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Type: Prelims Only

  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    1,500 Year Old Stepped Reservoir Found on Elephanta Island

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a 1,500 year old stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, indicating advanced water management and maritime trade.

    Key Findings

    • Age: ~1,500 years old
    • Shape: T shaped stepped reservoir
    • Size:
      • Length: 14.7 metres
      • Width: 6.7 to 10.8 metres
      • Depth: 5 metres excavated
    • 20 steps discovered so far

    Why Reservoir Was Built

    • Elephanta Island is rocky
    • Rainwater quickly flows into sea
    • Reservoir helped:
      • Store rainwater
      • Ensure water supply
    • Shows advanced ancient engineering.

    Other Discoveries

    Excavation yielded:

    • Brick structure (possibly dyeing vat)
    • Terracotta figurines
    • Glass and stone bangles
    • Carnelian and quartz beads
    • Storage pots
    • Stone anchors

    Evidence of Maritime Trade

    • 3,000 amphorae sherds from Mediterranean
    • Torpedo jars from West Asia and Mesopotamia
    • Used to store:
      • Wine
      • Oil
      • Fish sauce
    • Shows trade with Rome and West Asia.

    Coins Discovered

    • 60 coins found
    • Copper coins of Kalachuri ruler Krishnaraja
    • Period: 6th century CE

    About Elephanta Island

    • Located near Mumbai coast
    • Known for Elephanta Caves
    • Dedicated to Lord Shiva
    • Period: 5th century CE
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site
    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar

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  • First Ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The National Statistical Office (NSO) launched the first ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) for 2024–25.

    What is ASISSE

    • New annual survey of incorporated services sector
    • Covers:
      • Companies under Companies Act 1956/2013
      • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

    Conducted By

    • National Statistical Office (NSO)
    • Under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

    Objectives

    • Create database of formal services sector
    • Fill data gap in services economy
    • Provide data for policymaking

    Coverage

    Sectors included: Trade, Transport, Hospitality, IT services, Education, Health, and Professional services

    Key Features

    • Sample size: ~21 lakh enterprises
    • Data source: GSTN database
    • Coverage: All States and UTs
    • Digital data collection
    • Legal basis:
      • Collection of Statistics Act 2008
      • Jan Vishwas Act 2023

    Why It is Important

    • Services sector contributes 50%+ of GDP
    • First annual data for formal services sector
    • Helps measure:
      • Employment
      • Growth
      • Investment

    Related Surveys

    • ASI: Annual Survey of Industries (Manufacturing)
    • ASUSE: Unincorporated Sector Survey
    • ASISSE: Incorporated Services Sector
    [2024] With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs: Economic activity : Sector 1 Storage of agricultural produce : Secondary 2 Dairy farm : Primary Mineral exploration : Tertiary 3 Weaving cloth : Secondary Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Advancing India’s Fisheries Sector 

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    Union Budget 2026–27 announced ₹2,761.80 crore for fisheries sector, the highest ever allocation, strengthening India’s blue economy and fisher livelihoods.

    Key Highlights

    • India is 2nd largest fish producer globally
    • Share in Agricultural GVA: 7.43%
    • Fish production:
      • 2013–14: 95.79 lakh tonnes
      • 2024–25: 197.75 lakh tonnes
      • Increase: 106%
    • Seafood exports: ₹62,408 crore

    Major Government Schemes

    1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

    • Launched: 2020
    • Allocation 2026–27: ₹2,500 crore
    • Focus:
      • Production increase
      • Infrastructure
      • Value chain development

    2. PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM MKSSY)

    • Period: 2023–24 to 2026–27
    • Outlay: ₹6,000 crore
    • Focus:
      • Insurance
      • Credit
      • Formalisation

    3. Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

    • Launched: 2018–19
    • 225 projects approved
    • Investment: ₹6,685 crore
    • Employment: 2.5 lakh jobs

    Financial Inclusion

    • KCC (Kisan Credit Card) beneficiaries: 4.39 lakh fishers
    • Insurance coverage: 3.3 million
    • Livelihood support: 7.44 lakh families
    [2023] With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements: 1 Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed. 2 Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate. 3 Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Temple entry for women : Gender Equality v/s Religious Freedom

    Sabarimala Review Case: Centre’s Stand

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court nine-judge Bench began hearing review petitions in the Sabarimala case, and the Centre argued against strict definitions of religious denomination and essential religious practices.

    Centre’s Argument

    • Hinduism is plural and diverse
    • No single:
      • Founder
      • Scripture
      • Authority
      • Uniform practices
    • Therefore:
      • Strict definitions may limit religious diversity
      • Courts should be cautious in deciding matters of faith

    2018 Sabarimala Judgment (Background)

    Supreme Court (5 judge bench) held:

    • Ayyappans not a separate religious denomination
    • Women aged 10–50 allowed entry
    • Ban not an essential religious practice
    • Exclusion based on menstruation violates equality

    Key Constitutional Articles

    • Article 25: Freedom of religion
    • Article 26: Rights of religious denominations

    Key Issue Before 9 Judge Bench

    • What is religious denomination
    • What qualifies as essential religious practice
    • Extent of judicial review in religious matters
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 
    1 The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 
    2 The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Nuclear Energy

    Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor Attains Criticality

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the news?

    India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has attained criticality, marking a major milestone in India’s three stage nuclear programme.

    What is Criticality

    Criticality means:

    • Self sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins
    • Reactor core working as designed
    • Step before electricity generation
    • Capacity: 500 MWe reactor

    What is Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)

    • Produces more fuel than it consumes
    • Uses:
      • Uranium plutonium MOX fuel
      • Uranium 238 blanket to produce more fuel
    • This process called: Nuclear transmutation

    India’s Three Stage Nuclear Programme

    • Stage 1
      • Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR)
      • Fuel: Natural uranium
    • Stage 2
      • Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR)
      • Produces plutonium
    • Stage 3
      • Thorium based reactors
      • India has large thorium reserves

    Why This is Important

    • India to become 2nd country after Russia
    • Indigenous nuclear technology
    • Strengthens energy security
    • Moves India toward thorium based energy
    [2022] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 
    1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 
    2. Monazite contains thorium. 
    3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 
    4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.” 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] 1, 2 and 3 only [B] 1, 2 and 4 only [C] 3 and 4 only [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Babu Jagjivan Ram: 119th Birth Anniversary

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in News

    India paid tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 119th birth anniversary (5 April 2026) at Samta Sthal, New Delhi.

    About Babu Jagjivan Ram

    • Born: 5 April 1908, Chandwa, Bihar
    • Popularly known as: Babuji
    • Freedom fighter and social justice leader
    • Longest serving Union Cabinet Minister (35 years)
    • Served as Deputy Prime Minister (1979)

    Freedom Movement Contributions

    • Founded All India Depressed Classes League (1935)
    • Participated in Quit India Movement (1942)
    • Imprisoned by British
    • Youngest Minister in 1946 Interim Government
    • Held Labour portfolio

    Post Independence Contributions

    Green Revolution

    • Minister for Food & Agriculture (1967–70)
    • Helped India achieve food self sufficiency

    1971 War

    • Defence Minister during India Pakistan War 1971
    • Role in creation of Bangladesh

    Labour Reforms

    • Promoted:
      • Minimum wages
      • Workers welfare
      • Social security

    Political Career

    • Left Congress in 1977
    • Formed Congress for Democracy
    • Joined Janata Party
    • Deputy Prime Minister: 1979

    Death

    • Died: 6 July 1986
    • Memorial: Samta Sthal, New Delhi
    [2024] Consider the following pairs: Party : Its Leader 1 Bharatiya Jana Sangh : Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 2 Socialist Party : C. Rajagopalachari 3 Congress for Democracy : Jagjivan Ram 4 Swatantra Party : Acharya Narendra Dev How many of the above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    BRO Project Chetak Completes 47 Years

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in News

    Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day on 4 April 2026 at Bikaner, Rajasthan.

    About Project Chetak

    • Launched: 1980
    • Implemented by: Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
    • Area: Western border region
      • Rajasthan
      • Punjab
      • Northern Gujarat

    Objectives

    • Strengthen border infrastructure
    • Ensure all weather connectivity
    • Support troop movement
    • Promote regional development

    Key Features

    • Maintains 4,000 km+ roads
    • 214 km Ditch Cum Bund (DCB) for: Border security and Flood control
    • Upgrading feeder roads to:
      • National Highway double lane standard

    About Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

    • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), established on May 7, 1960, is a premier statutory construction force under India’s Ministry of Defence. 
    • It develops and maintains road networks, bridges, tunnels, and airfields in border regions and friendly neighboring countries. 
    • Primarily serving the armed forces, the BRO plays a critical role in enhancing national security and regional connectivity in challenging terrains.
    [2024] What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? 1 Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. 2 Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. 3 Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    518 of 697 Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir Shrinking or Vanished: CAG

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    According to CAG report, 518 out of 697 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate risks.

    Key Findings

    • Total lakes assessed: 697
    • Lakes disappeared: 315 (45%)
    • Lakes shrunk: 203 (29%)
    • Total affected lakes: 518 (74%)
    • 63 lakes lost ≥50% water area

    Other Observations

    • 150 lakes (22%) increased in area
    • 29 lakes (4%) remained unchanged

    Major Causes

    • Encroachment and construction
    • Land use change
    • Aquatic vegetation growth
    • Lack of conservation plans
    • Anthropogenic pressure

    Flood Risk

    • Shrinking lakes contributed to 2014 Kashmir floods
    • Lakes act as natural flood buffers

    Governance Gaps

    • No conservation plans for 255 lakes
    • No detailed survey of 697 lakes
    • Poor coordination among departments

    Lakes with Conservation Programmes

    • Only 6 lakes have management plans: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal Lake, Surinsar Lake, and Mansar Lake.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 
    2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 
    3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. 
    How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    CERC Delays Stricter Grid Rules for Wind and Solar Generators

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has delayed stricter grid stability rules for wind and solar generators by one year, giving renewable energy companies more time to adapt.

    About the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

    • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, a key regulator of the power sector in India, is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under sec – 76 of the Electricity Act 2003.

    Key Decision

    • Stricter deviation norms postponed
    • Earlier implementation: April 2026
    • New implementation: April 2027

    What Are Deviation Norms

    • Power generators must: Declare electricity supply in advance
    • If actual generation differs:
      • Grid stability disturbed
      • Operators impose deviation charges (penalties)

    Why Renewable Energy Gets Relaxation

    • Wind and solar power:
      • Depend on weather
      • Hard to predict output
      • More variability
    • Hence: Relaxed deviation norms

    Deviation Limits 

    Deviation band = Allowed variation between scheduled power and actual generation without penalty.

    Solar & Hybrid Projects

    • Earlier: ±10%
    • Now: ±5%
      • Must generate closer to committed power
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier allowed: 90 to 110 MW
      • Now allowed: 95 to 105 MW

    Wind Projects

    • Earlier: ±15%
    • Now: ±10%
    • Example:
      • Scheduled 100 MW
      • Earlier: 85 to 115 MW
      • Now: 90 to 110 MW
    [2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1 India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 2 The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate Change Threatens Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Industry

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Climate change, declining snowfall, and shrinking willow plantations are threatening Kashmir’s traditional cricket bat industry, which supports over 1.5 lakh livelihoods.

    Kashmir Cricket Bat Industry:  

    • Over 100 years old industry
    • Around 3 million cricket bats produced annually
    • About 150 bat manufacturing units in Sangam (South Kashmir)
    • 1.5 lakh people dependent on the industry
    • Kashmir willow bats are supplied to: Domestic markets and International markets

    Main Raw Material: Kashmir Willow

    • Scientific name: Salix alba (White Willow)
    • Grows near rivers and wetlands
    • Requires:
      • High moisture
      • Moderate temperature
      • Saturated soil
    • Around 80% of bat wood comes from riparian zones (riverbanks and wetlands).
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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