The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Sir Creek Category: International Relations Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan that “any aggression by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area will be met with a resounding response that will change both history and geography.” About Sir Creek: Disputed area: Sir Creek is a 96-km strip of water disputed between India and Pakistan in the Rann of Kutch marshlands. Nomenclature: Originally named Ban Ganga, Sir Creek is named after a British representative. Acts as a boundary: The Creek opens up in the Arabian Sea and roughly divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh Province of Pakistan. Importance: Apart from strategic location, Sir Creek’s core importance is fishing resources. Sir Creek is considered to be among the largest fishing grounds in Asia. Possibility of oil and gas: The area has possible presence of great oil and gas concentration under the sea, which are currently unexploited thanks to the impending deadlock on the issue. Background of dispute: The dispute lies in the interpretation of the maritime boundary line between Kutch and Sindh. Pakistan claims the entire creek as per paragraphs 9 and 10 of the Bombay Government Resolution of 1914 signed between then the Government of Sindh and Rao Maharaj of Kutch, which set the boundary as the eastern flank of the creek popularly known as Green Line. But India claims that the boundary lies mid-channel as depicted in another map drawn in 1925, and implemented by the installation of mid-channel pillars back in 1924. In its support, it cites the Thalweg Doctrine in International Maritime Law, which states that river boundaries between two states may be divided by the mid-channel if the water-body is navigable. UNCLOS favours India’s stand: Acceding to India’s stance would mean shifting of the land/sea terminus point several kilometres to the detriment of Pakistan, leading in turn to a loss of several thousand square kilometres of its Exclusive Economic Zone under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Sources: The Hindu Kathakali Category: History & Culture Context: Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, witnessed history when 16-year-old Sabri, became the first Muslim girl to perform Kathakali at the prestigious institution since its founding in 1930. About Kathakali: Origin: Kathakali emerged in the 17th century in the kingdom of Travancore (present-day Kerala). The art form was initially performed in temple precincts and later gained popularity in the royal courts. Based on ancient texts: Kathakali is based on Natya Shastra, the ancient treatise on dance, written by Sage Bharata. However, It relies on Hasthalakshana Deepika, another classical text for its hand gestures. Precursors: Dance-drama art form called ‘Krishnanattam’ and Ramanattam based on Mahabharata and Ramayana are precursor of ‘Kathakali’. Composition: Kathakali combines elements of dance, music, mime, and drama. Features of dance: The four aspects of abhinaya – Angika, Aharya, Vachika, Satvikaand the Nritta, Nritya and Natya are combined perfectly in this dance form. Features of music: Kathakali music follows the traditional sopana sangeet of Kerala. It is said to be the ritual singing of the Ashtapadis on the flight of steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Use of Mudras: The movements are highly stylized and include intricate footwork, rhythmic swaying, and various hand gestures called mudras. Emphasis on facial expressions: The dancers use their facial expressions, known as rasas, to convey emotions and tell stories. Downfall in 20th century: Kathakali was in peril and on the verge of extinction in the beginning of 20th century. Revival: Renowned Poet Vallaththol Narayana Menon and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja took the initiative to set up Kerala Kalamandalam, a centre of excellence for classical art forms for the revival of kathakali. Major exponents: Kavungal Chathunni Panicker and Kalamandalam Gopi are its most eminent representatives. Source: The Hindu Thumri Category: History & Culture Context: Thumri (one of the ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music) lost its voice as Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away leaving a musical legacy. About Hindustani Music: Origin: While the historical roots of both the music types belong to the Bharata’s Natyasastra, they diverged in the 14th century. Focus: The Hindustani branch of music focuses more on the musical structure and the possibilities of improvisation in it. The Hindustani branch adopted a scale of Shudha Swara Saptaka or the ‘Octave of Natural notes’. Composition: The Hindustani music has elements of ancient Hindu tradition, Vedic philosophy and Persian tradition as well. Based on teacher-disciple tradition: Since ancient times, it has been passed from one to another through the Guru-Shishya Parampara. Musical instruments: The musical instruments used in Hindustani are Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar, Santoor, Flute and violin. Raga system: It is based on the Raga system. The Raga is a melodic scale comprising of basic seven notes. Major styles: There are ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music like the Dhrupad, Khayal, Tappa, Chaturanga, Tarana, Sargam, Thumri and Ragasagar, Hori and Dhamar. About Thumri: Origin: Originated in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, mainly in Lucknow & Benares, around 18th century. A romantic & erotic style of singing; also called “the lyric of Indian classical music.” Themes: Compositions are mostly on love, separation and devotion. Distinct feature: Erotic subject matter portrayed picturesquely from the various episodes of the lives of Lord Krishna & Radha. Language: Lyrics are typically in Brij Bhasha and are usually romantic & religious. Linkage with Khayal: A Thumri is usually performed as the last item of a Khayal concert. Gharanas: Three main gharanas of thumri are Benaras, Lucknow and Patiala. Exponent: Begum Akhtar is one of the most popular singers of thumri style. Source: The Hindu ICDS Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme completed 50 years of its launch. About ICDS:   Launch: Launched in 1975, it is one of the world’s largest programmes providing for an integrated package of services for the holistic development of the child.  Ministry: The Umbrella ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Flagship programme: The ICDS Scheme providing for supplementary nutrition, immunization and pre-school education to the children is a popular flagship programme of the government. Major objectives: To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years.  To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child. To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout. To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development. To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child. To facilitate, educate and empower Adolescent Girls (AGs) so as to enable them to become self-reliant and aware citizens. Various schemes subsumed: Presently, various government schemes have been subsumed under the Umbrella ICDS. Various schemes under ICDS: Anganwadi Services Scheme: It is a unique programme for early childhood care and development. The beneficiaries under the Scheme are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. It provides a package of six services namely supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition & health education, immunisation, health check-up and referral services. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: It provides cash incentive amounting to Rs.5,000/- in three instalments directly to the Bank/Post Office Account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mother (PW&LM) in DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) Mode during pregnancy and lactation in response to individual fulfilling specific conditions. National Creche Scheme: It provides day care facilities to children of age group of 6 months to 6 years of working women. The facilities are provided for seven and half hours a day for 26 days in a month. POSHAN Abhiyaan: It targets to reduce the level of stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia and low birth weight babies by reducing mal-nutrition/undernutrition, anaemia among young children as also, focus on adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Source: The Hindu Tomahawk Missiles Category: Defence & Security Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a decision by the United States to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would trigger a major new escalation with Washington. About Tomahawk Missiles: Development: It is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the United States Navy.  Launch: It is launched from ships or submarines through a Vertical Launch System and used for precision strikes on land-based targets. Range: These missiles have a range between 1,000 and 1,500 miles (1,550 to 2,500 km). Structure: Tomahawks measure 18.3 feet in length and weigh about 3,200 pounds. They carry a 1,000-pound conventional warhead or cluster munitions. Uniqueness: Tomahawks can fly at low altitudes, avoiding radar detection, and are guided by advanced GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain contour mapping. : This makes them highly accurate-with a margin of error of just 10 meters. Deceptive: It is built to follow a non-linear path, reducing the chance of interception. It is further powered by a solid propellant during its launch phase. Thereafter, it is powered by a turbofan engine that does not emit much heat, which makes infrared detection difficult. Past uses: Tomahawks were first deployed in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Since then, they have been used in several major conflicts, including strikes in Syria in 2017. (MAINS Focus) India’s Military Transformation: Towards Integrated Theatre Commands (GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Security challenges and their management in border areas; Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate) Introduction (Context) Artificial intelligence, drones, and hybrid warfare are lowering the cost of conflict but increasing operational risks. In a two-front threat scenario from China and Pakistan, India must shift from coordination to command through integrated theatre commands backed by structural reforms. From Coordination to Command New Rules of 2025: The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules empower joint commanders with authority across services, moving beyond silos. Prime Minister’s Push: At the 2025 Combined Commanders’ Conference, the theme of “Year of Reforms” stressed integrated theatre commands as the future of Indian defence. Tri-Service Agencies: Cyber, Space, and Special Operations divisions have been raised under HQ IDS, enhancing India’s preparedness for new-age domains. Combat Formations: Rudra and Bhairav units integrate artillery, armour, engineers, and surveillance for modular, mission-specific deployment. Amphibious Doctrine: A declassified joint doctrine now provides an integrated framework for land, sea, and air operations. Doctrinal and Technological Evolution Earlier Doctrines: The Joint Doctrine (2017) and Land Warfare Doctrine (2018) laid the groundwork for synergy among the three services. Ran Samvad Seminar (2025): Emphasised hybrid warriors—capable of coding, information warfare, and tactical command—reflecting the demands of multi-domain conflict. Technology Induction: MQ-9B drones (2023 deal) enhance persistent ISR and precision strike. Rafale-M strengthens naval aviation and maritime strike power. Akashteer AI system integrates Army air defence with IAF’s IACCS. Pralay missile adds credible theatre-level firepower. Creating a Modern Force Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): Rudra-type brigades designed for 12–48 hour deployment with combined arms, drones, and loitering munitions. Maritime Posture: A carrier-centred strategy is being developed; Rafale-M supports near-term aviation while a 15-year naval roadmap expands subsurface and unmanned capacity. Standardisation: Future force requires common data and interface systems across all services. Professional Military Education: PME must embed technologist-commanders into exercises, ensuring adaptability and joint leadership. Challenges and Drawbacks Slow Reform Pace: Despite a decade of emphasis, joint PME began only in 2024; China achieved theatre commands in 2016. Untested Jointness: Exercises like Operation Sindoor were largely aerial, never testing full mobilisation. Inter-Service Rivalries: Persistent disagreements over jurisdiction delay full implementation of theatre commands. Import Dependence: Key systems such as Rafale-M and MQ-9B highlight reliance despite Atmanirbhar Bharat. Weak Defence–Industry Links: The CAG (2022) flagged delays in DRDO projects, slowing indigenous modernisation. Reforms and Way Forward Phased Theatrisation: Begin with functional commands (cyber, space), then expand geographically, similar to the US Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986). Strengthen PME: Train hybrid technologist-commanders skilled in AI, coding, and information warfare. Civil–Military Fusion: Deepen collaboration between DRDO, DPSUs, private startups, and universities via iDEX and Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. Expand IBGs: Convert trial brigades into permanent formations with joint logistics and firepower. Industrial Ecosystem: Build DARPA-style rapid testing and prototyping cycles to accelerate indigenous defence innovation. Conclusion  India must move beyond incremental coordination to genuine joint command. By activating theatre commands, reforming PME, and strengthening civil–military fusion, India can build a flexible and adaptive force capable of winning 21st-century hybrid and multi-domain wars. Mains Question Examine India’s move towards integrated theatre commands. How can reforms in doctrine, technology, and force structure prepare India for a possible two-front war? (250 words, 15 marks) Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-battlefield-change-and-the-indian-armed-forces/article70118754.ece India’s Fight Against Cyber Frauds in the Digital Economy (GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Basics of cyber security) Introduction (Context) India’s digital revolution—driven by affordable internet, UPI payments, and e-commerce—has increased financial inclusion but also opened avenues for cybercrime. Rising phishing scams, identity theft, UPI/OTP frauds, and “digital arrests” expose systemic gaps in banks and cyber policing. Security Challenges in India’s Digital Transformation Social engineering at the core: Fraudsters manipulate fear, urgency, or trust rather than relying only on hacking. Elderly, rural populations, and job/loan seekers are most vulnerable. Rise of digital arrests: Criminals impersonate officials, threaten fake charges, and coerce large payments (e.g., ₹23 crore fraud of a retired banker). Systemic gaps: Banks miss red flags such as unusually large transactions and mule accounts with weak KYC, while cyber police lack tools and manpower. Underreporting of frauds: Many victims avoid complaints due to stigma or lack of trust, allowing fraudsters to thrive unchecked. Organised patterns: Layering of money through multiple accounts makes recovery nearly impossible, especially when the crucial 24-hour window is missed. Criticisms and Institutional Weaknesses Banks’ limited role: Restrict themselves to issuing generic advisories instead of proactive prevention. Weak KYC enforcement: Mule accounts with fake or incomplete details facilitate laundering. Cyber police constraints: Severely short of technology, trained workforce, and real-time coordination. Delayed responses: By the time fraud is reported and acted upon, funds are already dispersed. Data insecurity: Leaked customer data often circulates, exposing citizens to repeated fraud attempts. Reforms and Way Forward AI-driven monitoring: Create personalised transaction profiles and anomaly detection to flag unusual size, frequency, or timing of transfers. Cross-institutional collaboration: An AI-enabled fraud intelligence network across banks, payment systems, and telecom providers for real-time alerts. Empowering cyber police: 24/7 rapid-response units with automated AI alerts to act within the 24-hour window. Strengthening banks’ accountability: Audit mule accounts, plug KYC gaps, use Blockchain for tamper-proof data, and ensure timely customer compensation (RBI guidelines). Global cooperation: Cybercrime is transnational; India must strengthen cross-border intelligence-sharing and legal frameworks for effective action. Conclusion  India’s digital economy cannot thrive without trust. By shifting from reactive firefighting to AI-enabled proactive protection, strengthening bank accountability, and empowering cyber police, India can secure its digital transformation and safeguard citizens from escalating cyber fraud. Mains Question Cyber frauds are rising in India with the growth of digital transactions. What challenges do social engineering-based crimes pose, and what reforms are needed to protect citizens? (250 words, 15 marks) Source:https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader?utm_source=Hindu&utm_medium=Menu&utm_campaign=Header&_gl=1*19gcoyh*_gcl_au*MTUxNTgzNjMwLjE3NTczMTMxMTYuMTA0MzU4Nzc0MS4xNzU5NDY5NDg4LjE3NTk0Njk0ODc. Gandhi’s Quiet Courage: Lessons for Ethics and Leadership (GS Paper 4: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world) Introduction (Context) For Gandhi, courage was not dramatic defiance but discipline, self-mastery, and loyalty to principles higher than fear or comfort. His life episodes — from plague service to Noakhali peace marches — illustrate quiet moral courage in action. Courage in Public Service Plague Relief in Johannesburg (1904): Gandhi nursed abandoned plague victims despite infection risks. His choice reflects selflessness and the ethical value of putting community welfare above personal safety. Noakhali Riots (1946): Gandhi walked barefoot through riot-torn villages without police protection. His reliance on truth and non-violence restored peace, showing the role of moral authority in conflict resolution. Facing Assassination Attempts: Even after bomb and knife attacks, Gandhi refused police protection, showing fearlessness and adherence to ahimsa (non-violence). Moral Integrity in Personal Life Kasturba’s Health Crisis: Gandhi respected his wife’s conviction as a vegetarian, refusing to override her conscience even at the risk of her life. This highlights respect for individual autonomy and moral integrity. Ashram and Untouchability: He admitted an “untouchable” family into his Ahmedabad ashram despite financial backlash. His stand for equality demonstrates courage in resisting societal prejudice. Family Discipline: Gandhi punished his son Manilal for disobeying ashram rules, proving impartiality in enforcing discipline, even against personal relationships. Ethical Values Demonstrated Integrity: Principles were non-negotiable even under personal loss. Empathy: Care for plague victims and riot survivors reflected compassion in action. Moral Courage: Choosing right action despite risks to life, family, and reputation. Justice and Equality: Opposition to untouchability exemplified fairness and inclusivity. Self-Discipline: Practised simplicity, restraint, and personal accountability as foundations of ethical leadership. Relevance for Ethics in Governance Administrators today must show courage of conviction, upholding fairness even against popular or political pressure. Respecting diverse beliefs and individual conscience builds trust in public institutions. Like Gandhi, civil servants must practise discipline and impartiality, ensuring rules apply equally to all. Non-violence and dialogue as tools of conflict resolution remain relevant in communal harmony and public order management. Gandhi’s courage shows that ethical authority can be more powerful than positional authority in leadership. Conclusion  Gandhi’s quiet courage lay in standing by truth, justice, and compassion regardless of consequence. For public administrators, his example underlines that ethical leadership requires inner strength, impartiality, and integrity — qualities essential for governance in a diverse democracy. Mains Question Mahatma Gandhi’s life was a demonstration of quiet moral courage rather than dramatic defiance. Discuss how such courage is essential for ethical leadership and public administration in India today. (150 words, 10 marks) Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/gandhi-led-by-example-his-life-is-full-of-moments-of-quiet-courage-10284350/

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed NGOs to submit applications for renewal of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration at least four months before expiry. About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010: Nature: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, regulates foreign contributions to protect national sovereignty and security. It governs the receipt and use of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies operating in India. Objective: The FCRA 2010 aims to ensure that foreign donations do not compromise the nation’s sovereignty or internal security. Amendments: Amendments were made in 2020 which brought certain changes. About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020: Validity & Renewal: FCRA registration is valid for five years, and NGOs are required to apply for renewal within six months of the registration’s expiry. Mandates Aadhaar: Office bearers must provide an Aadhaar or passport/OCI card for registration. Need for SBI account: Contributions must be received in a designated SBI branch in New Delhi. Puts a cap on administrative Use: Administrative expense limits were reduced from 50% to 20%. Suspension Extension: Initially, registration suspension can be enforced for a period of 180 days. This suspension can be further extended by an additional 180 days. Prohibits certain activities The applicant must not represent fictitious entities. The applicant should not have been involved in religious conversion activities, either directly or indirectly. The applicant must not be engaged in activities related to sedition. The FCRA prohibits candidates, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, politicians, and political organizations from receiving foreign funds. FCRA Rules 2022 In July 2022, the MHA introduced changes to FCRA rules. These changes included increasing the number of compoundable offences from 7 to 12. The rules also raised the limit for contributions from relatives abroad that do not require government intimation from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and extended the time limit for intimation of the opening of bank accounts. Source: The Hindu Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) Category: Science & Technology Context: Recently, NASA launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to map the heliosphere’s boundary, trace energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting. About IMAP: Nature: The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, will explore and map the very boundaries of our heliosphere, a huge bubble created by the Sun’s wind that encapsulates our entire solar system. Functioning: The IMAP mission will use 10 scientific instruments to chart a comprehensive picture of what’s roiling in space, from high-energy particles originating at the Sun, to magnetic fields in interplanetary space, to remnants of exploded stars in interstellar space. Mass of the spacecraft: It weighs around 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds). Launch vehicle: It is launched using Falcon 9, which is a partially reusable, two-stage-to-orbit, medium-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX. Location: The IMAP spacecraft is situated at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1), at around one million miles from Earth toward the Sun. There, it can provide about a half hour’s warning to voyaging astronauts and spacecraft near Earth of harmful radiation coming their way. Investigating heliophysics: The mission will primarily investigate two of the most important overarching issues in heliophysics, viz. how charged particles from the Sun are energized to form what’s known as the solar wind and how that wind interacts with interstellar space at the heliosphere’s boundary. Help astronauts: The IMAP mission will additionally support real-time observations of the solar wind, which can flood the near-Earth space environment with dangerous particles and radiation that could harm technology and astronauts in space and disrupt global communications and electrical grids on Earth. Expected outcomes of the mission: Uncover fundamental physics at scales both tiny and immense.  Improve forecasting of solar wind disturbances and particle radiation hazards from space. Draw a picture of our nearby galactic neighborhood. Help determine some of the basic cosmic building materials of the universe. Increase understanding of how the heliosphere shields life in the solar system from cosmic rays. Source: The Hindu RoDTEP Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) incentive scheme for exporters until March 31, 2026. About RoDTEP Scheme: Launch: It was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Objective: The RoDTEP scheme is designed to reimburse exporters for embedded duties, taxes, and levies that are not otherwise refunded under any other existing scheme. Eligibility: Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are both eligible for the benefits of this scheme. There is no particular turnover threshold to claim the RoDTEP. India as country of origin: The exported products need to have the country of origin as India. SEZs: The Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units are also eligible to claim the benefits under this scheme. Compliant with WTO norms: The RoDTEP scheme, which replaced the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), is fully aligned with World Trade Organization norms. Role of CBIC: Rebates under RoDTEP Scheme will be issued as transferable duty credits or electronic scrips (e-scrips), maintained in an electronic ledger by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Multi-sector scheme: Under RoDTEP, all sectors, including the textiles sector, are covered, so as to ensure uniformity across all areas. Source: The Hindu Partition of Bengal Category: History & Culture Context: Recently, Undivided Bengal’ emerged as the popular theme of Durga Puja in West Bengal. About Partition of Bengal: Background: The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was initiated by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, citing administrative efficiency due to the vast size and population of Bengal. However, the underlying motive was to weaken the growing nationalist movement by dividing Hindus and Muslims. Bengal was split into two provinces: Eastern Bengal and Assam (Muslim-majority) and Western Bengal (Hindu-majority). The move was widely opposed by Indian nationalists, who saw it as a strategy of “divide and rule.” The partition sparked widespread protests and gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement, eventually leading to its annulment in 1911. Course of the Movement: Protests were organised all over Bengal, and the idea of boycotting foreign goods was put into practice. A huge gathering was held in Calcutta town hall on August 7, 1905, and a Boycott Resolution was passed. This marked the formal beginning of the Swadeshi movement. Krishna Kumar Mitra was the first to suggest the boycott of British goods in Bengal. Syed Haidar Raja led the Swadeshi movement in Delhi. Role of Moderates: Surendranath Banerjee led the Moderate group, which comprised Krishna Kumar Mitra, Jogeshchandra Chaudhuri, Bhupendranath Bose, Prithwishchandra Ray, etc. They worked ceaselessly from 1903 to intensify the agitation through press campaigns, meetings, petitions, conferences, etc. In their usual style, they forwarded anti-partition arguments in their pamphlets, and a few newspapers, like Sanjibani, Indian Mirror, and Ananda Bazar Patrika, carried their ideas widely. Impact of the Movement: Public meetings, protests, and the spread of nationalist literature galvanized the masses, especially the youth and middle class. The partition also deepened communal divisions, laying early seeds of communal politics. However, it unified different sections of Indian society against colonial rule and energized the freedom struggle. The British eventually annulled the partition in 1911 due to strong resistance, making it a landmark victory and reinforcing the power of mass mobilization in India’s fight for independence. Source: The Hindu Dugong Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Once widespread across the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India’s dugongs dwindled to a few hundred individuals. About Dugong: Nature: Dugongs (Dugong dugon), also called “sea cows,” are marine mammals that graze on seagrass beds, earning them the nickname “farmers of the sea.” Behaviour: The dugong is a long-lived species, capable of living up to 70 years. Typically solitary or found in small mother-calf pairs, large herds common in Australian waters are rare in India. Uniqueness: Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the only herbivorous mammals found in India’s marine ecosystems. Appearance: It is known as the sea cow, but resembles a cross between a seal and a whale, and is distributed through the Indo-Pacific region. Distribution: They are found along the Indian coastline, primarily inhabiting warm waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kutch. The dugong is a long-lived species, able to live up to 70 years. Habitat: Due to their dependence on seagrass beds for habitat and food, dugongs are restricted to shallow waters, where they spend the day feeding on seagrasses of the genera Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, and Halodule. Reproduction cycle: Individuals reach reproductive maturity after only nine or ten years and can give birth at intervals of around three to five years. Conservation status: IUCN: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I Threats: The threats they face worldwide include rapidly declining populations and the ongoing degradation of their seagrass habitats. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Reclaiming the District as a Democratic Commons (GS Paper 2: Governance, , Local Governance) Introduction (Context) India’s future hinges on its 65% young population. With 85% living in districts of birth, yet 60% of GDP concentrated in cities, reclaiming districts as democratic commons is vital to unlock inclusive growth and deepen democratic engagement. Main Arguments Demographic Dividend: In a world with aging populations, India’s 65% youth under 35 is an opportunity, but limited mobility and district neglect risk wasting it. Urban Bias: Cities occupy 3% land yet generate 60% GDP, while districts remain under-utilised despite housing the majority. This creates stark geographic and social concentration of growth. Centralised Governance: Policy paradigms prioritise efficiency, technocratic schemes, and digital delivery, but weaken local political agency and reduce elected leaders to entitlement mediators. Welfare Politics & Fatigue: Rising dependence on cash transfers, without structural transformation or jobs, leads to political fatigue among citizens, especially youth. District-First Framework: A shift from “district-first bureaucracy” to “district-first democracy” can disaggregate opaque schemes, localise accountability, track outcomes, and tailor solutions. Criticisms/Drawbacks Bureaucratic Dominance: Citizens interact with the state mainly as recipients, not participants, limiting ownership of development. Capacity Deficit: District administrations and panchayats lack funds, skilled manpower, and autonomy to plan holistically. Risk of Elite Capture: Local bodies may replicate inequalities without checks on capture by dominant groups. Weak Policy Linkages: MPs and local representatives are rarely held accountable for developmental outcomes within constituencies. Fragmented Efforts: Civil society, government, and private initiatives often work in silos, reducing district-level synergy.   Reforms/Proposals District-First Democratic Commons: Reimagine districts as civic spaces to strengthen participation in production, consumption, and innovation beyond elite and export-driven growth. Accountability & Transparency: Disaggregate schemes at district level, track outcomes locally, and bridge disparities in investment and opportunity. Strengthening Local Leadership: Empower elected representatives as conveners of developmental priorities rather than mediators of welfare entitlements. Shared Responsibility of Elites: Political leaders, corporates, and intellectuals (top 10%) must translate intent into targeted district interventions. Collaborative Ecosystem: Link MPs, civil society, private actors to co-create locally tailored reforms and innovations. Conclusion India already has a district-first bureaucracy. What it needs now is a district-first democracy. By redistributing power to communities, fostering accountability, and bridging policy–reality gaps, districts can become engines of inclusive growth. Without this shift, India risks hollowing democracy and squandering its demographic dividend. Mains Question  Discuss the challenges in transforming districts into democratic commons. What institutional reforms are needed to strengthen local political agency? (15 Marks) (250 words, 15 marks) Gaza Peace Plan: Trump’s Imprint and India’s Strategic Stakes (GS Paper 2: International Relations – India and its Neighborhood ) Introduction (Context) As the Gaza war enters its second year since Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel, US President Donald Trump has announced a 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” Its provisions have major implications for West Asia and India. Key Features of the Plan Hamas Disarmament: Hamas fighters must surrender weapons; those pledging peaceful coexistence will receive amnesty or safe passage to countries such as Egypt, Qatar, or Jordan. International Stabilization Force (ISF): A US–Arab led multinational force will secure Gaza, train Palestinian police, prevent arms smuggling, and facilitate aid. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will withdraw gradually but maintain a limited “security perimeter.” Transitional Governance: Gaza will be run by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, supervised by an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, with figures such as former UK PM Tony Blair included. Humanitarian Rehabilitation: Restrictions on aid will be lifted to restore hospitals, electricity, water, bakeries, and infrastructure, with UN and Red Crescent managing distribution. Prisoner–Hostage Swap: Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 detainees in exchange for the return of 48 hostages held by Hamas. Regional Guarantees: Eight Arab and Muslim nations — Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Egypt, and Pakistan — have endorsed the plan, while China and Russia have also expressed support. Criticisms/Concerns Feasibility: Disarming Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, may prove nearly impossible. Buffer Zone Clause: Israel’s continued “security perimeter” could amount to de facto occupation. Role of Tony Blair: Blair’s Iraq war legacy and commercial links fuel skepticism over impartiality. Exclusion of Iran: Leaving Tehran out may aggravate regional fault lines, given its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah. Commercial Overtones: Trump and his associates’ business interests in real estate projects risk conflating peace with profit. Implications for India Strategic Relief: Peace could stabilise West Asia, vital since the region supplies about 80% of India’s oil. It would also safeguard India’s large diaspora — 90 lakh in West Asia, including 18,000 in Israel. Economic Prospects: Stability may encourage Gulf states to enhance investments in India and accelerate projects like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor. Caution on Pakistan: Pakistan’s visible role — acknowledged and praised by Trump — signals potential revival of US–Pakistan ties, which New Delhi must watch carefully. Balancing Diplomacy: India must maintain careful equilibrium between Israel, Arab states, and Iran to avoid strategic entanglements. New Avenues: A more stable Gaza could allow India to expand as a development and reconstruction partner beyond hydrocarbons. Conclusion The Gaza Peace Plan reflects Trump’s mix of diplomacy and business pragmatism. For India, it offers clear advantages in terms of diaspora security, energy stability, and economic opportunity. Yet, Pakistan’s active role underscores the need for vigilance. New Delhi must engage constructively while safeguarding its strategic autonomy in a volatile region. Mains Question “Discuss the implications of the recent US-led Gaza Peace Plan for India’s strategic, economic, and diaspora interests. How should New Delhi navigate opportunities and challenges arising from Pakistan’s involvement in the process?” (250 words, 15 marks)