GS2 · राजव्यवस्था · शासन · अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंध · 16
चर्चा में क्यों: The IRGC claimed to have struck and damaged a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran following a joint US-Israeli offensive.
The IRGC reported the strike occurred at 2:50 AM local time on Thursday (2320 GMT Wednesday). The US military confirmed an emergency landing of the F-35 with the pilot in stable condition.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactIRGC claimed to have intercepted more than 125 US-Israeli drones prior to the F-35 incident.
- PlaceThe incident occurred over central Iran.
- PostThe joint offensive on February 28 resulted in the assassination of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
- FactOver 1,300 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the war.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the implications of escalating direct military confrontations between Iran and Western powers on regional stability and global energy markets.
- Regional destabilization: Disruption of aviation and global markets due to retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries.
- Technological parity: IRGC's claim of 'targeted improvements' in integrated air defence systems against advanced F-35 jets.
Keywords: IRGC · F-35 · Integrated Air Defence · Geopolitical Conflict · Regional Security
चर्चा में क्यों: India's FTA negotiations with GCC countries and Israel are being delayed due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
India is currently negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Israel. The U.K. FTA is expected for implementation by April with a potential announcement on May 1st, while the India-EU FTA ratification is targeted for the end of November.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactIndia-U.K. FTA expected implementation: April
- FactIndia-U.K. FTA potential announcement date: May 1st
- FactIndia-EU FTA ratification target: end of November
- BodyGCC: Gulf Cooperation Council
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how geopolitical instability in West Asia impacts India's strategy of diversifying its trade architecture through Free Trade Agreements.
- Geopolitical risk: Conflict-induced delays in trade negotiations with key energy and technology partners
- Strategic trade-offs: Balancing immediate regional security concerns with long-term economic integration goals
Keywords: Free Trade Agreement · Geopolitical instability · Trade diversification · Economic diplomacy
GS2International Relations › Policies of other countries affecting IndiaPrelims + Mains चर्चा में क्यों: The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reports a significant decline in global terrorism deaths while identifying Pakistan as the country with the largest increase in terrorism incidents.
The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reports the lowest figure of terrorism deaths since the index's baseline period. The report highlights JNIM targeting economic lifelines in sub-Saharan Africa and a rise in politically motivated attacks within Western democracies.
Prelims pointers (4)
- Report / IndexGlobal Terrorism Index: Reports global terrorism deaths and identifies country-specific trends.
- FactPakistan: Experienced the largest increase in terrorism incidents and deaths in 2026.
- FactIndia: Showed a notable improvement in its terrorism profile according to the 2026 report.
- EnvironmentJNIM: Terrorist group in sub-Saharan Africa targeting economic lifelines and trade routes.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the evolving tactics of global terrorist organizations and the implications of rising political violence within democratic nations on international security.
- Tactical shift: Transition from conventional targets to disrupting economic lifelines and trade routes in sub-Saharan Africa
- Domestic radicalization: Increasing trend of politically motivated attacks and radicalization of youth in Western democracies
- Data nuance: Risk of overstating global improvements due to fragmented political climates and renewed IS activity
Keywords: Global Terrorism Index · JNIM · political violence · radicalization · economic lifelines · terrorism profile
चर्चा में क्यों: Iran is establishing a paid safe passage process for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with India requesting permission for 22 vessels including those critical to its energy security.
Iran is offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for a fee, excluding vessels linked to the United States or Israel. India has requested passage for 22 vessels, but the process is currently paused following Israeli strikes on Iranian gas fields.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactIndia requested permission for 22 vessels to exit the strait
- FactIran explicitly excludes vessels linked to the United States or Israel from the safe passage process
Mains angle
Q. Examine the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India's energy security and the implications of maritime corridor negotiations in the Middle East.
- Energy security: High dependence on Persian Gulf oil and the risk of maritime choke point disruptions
- Geopolitical balancing: Navigating India's energy requirements amidst escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US
- Maritime diplomacy: Utilizing bilateral negotiations to secure safe passage for commercial shipping in volatile zones
Keywords: Energy Security · Maritime Chokepoints · Strategic Autonomy · Geopolitical Risk · Trade Corridors
चर्चा में क्यों: Iran warned of 'zero restraint' following an Israeli attack on the South Pars gasfield, which led to retaliatory strikes on Qatar's energy infrastructure.
The attack on the South Pars gasfield by Israel caused significant damage to QatarEnergy's facilities and disrupted global natural gas supplies. US President Donald Trump denied coordination with the Israeli attack but stated he advised Netanyahu against further targeting of Iranian gasfields.
Prelims pointers (2)
- PlaceSouth Pars: A major gasfield located in the Persian Gulf region.
- FactThe attacks resulted in sharp stock market declines and soaring oil prices globally.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze the implications of escalating regional conflicts in the Middle East on global energy security and international trade stability.
- Energy security: Volatility in global natural gas supplies and oil price shocks affecting emerging economies.
- Geopolitical friction: Escalation of proxy-style strikes affecting neutral regional players like Qatar.
- Diplomatic mediation: Limitations of US-led de-escalation efforts amidst direct military retaliation.
Keywords: Energy Security · Geopolitical Volatility · Retaliatory Strikes · Supply Chain Disruption · Regional Instability
चर्चा में क्यों: The assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani has triggered uncertainty regarding Iran's leadership and command structure.
Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the successor to Ali Larijani, though US officials claim he is wounded and his executive role is unconfirmed. Key influential figures in the political and military realms include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and members of the Basij militia.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PostAli Khamenei: Former Supreme Leader of Iran
- PostAli Larijani: Former security chief of Iran
- FactBasij militia: An influential Iranian paramilitary organization
- PostMojtaba Khamenei: Named successor to Ali Larijani
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how the internal power dynamics and leadership transitions in Iran impact regional security and the stability of the Middle East.
- Institutional resilience: The ability of the Iranian regime to maintain command despite the loss of top-tier leadership.
- Security vacuum: Potential for decentralized command structures or increased secrecy among lesser-known entities.
- Regional destabilization: Impact of leadership uncertainty on Iran's proxy networks and bilateral relations.
Keywords: Power dynamics · Institutional resilience · Command structure · Geopolitical stability · Paramilitary influence
GS2International Relations › Policies of other countries affecting IndiaPrelims + Mains चर्चा में क्यों: The United Nations warned that the Iran war and subsequent blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food shock, potentially pushing 45 million more people into acute hunger.
The conflict has led to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to reroute and increasing costs across supply chains. The UN reports that 319 million people are currently facing acute hunger, with a projected increase of 45 million due to these disruptions.
Prelims pointers (4)
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A critical maritime passage affected by the Iran war and vessel rerouting.
- FactCurrent global acute hunger record: 319 million people.
- FactProjected additional people at risk of acute hunger: 45 million.
- BodyUnited Nations: The body issuing warnings on global food security and supply chain disruptions.
Mains angle
Q. Analyze how geopolitical conflicts in maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz impact global food security and the socio-economic stability of developing nations.
- Supply chain vulnerability: High sensitivity of global food prices to maritime transit disruptions and rerouting costs.
- Food insecurity nexus: Correlation between geopolitical instability and the escalation of acute hunger in vulnerable populations.
Keywords: Food Security · Supply Chain Disruption · Maritime Chokepoints · Geopolitical Risk · Acute Hunger
चर्चा में क्यों: The Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants for 2026-27 using the 'guillotine' mechanism to expedite voting on pending financial proposals without debate.
The 'guillotine' is a parliamentary procedure where all pending demands for grants are put to a vote simultaneously without individual debate. Following this, the government introduces an Appropriation Bill to authorize the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyGuillotine: A mechanism used in Parliament to expedite voting on pending Demands for Grants without debate.
- FactDemands for Grants: Financial proposals for various Ministries for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
- ConstitutionAppropriation Bill: The legislative instrument required to validate the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the procedural significance of the 'guillotine' mechanism in parliamentary budgeting and its implications for legislative scrutiny of government expenditure.
- Scrutiny deficit: Reduced floor debate limits the ability of the opposition to question specific departmental allocations.
- Fiscal expediency: Balancing the need for timely fund release with the constitutional requirement for parliamentary oversight.
- Procedural oversight: The role of the Appropriation Bill as a final check on the executive's spending power.
Keywords: Parliamentary procedure · Demands for Grants · Consolidated Fund of India · Appropriation Bill · Legislative oversight · Fiscal scrutiny
GS2Social Justice › Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)Mains चर्चा में क्यों: Gulmarg hoteliers withdrew legal challenges against the eviction and auction of structures on 38 acres to seek a government-mediated settlement with the J&K administration.
The J&K High Court allowed the withdrawal of petitions regarding the eviction of structures on 38 acres in Gulmarg. The Lieutenant Governor administration plans to form a committee to address the dispute while a local legislator proposed a bill to restore the 1960 Land Grants Act.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactThe dispute involves the eviction and auction of structures on 38 acres of land.
- Act / Bill1960 Land Grants Act: A legislative framework proposed for restoration to protect existing leases.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the conflict between infrastructure development and the protection of existing land lease rights in ecologically sensitive tourism zones like Gulmarg.
- Regulatory friction: Conflict between new lease rules proposed by the LG administration and historical land grant protections.
- Legal-administrative impasse: Shift from judicial litigation to committee-led mediation to resolve land ownership disputes.
- Legislative intervention: Use of historical acts (1960 Land Grants Act) as a tool for protecting private commercial interests.
Keywords: Land tenure · Administrative mediation · Tourism infrastructure · Legislative restoration · Regulatory conflict
चर्चा में क्यों: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) received a consular access plea from the Ukrainian Embassy for six Ukrainian nationals and a U.S.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the individuals for allegedly lacking required permits to visit Mizoram and for links to ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar's Chin State. The Ukrainian Embassy requested consular access for the six nationals, while the U.S. Embassy declined comment on the American citizen involved.
Prelims pointers (4)
- BodyNIA: National Investigation Agency, the primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India
- PlaceChin State: A state in Myanmar where the individuals were allegedly linked to ethnic armed organizations
- FactSix Ukrainian nationals and one U.S. citizen were involved in the NIA investigation
- PlaceMizoram: The Indian state where the individuals were found lacking required permits
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges India faces in managing cross-border security threats and monitoring the activities of non-state actors in neighboring regions.
- Extraterritorial jurisdiction: Legal complexities in prosecuting foreign nationals for activities involving neighboring states
- Intelligence coordination: Need for seamless real-time data sharing with Myanmar and international agencies
- Regulatory oversight: Strengthening permit systems for sensitive border regions like Mizoram
Keywords: Extraterritoriality · Non-state actors · Cross-border security · Consular access · Counter-terrorism
GS2Polity & Constitution › Parliament & state legislaturesMains चर्चा में क्यों: PRS Legislative Research reported a significant decline in the average annual sitting days of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, reaching a record low of 32 days in the 16th term.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly met for only 155 days during the 16th term (2021-26), the lowest since 1952. During this period, 201 Bills were introduced and 194 were passed, with most receiving assent within three months.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyPRS Legislative Research: An independent research body analyzing legislative trends.
- FactTamil Nadu Legislative Assembly: Met for 155 days during the 16th term (2021-26).
- FactLegislative output: 201 Bills introduced and 194 passed during the 16th term.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of declining assembly sitting days on the quality of legislative scrutiny and representative democracy in Indian states.
- Legislative scrutiny: Reduced floor time limits the opportunity for robust debate and scrutiny of complex bills.
- Executive dominance: Shortened sessions may facilitate faster passage of legislation with less parliamentary oversight.
- Democratic deficit: Fewer sitting days may hinder the ability of the opposition to raise public grievances.
Keywords: Legislative scrutiny · Representative democracy · Parliamentary oversight · Executive dominance · Legislative productivity
चर्चा में क्यों: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed the arrival of the Aqua Titan Vessel carrying Russian Urals crude to New Mangalore Port on March 21, 2026.
The Aqua Titan Vessel is transporting Russian Urals crude to India. Simultaneously, two container vessels are operating in the Strait of Hormuz heading to Oman and the UAE.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactAqua Titan Vessel: Carrying Russian Urals crude to New Mangalore Port
- PlaceNew Mangalore Port: Destination for Russian crude shipment on March 21, 2026
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz: Location of two container vessels heading to Oman and UAE
- PostRajesh Kumar Sinha: Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of India's continued procurement of Russian crude oil on its energy security and its strategic relations with Western nations.
- Energy security: Balancing domestic LPG supply stability against geopolitical risks of crude source diversification
- Geopolitical balancing: Navigating 'multi-alignment' by maintaining trade with Russia while managing ties with UAE and Oman
Keywords: Energy Security · Strategic Autonomy · Multi-alignment · Trade Diversification · Maritime Logistics
चर्चा में क्यों: The Kerala State Government directed universities to offer a bilingual option (Malayalam and English) for law examinations to enhance linguistic accessibility.
The decision followed petitions from students and consultations with Vice-Chancellors and the Kerala State Higher Education Council. Legal educators highlighted concerns regarding the lack of Malayalam study materials, legal journals, and research databases.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactKerala State Higher Education Council: Body involved in the consultative process for bilingual law exams.
- PlaceKerala: State implementing the bilingual examination policy.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges of implementing vernacular medium education in professional courses like law while ensuring students remain competitive in a globalized legal market.
- Resource gap: Scarcity of specialized legal journals and research databases in regional languages
- Competitiveness trade-off: Potential disadvantage in English-dominant corporate and international law sectors
- Pedagogical hurdle: Need for standardized and updated legal terminology in Malayalam
Keywords: Linguistic accessibility · Pedagogical infrastructure · Professional competitiveness · Vernacular education · Educational equity
GS2Social Justice › Health policy & public healthPrelims चर्चा में क्यों: The Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford published the World Happiness Report 2026, showing India's ranking improved by two spots.
Finland maintained the top position for the ninth consecutive year, while Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Malawi ranked among the least happy countries. The report identified heavy social media use and algorithm-driven platforms as key factors negatively affecting the mental health of teenagers in Western Europe and English-speaking countries.
Prelims pointers (4)
- Report / IndexWorld Happiness Report 2026 published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford
- FactFinland ranked as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year
- FactIndia improved its ranking by two spots in the 2026 report
- FactCosta Rica climbed to fourth place due to strong family bonds and social connections
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how digital platform architectures and social media consumption patterns are reshaping mental health outcomes and life satisfaction among adolescents in developed economies.
- Algorithmic bias: Influence of influencer-centric platform designs on adolescent psychological well-being
- Social capital erosion: Impact of digital connectivity on traditional family bonds and community social connections
Keywords: Life satisfaction · Well-being · Algorithmic influence · Mental health · Social capital
चर्चा में क्यों: The Ministry of External Affairs informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs that 1,000 Indians remain in Iran and 23,000 Gulf-based students cannot take CBSE exams.
The Ministry of External Affairs reported approximately 1,000 Indians remain in Iran during the ongoing conflict. Shashi Tharoor, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, noted that 23,000 school students in the Gulf region are unable to appear for CBSE final examinations.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactApproximately 1,000 Indians remain in Iran amidst the ongoing conflict.
- Fact23,000 school students based in the Gulf region are unable to take CBSE final examinations.
- PostShashi Tharoor is the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.
- PlaceThe Strait of Hormuz was discussed in the context of U.S. President Donald Trump's call for international forces.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by India in ensuring the safety and educational continuity of its diaspora in conflict-affected regions.
- Diplomatic friction: Balancing energy security interests with humanitarian concerns in the Strait of Hormuz
- Educational equity: Addressing logistical hurdles for CBSE students in volatile geopolitical zones
- Consular responsibility: Managing large-scale evacuation and remedial academic arrangements for stranded nationals
Keywords: Energy security · Diaspora safety · Consular diplomacy · Remedial arrangements · Geopolitical turmoil
चर्चा में क्यों: Pakistan announced a temporary pause in 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' against the Afghan Taliban due to Eidul Fitr and requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
Pakistan's DG ISPR defended the operation against the Afghan Taliban, citing a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad's Tarlai area. The Foreign Office rejected India's condemnation of the operation, labeling it 'baseless' and 'hypocritical'.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactOperation Ghazab lil-Haq pause duration: March 18th to 24th
- PlaceTarlai area: Location of a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan
- FactAfghan Taliban strikes: Reported to have struck 53 locations in Pakistan
- PostDG ISPR: Official who defended the military strikes against the Afghan Taliban
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of cross-border military operations and the role of regional mediation in managing the security dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Diplomatic friction: India's condemnation vs Pakistan's rejection of international criticism
- Security dilemma: Use of Afghan territory as a base for militant activities against Pakistan
- Mediation dynamics: Influence of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey on Pakistan's military operations
Keywords: cross-border operations · regional security · diplomatic friction · non-state actors · mediation
GS3 · अर्थव्यवस्था · विज्ञान-तकनीक · पर्यावरण · सुरक्षा · 11
GS3Economy › Employment & inclusive growthPrelims + Mains चर्चा में क्यों: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that 24 states and Union Territories have allocated funds for the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The Union Budget allocated ₹95,652 crore for the Centre's share of the mission. While 27 states are making provisions, the Union Minister read out allocations for 24 states totaling over ₹31,000 crore.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactUnion Budget allocation for the Centre's share of the mission: ₹95,652 crore
- FactTotal funds allocated by 24 states/UTs for the mission: over ₹31,000 crore
- SchemeViksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025
- PostShivraj Singh Chouhan: Union Rural Development Minister
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) in achieving inclusive growth and rural employment in India.
- Fiscal federalism: Complexity in determining normative allocation formulas for state-wise funding
- Employment generation: Addressing rural underemployment through structured guarantee-based schemes
- Institutional coordination: Aligning Centre-State fiscal commitments for rural livelihood missions
Keywords: Rural employment · Fiscal federalism · Inclusive growth · Normative allocation · Livelihood mission
चर्चा में क्यों: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused seven foreign nationals, including Ukrainians and a US citizen
India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km unfenced border featuring a Free Movement Regime (FMR). The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a ₹31,000 crore fencing project in March 2024, with 43 km of the 390.39 km target completed.
Prelims pointers (5)
- FactIndia-Myanmar border length is 1,643 km
- BodyNational Investigation Agency (NIA) is the agency investigating the illegal border crossing
- FactCCS approved ₹31,000 crore for the border fencing project in March 2024
- Fact43 km of the 390.39 km approved fencing project has been completed
- PlaceFree Movement Regime (FMR) allows limited movement without visas or passports
Mains angle
Q. Examine the security implications of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) on the India-Myanmar border and evaluate the necessity of physical fencing in managing cross-border insurgencies.
- Insurgency nexus: Foreign involvement in training armed ethnic groups using drones and advanced weaponry
- Regulatory friction: Balancing the socio-cultural benefits of FMR against the risks of illegal migration and smuggling
- Infrastructure lag: Slow progress in road and fencing construction hindering proactive border surveillance
Keywords: Free Movement Regime · Cross-border insurgency · Border porosity · National security · Asymmetric warfare
GS3Economy › Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)Prelims + Mains चर्चा में क्यों: The ongoing West Asia war-induced global energy crisis hasprompted a retrospective look at India's missed 1960s coal gasification plans and the current National Coal Gasification Mission.
The National Coal Gasification Mission was launched in 2021 with a target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. The mission involves a planned investment of Rs 85,000 crore to reduce reliance on natural gas imports.
Prelims pointers (4)
- SchemeNational Coal Gasification Mission: Launched in 2021 to reduce natural gas import reliance.
- FactTarget: Gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.
- FactInvestment: Rs 85,000 crore allocated for the coal gasification mission.
- PostSyed Husain Zaheer: Proposed a coal gasification plan in the 1960s as director of RRLH.
Mains angle
Q. Examine how coal gasification can serve as a strategic tool for India's energy security and transition towards a cleaner energy mix.
- Energy security: Reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts
- Technological transition: Balancing the use of domestic coal reserves with decarbonization goals
- Fiscal allocation: Assessing the viability of Rs 85,000 crore investment against long-term infrastructure benefits
Keywords: Energy Security · Coal Gasification · Import Substitution · Decarbonization · Strategic Autonomy
चर्चा में क्यों: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated at an AI Summit that India should aim to be among the top three global AI superpowers by developing indigenous AI models and fostering responsible innovation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the IndiaAI Mission as a key initiative to empower Indian talent and foster an inclusive AI ecosystem. He emphasized the need for responsible AI deployment to mitigate bias and address social challenges while creating new opportunities for the workforce.
Prelims pointers (3)
- S&TIndiaAI Mission: A government initiative aimed at empowering Indian talent and creating a global leader in AI innovation
- FactIndia's target: To be among the top three AI superpowers globally
- S&TResponsible AI: Focus on mitigating bias and ensuring benefits reach all citizens
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence in addressing India's socio-economic challenges while addressing the risks of job displacement and algorithmic bias.
- Skill gap: Necessity of large-scale skilling programs to transition the workforce into AI-augmented roles
- Ethical governance: Balancing rapid AI deployment with frameworks to mitigate algorithmic bias and ensure inclusivity
- Strategic autonomy: Reducing dependence on foreign AI models through indigenous development under IndiaAI Mission
Keywords: Responsible AI · Digital Sovereignty · Algorithmic Bias · Skill Transformation · Inclusive Innovation
चर्चा में क्यों: Delhi High Court issued notice to the Centre and the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks following a plea by AIPOWA alleging illegal appointment.
The All India Patent Officers’ Welfare Association (AIPOWA) challenged the appointment of Prof. Unnat P. Pandit as Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). The petition alleges violations of government norms regarding eligibility criteria and selection processes.
Prelims pointers (3)
- BodyCGPDTM: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
- PostProf. Unnat P. Pandit: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
- PlaceDelhi High Court: Jurisdiction over the petition
Mains angle
Q. Examine the importance of transparent selection criteria and eligibility norms in the appointment of key officials in the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regulatory framework.
- Institutional integrity: Ensuring adherence to established government norms to prevent arbitrary appointments
- Regulatory oversight: Impact of leadership selection on the efficacy of patent and trademark administration
Keywords: Transparency · Administrative Law · Intellectual Property Rights · Eligibility Criteria · Judicial Review
GS3Economy › Capital markets & SEBIPrelims चर्चा में क्यों: SBI Mutual Fund filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to provide liquidity to existing shareholders through an Open Offer Sale (OFS).
SBI Mutual Fund reported a revenue of Rs 3,251 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 2,433 crore for the nine months ended December 2025. The IPO involves an Open Offer Sale (OFS) conducted by State Bank of India and Amundi India Holding.
Prelims pointers (4)
- FactSBI Mutual Fund revenue: Rs 3,251 crore (nine months ended December 2025)
- FactSBI Mutual Fund profit after tax: Rs 2,433 crore (nine months ended December 2025)
- BodyAmundi India Holding is a partner in the Open Offer Sale (OFS) for SBI Mutual Fund shares
- FactThe IPO is structured as an Open Offer Sale (OFS) to provide liquidity to existing shareholders
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of Mutual Funds in mobilizing domestic savings and fostering capital market depth in India's evolving financial landscape.
- Market concentration: Dominance of large asset managers affecting retail investor choice
- Liquidity dynamics: Impact of Open Offer Sales on shareholder equity and market stability
Keywords: Capital formation · Liquidity provision · Asset management · Market depth · Institutional investment
चर्चा में क्यों: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged domestic drone manufacturers to achieve complete self-reliance in production, including components and software, citing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel conflicts.
The conclave involved top executives of domestic defence firms and public sector undertaking (PSU) officials. The discussion focused on integrating AI, robotics, and simulation technology into the drone manufacturing ecosystem.
Prelims pointers (2)
- S&TDrone manufacturing components include hardware, software, and batteries.
- FactAI, robotics, and simulation technology are identified as key drivers in modern drone manufacturing.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the strategic importance of achieving self-reliance in drone technology and its implications for India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Supply chain security: Reducing dependence on foreign-made drone components and software to mitigate geopolitical risks.
- Technological integration: Leveraging AI and robotics to enhance precision and autonomy in indigenous drone systems.
Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Defence manufacturing · Strategic autonomy · Dual-use technology · Indigenization
GS3Economy › Growth, inflation & macro indicatorsPrelims + Mains चर्चा में क्यों: India is experiencing severe cooking gas shortages and price hikes due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the LPG supply chain, leading to business closures in the restaurant and tile manufacturing sectors. While India has strategic crude reserves, it lacks equivalent buffers for LPG, leading to increased theft of LPG trucks and a surge in demand for electric cooking appliances.
Prelims pointers (3)
- FactStrait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint for global energy supply.
- FactLPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas, currently facing supply chain disruptions in India.
- FactStrategic Crude Reserves: India maintains these but lacks equivalent buffers for LPG.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the vulnerabilities in India's energy security and suggest measures to diversify the supply chain for critical resources like LPG.
- Supply chain vulnerability: High dependence on specific maritime chokepoints for energy imports
- Buffer inadequacy: Lack of strategic LPG reserves compared to crude oil
- Economic ripple effect: Impact of energy price volatility on MSMEs and food security
Keywords: Energy Security · Supply Chain Resilience · Strategic Reserves · Maritime Chokepoints · Economic Vulnerability
चर्चा में क्यों: Scientists at the University of Edinburgh discovered a method to transform discarded PET plastic bottles into L-DOPA, a key drug component for Parkinson's disease, using genetically modified bacteria.
The process involves using genetically modified bacteria to convert terephthalic acid, derived from PET plastic, into L-DOPA. This method aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production for Parkinson's therapy.
Prelims pointers (4)
- S&TPET: Polyethylene terephthalate, a common plastic used in drink bottles.
- S&TL-DOPA: A key chemical component used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
- S&TTerephthalic acid: The chemical intermediate derived from PET used in the conversion process.
- FactThe research was conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how advancements in synthetic biology and waste-to-medicine technologies can contribute to sustainable healthcare and circular economy goals in India.
- Circular economy: Integrating plastic waste management with pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce industrial waste.
- Biotech scalability: Technical hurdles in optimizing bacterial fermentation for large-scale drug production.
- Economic feasibility: Balancing the cost-effectiveness of waste-derived precursors against established synthetic pathways.
Keywords: Synthetic Biology · Circular Economy · Biopharmaceuticals · Waste Valorization · Sustainable Healthcare
GS3Economy › Employment & inclusive growthMains चर्चा में क्यों: A report highlights a growing mismatch between the high education levels of India's youth and their inability to secure salaried jobs due to a lopsided labor market.
India possesses the world's largest young population. The report notes that while education access and enrollment have improved significantly, graduates face a mismatch between acquired skills and available job opportunities.
Prelims pointers (2)
- FactIndia has the largest young population in the world
- FactThe current economic growth model focuses on skill-intensive services
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the structural reasons behind the mismatch between educational attainment and employability among India's youth in the current service-led economic model.
- Skill-mismatch: Disconnect between academic curricula and industry-specific technical requirements
- Structural imbalance: Growth model favoring high-end services over labor-intensive manufacturing
- Labor market friction: Difficulty in transitioning from education to formal salaried employment
Keywords: structural unemployment · skill-mismatch · labor market dynamics · human capital · service-led growth
चर्चा में क्यों: The article highlights the decline of amphibian populations and the multi-pronged conservation efforts, including citizen science and breeding programs, to protect India's threatened frog species.
The IUCN has identified 37 frog species as extinct or threatened globally. In India, while chytridiomycosis is a significant factor, it has not caused the same level of mass mortality observed in other regions.
Prelims pointers (4)
- EnvironmentChytridiomycosis: A disease causing global decline in amphibian populations since the 1980s.
- BodyIUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature, which identifies threatened species.
- Fact37 frog species are currently identified as extinct or threatened by the IUCN.
- PlaceWorld Frog Day: Observed annually on March 20th.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the ecological significance of amphibians and evaluate the effectiveness of citizen science and ex-situ breeding programs in combating biodiversity loss in India.
- Ecological indicator: Amphibians as bio-indicators for climate change and habitat degradation
- Conservation methodology: Balancing in-situ habitat protection with ex-situ breeding programs
- Community engagement: Leveraging citizen science to bridge data gaps in biodiversity monitoring
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Chytridiomycosis · Citizen science · Amphibian decline · Habitat fragmentation
नोट्स सत्यधीश के समाचार फ़ीड से स्वचालित रूप से तैयार किए जाते हैं और यूपीएससी सीएसई पाठ्यक्रम से जुड़े हैं। उत्तर में उपयोग करने से पहले तथ्यों का मूल रिपोर्ट या पीआईबी से मिलान करें।