GS1 · History · Society · Geography · 3
GS1Indian Society › Population, demography & migrationPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India announced the first phase of the 2026 Census, which will be India's first digital census and include caste enumeration.
The 2027 Census has a government-approved budget of ₹11,718.24 crore. Houselisting operations are scheduled to occur across all States and UTs for a 30-day period specified by each entity.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactThe 2027 Census budget is approved at ₹11,718.24 crore.
- S&TThe 2026 Census will be India's first digital census.
- FactHouselisting operations will take place between April 1st and September 30th, 2026.
- FactCaste enumeration will be included in the census for the first time since independence.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of transitioning to a digital census and the implications of including caste enumeration in the national demographic data.
- Data integrity: Balancing digital security with the need for accurate, real-time demographic mapping
- Social stratification: Potential for caste enumeration to influence reservation policies and social justice schemes
- Administrative efficiency: Reducing logistical bottlenecks and human error through digitized houselisting
Keywords: Demographic transition · Digital governance · Social stratification · Data privacy · Census enumeration
GS1History & Culture › Heritage sites, UNESCO & GI tagsPrelims Why in news: The Indian Navy supported the maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sailing vessel built by Malabar shipwrights, to Oman to revive indigenous maritime knowledge.
The INSV Kaundinya was built by 20 carpenters from the Malabar region and launched on December 29, 2025. The project was executed via a tripartite MoU between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and M/S Hodi Innovations.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceINSV Kaundinya embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Oman.
- FactThe vessel was constructed by a team of 20 carpenters from the Malabar region.
- PostBabu Sankaran, a shipwright from Kozhikode district's Vadakara, spearheaded the project.
- FactThe vessel features cultural motifs including the Gandabherunda bird and the Sun.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the preservation of indigenous maritime knowledge systems can contribute to India's soft power and maritime heritage preservation.
- Cultural preservation: Integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern naval logistics
- Knowledge systems: Reviving lost maritime engineering techniques through public-private-military partnerships
Keywords: Indigenous knowledge · Maritime heritage · Soft power · Cultural preservation · Public-private partnership
GS1Indian Society › Communalism, regionalism & secularismPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Karnataka government is considering the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, to curb communal tensions and regulate public expressions.
The proposed bill defines hate speech as any expression made publicly in various forms. It includes provisions for investigation, prosecution, and the state government's power to remove hate speech content from social media platforms.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Act / BillKarnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025
- FactThe bill grants the state government power to remove content from social media platforms
- PlaceKarnataka
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional challenges and democratic implications of state-level legislation aimed at curbing hate speech while protecting the right to freedom of speech.
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 19(1)(a) freedom of speech against the state's power to regulate public order.
- Executive overreach: Risks of arbitrary content removal by state authorities on private social media platforms.
- Democratic friction: Potential for political weaponization of hate speech definitions to silence opposition voices.
Keywords: Freedom of Speech · Communal Harmony · Regulatory Overreach · Public Order · Digital Governance
GS2 · Polity · Governance · IR · 12
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims + Mains Why in news: NMC Chairman Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth announced the removal of the restriction that only non-profit companies could establish medical colleges
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has authorized for-profit companies to establish medical colleges via PPP models. This policy is currently being implemented in Gujarat to improve resource utilization in medical education.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyNMC: National Medical Commission is the regulatory body for medical education in India
- FactPPP: Public-Private Partnership model is now permitted for for-profit medical college establishment
- PlaceGujarat: State where the for-profit medical college PPP model is currently being implemented
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of allowing for-profit entities to establish medical colleges under a PPP model on the accessibility and quality of healthcare education in India.
- Equity concerns: Risk of tiered healthcare access where high-quality medical education becomes restricted to affluent demographics
- Resource optimization: Potential for private capital to bridge infrastructure gaps and modernize clinical research facilities
- Regulatory oversight: Need for stringent NMC monitoring to ensure for-profit motives do not compromise academic standards
Keywords: Public-Private Partnership · Medical Education · Resource Utilization · Healthcare Infrastructure · Regulatory Framework
GS2Polity & Constitution › Federalism & Centre-State relationsMains Why in news: The Union Home Ministry is exploring options to restore the state government in Manipur after a year of President's Rule, amidst opposition from Kuki-Zo civil society groups demanding a separate administration.
President's Rule has been in place in Manipur for one year as of January 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan are leading the review meetings to discuss the restoration of the government.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostAmit Shah: Union Home Minister
- PostGovind Mohan: Union Home Secretary
- FactPresident's Rule duration in Manipur: One year (as of Jan 2026)
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional challenges and administrative complexities involved in restoring state governance in regions facing intense ethnic and civil unrest.
- Constitutional friction: Balancing the Union's power to impose President's Rule with the demand for ethnic autonomy.
- Security-Governance nexus: Difficulty in establishing civil administration in areas with active civil society opposition and ethnic polarization.
- Federalist dilemma: Balancing the demands for separate administration with the constitutional integrity of state boundaries.
Keywords: President's Rule · Ethnic Polarization · Civil Society Advocacy · Federalism · Internal Security · Administrative Restoration
Why in news: Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi starting January 29, 2026, after a gap of over 10 years.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two weekly flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. The flights will depart at 8 pm from Dhaka and at midnight from Karachi following approvals from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactBiman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi.
- PlaceThe flights will depart from Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Karachi (Pakistan).
- BodyThe Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority approved the relaunch of the direct air links.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of restoring direct aviation links in strengthening bilateral economic and diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- Trade facilitation: Reduction in transit costs and logistics time for bilateral trade
- Diplomatic signaling: Normalization of ties following the 2024 change in Bangladesh's government
Keywords: bilateral relations · aviation connectivity · diplomatic normalization · trade facilitation
GS2Polity & Constitution › Elections, ECI & electoral reformsPrelims Why in news: The Election Commission of India (ECI) removed 6.5 crore names from draft electoral rolls during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to ensure list accuracy.
The ECI removed 6.5 crore electors from draft rolls across nine states and three Union Territories. The total number of electors on the revised list is 44.4 crore, reduced from 50.9 crore.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactTotal electors on the revised list: 44.4 crore
- FactTotal electors removed during SIR: 6.5 crore
- BodyECI: Responsible for conducting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- FactSIR exercise conducted across states since November 4, 2025
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of periodic electoral roll revisions in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process in India.
- Data integrity: Addressing discrepancies caused by lower enumeration form collection in urban areas
- Logistical hurdles: Challenges in maintaining real-time voter database updates across diverse rural-urban landscapes
Keywords: Electoral Roll · Special Intensive Revision · Democracy · Data Integrity · Election Commission of India
Why in news: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool praised Andhra Pradesh's growth model and announced the establishment of a Vedic school in Mauritius guided by TTD expertise.
President Dharambeer Gokhool visited the Sri Veda Vignana Peetam in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Mauritius plans to establish a Vedic school at the Harihara temple using expertise from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Prelims pointers (3)
- PlaceSri Veda Vignana Peetam is located in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
- BodyTTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) is providing expertise for the Vedic school in Mauritius
- FactMauritius will establish a Vedic school at the Harihara temple
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the preservation of traditional knowledge systems can be integrated with modern technological growth models to foster cultural diplomacy.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging soft power through the export of Indian knowledge systems and Vedic education
- Knowledge Transfer: Institutional collaboration between TTD and Mauritius for heritage preservation
Keywords: Cultural Diplomacy · Soft Power · Knowledge Systems · Heritage Preservation · Civilisational Ethos
Why in news: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to act as a mediator to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis due to blocked communication channels.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China. Xi Jinping suggested freezing the development of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles as a potential first step toward peace.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostLee Jae Myung: President of South Korea
- PostXi Jinping: President of China
- FactSouth Korea reported that all communication channels with North Korea remain blocked.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the role of China as a mediator in the Korean Peninsula's nuclear crisis and the implications of a potential freeze on North Korean weapons development.
- Geopolitical leverage: China's unique proximity and economic ties as a prerequisite for North Korean concessions
- Security dilemma: Balancing the immediate need for nuclear de-escalation against long-term regional arms race dynamics
Keywords: mediation · nuclear non-proliferation · geopolitical stability · de-escalation · multilateral diplomacy
GS2Governance › Transparency, accountability & RTIPrelims + Mains Why in news: The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the DPIIT to file an affidavit confirming the unavailability of data regarding government funding provided to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
The CIC issued the directive following an RTI appeal by Mahavir Singh Sharma seeking details on funds released to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech. The DPIIT initially claimed the information was not held by its logistics division.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyCIC: Central Information Commission is the apex body for overseeing the Right to Information Act.
- BodyDPIIT: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is the nodal body for industrial policy.
- FactThe RTI appeal specifically sought funding details for Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech.
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in ensuring transparency in the disclosure of public funds utilized for emergency healthcare infrastructure and vaccine manufacturing.
- Institutional opacity: Lack of centralized data repositories for emergency funding leads to information asymmetry.
- Accountability gap: Difficulty in auditing public-private partnerships during national emergencies without granular expenditure data.
Keywords: Right to Information · Transparency · Public Accountability · Data Governance · Institutional Oversight
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation on January 7, 2026, to discuss strengthening their strategic partnership and combating terrorism.
The conversation took place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu. The leaders discussed regional issues in West Asia and reaffirmed a commitment to combat terrorism with greater resolve.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PostNarendra Modi: Prime Minister of India
- PostBenjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel
- FactThe leaders discussed the West Asia situation and regional terrorism.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the evolving strategic partnership between India and Israel in the context of regional security challenges in West Asia.
- Security cooperation: Joint commitment to counter-terrorism and regional instability
- Geopolitical alignment: India's growing strategic depth in West Asia through bilateral ties
Keywords: strategic partnership · counter-terrorism · West Asia · bilateral relations · regional security
Why in news: The Supreme Court directed the Union government to submit a complete 48-minute audio clip to the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) regarding allegations against former Manipur CM Biren Singh.
The Supreme Court ordered the Union government to provide a 48-minute audio clip to the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gujarat. The clip was originally submitted by a Kuki rights organization alleging the involvement of former Manipur CM N. Biren Singh in the 2023 ethnic violence.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyNFSU: National Forensic Sciences University is located in Gujarat
- FactThe audio clip in question is 48 minutes in length
- PostN. Biren Singh served as the Chief Minister of Manipur
Mains angle
Q. Examine the role of forensic institutions in judicial investigations and the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring transparency during high-profile ethnic conflict inquiries.
- Evidentiary integrity: Ensuring chain of custody for digital audio evidence in sensitive ethnic violence cases
- Institutional accountability: Balancing executive delay in information sharing with judicial mandates for expedited forensic analysis
Keywords: Judicial Oversight · Forensic Evidence · Transparency · Ethnic Violence · Chain of Custody
GS2Governance › Role of civil servicesMains Why in news: The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary to form district-level monitoring committees headed by Collectors to stop police officers from using uniformed personnel for personal household tasks.
The Madras High Court ruled that district-level monitoring committees must be headed by Collectors rather than Superintendents of Police (SPs). This measure aims to enforce a ban on the use of uniformed police personnel for non-official, personal, or household duties.
Prelims pointers (1)
- BodyDistrict-level monitoring committees are to be headed by District Collectors.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of institutional oversight in ensuring the professional integrity of civil services and the prevention of the misuse of public resources.
- Conflict of interest: SPs' dual role as supervisors and potential users of personnel for personal tasks
- Accountability gap: Need for independent oversight to ensure police personnel are utilized solely for public duty
- Administrative friction: Balancing the authority of district collectors with the operational autonomy of police departments
Keywords: Institutional oversight · Conflict of interest · Public accountability · Professional integrity · Administrative reform
GS2Polity & Constitution › Judiciary & landmark judgmentsPrelims Why in news: Sangam Kumar Sahoo was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court following a notification by the Centre on January 1, 2026.
Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court by the Centre. The oath-taking ceremony took place on January 7, 2026, at Lok Bhavan, Patna, administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostSangam Kumar Sahoo: Chief Justice of the Patna High Court as of January 2026
- PlaceLok Bhavan: Venue for the oath-taking ceremony in Patna, Bihar
- FactJustice Sahoo was elevated as a Judge of the Orissa High Court on July 2, 2014
- FactJustice Sahoo enrolled as an advocate in 1989 under the Orissa State Bar Council, Cuttack
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional provisions and the process governing the appointment and tenure of High Court Chief Justices in India.
- Institutional autonomy: Balancing the executive's role in appointments with judicial independence
- Judicial hierarchy: The role of High Court Chief Justices in maintaining the rule of law at the state level
Keywords: Judicial Independence · Constitutional Appointments · High Court · Rule of Law · Separation of Powers
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims Why in news: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that AIIMS Bibinagar is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026, following significant progress tracked via the PRAGATI platform.
As of December 1, 2025, the project reached 85.97% physical progress, having jumped from 8.6% in 2022–23 to 57% by the end of 2023–24.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PlaceAIIMS Bibinagar is located in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
- BodyPRAGATI is a digital platform used for fast-tracking infrastructure projects under the Prime Minister's oversight.
- FactThe project achieved 85.97% physical progress as of December 1, 2025.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how digital monitoring platforms like PRAGATI can enhance the accountability and timely completion of large-scale public infrastructure projects in India.
- Monitoring efficiency: Real-time data tracking reducing bureaucratic delays in project execution
- Infrastructure gap: Addressing regional healthcare disparities through the expansion of the AIIMS network
Keywords: Project Monitoring · Public Infrastructure · Digital Governance · Healthcare Accessibility · Accountability
GS3 · Economy · S&T · Environment · Security · 14
Why in news: The Agriculture Ministry released a draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, seeking public feedback to replace the 1968 Act and modernize pesticide regulation.
The draft bill aims to replace the Pesticides Act, 1968, by enhancing penalties for violations and integrating digital methods. The Ministry has invited public comments until February 4, 2026, with industry body CropLife India currently reviewing the draft.
Prelims pointers (3)
- Act / BillPesticides Management Bill, 2025: Proposed legislation to replace the Pesticides Act, 1968
- BodyCropLife India: Industry body reviewing the draft pesticide legislation
- FactFeedback deadline: February 4, 2026
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the necessity of modernizing pesticide regulations in India to balance agricultural productivity with environmental safety and public health.
- Regulatory gap: Inadequacy of 1968 Act to address modern chemical complexities and environmental degradation
- Technological integration: Transitioning to digital monitoring to enhance transparency and enforcement of pesticide usage
- Compliance friction: Balancing stringent penalty frameworks with the operational realities of small-scale farmers
Keywords: Regulatory Framework · Public Health · Environmental Impact · Digital Governance · Legislative Reform
GS3Economy › Industry, investment & MSMEsPrelims Why in news: Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren will lead the state's first-ever delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to promote investment and sustainable development.
Jharkhand is debuting at the WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 18 to 26. The state's participation aligns with its theme of 'Growth in Harmony with Nature.'
Prelims pointers (3)
- PlaceDavos: Location of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Switzerland
- FactJharkhand's first participation at the WEF is scheduled for January 18-26
- FactJharkhand's state theme: 'Growth in Harmony with Nature'
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of sub-national participation in global economic forums for promoting regional industrial growth and sustainable investment in India.
- Investment promotion: Leveraging global platforms to attract FDI for mineral-rich states
- Sustainable development: Aligning industrial growth with environmental conservation goals in resource-heavy regions
Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment · Sustainable Development · Sub-national Diplomacy · Investment Promotion · Green Growth
GS3Economy › Fiscal policy, budget & taxation (GST)Mains Why in news: The CAG expressed concern over states like Telangana relying heavily on Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for 349 days in 2023-24 despite being in revenue surplus.
The CAG report highlights that Telangana exceeded the XV Finance Commission's fiscal consolidation target of 3% deficit. The report emphasizes the need for prudent debt management to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyCAG: Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- FactTelangana utilized WMA for 349 days in 2023-24
- FactXV Finance Commission's fiscal consolidation target: 3% deficit
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the fiscal implications of states' heavy reliance on Ways and Means Advances (WMA) and the challenges in achieving fiscal consolidation targets.
- Fiscal discipline: Risk of high-frequency borrowing eroding long-term debt sustainability
- Federal friction: State-level fiscal autonomy vs. Central fiscal consolidation mandates
- Liquidity management: Short-term WMA reliance as a substitute for efficient revenue mobilization
Keywords: Fiscal Consolidation · Ways and Means Advances · Debt Sustainability · Revenue Surplus · Fiscal Deficit
GS3Economy › Industry, investment & MSMEsPrelims Why in news: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) announced a ₹6,675 crore investment to establish a 10 GW ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
TPREL is investing ₹6,675 crore in a 10-Gigawatt ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The project includes a 200 MW captive green power plant to supply renewable energy to the manufacturing site.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactTPREL investment amount: ₹6,675 crore
- FactFacility capacity: 10 Gigawatts (GW)
- PlaceLocation: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
- FactCaptive green power plant capacity: 200 MW
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the development of domestic solar ingot and wafer manufacturing infrastructure contributes to India's goal of achieving energy security and reducing import dependence.
- Supply chain resilience: Reducing reliance on imported strategic components for solar cells and semiconductors
- Energy synergy: Integration of captive renewable power plants to decarbonize industrial manufacturing processes
Keywords: Import substitution · Renewable energy infrastructure · Strategic components · Energy security · Manufacturing hub
GS3Environment & Ecology › Species, protected areas & wetlandsPrelims Why in news: The Erode district administration issued notices to 42 illegal resorts around Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve to shut down by January 12, 2026, following a Madras High Court order.
The Erode district administration is enforcing a Madras High Court order to shut down 42 illegal resorts near the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The action stems from a 2022 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by activist R. Karpagam alleging environmental damage.
Prelims pointers (2)
- Fact42 illegal resorts were identified and ordered to shut down by January 12, 2026.
- PostDistrict Collector S. Kandasamy is overseeing the enforcement of the closure notices.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing eco-tourism development with the conservation of tiger reserves in India's biodiversity hotspots.
- Regulatory oversight: Difficulty in monitoring and penalizing unauthorized commercial constructions in buffer zones
- Judicial intervention: Role of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in enforcing environmental protection laws
Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation · Eco-tourism · Public Interest Litigation · Buffer Zone Management · Environmental Enforcement
GS3Environment & Ecology › Species, protected areas & wetlandsMains Why in news: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department denied NTECL's request for exploratory tests at the Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Hydroelectric project site due to ecological concerns.
The project site is located near Mukurthi National Park and Avalanche Reserve Forest. The Divisional Forest Officer recommended against 'drifting tests' to protect ecologically sensitive habitats.
Prelims pointers (3)
- PlaceMukurthi National Park and Avalanche Reserve Forest are located in Tamil Nadu
- BodyNTECL (NTPC Tamilnadu Energy Company Limited) is the entity seeking forest land diversion
- FactThe forest land diversion application was submitted via the E-PARIVESH portal
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the conflict between large-scale hydroelectric projects and the preservation of ecologically sensitive zones in India. How can sustainable development be achieved in such regions?
- Biodiversity loss: Potential degradation of Mukurthi National Park's habitat and indigenous community displacement
- Regulatory oversight: Role of State Project Scrutiny Committee in balancing infrastructure needs with environmental conservation
Keywords: Ecologically sensitive zones · Pumped Storage Hydroelectric · Biodiversity conservation · Sustainable development · Forest land diversion
Why in news: Andhra Pradesh Minister P. Narayana launched the Land Pooling Scheme-II in Amaravati to facilitate urban construction while providing debt waivers to contributing farmers.
The scheme includes a ₹1.50 lakh debt waiver for farmers who contributed land for the Amaravati capital construction. Works costing ₹55,000 crore are currently progressing with a target completion within three years.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceVaddamanu village in Guntur district is the site of the Land Pooling Scheme-II launch
- FactThe debt waiver for participating farmers is set at ₹1.50 lakh
- FactTotal works costing ₹55,000 crore are progressing in Amaravati
- PostP. Narayana serves as the Minister of Municipal Administration in Andhra Pradesh
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of land pooling as a mechanism for urban development and its implications on agrarian livelihoods and land rights in India.
- Compensation equity: Balancing infrastructure development needs with fair lease rent and debt relief for landholders
- Administrative coordination: Streamlining land acquisition and urban planning between state agencies and local village bodies
Keywords: Land Pooling · Urban Development · Debt Waiver · Agrarian Reform · Infrastructure Investment
GS3Environment & Ecology › Species, protected areas & wetlandsPrelims Why in news: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department initiated the first phase of the All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 (AITE-26) at Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to assess tiger populations.
Over 150 staff members are conducting the census across 52 forest patrol beats in the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The survey utilizes the line transect method to record pugmarks, droppings, and sightings of tigers, leopards, gaur, elephants, and bears.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceThanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Erode, Tamil Nadu
- S&TLine transect method is used for recording pugmarks, droppings, and sightings during tiger estimation
- BodyNational Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the body to which tiger estimation data is submitted
- FactAITE-26 data submission deadline is January 31st
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of systematic population estimation in tiger conservation and the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority in coordinating these efforts.
- Methodological accuracy: Ensuring reliability of line transect data across diverse forest patrol beats
- Inter-agency coordination: Streamlining data flow from state forest departments to the NTCA for national policy
Keywords: Population dynamics · Habitat management · Conservation monitoring · Data-driven policy
Why in news: Twenty-six Maoists, including seven women from the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), surrendered in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, under the 'Poona Margem' rehabilitation initiative.
The surrender occurred on January 7, 2026, in Sukma district. The surrendered cadres were part of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and were offered ₹50,000 each as part of a state government rehabilitation policy.
Prelims pointers (4)
- Fact26 Maoists, including 7 women, surrendered in Sukma district on January 7, 2026
- BodyPeople's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is the armed wing of the Maoist movement
- SchemePoona Margem is the rehabilitation initiative used by the Chhattisgarh government
- FactSurrendering cadres were offered an assistance of ₹50,000 each
Mains angle
Q. Examine the role of rehabilitation policies and community engagement in neutralizing Left Wing Extremism in India's tribal heartlands.
- Incentive structure: Balancing immediate financial assistance with long-term socio-economic integration
- Security-Development nexus: Addressing systemic marginalization to reduce recruitment by insurgent groups
- Institutional bottleneck: Challenges in monitoring post-surrender rehabilitation and preventing re-radicalization
Keywords: Left Wing Extremism · Rehabilitation Policy · Internal Security · Counter-insurgency · Socio-economic integration
GS3Agriculture › Cropping patterns & irrigationMains Why in news: The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) released a study commissioned by the State Planning Commission highlighting seed availability and timing as hurdles to green manuring uptake.
The MSSRF study surveyed 5,168 farmers across 34 districts participating in a green manure cultivation scheme. Findings indicated positive outcomes in soil health and crop yields, but identified climatic constraints and economic dependency on subsidies as barriers.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyM.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) conducted the study on green manuring.
- FactThe study surveyed 5,168 farmers across 34 districts.
- FactReported benefits of green manuring include improved soil health, increased crop yields, and reduced fertilizer use.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the operational and economic barriers to the adoption of green manuring and suggest measures to enhance its integration into sustainable agricultural practices.
- Knowledge gap: Inadequate extension services and farmer awareness regarding green manure techniques
- Supply chain bottleneck: Limited local seed production and delayed distribution of manure seeds
- Subsidy dependency: Economic reliance on subsidies hindering the transition to self-sustaining soil health practices
Keywords: Soil health · Green manuring · Extension services · Sustainable agriculture · Seed availability
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, a home-built pollution control vessel, to enhance India's maritime self-reliance.
The vessel was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and is designed for rapid pollution incident detection and containment. It features advanced technology and includes two women officers onboard to promote gender inclusivity.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is the entity responsible for building the Samudra Pratap vessel.
- FactThe Samudra Pratap is specifically designed as a pollution control vessel for the Indian Coast Guard.
- PostThe vessel was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the indigenization of specialized maritime vessels like the Samudra Pratap contributes to India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision and maritime security.
- Technological sovereignty: Reducing dependence on foreign shipbuilders for specialized pollution containment vessels
- Gender mainstreaming: Institutionalizing women's participation in maritime security and technical roles
- Environmental security: Integrating rapid pollution detection into national maritime safety protocols
Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Maritime Security · Indigenization · Gender Inclusivity · Pollution Containment
Why in news: eSafety Australia is investigating X (Elon Musk's platform) after its AI chatbot, Grok, generated non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images of women and girls.
eSafety Australia is the regulatory body investigating the AI chatbot Grok. The investigation follows reports of the AI generating sexualized images without consent, including potential child sexual exploitation material.
Prelims pointers (2)
- BodyeSafety Australia: The online safety watchdog investigating X's AI chatbot.
- FactGrok: An AI chatbot owned by X (formerly Twitter) and Elon Musk.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the regulatory challenges in curbing the proliferation of non-consensual deepfake content generated by generative AI models.
- Liability gap: Determining legal accountability between AI platform owners and automated generative outputs
- Enforcement hurdle: Real-time detection and removal of synthetic media across decentralized digital platforms
- Privacy conflict: Balancing freedom of expression with the right to bodily autonomy and digital dignity
Keywords: Generative AI · Deepfakes · Digital Safety · Non-consensual content · Regulatory oversight
Why in news: The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) conducted raids at 22 locations across the Kashmir valley to investigate a cyber terror case involving mule accounts used for fraud and terror funding.
The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids on January 7, 2025. The operation targeted 22 locations, including 15 sites within Srinagar city, to dismantle mule accounts linked to cyber fraud and terror funding.
Prelims pointers (4)
- BodyCounter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) is a wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police
- FactCIK conducted raids at 22 locations across the Kashmir valley on January 7, 2025
- Fact15 of the raided locations were situated within Srinagar city
- FactMule accounts are identified as vehicles for both cyber fraud and terror funding
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the evolving nexus between cyber-enabled crimes and terrorism in India and suggest measures to strengthen the country's cyber-security architecture.
- Financial infrastructure: Exploitation of mule accounts to bypass traditional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks
- Jurisdictional hurdles: Challenges in tracking cross-border cyber-terror funding and digital footprints
- Technological asymmetry: Rapid evolution of cyber-fraud techniques outpacing current law enforcement capabilities
Keywords: Cyber-terrorism · Mule accounts · Terror funding · Counter-intelligence · Cyber-security architecture
Why in news: The Environment, Forest and Climate Change department reported a significant increase in bird species diversity in Rajgir hills, Bihar, highlighting its role as a winter refuge.
Surveys conducted by the Environment, Forest and Climate Change department recorded 135 bird species in Rajgir hills as of December 2025. The area hosts over 100 species, including migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.
Prelims pointers (4)
- EnvironmentIndian vultures and griffon vultures were identified as endangered species in the Rajgir wildlife sanctuary.
- EnvironmentEurasian Kestrel and Long-legged Buzzard are migratory raptors observed in the region.
- FactThe number of bird species in Rajgir hills increased significantly since February 2025.
- PlaceRajgir hills in Bihar serve as a winter refuge for migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the ecological significance of migratory bird corridors and the importance of protecting winter refuges for biodiversity conservation in India.
- Habitat connectivity: Importance of transboundary flyways for avian biodiversity conservation
- Conservation trade-offs: Balancing local ecological preservation with regional migratory patterns
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Migratory corridors · Winter refuge · Endangered species · Ecological significance
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