cultural relevance to Manipur. Distribution: It is found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park – the largest single mass of phumdi is in the Loktak Lake – in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. Appearance: It is a medium-sized deer, with uniquely distinctive antlers, with extremely long brow tine, which form the main beam. Uniqueness: The animal’s coat is a dark reddish brown during winter months and it becomes a much lighter shade in summer. Also known as dancing deer: It walks on the hind surface of its pasterns with mincing and hops over floating foliage. Therefore, it also called the dancing deer. Threat: While the habitats have been encroached for grazing, cultivation, and fish farming, the animals are highly threatened by a hydro-electric project in the lake. Conservation status CITES: Appendix I IUCN: Critically Endangered Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule-1 Source: The Hindu Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Category: Polity and Governance Context:  FSSAI issued an order to all the States/UTs Commissioners of Food Safety asking them to remove all non-compliant ORS products from shops immediately. About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Nature: It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Establishment: It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India. Mandate: It is responsible for setting food standards, regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food, and ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. Structure: The FSSAI comprises of a Chairperson and twenty two members out of which one – third are to be women. The Chairperson of FSSAI is appointed by the Central Government. Formulates standards and guidelines: It formulates standards for various food products, ensuring they are safe for consumption. It also provides guidelines for businesses to implement effective food safety management practices. Undertakes inspection and auditing: Regular inspections and audits are conducted to assess compliance with food safety standards. Initiatives to educate the public about food safety, hygiene, and nutrition are a key focus area. Issues food licences: Anyone selling or importing food in India needs a food licence issued by FSSAI. It also directly monitors compliance of food regulations, especially in the area of food imports to India.  Ensures food import controls: FSSAI officers carry out food import controls and ensure that they contain no harmful ingredients. To do this, they send selected test products from the import to accredited laboratories for inspection. Accreditation of food laboratories: The FSSAI is responsible for the accreditation of food testing laboratories throughout India. FSSAI has notified 14 referral labs, 72 State/UT labs across India, and 112 NABL approved commercial labs, all of which are situated throughout the country. Source: India Today Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, 9-day wildlife census began in Sukhna wildlife sanctuary. About Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is a protected area located in Chandigarh, near the famous Sukhna Lake at the foothills of the Shivalik range. History: The lake was created by the architect Le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivalik hills. The sanctuary was developed as a result of afforestation done for soil conservation around the lake. Area: Spreading over an area of over 25.98 square km (about 6420 acres), Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998. Structure: The place is quite unstable geographically and becomes prone to soil erosion by surface runoff during rains. It has sandy soil of Shivalik with pockets of clay embedded at places. Vegetation: It is characterized by a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, with the Sukhna Lake forming an important part of the ecosystem. Flora: The common flora of the sanctuary includes Khair, Phulai, Kikar, Shisham, Moonj, Amaltas, Jhingan, Amla, Rati, Vasaka, and many more. Fauna:  Squirrel, Common-Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Wild boar, etc, are the mammals found in the sanctuary. Peacock, Hill myna, Jungle crow, Black drongo, Parrots, Doves, and others are the common birds of this region. Source: The Tribune Meerut Bugle Category: Miscellaneous Context: Meerut bugle, commonly used in military parades, earns GI tag. About Meerut Bugle: Nature: The Meerut bugle is a brass wind instrument used in military drills, parades, ceremonies, and signals across the Army, paramilitary forces, and police units in India. Uses: It is used in the drills of armed forces and in wars, ceremonies, and parades for decades. It is also used to signal the start of movements or events, and carries a deep historical imprint. Origin: The bugle-making in Meerut dates back to the late 19th century. The bugle’s story is closely linked to the development of India’s military traditions. Meerut as centre of bugle making: Over time, the craft of bugle making has evolved into a specialised local industry, making Meerut one of India’s main centres for handmade bugles. Making: The making of a bugle is entirely manual. A brass sheet is cut and hammered into shape using a specialised die. The sheet is moulded and

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) BvS10 Sindhu Category: Defence and Security Context: Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) and BAE Systems have bagged a contract from the Indian Army for supply of BvS10 Sindhu. About BvS10 Sindhu: Nature: The BvS10 is a well-known articulated all-terrain vehicle.  Used by several advanced militaries: The BvS10 is already in service with the armed forces of Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It’s also on order for the German Army and has been selected for the US Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program. Structure: BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded variant of the BvS10 with adaptations tailored specifically for India’s terrain and climate. Its design allows for two connected vehicle sections that help it cross difficult terrain that conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles struggle with. Customised for Indian conditions: It’s customized for India’s extreme terrain: high-altitude regions, deserts, marshlands, and flood-prone zones. The vehicle is also amphibious, able to operate in water or flooded terrain. Construction: L&T will manufacture the BvS10 Sindhu at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, with technical and design support from BAE Systems Hägglunds (a Swedish business unit of BAE Systems, focused on military ground vehicles), the original manufacturer of the BvS10 platform. Uses: The Sindhu variant can be reconfigured for multiple purposes: troop transport, command post, ambulance, recovery, logistics, or even a weapons-armed version. This flexibility is ideal for the Indian Army’s diverse mission needs. Boost to Make in India: It will support India’s defence modernisation, which embodies the commitment to local manufacturing and technology transfer under the Make in India initiative. Source: The Hindu Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 Category: Environment and Ecology Context: India slipped 13 ranks to figure at the 23rd position in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).                            About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI): Publishing agency: It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. It was first published in 2005. Objective: It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy. Assessment in 4 categories: The performance of countries is assessed in four categories with 14 indicators- Greenhouse Gas Emissions (40% of the overall score), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%). Key highlights of the Climate Change Performance Index 2026: Denmark, the UK and Morocco took the lead in this year’s CCPI. China (54th), Russia (64th), the US (65th) and Saudi Arabia (67th) are the G20’s worst-performing countries, receiving an overall very low score.  India fell 13 places from its previous ranking of 10th to stand at 23rd in the latest global climate change performance with a score of 61.31. It’s the biggest fall of India on the CCPI ranking in the recent past even as it remained in the top 10 high-performing countries for six years in a row till 2024. India, which ranked 31st in 2014, entered the top 10 list for the first time in 2019. It also labelled India among the biggest producers of oil, gas, and coal worldwide, leading it to fall from a ‘high performer’ to a ‘medium’ one in this year’s CCPI. Source: The Times of India Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Category: Miscellaneous Context: Recently, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 was presented to Michelle Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile. About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: Establishment: It was instituted in the memory of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by a trust in her name in 1986. Nomenclature: It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, Composition: It consists of a monetary award of 25 lakh rupees along with a citation. Significance: The prize is awarded annually and is considered one of the highest honours in the field of peace and development. Eligibility criteria: It is awarded annually to a person or organization without any distinction of nationality, race or religion, in recognition of creative efforts towards: Promoting international peace and disarmament, racial equality, and goodwill and harmony among nations; Securing economic co-operation and promoting a new international economic order; Accelerating the all-round advancement of developing nations; Ensuring that the discoveries of science and modern knowledge are used for the larger good of the human race; and Enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit. Source: The Indian Express Geological Survey of India (GSI) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Union Coal Minister will inaugurate GSI’s international seminar in Jaipur as part of its year-long commemoration of 175 years of service to the nation. About Geological Survey of India (GSI): Origin: It was conceived as “Geological Survey of India” by John McClelland who initiated the appointment of David Hiraw Williams as the Geological Surveyor on February 5, 1846 by the East India Company. Formal establishment: The appointment of Thomas Oldham as the new Geological Surveyor in 1851 marked the formal beginning of the functioning of the GSI. Objective: It aims to provide impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy-making decisions, and commercial and socio-economic needs. Nodal Ministry: Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. Headquarter: Its headquarters is located in Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. Uniqueness: It is the second oldest survey body in India after Survey of India (founded in 1767). Documentation of geological processes: It also emphasises systematic documentation of all geological processes, both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas. The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies. Significance: It has played a pioneering role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, disaster studies, and geoscientific research, significantly contributing to India’s industrial and economic growth Missions: It carries out all activities under five Missions. Mission-I (Ground, Aerial and Marine Surveys), Mission-II (Natural Resource Assessments & Augmentation of

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Kuno National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: In a first since the Cheetah Reintroduction Project in the country, an Indian-born cheetah has given birth to five cubs at the Kuno National Park. About Kuno National Park: Location: It is located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills. Establishment: It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981, upgraded to a national park in 2018. Nomenclature: It derives its name from the meandering Kuno River (one of the main tributaries of the Chambal River), which flows from south to north and divides the park into two sections. Area: It covers an area of 750 sq.km. Uniqueness: It was selected under the ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India.’ A total of 20 cheetahs were introduced in Kuno National Park (NP), eight from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in February 2023 under the Cheetah Project. Potential to carry all four big cats: The Kuno has the potential to carry populations of all four of India’s big cats. The tiger, the leopard, the Asiatic lion, and also the cheetah all four of which have coexisted within the same habitats. Flora: Kuno National Park has a rich floral diversity with more than 129 species of trees. These tropical dry deciduous forests mainly consist of Anogeissus pendula (Kardhai), Senegalia catechu (Khair), Boswellia serrata (Salai), and associated flora.  Fauna: The protected area of the forest is home to the jungle cat, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and dhole, along with more than 120 bird species. Source: The Hindu Sentinel-6B Category: Science and Technology Context: Sentinel-6B was launched recently from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. About Sentinel-6B: Nature: It is a joint mission between the United States’ NASA and NOAA, and the European Space Agency. It is the latest in a series of satellites launched since the 1990s, mainly by NASA, to measure the sea-level changes from space. Objective: It is an ocean-tracking satellite which will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet. It will provide primary sea level measurements down to approximately an inch from over 90% of all the oceans. Launch: It was lunched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9. Continues legacy of Sentinel-6: It is set to carry forward the legacy of Sentinel -6 Michael Freilich, launched in November 2020. Orbiting speed: It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes. It is expected to spend the next 5.5 years in orbit. Coverage: It maps more than 90% of the world’s ice-free oceans every 10 days. Components: It consists of six onboard science instruments. It has two fixed solar arrays, plus two deployable solar panels, and will travel in a longitude direction around Earth in a non-Sun-synchronous orbit. Significance: It observes Earth’s oceans, measuring sea levels to improve weather forecasts and flood predictions. It also safeguards public safety, benefits commercial industry, and protects coastal infrastructure. Source: The Indian Express Raulane Festival Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, raulane festival, a unique and sacred winter festival was celebrated in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. About Raulane Festival: Location: It is a traditional festival celebrated in Kalpa, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, in winter or early spring. History: This ancient festival is believed to be around 5,000 years old. It honours celestial fairies, known as Saunis, said to be radiant and gentle beings. Faith: Locals believe that the Saunis protect villagers during harsh winters by offering warmth and guidance. Symbolic marriage ceremony: During the festival, two men symbolically “marry” and become vessels for the Saunis, embodying a divine couple, the Raula (groom) and the Raulane (bride). Use of heavy costumes and masks: They get dressed in heavy woollen robes, ornaments and unique face masks. Ritual dance: They also perform a slow, meditative dance at the Nagin Narayan Temple, and the whole community joins in. Significance: The Raulane festival preserves ancient Himalayan culture and traditions, with villagers coming together to honour their protectors. Source: NDTV African Swine Fever (ASF) Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, Assam Government banned the movement of live pigs in the State to arrest the spread of African swine fever. About African Swine Fever (ASF): Nature: The African swine fever is a highly contagious and hemorrhagic viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar. Not zoonotic: The disease does not infect humans (not zoonotic) or other livestock species. Fatality: ASF causes a destructive effect on piggery due to high morbidity and mortality (up to 90-100%). Spread: Originally found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, ASF is now prevalent in many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.  First case in India: India notified the first outbreak of ASF virus in January, 2020 in the Northeastern States of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Transmission: The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. Infection can also occur through direct contact between pigs or boars. Symptoms: The clinical symptoms can look very much like those of classical swine fever such as fever, lack of appetite, inflamed eye mucous membranes, red skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Prevention: Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available against ASF, so prevention by adopting strict biosecurity measures, such as culling the animals, is the only way to prevent ASF. Listed in OIE’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code: It is listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Source: The Hindu BIRSA 101 Category: Science and Technology Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches India’s first indigenous “CRISPR” based gene therapy named ‘BIRSA 101’ for Sickle Cell Disease. About BIRSA 101: Nomenclature: The therapy has been named Birsa-101 in honour of the tribal leader Birsa Munda. Uniqueness: It is India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, designed to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Development: It is developed by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in partnership with the Serum Institute

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 Category: Polity and Governance Context: Recently, the Supreme Court struck down provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act of 2021, a law designed to alter the tribunal system.                 About Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021: Objective: The Act was enacted to streamline the functioning of tribunals by dissolving certain appellate tribunals and transferring their functions to existing judicial bodies like the High Courts.   Associated SC Judgement: It was introduced in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India (2021), which struck down certain provisions of the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021.  Selection Committee for Central Tribunals: Chairperson: Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI (casting vote).  Two Secretaries nominated by the Central Government.  Sitting/outgoing Chairperson of the tribunal, or a retired Supreme Court judge, or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.  Non-voting member: Secretary of the relevant Union Ministry.  Selection Committee for State Administrative Tribunals: Chairperson: Chief Justice of the respective High Court (casting vote).  Chief Secretary of the State Government.  Chairman of the State Public Service Commission.  Sitting/outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal or a retired High Court Judge.  Tenure of members: The tenure for Chairperson and Members is 4 years, with a minimum age of 50 years. The maximum age limit is 67 years for tribunal members and 70 years for chairpersons, or completion of the 4-year tenure, whichever is earlier.  Members eligible for reappointment: Tribunal Chairpersons and Members are eligible for reappointment, with preference given to their past service.  Removal of Tribunal Members: Central government on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee can remove Chairperson or a Member. About SC Observations and Rulings: The Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran held that the 2021 Act was an attempt to “repackage” the very provisions earlier invalidated.  The Court noted that Parliament cannot circumvent judicial directions by re-enacting an unconstitutional provision in slightly modified form. The Court found the 2021 Act to be a “legislative override” that consciously defied earlier judgments relating to tribunal autonomy. The Supreme Court invalidated provisions that: Allowed the Centre to control tenure and age limits of tribunal members, Included government secretaries on the selection committee, Limited tenure to four years, undermining institutional stability, Granted excessive rule-making powers to the executive over tribunals. Source: The Hindu CE20 Cryogenic Engine Category: Science and Technology Context: ISRO has successfully demonstrated the bootstrap mode start test on the CE20 cryogenic engine which powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 rocket. About CE20 Cryogenic Engine: Development: It is a cryogenic rocket engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, a subsidiary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Objective: It is used to power the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and has been qualified to operate at a thrust level of 19 tonnes. This engine has also successfully powered the upper stage of six LVM3 missions so far. Uniqueness: It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to have a gas-generator cycle. The CE-20 uses a combination of LOX and LH2 propellants in a gas generator cycle.  Significance: It marks a significant step in ISRO’s indigenous engine development, showcasing its ability to overcome complex rocket propulsion challenges. Mechanism: During nominal operation, the engine ignition is initiated under tank head conditions, followed by the start of turbo pumps using a stored gas start-up system. Important for LVM3 flights: The test on the CE20 cryogenic engine, which was successfully conducted under vacuum conditions in the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri is an important development towards enhancing the restart capability and mission flexibility of future LVM3 flights. Qualified for important missions like Gaganyaan: The CE20 cryogenic engine, powering the LVM3 upper stage, is already qualified for operation at thrust levels ranging from 19 to 22 tonnes in flight with a single start, and also for the Gaganyaan missions. Essential for flexible multi-orbit missions: For future missions, multiple in-flight restarts of the CE20 engine will be needed for flexible multi-orbit missions. Exploring possibility of bootstrap mode start: With the current set-up, each restart demands an additional start-up gas bottle and associated systems. Hence, achieving bootstrap mode start, where the engine builds up to steady operation without external start-up assistance is essential. Source: The Hindu Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Category: International Organisations Context: The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states. About Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Establishment: It is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981. Members: The member countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objective: It aims to foster economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members. This cooperation is based on common Islamic values, tribal links, and mutual security and development goals. History: It was formed in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Significance: GCC countries are located strategically along the Persian Gulf, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa through maritime routes. Further, the bloc controls around 30% of global oil reserves and is a major exporter of natural gas. Organizational Structure: Supreme council is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states. Ministerial council is composed of foreign ministers or their representatives from member states. It proposes policies and implements decisions of the Supreme Council. About One-stop Travel System: It is part of the GCC’s ambitious push to eliminate redundant travel procedures and foster stronger cooperation between member states.  It will allow Gulf citizens to complete all travel procedures including immigration, customs and security checks at a single checkpoint. Source: News on AIR Adam Chini Rice Category: Miscellaneous Context: Farmers in Uttar Pradesh are seeing their dreams take flight with the revival as BHU researchers revive timeless

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) PM-KISAN Category: Government Schemes Context: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president said that over ₹10,500 crore has been disbursed to the State’s farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme. About PM-KISAN: Launch: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central-Sector scheme (100% funded by Government of India) and it was launched in December 2018. Objective: It aims to provide financial assistance to all land-holding farmer families across India. Under the scheme, eligible farmer families receive income support of Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. Nodal ministry: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is the implementing agency.  The DA&FW works with the Department of Agriculture of all the states and union territories to implement the scheme. Eligibility: All landholding farmers’ families, which have cultivable land holding in their names are eligible to get benefit under the scheme. For the purposes of this scheme, a farmer “family” consists of the husband, wife, and any minor children. Identification of beneficiaries: The responsibility to identify eligible farmer families rests with State Governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, following the scheme’s guidelines. Use of DBT: The scheme ensures that funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to promote transparency and reduce delays. The government has also linked Kisan Credit Card with PM-KISAN to streamline farmers’ access to formal credit, reduce documentation, and make loan processing faster. Exclusion: The PM-KISAN scheme excludes beneficiaries with higher economic status, making them ineligible for benefits. These exclusions are as follows: All institutional landholders.  Families where any member holds, or has held, constitutional posts.  Former and present Ministers (Central or State), Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies/Councils, as well as former/present Mayors of Municipal Corporations and Chairpersons of District Panchayats.  All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government Ministries, Departments, and field units, including Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and autonomous institutions under government and regular employees of local bodies.   Professionals such as Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with professional bodies. Source: The Hindu BrahMos Missile Category: Defence and Security Context: Indonesian Defence Minister is scheduled to visit India in the last week of November for follow-up to the major defence agreement involving the BrahMos missile. About BrahMos Missile: Nomenclature: It is named after the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia. Development: BrahMos has been jointly developed by DRDO, India, and NPOM, Russia (with India owning 50.5% of the JV and Russia owning the remaining 49.5%). Range: An Indo-Russian joint venture, the BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km. Uniqueness: It is the world’s fastest cruise missile with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (about three times the speed of sound).  Two-stage missile: It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) missile.  Multiplatform missile: It is a multiplatform missile which can be launched with great accuracy from land, air and sea having multi-capability capabilities and can operate during day and night despite bad weather.  Based on fire and forget principle: It operates on the “fire and forget” principle i.e. it does not require guidance after launch. First launch: On June 12, 2001, the first successful launch of BrahMos occurred. The missile was launched from a land-based launcher at the Interim Test Range off the coast of Chandipur in Orissa. About BrahMos-NG (Next Generation): BrahMos-NG promises to become one of the most potent weapon systems in the future, carrying forward the excellent lineage of the existing world-class BrahMos. Its range is 290 km and it has a speed of 3.5 Mach. It has a smaller radar cross-section (RCS) than the previous missile, making it more difficult for air defence systems to detect and engage the target. Because of its small size, this missile can be launched from submarine torpedo rooms. Source: The Hindu Vrindavani Vastra Category: History and Culture Context: Assam Chief Minister left for London on Saturday to initiate the process of bringing back the revered Vrindavani Vastra from the British Museum. About Vrindavani Vastra: Nature: It is a 400-year-old traditional textile from Assam, woven with the theme of Krishna’s various exploits. Prominent themes: The childhood stories of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan, his divine pastimes, and various events are woven with thread on this cloth. Building technique: It was made of woven silk using the complex ‘lampas’ technique. This technique requires two weavers working simultaneously. The designs were woven with a large variety of colored threads, like red, white, black, yellow, green, etc. History: It was created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva, at the request of Koch king Nara Narayan, who ruled over parts of modern-day Assam and West Bengal. Notably, Nara Nararan had sheltered Sankardeva after the Vaishnav saint was targeted by the Ahom kingdom on the instigation of Brahmin priests in the state. Significance: The textile serves as a testament to Assamese weaving, incorporating elements from various artistic traditions, and travelled from Assam to Tibet before being acquired by the British Museum in 1904. Associated with Vaishnavism: A masterpiece of sacred art, the Vrindavani Vastra is a central part of Assamese Vaishnavism. Source: The Hindu Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Category: Science and Technology Context: Ethiopia has reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease with laboratory tests confirming nine cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. About Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Nomenclature: It was first identified in 1967 in the German city of Marburg. And it was named after an outbreak linked to laboratory workers exposed to infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Geographical spread: Most outbreaks have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Nature: MVD is a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, with high case fatality rates and no approved treatments currently available.  Symptoms: MVD starts with high fever, severe headache, and malaise. As it progresses, it can cause severe bleeding, shock, and multi-organ failure, with death occurring 8-9 days post-symptom