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Type: Prelims Only

  • Tribes in News

    Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

    28 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Indian Society
    Mains Paper 1: Diversity Of India

    Why in the news?

    • On 23 November 2025, Israel approved a major plan to bring all remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from Northeast India by 2030.
    • This marks a significant step in the decades-long Aliyah (immigration to Israel) process.

    Who are the Bnei Menashe?

    • Indigenous community from Manipur and Mizoram.
    • Claim descent from Menashe (Manasseh), one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrian Empire ~2,700 years ago.
    • Faced historical disputes over their Jewish identity.
    • In 2005, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the then Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, formally recognised them as “descendants of Israel”, enabling immigration.
    In India, if a religious sect/community is given “the status of a national minority, what special advantages is it entitled to? (2011)

    1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. 

    2. The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha. 

    3. It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park  

    28 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    • A Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), a bird species native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, was recorded on 23 November in the Dhela zone of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. This is considered a vagrant bird sighting.

    About Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

    • Family: Fringillidae (Finches)
    • Size: ~18 cm
    • Wingspan: 29–33 cm
    • Distinctive Feature: Very powerful, heavy bill capable of cracking extremely hard seeds/nuts.
    • Plumage: Males and females similar; males slightly darker.

    Native Range

    • Europe and North Africa
    • Temperate Asia, including:
      • Mongolia and Kazakhstan
    • Not native to India.

    Status in India

    • Sighting classified as a vagrant record—bird appears outside its usual distribution range.
    • Only two previous records in the Indian subcontinent:
      • Muzaffarabad (1908) – PoK
      • Aliabad (2017) – PoK
    • This is one of the very few confirmed sightings.
    Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? (2018) 

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. 

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above

    This question tests the critical concept of non-native or exotic species impacting biodiversity, which is the implicit environmental concern raised by the Hawfinch sighting.

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project

    28 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the news?

    • Karnataka has decided to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River.
    • The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s challenge as “premature”, enabling the CWMA and CWC to examine the project.

    Location & River

    • Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, ~100 km from Bengaluru.
    • The project is proposed on the inter-State Cauvery river.
    • Karnataka = upper riparian; Tamil Nadu = lower riparian.

    Why Does Karnataka Want It?

    • Bengaluru water demand:
      • Present: 2,600 MLD
      • Supply: 2,100 MLD → shortage of 500 MLD
    • Population to reach 20 million in 6 years → demand may rise to 4,000 MLD.
    • Shivakumar argues Mekedatu will ensure regulated release to Tamil Nadu, even in poor rainfall years.

    Why Is Tamil Nadu Opposed?

    • Trust deficit due to the history of Cauvery disputes.
    • Concern: Karnataka may store more water and release it selectively.
    • TN argues the project violates the 2018 SC judgment and Cauvery Tribunal’s final award.

    Centre’s Position

    • 2019: Karnataka submitted DPR → CWC → CWMA.
    • MoEFCC (2019): Sought an “amicable solution” due to inter-State dispute.
    • 2024 (Feb): CWMA referred DPR back to CWC after deliberations.
    • Now: DPR to be examined afresh; CWMA/CWC can facilitate dialogue.

    Constitutional & Legal Angle

    • Inter-State Rivers: Union List Entry 56 – regulation and development of inter-State rivers.
    • River Boards Act, 1956 (not effectively implemented).
    • Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT): Award notified in February 2013.
    • Supreme Court Judgment (2018):
      • Reallocated shares;
      • Gave 4.75 TMC drinking water allocation to Bengaluru.

     

    Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken? (2016)

    (a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra 

    (b) Godavari and Krishna 

    (c) Mahanadi and Son 

    (d) Narmada and Tapti

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  • Bastar Olympics

    27 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Trivia
    Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the news? 

    • The Bastar Olympics is a government-led sporting initiative in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, an area historically affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
    • It has become a symbol of normalisation, trust-building, and socio-cultural revival as Maoist influence recedes.

    What are the Bastar Olympics?

    • A regional multi-sport event launched by the Chhattisgarh government.
    • Conducted across all 7 districts of the Bastar region:
      • Bastar, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, Bijapur.
    • Includes 11 sports:
       Archery, Kabaddi, Athletics, Badminton, Football, Hockey, Karate, Weightlifting, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Tug-of-war.
    Prelims-Relevant Themes Emerging

    • Internal Security: Platform for reducing alienation in LWE regions.
    • Social Issues: Women’s participation & empowerment.
    • Tribal Affairs: Inclusion of PVTGs, revival of cultural identity.
    • Governance: Last-mile delivery and state presence in remote areas.
    • Sports & Youth: Identification of rural sporting talent.
    Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 

    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 

    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 

    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 

    (c) 1, 2 and 4 

    (d) 1, 3 and 4

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

    Ningaloo Reef Mass Coral Mortality 

    27 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A new survey in 2025 shows that nearly 70% of corals in Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef have died due to the most intense and prolonged marine heatwave on record.

    About Ningaloo Reef  

    • Located in Western Australia.
    • A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • One of the largest fringing reefs in the world (~260 km long).
    • Important for marine biodiversity, supporting whale sharks, turtles, reef sharks, and diverse coral species.

    Extent of Coral Mortality

    • ~70% mortality recorded in latest survey.
    • In eight northern lagoon sites (Osprey → Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zones), mortality >60%.
    • Of 1,600+ corals assessed in March, only ~600 survived by October.

    Species Impact

    • Highly Affected (Dominant Species Lost)

        • Staghorn corals: Acropora tenuis, Acropora millepora and Acropora spicifera
        • Thin birdsnest coral (Seriatopora hystrix).

    • Relatively Resilient

      • Veron’s tube coral (Echinopora ashmorensis)
      • Lesser knob coral (Cyphastrea microphthalma)
    • Structural decline:
      • Dead corals now overgrown by sponges, turf algae, reducing reef stability & biodiversity.

    Broader Ecological Significance

    • Coral reefs support ~1/3 of global marine species.
    • Mass mortality compromises: Fish breeding grounds, Shelter for marine organisms, Coastal protection and Tourism & local economies.

    Widespread Global Coral Stress

    According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

    • 84.4% of the world’s reef areas experienced bleaching-level heat stress (Jan 2023–Sept 2025).
    • Mass bleaching in 83+ countries.
    • Marine heatwaves in 2023 lasted 4× longer than the long-term average and affected 96% of the world’s oceans.
    The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 ∘ C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 ∘ C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 

    1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 

    2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 

    3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 

    4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

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  • Operation Pawan  

    27 November 2025 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    • For the first time, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi paid homage at the National War Memorial to soldiers who died during Operation Pawan (1987–1990).
    • Event held on 25 November 2025.

    What was Operation Pawan?

    • A major military operation launched by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.
    • Objective: Disarm the LTTE under the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987).
    • Duration: October 1987 – 1990.

    Background

    • Under the Indo–Sri Lanka Peace Accord (July 1987):
      • India agreed to deploy IPKF to enforce peace in Northern & Eastern Sri Lanka.
      • The LTTE initially agreed to surrender weapons but soon reneged.

    Casualties in Operation

    • Hundreds of Indian soldiers killed, and over 1,000 injured.
    • One of India’s largest overseas military operations.

    National War Memorial

    • Location: New Delhi, near India Gate.
    • Dedicated to soldiers of post-Independence operations including:
      • 1947–48, 1962, 1965, 1971 wars
      • Kargil 1999
      • IPKF operations, and counter-insurgency missions.

    Importance of the IPKF Mission 

    • First large-scale out-of-country deployment of Indian forces.
    • Political and military complexities:
      • Fighting LTTE, once seen sympathetically by India.
      • Hostile terrain and guerrilla warfare challenges.
    Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:  (2024)

    (a) Operation Sankalp 

    (b) Operation Maitri 

    (c) Operation Sadbhavana 

    (d) Operation Madad

    This question is highly relevant as it tests the specific format of knowledge required for Operation Pawan (the name and mission of a defence action).

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Sleep Apnea & Parkinson’s Disease 

    27 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    • A new study published in JAMA Neurology (Nov 24, 2025) found that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can nearly double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
    • The study analysed 11 million+ U.S. military veterans’ medical records (1999–2022).
    • Use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) significantly reduces the elevated risk, making sleep quality a potential neuroprotective factor.

    Key Findings

    • Untreated OSA → ~2× higher likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.
    • CPAP therapy helps maintain oxygen levels → reduces neurodegeneration risk.
    • Repeated oxygen drops during sleep may lead to long-term neuronal stress.
    • Parkinson’s disease risk increases naturally with age, especially >60 years, but untreated OSA further elevates vulnerability.

    About Parkinson’s Disease 

    • A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement.
    • Caused by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
    • Symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, cognitive decline (late stages).
    • No cure; treatments focus on symptom management.

    Prelims Pointers

    • New association identified: OSA ↔ Parkinson’s disease risk.
    • Published in JAMA Neurology.
    • Largest dataset used for this linkage: 11 million veterans.
    • CPAP is not just a sleep device—it may offer neuroprotection.
    • Chronic intermittent hypoxia implicated in neurodegeneration.
    Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition? (2010)

    (a) When inhaled into the human body CO is converted into CO2

    (b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen

    (c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin

    (d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain

    This PYQ is chosen because the core pathological connection linking Sleep Apnea and Parkinson’s disease is the concept of chronic oxygen deprivation (Hypoxia) and its neurodegenerative impact.

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Aravalli Hills: 90% Lose Protection, FSI Red-Flag Ignored

    27 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • On 20 Nov 2025, the Supreme Court approved the government’s definition of Aravalli Hills as any hill 100 m or higher above local ground.
    • Problem: This definition excludes 90% of Aravalli hills, making them open for mining and construction.

    Background

    • The Aravalli Range runs from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan.
    • It is oldest fold mountains in India and plays a key role in ecology, dust control, groundwater, and wildlife corridors.
    • In 2024, the SC asked the government to create a uniform Aravalli definition.

    FSI’s Warning

    • Lower hills (20–100 m) act as natural windbreaks, blocking sand and dust from Thar desert.
    • Removing protection risks:
      • Higher air pollution in NCR
      • Loss of wildlife corridors
      • Impact on agriculture and farmer livelihoods
    If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India? (2010)

    1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia. 

    2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils. 

    3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only 

    (b) 1 and 3 only 

    (c) 2 and 3 only 

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    The profound geographical and ecological functions of a major mountain range, which directly parallels the catastrophic risks associated with losing the Aravallis.

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Pazhayar River Pollution in Nagercoil

    26 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • Rampant sewage discharge into the Pazhayar River in Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu), especially near Ozhuginesary, has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.
    • A 2024 situational report highlighted severe domestic, agricultural, and industrial (rubber processing) pollution in the river.
    • Nagercoil Corporation has initiated steps to seal sewage inlets, but pollution remains widespread.

    About the Pazhayar River

    • A perennial river in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
    • Part of the Kodhayar River Basin, covering 1,646.964 sq km.
    • Basin lies entirely within Tamil Nadu, with a small stretch in Radhapuram (Tirunelveli district).

    Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (2017)

    (a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood 

    (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems 

    (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems 

    (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia and Impact on India

    26 November 2025 | Prelims Only | Geography
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location, Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the news?

    The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy, producing a massive ash plume rising to ~14 km (45,000 ft). High-level winds transported volcanic ash across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula towards western and northern India, causing temporary disruption in aviation operations.

    Key Facts: Location & Geological Background 

    Hayli Gubbi Volcano

    • Type: Shield volcano
    • Location: Afar Region, Ethiopia (part of the East African Rift System)
    • Dormancy: Last known activity ~10,000–12,000 years ago (Holocene threshold)
    • Geological Setting: Lies on the triple junction where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging → high tectonic activity.

    East African Rift System (EARS)

    • A major continental rift zone.
    • Known for active volcanism (Erta Ale, Dabbahu, Nabro, etc.).
    • Possible future site of a new ocean basin due to plate divergence.

    Impact on India

    1. Flight Disruptions

    • Several international flights cancelled or delayed (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi).
    • Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air initiated precautionary measures.
    • Aircraft inspections ordered for those that flew through potentially affected air corridors.

    2. Airspace Management

    • Civil Aviation Ministry, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued continuous advisories.\
    • No major safety threat, but routing adjustments and cancellations made as precaution.

    3. No Impact on Local Weather or Air Quality

    • IMD clarified:
      • Ash remained in upper troposphere.
      • No impact on ground-level AQI.
      • Delhi’s poor air quality is unrelated, caused by local pollution.

    4. Clearance Timeline

    • Ash plume expected to move completely towards China by 7:30 pm, Nov 25.

    Why Aviation Avoids Volcanic Ash? 

    • Ash melts inside jet engines → forms glassy deposits → engine flameout.
    • Damages navigation systems & windshields.
    • Reduces visibility.
    • Can cause stalls, loss of thrust, and total engine failure.

    Relevant Organisation:
     ▶ Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) issue global alerts—here, Toulouse VAAC monitored the plume.

    Consider the following: (2024)

    1. Pyroclastic debris 

    2. Ash and dust 

    3. Nitrogen compounds 

    4. Sulphur compounds 

    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? 

    (a) Only one 

    (b) Only two 

    (c) Only three 

    (d) Only four

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