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Type: Prelims Only

  • Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II launched to strengthen border areas 

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Phase II of the Vibrant Villages Programme from Assam, aiming to develop border villages and curb migration and infiltration.

    Vibrant Villages Programme I

    Approval

    • Approved on 15 February 2023.
    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

    Coverage

    • 662 villages.
    • 46 blocks.
    • 19 districts.
    • States: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand.
    • UT: Ladakh.
    • Focused on northern border areas.

    Objectives

    • Livelihood generation through:
      • Tourism and cultural heritage.
      • Skill development and entrepreneurship.
      • Agriculture, horticulture, medicinal plants.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Road connectivity.
      • Housing and village infrastructure.
      • Renewable energy.
      • Telecom and TV connectivity.
    • Incentivise population to remain in border villages.

    Vibrant Villages Programme II

    Approval

    • Approved on 2 April 2025.
    • Central Sector Scheme.
    • Outlay: ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028-29.

    Coverage

    • Blocks abutting international land borders other than northern border.
    • Implemented in strategic villages across:
      • Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat.
      • J and K UT, Ladakh UT.
      • Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland.
      • Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim.
      • Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

    Objectives

    • Better living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
    • Safe and secure borders.
    • Control trans border crimes.
    • Integrate border population as “eyes and ears” of border guarding forces.

    Thematic Saturation Areas

    1. All weather road connectivity.
    2. Telecom connectivity.
    3. Television connectivity.
    4. Electrification through convergence.
    [2015] The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes 

    (b) determine the boundaries between States 

    (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats 

    (d) protect the interests of all border States

  • India attends U.S. Board of Peace meeting as observer

    Why in the News?

    India attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer nation but has not joined the initiative.

    What is the Board of Peace?

    • An initiative announced by Donald Trump.
    • Aimed at redevelopment of the Gaza Strip.
    • Announced during the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
    • Perceived by some as a parallel platform to the United Nations system.

    Key Features

    • U.S. pledged $10 billion to the initiative.
    • 27 member nations including Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
    • India participated as observer through its diplomat in Washington DC.
    • India has not formally joined the Board.

    Strategic Context

    • Gaza Strip located along eastern Mediterranean coast.
    • Ceasefire phase between Israel and Hamas led to renewed diplomatic efforts.
    • U.S. attempting multilateral reconstruction framework outside traditional UN mechanisms.
    [2022] The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions? (a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores 

    (b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco 

    (c) Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa 

    (d) The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea

  • Bela Gram becomes Maharashtra’s first net zero village  

    Why in the News?

    At Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Bela Gram in Bhandara district of Maharashtra was highlighted as the State’s first net zero panchayat, showcasing grassroots climate leadership.

    Location

    • Bela Gram, Bhandara district
    • Vidarbha region, Maharashtra

    What is Net Zero?

    • Achieving balance between:
      • Greenhouse gas emissions produced
      • Emissions removed or offset
    • Often achieved through renewable energy, afforestation, waste management and energy efficiency.

    Key Initiatives in Bela Gram

    • Plantation of over 90,000 trees during weddings and festivals.
    • Transition from traditional chulhas to LPG.
    • Installation of rooftop solar panels in homes, anganwadis and Panchayat offices.
    • Doorstep waste segregation.
    • Elimination of single use plastics.
    • Recipient of Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024.

    Broader Context

    • Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in local climate action.
    • Discussion linked to future global climate negotiations and India’s long term net zero targets.
    • Emphasis on decentralised, community driven climate solutions.

    Related Examples

    • Perinjanam in Kerala as Solar Gramam with rooftop prosumers.
    • Use of District Mineral Foundation funds in Jharkhand for water revival and solar irrigation.
    • Community afforestation and water conservation efforts in Odisha, Bihar and Karnataka.
    [2015] The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? 

    1. People’s participation in development 

    2. Political accountability 

    3. Democratic decentralization 

    4. Financial mobilization 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

  • COAS visit to Australia strengthens defence ties 

    Why in the News?

    Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi concluded his official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19 to enhance bilateral defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

    Key Highlights of Visit

    • Talks with senior leadership of Australian Defence Forces.
    • Interactions with:
      • Forces Command (FORCOMD)
      • Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)
      • 2nd Division of Australian Army
    • Discussions on:
      • Force readiness
      • Operational concepts
      • Training methodologies

    Exercise AUSTRAHIND

    • Bilateral Army exercise between India and Australia.
    • Focus on:
      • Joint operations
      • Interoperability
      • Counter terrorism training
    • Next edition to be held in India later this year.

    Strategic Context

    • India Australia ties elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
    • Cooperation part of broader Indo Pacific security architecture.
    • Defence collaboration complements engagement under frameworks like Quad.
    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. 

    Select the answer using the code given below: 

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

  • India joins Pax Silica for resilient electronics supply chains 

    Why in the News?

    India has joined the Pax Silica group during the AI Impact Summit, partnering with the United States and other countries to build resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals.

    What is Pax Silica?

    • A multilateral initiative aimed at:
      • Securing electronics supply chains
      • Reducing over dependence on a single country
      • Strengthening access to refined rare earth elements
    • Inaugural summit held in Washington DC.

    Member Countries

    • United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, European Union, and India

    Strategic Context

    • China dominates refining of rare earth elements.
    • Concerns over:
      • Export restrictions
      • Economic coercion
      • Weaponisation of supply chains
    • Initiative promotes supply chain sovereignty and diversification.

    Key Concepts for Prelims

    • Rare Earth Elements: 17 metallic elements essential for electronics, EVs, defence systems.
    • Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for economic and national security.
    • Supply Chain Resilience: Diversification to reduce vulnerability to disruptions.
    • Economic Coercion: Use of trade or economic tools for strategic pressure.
    [2025] Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. 

    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified. 

    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

  • ISRO to test improved fire detection algorithm during rabi harvest  

    Why in the News?

    Indian Space Research Organisation will pilot a modified algorithm to better detect farm fire events during the upcoming wheat harvesting season. The move follows discrepancies between satellite detected fires and ground reports flagged by the Commission for Air Quality Management.

    Background: Stubble Burning

    • Paddy stubble generated within a 30 day window in Punjab, Haryana and western UP.
    • Farmers burn residue due to:
      • Short gap between harvest and next sowing cycle
      • Low cost and quick clearance
    • Burning releases PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants.
    • During peak season, farm fires can contribute up to 40 percent of Delhi pollution load.

    Satellite Monitoring Mechanism

    • Fire data based on sun synchronous polar orbiting satellites:
      • NASA Terra and Aqua using MODIS sensor
      • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Suomi NPP using VIIRS sensor
    • Issue identified:
      • Peak burning time shifted from around 1.30 pm in 2020 to nearly 5 pm in 2024.
      • Late evening fires may escape detection due to fixed satellite overpass timings.
    • Rabi Season Focus
      • Wheat harvesting: Late March to May.
    • 2025 data recorded:
      • Punjab: 10,207 fire events
      • Haryana: 1,832
      • NCR districts of UP: 259
    • For first time, CAQM directing monitoring of summer wheat stubble burning.
    [2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 

    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 

    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • General Naravane on India China boundary issue 

    Why in the News?

    Former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane stated that the unresolved India China boundary is at the core of bilateral tensions and emphasised that India will not tolerate unilateral use of force along the LAC.

    Boundary vs Border

    • India Bangladesh border: Mutually recognised and demarcated.
    • India China boundary: Not formally demarcated on ground.
    • The Line of Actual Control is a notional alignment, not a legally settled international boundary.

    Line of Actual Control

    • De facto boundary between India and China.
    • Divided into:
      • Western Sector: Eastern Ladakh
      • Middle Sector: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
      • Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim
    • Frequent face offs due to differing perceptions of LAC alignment.

    Galwan Context

    • Violent clash in Galwan Valley (June 2020) in eastern Ladakh.
    • Marked major downturn in bilateral ties.

    Land Boundary Agreement 2015

    • Signed between India and Bangladesh.
    • Involved exchange of enclaves and settlement of long pending boundary disputes.
    • Demonstrates that complex boundary disputes can be resolved through negotiations.
    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the (a) East of Aksai Chin 

    (b) East of Leh 

    (c) North of Gilgit 

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

  • Padayappa the wild tusker in Munnar

    Why in the News?

    A wild tusker named Padayappa has recently damaged vehicles along the Munnar to Marayur route in Kerala during his musth period, reviving debate over human wildlife conflict and relocation demands.

    Location

    • Munnar, Idukki district, Kerala
    • Roams between Munnar and Devikulam forest ranges

    About Padayappa

    • Approximate age: 60 years
    • Species: Asian Elephant
    • Identifiable by:
      • Limp due to hind leg injury
      • Unusually long tusks
    • Named after the Rajinikanth film Padayappa
    • Known as a tourism icon in Munnar

    Recent Developments

    • Damaged four vehicles this month
    • Over 20 vehicles damaged during last year’s musth period
    • Forest Department Rapid Response Team monitoring movements
    • Officials state aggression linked only to musth, not habitual conflict behavior

    Musth (Prelims Concept)

    • A periodic condition in male elephants
    • Characterised by:
      • Increased testosterone levels
      • Heightened aggression
      • Temporal gland secretion
    • Seasonal and temporary phase
    [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: 1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 

    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months. 

    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only. 

    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Supreme Court flags fiscal impact of unchecked freebies 

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India criticised indiscriminate distribution of “freebies” by States while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited challenging Rule 23 of the Electricity Amendment Act, 2024.

    Core Issue

    • Petition challenges Rule 23, which limits the gap between:
      • Approved Annual Revenue Requirement
      • Estimated Annual Revenue from tariff
         to 3%.
    • Revenue gap, including late payment surcharge carrying cost, must be cleared in three yearly instalments.
    • TNPDCL argues this may cause tariff shock and strain State finances.
    • Tamil Nadu reportedly faces an annual power sector gap of about ₹50,000 crore.

    Court’s Key Observations

    • States running revenue deficits continue announcing election time largesse.
    • Welfare must distinguish between needy and affluent.
    • Public money should prioritise: Infrastructure, Roads, Hospitals, Schools and Medical colleges
    • Court stressed fiscal prudence, especially during elections.
    • Clarified that design of welfare schemes falls within the domain of elected governments.

    Key Concepts for Prelims

    • Revenue Deficit: Revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts.
    • Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR): Total projected cost of providing electricity services.
    • Tariff Shock: Sudden sharp rise in consumer electricity tariffs.
    • Fiscal Prudence: Sustainable and responsible management of public finances.
    [2018] If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then (a) the opportunity cost is zero. 

    (b) the opportunity cost is ignored. 

    (c) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax-paying public. 

    (d) the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.

  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Proposal on Flying Ban for Unruly Passengers

    Why in the News?

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has proposed amendments to Civil Aviation Requirement provisions to empower airlines to directly impose a flying ban of up to 30 days on unruly or disruptive passengers.

    Legal Basis

    • Proposed under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937
    • Amends the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) framework governing handling of disruptive passengers

    Key Provisions of the Proposal

    1. Flying Ban up to 30 Days
      • Airlines can impose a ban directly.
      • No need for prior referral to the independent committee.
    2. Database & Reporting
      • Airlines must maintain a database of banned passengers.
      • DGCA must be informed of every ban.
      • Such passengers will NOT be added to the regulator’s official No Fly List.
    3. Objective
      • Ensure swift action in the interest of passenger and flight safety.
      • Streamline existing procedures.

    What Constitutes Disruptive Behaviour?

    The revised definition includes:

    • Smoking on board
    • Consumption of alcohol on domestic flights
    • Tampering with emergency exits
    • Unauthorized use of life jackets or other safety equipment
    • Protests or sloganeering inside aircraft
    • Intoxicated misbehaviour
    • Screaming or causing annoyance
    • Kicking or banging seats or tray tables

    Existing Mechanism

    • Cases must be referred to an Independent Committee.
    • Committee headed by a retired District and Sessions Judge.
    • Decision required within 45 days before ban enforcement.

    Significance for Prelims

    • DGCA is India’s aviation safety regulator under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
    • Rule 133A empowers DGCA to issue directions in public interest and aviation safety.
    • Distinction between:
      • Airline imposed temporary ban
      • Official regulator maintained No Fly List
    • Safety related regulatory reforms often tested in UPSC under transport and governance.
    [2024] Consider the following airports: 

    1. Donyi Polo Airport 

    2. Kushinagar International Airport 

    3. Vijayawada International Airport 

    In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? 

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