Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) LAWS GOVERNING IMPORT OF GOLD Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: A Special Court of Economic Offences in Bengaluru rejected the bail plea of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling over 14 kilograms of gold on a flight from Dubai to Bengaluru. Background: – Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials called it one of the biggest seizures of gold at Bengaluru airport in recent times. Key takeaways Until its repeal in 1990, the Gold (Control) Act, 1968, curbed gold imports and placed heavy restrictions on the acquisition, possession, and disposal of gold in India. However, with liberalisation in 1990s, the government modified its approach, imposing an import duty on gold. Now, gold imports are largely governed under the Customs Act, 1962, and by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).  The customs duty for gold may differ depending on the amount of gold carried by a passenger and the duration spent abroad before traveling back to India, as per the Baggage Rules, 2016 (issued under the Customs Act). Under these rules, a man residing abroad for over a year may carry up to 20 grams of jewellery duty free (with a value cap of Rs 50,000) and a woman may similarly carry up to 40 grams (with a cap of Rs 1 lakh).  The CBIC also has specific guidelines for Indian passengers returning from Dubai after residing there for over six months, allowing them to carry up to 1 kg of gold as long as the applicable customs duty is paid. In 2003, the Supreme Court held that any article imported without complying with the relevant conditions or restrictions must be considered a “prohibited good”. Such goods are liable to be confiscated under Section 111 and punished under Section 112 of the Customs Act.  The punishment may include a fine of up to the value of the goods. Section 135 provides a punishment of up to 7 years imprisonment if the market price of the smuggled goods exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. Smuggling is also punishable under Section 111 (Organised Crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which punishes “trafficking in illicit goods” with imprisonment of at least five years, extendable to life imprisonment.  The UAPA also carries the same punishment for smuggling as a “terrorist act” under Section 15 if it causes “damage to the monetary stability of India”. Source: Indian Express DIFFERENT TYPES OF BONDS Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: The Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) in India has received a luke response. The two new SGrBs worth Rs 10,000 crore auctioned in November and January faced muted response as bonds valued at Rs 7,443 crore remained unsold. This came despite a rule change allowing NRIs and foreign portfolio investors to participate without restrictions. Background: – The government’s inability to raise adequate proceeds through bonds increases fiscal constraints. Key takeaways A bond is an instrument to borrow money. A bond could be floated/issued by a country’s government or by a company to raise funds.  Since government bonds (referred to as G-secs in India, Treasury in the US, and Gilts in the UK) come with the sovereign’s guarantee, they are considered one of the safest investments. As a result, they also give the lowest returns on investment (or yield). The yield of a bond is the effective rate of return that it earns. But the rate of return is not fixed — it changes with the price of the bond. Sovereign Green Bonds Sovereign green bonds (SGrBs) are those that are issued by sovereign entities, like the Government of India, which formulated a framework for issuing such bonds in 2022.  The framework defines “green projects” as those that encourage energy efficiency in resource utilisation, reduce carbon emissions, promote climate resilience, and improve natural ecosystems. Masala Bonds Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds i.e. the funds would be raised from the overseas market in Indian rupees.  According to RBI, any corporate, body corporate, and Indian bank is eligible to issue rupee-denominated bonds overseas. Advantages of Masala Bonds : Lower Cost of Borrowing: Interest rates may be lower compared to domestic borrowing. Diversification of Funding Sources: Enables Indian companies to access global capital markets. Boosts Rupee Internationalization: Encourages wider acceptance of the Indian rupee in global finance. Foreign Investors Bear Currency Risk: If the rupee depreciates, investors receive fewer dollars upon conversion, making it riskier for them. Social Impact Bonds Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are innovative financial instruments designed to fund social programs through a results-based approach.  Unlike traditional bonds, SIBs do not provide fixed returns to investors. Instead, returns are linked to the achievement of predefined social outcomes (e.g., reducing unemployment, improving public health, or enhancing education). How SIBs Work? Government/Authority Identifies a Social Issue: A government or public sector entity defines a social problem that needs intervention. Investors Provide Upfront Capital: Private investors or philanthropic organizations fund the project. Service Providers Implement the Program: Non-profits or social enterprises execute interventions to achieve the desired impact. Independent Evaluation: Third-party assessors measure the project’s success based on pre-agreed metrics. Outcome-Based Repayment: If the project meets its goals, the government repays investors with a return. If the project fails, investors may lose part or all of their investment. Key Features Pay-for-Success Model: Government pays only if the intervention achieves measurable results. Risk Transfer: Shifts financial risk from the public sector to private investors. Encourages Innovation: Service providers have flexibility in implementing evidence-based solutions. Examples of Social Impact Bonds : India’s Educate Girls Development Impact Bond (2015): Focused on improving girls’ education in Rajasthan. Source: Indian Express CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS (CMES) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have reported observations of a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) from the solar atmosphere with the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) instrument onboard Aditya-L1 mission. Background: The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first scientific mission dedicated to studying the sun. Key takeaways Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive bursts of solar plasma and

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) HEATWAVE Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a high probability of heatwave conditions in isolated places in Odisha during March 13-17; Jharkhand during March 14-17, and Gangetic West Bengal on March 15-17. Background: – A heatwave is basically a period of unusually high temperatures over a place. Thus, the threshold to declare a heatwave depends on the temperatures normally seen in that area in that time of the year. So what is considered a heatwave in Kerala will not be called that in Odisha. Key takeaways The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares a heat wave based on the following temperature thresholds and deviations: Based on Absolute Temperature (Plains & Hilly Areas) Heat Wave: When the maximum temperature reaches ≥ 40°C in the plains or ≥ 30°C in hilly areas. Severe Heat Wave: When the maximum temperature reaches ≥ 47°C in the plains. Based on Temperature Departure from Normal Heat Wave: If the maximum temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above the normal temperature for a given location. Severe Heat Wave: If the maximum temperature is ≥ 6.5°C above normal. For Coastal Regions A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches ≥ 37°C and is 4.5°C or more above normal. Duration Requirement : A location must experience these criteria for at least two consecutive days for IMD to declare a heat wave. Heatwaves in India occur mainly from March to June and in some cases, July. Source: Indian Express ASSAM RIFLES Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: In a development towards addressing a long-standing issue, a ceremonial transfer of land between Assam Rifles and Mizoram government took place to mark the relocation of paramilitary force from areas in the heart of Aizawl to Zokhawsang, 15 km away from the city. Background: – Assam Rifles will give 106.853 acres of land in Aizawl, while the Mizoram government has given 1305.15 acres on lease to the Assam Rifles in Zokhawsang. Mizoram CM said the transfer, “will greatly facilitate the process, freeing up valuable space and resources, that can be redirected towards the development of our city and improving the quality of life for our citizens”. Key takeaways The Assam Rifles (AR) is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs). The AR is tasked with maintaining law and order in the Northeast along with the Indian Army. It also guards the Indo-Myanmar border. It is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure. While the administrative control of the force is with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), its operational control is with the Indian Army, which is under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Due to the dual control structure, salaries and infrastructure for the force is provided by the MHA, but the deployment, posting, transfer and deputation of the personnel is decided by the Army. All its senior ranks, from DG to IG and sector headquarters, are manned by officers from the Army. The Force is commanded by an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General of the Army. The highest HQ of the force known as the HQ Directorate General of Assam Rifles is located at Shillong.  Assam Rifles is a region specific force with its operational role in the North East and therefore the HQ DGAR is also located in the East. The HQs of all other Central Para Military Forces are located at Delhi. Its recruitment, perks, promotion of its personnel and retirement policies are governed according to the rules framed by the MHA for CAPFs. Historical Evolution According to the official website of Assam Rifles, the AR came into being in 1835, as a militia called the ‘Cachar Levy’. This Force was formed to primarily protect British Tea estates and their settlements against tribal raids. 1917 – Renamed Assam Rifles in recognition of its role in World War I. World War II – Played a critical role against the Japanese advance. The post-independence role of the Assam Rifles continued to evolve, ranging from a conventional combat role during the Sino-India War in 1962, operating in foreign land as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 (Op Pawan), to a peacekeeping role in the northeastern areas of India. It remains the most awarded paramilitary force in both pre- and post-Independence India, having won a very large number of Shaurya Chakras, Kirti Chakras, Vir Chakras, Ashok Chakras, and Sena Medals. Source: Indian Express CAR T-CELL THERAPY Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: The clinical trial results of India’s first CAR T-cell therapy, published in The Lancet, show that it worked for nearly 73 per cent of patients. These results come from the Phase I and II trials of the therapy, where researchers assess its safety and effectiveness against a given condition.  Background: This is the first clinical trial of a CAR T-cell therapy from India to be published in an international journal. The treatment developed in India is meant for patients with two types of blood cancers that affect the B cells — acute lymphoblastic leukemia and large B cell lymphomas. Key takeaways  CAR T-cell therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, trains the body’s own immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. This treatment is designed for specific types of blood cancer and is given to patients whose cancer has either relapsed or not responded to first-line treatment. India’s drug regulator had granted approval for this therapy in 2023. It is now available at several hospitals across India, including Apollo, Fortis, Amrita and Max, among others. Given that the treatment is novel and intended for cancer patients with no other options, the regulator allowed the company — a start-up incubated in IIT Bombay called ImmunoAct — to forgo a large Phase III clinical trial to demonstrate its efficacy in a broader population. However, the company must follow up with all patients who receive the therapy for 15 years. While the response rate was

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) BODO ACCORD Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Union and state governments had implemented “82%” of the conditions in the 2020 Bodo Accord and would implement the remainder in the next two years. Background: – The Bodo issue in Assam is rooted in the ethnic and political aspirations of the Bodo community, demanding a separate state called Bodoland. The movement has witnessed violent insurgency, peace accords, and formation of autonomous councils. The 2020 Bodo Accord is the third such agreement aimed at resolving the Bodo issue. Key takeaways Who are the Bodos? Bodos are the largest tribal community in Assam, constituting about 5-6% of the state’s population. Historically, Bodos ruled vast parts of Assam before losing their dominance. Timeline of the Bodo Movement Phase 1: Initial Demand for Separate State (1966-67) The demand for Bodoland was first raised by the Plains Tribals Council of Assam (PTCA). PTCA demanded a separate state for Bodos and other plains tribals. Phase 2: Rise of ABSU & Armed Struggle (1987) In 1987, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) renewed the demand, raising the slogan, “Divide Assam Fifty-Fifty”. Rise of armed insurgency groups, mainly the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). Phase 3: First Bodo Accord (1993) Signed between the Government of India, Government of Assam, and ABSU. Led to the creation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC). However, BAC failed due to lack of constitutional protection and administrative powers. Phase 4: Second Bodo Accord (2003) Signed between the Government of India, Government of Assam, and Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF). Led to the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. BTC governed four districts – Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri (Bodoland Territorial Area Districts – BTAD). However, factions of NDFB continued insurgency, demanding full statehood. Phase 5: Third Bodo Accord (2020) – Signed between Government of India, Assam Government, and four factions of NDFB. Key Provisions: BTAD will be renamed as Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). No separate state but more autonomy to BTC with increased legislative, administrative, and financial powers. Withdrawal of cases against Bodo militants and rehabilitation of cadres. Establishment of Bodo-Kachari Welfare Council The Government of Assam will notify Bodo language in Devanagri script as the associate official language in the state. Source: Indian Express MENHIR Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district will soon be the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in the state, after being one of the six Indian sites to be added to the tentative list by the World Heritage Centre in 2025. Background: – The menhir’s in Mudumal, dated to roughly 3,500 to 4,000 before present (BP), are the oldest known menhirs in India. Key takeaways A menhir is a standing or an upright stone, which is usually tapered at the top. It is man-made, in that it is sculpted and placed by humans, and usually quite large. How old are menhirs? Why were they erected? The ones in Europe were originally associated with the Beaker culture who lived during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age — roughly 4,800 to 3,800 before present (BP). But the oldest European menhirs are today dated to as early as 7,000 BP. Menhirs can either be found alone, or as a part of a larger complex of prehistoric megaliths, simply, large stone structures.  While the exact purpose is debated, they likely served ceremonial functions. Some were markers of graves, while others might have served some astronomical purposes. The Mudumal site has been described as a “megalithic astronomical observatory” by the UNESCO dossier. “Some menhirs are aligned with the rising and setting sun during the summer and winter solstices, suggesting their use as an ancient observatory,” the dossier says. Today, the Mudumal menhirs are closely associated with local legend, with “one particular menhir being worshipped as Goddess Yellamma”. Why Menhirs deserve UNESCO recognition? First, they give us insight into the ingenuity of early humans. Not only do these tonnes-heavy stones need a solid understanding of physics to be sculpted and move to precise locations, the precision of their placement itself tells us how much our ancestors knew about astronomy and solstices. Second, they give us insight into how the cultures who built them saw and understood the world. The effort taken to build these megalithic structures tells us that they were undoubtedly meaningful to the people who built them. This in turn can help us better understand these cultures who have left no written material for the historical record. Source: Indian Express COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL OF INDIA Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – POLITY Context: The Supreme Court decided to examine a plea challenging the sole prerogative of the Centre, acting through the President, to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Background: The petitioner, Centre for Public Interest Litigation, referred to recent “deviations” in the CAG’s work, including reports on the “pause” in Maharashtra audits, a steady decline on audits on the Union government, the shelving of the performance audit on ‘debt sustainability’, allegations of corruption in recruitment to several vacancies in the CAG, among others. Key takeaways The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is the supreme audit authority of the country. CAG acts as the guardian of public finances and ensures transparency in government spending. It is an independent constitutional authority, established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. Appointment & Tenure Appointed by the President of India. Holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Removal process similar to that of a Supreme Court judge (cannot be removed except on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity, requiring a special majority in Parliament). The CAG performs the following key functions: Auditing Audit of Union Government: Examines the accounts of the central government. Audit of State Governments: Audits the accounts of state governments. Audit of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Reviews the

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) INDIA AND NEW ZEALAND SIGN DEFENCE PACT Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 Context: India signed a defence cooperation pact with New Zealand and agreed to step up dialogue to enhance maritime safety after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon. Background: – The recent developments mark a new phase in India-New Zealand relations, characterized by stronger defence partnerships, economic cooperation, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific. Key takeaways Defence and Security Cooperation India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation, aiming to institutionalize and strengthen defence and security collaboration. Both sides emphasized maritime security and the safety of sea lanes of communication, given the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific. India raised concerns about pro-Khalistan activities in New Zealand, with assurances of cooperation from the New Zealand government. Geopolitical Outlook Prime Minister Modi stated that India believes in development, not expansionism, indirectly addressing China’s assertive regional policies. PM Luxon emphasized New Zealand’s cooperation with like-minded countries in countering regional threats but clarified that New Zealand has no intention of joining the Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan). Economic and Trade Relations India and New Zealand agreed to launch negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Total bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.75 billion in 2023-24, with India importing wool, iron & steel, fruits, and aluminium while exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and precious stones. Both countries aim to increase investment and cooperation in dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. People-to-People Ties and Diplomatic Expansion New Zealand announced a 60% increase in its diplomatic presence in India, signaling stronger engagement. The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, contributing significantly to the country’s workforce, especially in skilled migration and education. In 2026, India and New Zealand will celebrate 100 years of sporting relations, recognizing the significance of cricket and other sports in fostering cultural ties. Source: The Hindu IUCN GREEN LIST Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The IUCN Green List is seeing growth with the addition of four new listings from West Asia, marking a positive trend toward effective and equitable area-based conservation. Background: – Four new sites included are Sharaan Nature Reserve and King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve of Saudi Arabia, Aqaba Marine Reserve of Jordan and Sir Bu Nair Protected Area from UAE. Key takeaways The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas is a global initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting effective, equitable, and successful management of protected and conserved areas worldwide.  It serves as a benchmark for quality in nature conservation, ensuring that these areas deliver tangible benefits for both people and nature. Objectives of the IUCN Green List: Enhance Conservation Outcomes: Increase the number of protected and conserved areas that achieve successful conservation results through effective management and governance.  Provide a Global Benchmark: Offer a globally consistent standard to measure and improve the performance of protected and conserved areas.  The IUCN Green List Standard is structured around four key components, each encompassing specific criteria: Good Governance: Ensures that the area is managed transparently, inclusively, and accountably, respecting the rights of stakeholders and indigenous communities.  Sound Design and Planning: Focuses on clear, long-term conservation goals based on a comprehensive understanding of the area’s natural, cultural, and socio-economic values.  Effective Management: Involves implementing strategies and actions that are efficient, adaptive, and based on the best available knowledge to maintain or enhance the area’s values.  Successful Conservation Outcomes: Measures the achievement of tangible and positive results in conserving the area’s values, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.  The path to Green List certification involves several stages: Application Phase: Protected areas submit an application and provide initial documentation demonstrating commitment to the Green List indicators.  Candidate Phase: Upon acceptance, the site undergoes a thorough evaluation against all criteria, including stakeholder consultations and site visits.  Green List Phase: Successful sites are awarded Green List status, recognized for their excellence in conservation, and are subject to periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.  There are no Indian sites listed on the IUCN Green List Source: IUCN FIVE EYES ALLIANCE Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: In a major step for cooperation on global security, intelligence chiefs and national security advisers of several countries including three members of the Five Eyes alliance have gathered in New Delhi. Besides key meetings, the intel chiefs will attend The Raisina Dialogue – a multilateral conference organised by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Background: Once a covert intelligence-sharing network, Five Eyes has evolved into an expansive global surveillance apparatus, operating with little accountability. While some nations have challenged its overreach, the dominance of the US and UK has ensured that, in most cases, its actions remain shielded from meaningful consequences. Key takeaways The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising five English-speaking countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Origins and Evolution The alliance originated during World War II with the UKUSA Agreement (1946) between the United States and the United Kingdom, later expanding to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was initially focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT), particularly intercepting Soviet communications during the Cold War. Over time, the alliance has expanded its scope to counterterrorism, cyber threats, and geopolitical intelligence sharing. Significance and Role The Five Eyes countries share classified intelligence, gathered through various means, including electronic surveillance, cybersecurity monitoring, and human intelligence. It is one of the most comprehensive intelligence alliances in the world, with vast capabilities in surveillance, counterespionage, and cybersecurity. The alliance also cooperates on emerging threats like China’s growing technological influence, Russian cyber activities, and terrorism networks. Source: Indian Express WHITE HYDROGEN Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: France has discovered a massive 46-million-ton white hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region, valued at $92 trillion. Background: – Hydrogen is considered the future of clean energy. Unlike solar or wind energy, it produces only water when burned. 

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) DARA SHIKOH Syllabus: Prelims – HISTORY Context: Dara Shikoh is often invoked as the nemesis of Aurangzeb. March 20th marks the birth anniversary of Dara Shikoh, who was born in 1615. Background: – Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and was engaged in an intense battle of succession. Key takeaways Dara Shikoh strove to develop cordial relationships between people by finding commonalities between Hinduism and Islam.  His most important works, Majma-ul-Bahrain (Mingling of Two Oceans) and Sirr-i-Akbar (Great Mystery), are devoted to the cause of establishing connections between Hinduism and Islam. Dara Shikoh concluded that the “hidden book” mentioned in the Quran was none other than the Upanishads and believed that to understand the Quran, one needed to study the Hindu text. With the help of pandits, he translated 52 volumes of the Upanishads from Sanskrit to Persian into a tome called Sirr-e-Akbar (The Greatest Secret). He even drew an equation between Adam and Brahma — a view which, according to historians, led to him being branded a heretic and to his execution. However, he was defeated by his brother Aurangzeb in the War of Succession following Shah Jahan’s illness. Thus he was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb under a fatwa issued by his clerics stating that he had apostatised from Islam. War of Succession The Mughals did not believe in the rule of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited his father’s estate. They followed the custom of coparcenary inheritance or a division of the inheritance amongst all the sons. This became the ground for the war of succession during the Mughal Empire. The war of succession broke out in 1657 after Shah Jahan fell ill. Though all four brothers — Dara, Aurangzeb, Murad and Shuja — were locked in a bitter war, the first two were the serious contenders. Aurangzeb battled fiercely with his brothers, eventually sentencing all three to death and confining his father to a gilded prison for the last seven years of his life. Source: Indian Express TELANGANA ASSEMBLY PASSES SC SUB-CATEGORISATION BILL Syllabus: Mains – GS 2  Context: The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Bill, 2025, paving the way for SC sub-categorisation in reservation. Background: – This legislation follows a Supreme Court verdict supporting SC sub-categorization and affirming states’ rights to enact necessary legislation in this regard. Key takeaways As per the Bill, the Scheduled Castes will be divided into three categories – Group I will get 1% reservation within the 15% quota for SCs; Group II will get 9% reservation; and Group III will get 5% reservation. The Bill has divided 59 SC communities in the state into three groups for implementation of the 15 percent reservation for SCs. It provided one per cent reservation to 15 SC communities categorised as most socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged/overlooked which formed 3.288 percent of the total SC population in the state. Group-II, with 18 communities and comprising 62.748 per cent of the SC population, will be provided 9 per cent reservation and the third category comprising 26 significantly benefitted scheduled castes forming 33.963 per cent of the SC population will be given 5 per cent reservation. Additional Information In 1975, the Punjab issued a notification dividing its 25% SC reservation at that time into two categories. In the first category, seats were reserved solely for the Balmiki and Mazhbi Sikh communities, which were the most backward communities in the state. As a result, they were to be given first preference for any reservations in education and public employment. The second category consisted of the rest of the SC communities, which didn’t get this preferential treatment. It was one of the first instances of existing reservations being ‘sub-classified’ by a state to provide benefits to certain communities beyond what was already being offered to scheduled caste communities as a whole. While the notification remained in force for nearly 30 years, it ran into legal hurdles when in 2004, a five-judge constitution bench struck down a similar law introduced by Andhra Pradesh in 2000.  In ‘E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh’, the Supreme Court struck down the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2000 for being violative of the right to equality. The law contained an expansive list of scheduled caste communities identified in the state and the quota of reservation benefits provided to each of them. On August 1, 2024, In a landmark 6-1 majority ruling, a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that Scheduled Castes do not constitute a socially homogeneous class and can be sub-classified by States for the purpose of providing reservation to the less privileged among them. Source: The News Minute MARITIME DIPLOMACY Syllabus: Mains – GS 2ains – GS 2 Context: Apart from its “soft power” and humanitarian aspects, maritime diplomacy can help contain, resolve and prevent conflict. Background: Maritime diplomacy is a flexible instrument that can be used to convey messages and influence events by offering a choice of naval actions, ranging from peaceful cooperation at one end to compellence and deterrence at the other.  Key takeaways Unlike other regions, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has historically lacked strong institutions for security and cooperative dialogue. There has never been a security architecture in the IOR, because diversity, combined with self-interest, has prevented the formation of functional, effective regional institutions. Past attempts have created fragmented initiatives like IORA, SAARC, BIMSTEC, IPOI, CSC, and IONS, with limited success. India’s Role in the IOR – Maritime Diplomacy Indian Navy as a “First Responder” Led Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and other crises. Conducts sea-lift operations to evacuate people from disaster zones. Security Assistance & Surveillance India has enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), sharing real-time surveillance data with Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Helps protect Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of island nations. Naval Diplomacy Indian Navy supports foreign policy through warship deployments, joint exercises, and deterrence measures. Balances soft power (cooperation, assistance) with hard

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) SPRING EQUINOX Syllabus: Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: March 20, 2025, marks the vernal or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Background: – Equinoxes occur twice a year, in March and in September, and are the only times when both poles are sunlit at the same time. Key takeaways An Equinox is when the Sun is directly above the Equator, resulting in nearly equal duration of day and night across the globe. The term is derived from the Latin words “aequus” meaning “equal”, and “nox” (meaning “night”). On all other days, the Earth’s axis is tilted either towards or away from the sun. This impacts how the light and the warmth of the sun are distributed across the hemispheres. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and orbit align just so that both hemispheres obtain an equal amount of sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal or spring equinox, typically occurs between March 19 and 21, while the autumnal or fall equinox occurs between September 21 and 24.  The names are switched for the Southern Hemisphere, so March 20, 2025, marks the autumnal equinox there. what are solstices? Solstices mark the days when the Earth is extremely tilted toward or away from the sun. On these days, each hemisphere gets significantly different amounts of light and warmth from the sun, with the days and nights being just as lopsided. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, between June 20 and 22, creates the longest day and shortest night of the year, as the upper half of the earth is tilted towards the sun. Conversely, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, between December 20 and 23, creates the shortest day and longest night of the year, with the upper half of the earth is tilted towards the sun. Source: Indian Express STORY OF REMITTANCES Syllabus: Mains – GS 3 Context: An article ‘Changing Dynamics of India’s Remittances – Insights from the Sixth Round of India’s Remittances Survey’ published in the RBI March Bulletin captures various dimensions of inward remittances to India – country-wise source of remittances, statewise destination of remittances, transaction-wise size of remittances, prevalent modes of transmission. Background: – Share of inward remittances from advanced economies has risen, surpassing that of Gulf economies in 2023-24, reflecting a shift in migration pattern towards skilled Indian diaspora. Key takeaways India’s remittances doubled from $55.6 billion (2010-11) to $118.7 billion (2023-24). Advanced economies (AEs), such as the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Australia, have surpassed the Gulf economies in remittance contributions. India’s remittances finance nearly half of the trade deficit and act as a buffer against external shocks. Shift in Sources of Remittances US remains the largest contributor, with its share rising from 23.4% (2020-21) to 27.7% (2023-24). UAE remains the second-largest source, with an increase from 18% (2020-21) to 19.2% (2023-24). UK’s share increased from 6.8% to 10.8% in the same period. Migration Trends India’s international migrant population tripled from 6.6 million (1990) to 18.5 million (2024). India’s share in global migration increased from 4.3% to over 6% in this period. GCC countries still account for nearly half of Indian migrants, mainly in blue-collar jobs. AEs are now attracting more skilled professionals and students from India. State-wise Distribution of Remittances Maharashtra received the highest share (20.5%), though it declined from 35.2% (2020-21). Kerala’s share increased significantly from 10% (2020-21) to 19.7% (2023-24). Other top recipient states: Tamil Nadu (10.4%) Telangana (8.1%) Karnataka (7.7%) Significance for India Economic Impact: Reduces trade deficit, supports foreign exchange reserves. Social Impact: Enhances household incomes, improves education and healthcare spending. Geopolitical Significance: Strengthens diaspora relations and soft power influence. Source: Business Standard SQUAD ALLIANCE Syllabus: Mains & Mains – CURRENT EVENT  Context: Bearing the brunt of China’s aggressive expansionist tactics in the South China Sea, the Philippines now  wants India to join the relatively new `Squad’ strategic alliance. Background: Pointing to China’s “illegal, coercive and disruptive Grey Zone” tactics to claim territory and build militarised artificial  islands in the South China Sea region, Philippines chief of staff of armed forces said countries like India and South Korea should also be included in the squad. Key takeaways The “Squad Alliance” is an informal grouping that focuses on security in the South China Sea, aiming to counter China’s growing influence and aggressive activities in the region.  The current members include the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the United States. The alliance emphasizes military collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint maritime exercises within the South China Sea. The ‘Squad’ was conceptualized during the Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2023, with defense chiefs from the member countries convening to discuss collaborative security measures. The primary objectives of the ‘Squad’ include: Maritime Security: Conducting joint maritime patrols and exercises to ensure freedom of navigation and adherence to international maritime laws.  Intelligence Sharing: Enhancing information exchange among member nations to improve situational awareness and coordinated responses to regional threats. Capacity Building: Strengthening defense capabilities through collaborative training and resource sharing. Notably, in April 2024, the ‘Squad’ nations conducted cooperative maritime patrols within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, marking a significant development amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Recognizing the evolving security dynamics, the Philippines has advocated for the inclusion of India and South Korea into the ‘Squad’ alliance. Distinction from the ‘Quad’ While the ‘Quad’ (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) comprises the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, focusing on broader strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the ‘Squad’ is more narrowly centered on traditional security and defense collaboration, particularly addressing maritime security challenges in the Western Pacific. Source: Times of India ENVIRONMENTAL CATASTROPHE IN ZAMBIA Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENET EVENT Context: Zambian officials are confronting the devastating fallout of an acid leak at a Chinese-operated mine, which has polluted a vital river and could impact millions of people. Background: – The incident occurred on February 18 when a dam storing acidic waste from a copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed. Investigators estimate that around 50 million litres of waste, containing

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) LIFE UNDER ANTARCTIC ICE SHELF Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: A team of scientists may have discovered dozens of new species, including giant sea spiders, octopi, and corals on the newly exposed seafloor left behind by the enormous A-84 iceberg that broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf on January 13. Background: – The break-away of the 510-sq-km iceberg gave access to an underwater world that was previously beyond human reach. A remotely-operated submersible got to the seafloor on January 25, where it captured photos and videos, and collected specimens. Key takeaways The mission was part of Challenger 150, a UNESCO-endorsed global initiative for deep-sea research. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), scientists explored the seafloor for eight days, and found flourishing ecosystems at depths of up to 1,300 metres. The reason scientists were surprised to find diverse ecosystems under the ice shelf is that deep-sea communities typically depend on photosynthesising organisms to rain down nutrients from the surface to the seafloor. However, Antarctic ecosystems have been covered by 150-metre-thick ice for centuries, completely cut off from surface nutrients. Scientists have hypothesised that ocean currents, glacial meltwater or something else could be transporting essential nutrients, sustaining life beneath the ice shelf. The precise mechanism fueling these ecosystems is yet to be understood. Challenger 150 Mission The Challenger 150 is a global scientific initiative, endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO), aimed at enhancing our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems. Launched in alignment with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), its mission is to map life in the deep ocean and provide the scientific foundation necessary for sustainable management of these vast environments. Source: Indian Express IT ACT AND CONTENT BLOCKING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – POLITY Context: Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) has challenged the government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) to moderate and order the removal of content on social media. Background: – X has asked the court to direct the government that orders to block content can only be issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and not by invoking Section 79(3)(b) of the Act.  Key takeaways In Shreya Singhal v Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act which criminally punished, among other things, sending false information “for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience”. SC said the provision was vague, giving the government unchecked powers to restrict the freedom of speech. After this decision, Section 69A of the IT Act became the primary law governing the matter. This section allows the Centre to issue orders blocking “any information generated, transmitted, received, stored or hosted in any computer resource”, but unlike 66A, it contains safeguards against misuse. For blocking content under Section 69A, the Centre must deem it “necessary”. This “necessity”, however, is only justifiable under grounds provided in Article 19(2) of the Constitution which “imposes reasonable restrictions” on the freedom of speech “in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with Foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence”. The Centre must record its reasons in the blocking order so that it can be challenged in court. Govt’s use of Section 79 The SC in Shreya Singhal also clarified the application of another provision — Section 79 of the IT Act. The provision is a “safe harbour” measure that exempts an “intermediary” (such as X) from liability for information published on the platform by a “third party”, that is, users of the platform. But Section 79(3)(b) states that the intermediary could be held liable if it does not immediately remove such unlawful information “upon receiving actual knowledge, or on being notified by the appropriate Government or its agency”. The apex court limited the scope of this provision, ruling that the requirement under Section 79(3)(b) will only kick in once a court order has been passed to that effect, or the government issues a notification stating that the content in question is related to grounds provided in Article 19(2). But in 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a directive to all ministries, state governments, and the police saying that information blocking orders could be issued under Section 79(3)(b). A year later in 2024, MeitY launched a portal called “Sahyog” where the aforementioned authorities could issue and upload blocking orders. X’s challenge argues that MeitY’s orders are an attempt to “bypass the multiple procedural safeguards” provided under Section 69A. The petition relies upon the SC’s ruling in Shreya Singhal, and says that content can only be censored though the process given under Section 69A or through a court order. Source: Indian Express COLLEGIUM Syllabus: Mains & Mains – POLITY Context: After meeting on March 20, the Supreme Court collegium unanimously decided to transfer Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, where he originally came from. Background: This came after a large sum of cash was allegedly recovered from Justice Varma’s residence after a fire. About Collegium It is the system by which judges of the higher judiciary in India — the Supreme Court and High Courts — are appointed and transferred.  Although not rooted in the Constitution or any specific law, it has evolved over the years through judgments of the apex court popularly known as the the “Judges Cases”. The Supreme Court collegium is a five-member body headed by the incumbent Chief Justice of India (CJI), and comprising the four other senior most judges at that time. High Court collegiums are led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two other senior most judges of that court. How does the collegium system work? The SC collegium recommends the names of judges to be appointed to the apex court. So do HC collegiums (for their respective High Courts), although their recommendations must be approved

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) WORLD’S MOUNTAIN RANGES AND GLOBAL WARMING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: Soaring temperatures are leading to rapid and largely irreversible changes in the mountain ranges of the world, according to a new UNESCO report. Background: – The ‘The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025 – Mountains and glaciers: Water towers’ was released to mark the first-ever World Day for Glaciers on March 21. Key takeaways Glacier Melting Glaciers are disappearing faster than ever, with the last three-year period seeing the largest glacial mass loss on record.  Scientists measure the state of a glacier by measuring how much snow falls on it and how much melt occurs every year, according to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS). Since 1975, glaciers, which do not include the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets, have lost more than 9,000 billion tonnes of mass. Warmer temperatures are not the sole cause of glacier melting. Increased wildfires and dust storms deposit black carbon and particulates on ice, darkening surfaces and enhancing solar radiation absorption. This alters the surface energy balance, accelerating melt rates, especially in high solar radiation areas, as noted in the UNESCO report. Accelerating Permafrost Thaw Permafrost is any ground that stays frozen — 0 degrees Celsius or lower — for at least two years straight.  Rising temperatures are melting permafrost rapidly. Mountain soils with permafrost contain approximately 4.5% of the global soil organic carbon, according to the UNESCO report. As the permafrost thaws, this organic carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Moreover, permafrost in mountain regions also stabilises rock slopes, moraines (material left behind by a moving glacier), and debris-covered slopes. However, due to permafrost melting, slopes become more vulnerable to erosion, increasing the risk of landslides and other hazards. Decline In Snow Cover:  According to the UNESCO report, snow cover in nearly all mountain regions has reduced, especially in spring and summer, with an expected further decrease in the coming decades. Snow cover is the total of all the snow and ice on the ground. It includes new snow and previous snow and ice that have not melted. Erratic Snowfall Patterns:  In some regions, the elevation at which rainfall transitions to snowfall is shifting upwards due to atmospheric warming, the UNESCO report says. “Lower elevations and warmer climates are therefore undergoing greater decreases in snow cover depth and duration,” the report added. Some mountain ranges are experiencing an increase in rainfall over snowfall, shorter snow duration, earlier snowmelt, and a reduction in snow-covered areas. Why is this significant? Mountains, which cover 33 million sq km of the Earth’s surface, are crucial for sustaining life. For instance, around 2 billion people downstream depend on mountains for freshwater resources from melting glaciers. “Water flows from mountains will become more erratic, uncertain and variable. Changes in the timing and volume of peak and low flow periods, increased erosion and sediment loads will affect water resources downstream, in terms of quantity, timing and quality,” the UNESCO report said. Glacier melting and permafrost thaw also increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). GLOFs are sudden and catastrophic floods caused by the failure of natural dams, usually formed by glacial moraines or ice, which contain glacial lakes. According to WGMS, melted ice of glaciers accounts for 25 to 30% of the currently observed increase in global sea levels. Source: Indian Express HAWALA Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT  Context: A poaching network in central India, using digital payments with “hawala funds” and multiple supply lines to Nepal and Myanmar, has taken out “100 to any number” of tigers since 2022, an investigation by The Indian Express has found. Background: – Hawala enables fund transfers without physical money movement, similar to banking transactions. However, unlike banks, it operates through informal, unregulated channels based on trust. A vast network of hawaladars facilitates these transactions, primarily in West Asia, North and East Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. How Hawala works A person ‘A’ working in Muscat wants to send money to his father ‘B’ in Lucknow through the hawala system.  To do so, ‘A’ deposits the amount with a hawaladar in Muscat, receiving a token—either a physical item (such as a banknote) or a code transmitted via phone or electronic means. ‘A’ then shares this token with ‘B,’ who presents it to a hawaladar in Lucknow to receive the equivalent amount.  Notably, no physical transfer of money occurs between Muscat and Lucknow; instead, the hawaladars at both locations settle the accounts later through their network. Despite there being no legal recourse in case of fraud, hawala transactions are popular, and see a variety of uses. Sending Remittances: Remittances are funds sent by migrant workers to their homes, to support their families. Many migrants, especially those working in West Asia, use hawala because of convenience and lack of access to formal systems.  Illegal Activities: While sending remittances using hawala may or may not be illegal, many illegal operations — from smuggling and money laundering to drug trade and terror finance — use hawala networks for the anonymity, and lack of regulation and scrutiny they offer. Source: Indian Express JNANPITH AWARD Syllabus: Prelims – ART & CULTURE Context: Vinod Kumar Shukla wins the 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour.  Background: The 88-year-old author of novels such as Naukar ki Kameez, about a clerk forced to submit to professional hierarchies, and Khilega Toh Dekhenge, about a teacher who arrives in a village with eccentric residents, is the 12th Hindi writer to win the award and the first from Chhattisgarh. Key takeaways The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honor, awarded annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. Instituted in 1961, the award is bestowed only on Indian writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English, with no posthumous conferral. Until 1982 the award was presented for a specific work; thereafter, it was given for a writer’s overall contribution to literature.

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) HEAT ACTION PLANS (HAPS) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Most of the heat action plans (HAPs) put forth by multiple Indian cities lack long-term strategies to tackle the growing threat of extreme heat in the country, a new study has found. It also said that the cities having such strategies did not implement them effectively. Background: – The study, ‘Is India Ready for a Warming World? How Heat Resilience Measures Are Being Implemented for 11% of India’s Urban Population in Some of Its Most At-Risk Cities’, was carried out by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), a New Delhi-based research organisation. Key takeaways A heat action plan is essentially an early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events. The Plan presents immediate as well as longer-term actions to increase preparedness, information-sharing, and response coordination to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. In response to a Lok Sabha question, Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences had said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was implementing HAPs in 23 states that were prone to heatwave conditions, in collaboration with state authorities. The response also showed that between 2020 and 2022, deaths due to heat stroke had increased in the country. While the number stood at 530 in 2020, it jumped to 730 in 2022. However, in 2024, it came down to 269 suspected heatstroke deaths and 161 confirmed heatstroke deaths, according to the NDMA. How was the new study carried out? For their analysis, the researchers identified cities with populations over 1 million (based on the 2011 Census) that were expected to experience the largest increases in dangerous heat index values, which combine temperature and humidity, relative to their recent historical average. These cities were Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, Mumbai, and Surat. The researchers conducted interviews with government officials responsible for implementing heat actions in these nine cities. They also interviewed representatives from disaster management, health, city planning, labour departments, as well as city and district administrators. What did the study find? The analysis found that although all the nine cities had short-term emergency measures — such as access to drinking water and changing work schedules — long-term actions were either entirely absent or poorly implemented. Long-term measures such as “making household or occupational cooling available to the most heat-exposed, developing insurance cover for lost work, expanding fire management services for heat waves, and electricity grid retrofits to improve transmission reliability and distribution safety” were missing in all the cities, the study said. The cities implemented actions like the expansion of urban shade and green cover and the creation of open spaces that dissipate without focusing on populations and areas that experience the greatest heat risk, according to the analysis. It also noted that the long-term strategies being implemented focus largely on the health system, and not on the prevention. The study highlighted that there was a requirement that more funding was required to implement long-term actions. Source: Indian Express JUDICIARY’S IN-HOUSE INQUIRY AGAINST JUDGE Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – POLITY Context: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna initiated an unprecedented three-member in-house inquiry into the conduct of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma following allegations that wads of currency notes were found in his official residence where a fire broke out on March 14. Background: – The internal inquiry of the judiciary follows a process that is distinct from that of impeachment under the Constitution. Key takeaways The process of impeachment of a judge of the Supreme Court is laid down in Article 124(4) of the Constitution of India. Article 218 says the same provisions shall apply in relation to a judge of the High Court. Under Article 124(4), a judge can be removed by Parliament through a laid-down procedure on only two grounds: “proved misbehaviour” and “incapacity”. For an impeachment motion against an SC or HC judge to be accepted, at least two-thirds of those “present and voting” in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must vote in favour of removing the judge — and the number of votes in favour must be more than 50% of the “total membership” of each House. If Parliament passes such a vote, the President will pass an order for the removal. In-house procedure The need for an internal mechanism was felt in 1995, after allegations of financial impropriety surfaced against then Bombay High Court Chief Justice A M Bhattacharjee. After the Bombay Bar Association moved a resolution calling for the judge’s resignation, a writ petition was filed before the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the Bar from protesting. While hearing the case, SC noted there was no process to hold a judge accountable for “bad conduct inconsistent with the high office”, when such conduct did not meet the high bar of impeachment set by Article 124 of the Constitution. To fill the gap, the SC decided to formulate an in-house procedure. SC constituted a five-member committee to devise the procedure “for taking suitable remedial action against judges, who by their acts of omission or commission, do not follow the accepted values of judicial life, including the ideals expressed by the Supreme Court in the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life”. The committee submitted its report in 1997. It was adopted with amendments in a full court meeting of the SC in 1999. Process revisited in 2014 In 2014, when a woman additional district and sessions judge from Madhya Pradesh filed a complaint of sexual harassment against a sitting judge of the High Court, the SC revisited its in-house procedure. SC summarised and explained this process through “seven steps” (Additional District and Sessions Judge ‘X’ v. Registrar General High Court of Madhya Pradesh). Essentially, this process begins when the Chief Justice of a HC, the CJI, or the President of India receives a complaint. The CJ of the HC or the President will forward the complaint to the CJI. This complaint can be dropped at any stage, if not

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) VIKRAMSHILA UNIVERSITY Syllabus: Prelims – HISTORY Context: A decade after Nalanda University came up in the foothills of Rajgir, work is on to revive another ancient centre of learning in Bihar — Vikramshila. Background: – The ASI has been developing the ancient Vikramshila University site since December to boost tourism, while the Bihar government recently allocated 202.14 acres in Antichak, Bhagalpur, for the proposed Central University. Despite the Centre’s 2015 approval and a ₹500 crore sanction, the project had stalled due to land allocation delays. Key takeaways Vikramshila University was an ancient center of learning established during the Pala Empire in medieval India. It was renowned for its focus on Buddhist education, particularly the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism. Key Facts: Founded by: Dharmapala (c. 8th–9th century), a ruler of the Pala Dynasty. Location: Present-day Bhagalpur, Bihar. Notable Scholars: Atisha Dipankara Srijnana – A key Buddhist scholar who spread Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. It had a rigorous selection process for scholars and focused on Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, and metaphysics. Supported by Pala rulers, who were great patrons of Buddhism. Destroyed by: Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1203 CE, during the Turkish invasions, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri universities. Comparison with Nalanda While Nalanda university flourished from the Gupta Period (320-550 AD) to the 12th Century, Vikramshila thrived during the Pala Period (8th to 12th century).  While Nalanda got more international fame for teaching varied disciplines, Vikramshila was the only university that specialised in tantric and occult studies. In fact, during Dharmapala’s reign, Vikramshila reigned supreme and is known to have controlled Nalanda’s affairs as well. At its peak, subjects such as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics and logic were taught at Vikramshila. But the most important branch of learning were the tantras because Vikramshila flourished in the days of tantricism, when occult sciences and magic were subjects of study both in Buddhism as well as Hinduism. While Nalanda is the older of the two universities, at one point, the two centres of learning, who had a common patron in King Dharmapala, exchanged knowledge and even teachers, who were called Acharyas. Source: Indian Express NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANT ORGANISATION Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Union Government has expressed “serious concern” over hospitals not sharing data on organ transplantation activities with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Background: – In a communication sent to Health Secretaries of all States/Union Territories, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), which functions under the Directorate General of Health Services, called for urgent intervention of the competent authority to check the non-compliance of the transplant hospitals in updating the organ transplantation data which was undermining the purpose of the National Transplant Registry. Key takeaways The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is India’s apex body responsible for overseeing organ donation, procurement, and transplantation. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Headquarters: New Delhi Governing Law: Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 (amended in 2011) Objectives of NOTTO: Promote organ donation awareness in India Ensure equitable distribution of organs Maintain a national registry of organ donors and recipients Coordinate organ and tissue transplant activities across India Set guidelines for organ transplantation and procurement Structure of NOTTO: – It operates at three levels: National Level – NOTTO (New Delhi) Manages the National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant Registry Coordinates inter-state organ allocation Promotes national policies and awareness Regional Level – ROTTOs (Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations) 5 ROTTOs covering North, South, East, West, and Northeast India Coordinate between NOTTO and SOTTOs State Level – SOTTOs (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations) Implement organ donation and transplant programs at the state level Register hospitals and maintain state donor lists Types of Organ Donations Regulated by NOTTO: Living Donor Transplantation: A living person donates an organ (e.g., kidney, liver segment). Deceased Donor Transplantation: Organs retrieved from brain-dead patients. Source: The Hindu PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank issued revised guidelines on Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to facilitate better targeting of bank credit to the priority sectors of the economy. The new guidelines will come into effect from April 1, 2025, the RBI said. Background: The major changes include the enhancement of several loan limits, including housing loans for enhanced PSL coverage, and the broadening of the purposes based on which loans may be classified under ‘renewable energy.’ There is also a revision of the overall PSL target for urban cooperative banks (UCBs) to 60% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBSE), whichever is higher. The revised norms also expand the list of eligible borrowers under the category of Weaker Sections. Key takeaways Priority Sector Lending (PSL) is a policy initiative by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aimed at ensuring that certain sectors of the economy receive adequate credit. These sectors are considered crucial for economic development and include agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), education, housing, renewable energy, and weaker sections of society. Key Features of PSL Targets: Banks are required to allocate a specific percentage of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBSE) to priority sectors. For example, commercial banks must allocate 40% of their ANBC to PSL. Categories: PSL covers various categories such as: Agriculture: Loans for farmers, agricultural infrastructure, and allied activities. MSMEs: Credit for small businesses and startups. Export Credit: Loans to exporters. Education: Loans for students pursuing higher education. Housing: Loans for affordable housing projects. Renewable Energy: Financing for solar, wind, and other clean energy projects. Weaker Sections: Loans for economically disadvantaged groups. Monitoring and Penalties: Banks are monitored for compliance, and penalties are imposed for failing to meet PSL targets. Source: Money Control FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF) Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 will be held from