{"id":2901,"date":"2026-02-10T09:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T09:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2901"},"modified":"2026-02-10T09:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T09:34:09","slug":"daily-current-affairs-09-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-09-02-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 09.02.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Under the Risk-Based Premium framework for deposit insurance in India, which of the following banks continue to pay the card rate premium?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Local Area Banks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Payments Banks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Urban Cooperative Banks under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> RBI unveils risk-based deposit insurance premium; safest banks to pay 8 paise per \u20b9100 from April 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Risk-Based Premium (RBP) Framework for Deposit Insurance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>General Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li>Deposit insurance in India is administered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DICGC functions under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deposit insurance has been operational in India since 1962.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier, DICGC followed a flat-rate premium system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The current card rate premium is 12 paise per \u20b9100 of assessable deposits (AD).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The DICGC Act, 1961 allows differential premium rates for different categories of insured banks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Risk-Based Premium (RBP) Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li>The RBP framework was approved by the RBI Central Board in December 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to incentivize better risk management by banks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banks with stronger financial health may pay lower premiums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The framework will be implemented from April 1, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The framework will be reviewed at least once every three years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Special Provisions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-19\">\n<li>Rating override policy exists in case of adverse developments after initial risk rating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banks must maintain confidentiality of ratings and premium amounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local Area Banks (LABs) and Payments Banks continue to pay the card rate due to data limitations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) or Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) will continue at card rate until exit. <strong>Hence all are correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#edc89391\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2013)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following grants\/grant direct credit assistance to rural households?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Regional Rural Banks <br>2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development <br>3. Land Development Banks <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using code given below.<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/industry\/banking\/finance\/banking\/rbi-unveils-risk-based-deposit-insurance-premium-safest-banks-to-pay-8-paise-per-100-from-april-2026\/articleshow\/128006662.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/m.economictimes.com\/industry\/banking\/finance\/banking\/rbi-unveils-risk-based-deposit-insurance-premium-safest-banks-to-pay-8-paise-per-100-from-april-2026\/articleshow\/128006662.cms<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400fe\"><a href=\"https:\/\/m.rbi.org.in\/Scripts\/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=62183\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/m.rbi.org.in\/Scripts\/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=62183<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. With reference to Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in India, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Denotified Tribes are communities that were previously notified as \u201ccriminal tribes\u201d under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 during British rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\">2. All Denotified Tribes are included under the Scheduled Tribes category in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Denotified tribes seek constitutional recognition, separate Census entry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\">Denotified tribes, nomadic tribes, semi-nomadic tribes seek \u2018separate column\u2019 in 2027 caste census, claiming they have been politically misclassified among SC, ST, OBC groups; they want sub-classification to highlight backwardness within grouping<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Denotified Tribes (DNTs):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-35\">\n<li>Denotified Tribes are communities that were previously notified as \u201ccriminal tribes\u201d under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 during British rule. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Criminal Tribes Act enabled colonial authorities to register, monitor, and restrict the movement of certain communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Criminal Tribes Act was repealed after Independence in 1952, and affected communities were \u201cdenotified.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After denotification, several states enacted Habitual Offenders Acts, which continued surveillance of some communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denotified Tribes include communities that were historically stigmatized due to colonial policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nomadic Tribes (NTs) refer to communities with a traditionally mobile lifestyle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) refer to groups that partially settled but retain periodic mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DNT\/NT\/SNT communities are not a single constitutional category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many DNT communities are classified under SC, ST, or OBC categories depending on state lists. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some communities remain outside any formal reservation category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional occupations of DNT communities include pastoralism, performing arts, trade, craft work, and itinerant services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major challenges include social stigma, lack of identity documents, poor access to welfare schemes, and educational deprivation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Committees and Institutional Measures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-37\">\n<li>The Renke Commission studied socio-economic conditions of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Idate Commission (National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) recommended policy interventions and focused welfare measures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#baedd9\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. <br>2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/denotified-nomadic-and-semi-nomadic-tribes-demand-separate-column-census-2027\/article70591623.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/denotified-nomadic-and-semi-nomadic-tribes-demand-separate-column-census-2027\/article70591623.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. With reference to the Motion of Thanks in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The Motion of Thanks is a formal motion expressing gratitude to the Parliament by the President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The defeat of the Motion of Thanks in Lok Sabha is considered a serious matter and may imply loss of confidence in the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha discuss and vote on the Motion of Thanks separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are not correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Rajya Sabha adopts the Motion of Thanks amid protests by Opposition<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Motion of Thanks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Constitutional Basis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-53\">\n<li>The Motion of Thanks is associated with the <strong>President\u2019s Address under Article 87<\/strong> of the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The President addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together at:<ul><li>The first session after each general election.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The first session of every year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Motion of Thanks is moved in each House separately after the President\u2019s Address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nature and Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-55\">\n<li>The Motion of Thanks is a formal motion expressing gratitude <strong>to the President<\/strong> for the Address. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The President\u2019s Address is drafted by the <strong>Council of Ministers<\/strong>, hence debate on Motion of Thanks reflects discussion on government policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One member moves the motion and another member seconds it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Members of Parliament may discuss:<ul><li>Policies and programmes of the government.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>National and international issues.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Matters included or omitted in the Address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amendments to the Motion of Thanks can be moved by MPs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amendments may highlight:<ul><li>Criticism of government policies.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Issues not mentioned in the Address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debate on Motion of Thanks generally lasts several days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The debate concludes with a reply usually by the <strong>Prime Minister<\/strong> (or senior minister).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After discussion, the motion is put to vote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-57\">\n<li>Passing of the Motion of Thanks indicates parliamentary approval of the government\u2019s policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defeat of the Motion of Thanks in Lok Sabha is considered a serious matter and may imply loss of confidence in the government. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It serves as one mechanism through which Lok Sabha can test the government\u2019s majority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scope of discussion on Motion of Thanks is very wide compared to many other parliamentary debates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha discuss and vote on the Motion separately. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Motion of Thanks corresponds to the British parliamentary practice known as the <strong>\u201cSpeech from the Throne\u201d debate<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#d5dde0b3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2014)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:<\/strong> <br><br>1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India. <br>2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is \/ are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <br><strong>(c) Both 1 and 2<\/strong> <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/in.search.yahoo.com\/search?fr=mcafee&amp;type=E210IN885G0&amp;p=Rajya+Sabha+adopts+the+Motion+of+Thanks+amid+protests+by+Opposition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/in.search.yahoo.com\/search?fr=mcafee&amp;type=E210IN885G0&amp;p=Rajya+Sabha+adopts+the+Motion+of+Thanks+amid+protests+by+Opposition<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. With reference to key Indian AI initiatives, consider the following pairs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Initiative<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1. IndiaAI Mission<\/td><td>National framework to develop AI ecosystem<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2. BHASHINI<\/td><td>AI-powered multilingual language translation platform<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3. AIRAWAT<\/td><td>Quantum communication satellite programme<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4. National Supercomputing Mission<\/td><td>High-performance computing infrastructure<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Seven Chakras of India &#8211; AI Impact Summit 2026. . Driving Global Collaboration Across Seven Themes of AI Impact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2013AI Impact Summit 2026:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-69\">\n<li>India\u2013AI Impact Summit 2026 is an international AI summit hosted by India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the first global Artificial Intelligence summit hosted in the Global South.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The summit aims to promote collaborative AI governance involving developed and developing countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses on leveraging AI for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and societal transformation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 100 countries are expected to participate, highlighting global cooperation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The summit promotes ethical, safe, and responsible AI aligned with democratic values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports India\u2019s vision of becoming a global AI innovation hub.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Core Guiding Principles (Three Sutras)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-71\">\n<li>People<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seven Chakras (Seven Thematic Pillars)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-73\">\n<li>Human Capital<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inclusion for Social Empowerment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safe and Trusted AI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Science and Research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Democratising AI Resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI for Economic Development and Social Good<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Indian AI Initiatives Linked<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-75\">\n<li><strong>IndiaAI Mission:<\/strong> National framework to develop AI ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BHASHINI:<\/strong> AI-powered language translation platform supporting Indian languages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AIRAWAT:<\/strong> AI supercomputing infrastructure for research. <strong>Hence pair 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IndiaAI Safety Institute:<\/strong> Focus on responsible and safe AI deployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Supercomputing Mission:<\/strong> High-performance computing support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI Data Labs:<\/strong> Facilitate AI experimentation and innovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#16d7ec47\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:<\/strong> <br><br>I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.\u00a0 <br>II. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) I only\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(b) II only\u00a0 <br>(c) Both I and I\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(d) Neither I nor II<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0004ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2225069&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2225069&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. With reference to Blyth\u2019s tragopan, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is a species of pheasant found in the Eastern Himalayan region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>More than a dazzle &#8211; This living tapestry is an indicator species for some of Asia\u2019s most biodiverse and least-explored mountain ecosystems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Blyth\u2019s Tragopan:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-90\">\n<li>Blyth\u2019s tragopan is a species of pheasant found in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It belongs to the genus <em>Tragopan<\/em> under the pheasant family (Phasianidae).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is one of the four tragopan species found in India (Western tragopan, Satyr tragopan, Temminck\u2019s tragopan, Blyth\u2019s tragopan).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The male is brightly coloured with crimson breast, scarlet plumage and distinctive facial skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During breeding display, the male raises blue horns and inflates a colourful throat lappet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The female is smaller and camouflaged with grey-brown plumage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"364\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-7.png 648w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-7-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Habitat and Distribution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-92\">\n<li>Found across Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, northern Myanmar, southeastern Tibet and parts of China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It inhabits montane forests including rhododendron forests, broadleaf woodland and bamboo thickets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shows altitudinal migration:<ul><li>Descends to lower elevations (~1400 m) in winter.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moves to higher elevations (~3300 m) in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often found in dense undergrowth and mid-elevation forest zones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Behavioural Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-94\">\n<li>Typically solitary or seen in small groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shy and elusive species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active during dawn and dusk for foraging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-96\">\n<li>Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Included in Appendix I of CITES.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Classified as <strong>Vulnerable<\/strong> on the IUCN Red List. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estimated population is fewer than 10,000 individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-98\">\n<li>Habitat fragmentation due to hydroelectric projects and infrastructure development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shifting cultivation (jhum cultivation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hunting and poaching for food and feathers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of undisturbed broadleaf forest habitat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-100\">\n<li>Considered an indicator species of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity and intact montane forest ecosystems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Found in protected areas such as Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community conservation and ecotourism are important conservation strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2aa6f7a\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.\u00a0 <br>II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.\u00a0 III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I only\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) I and III\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(c) II only\u00a0 <br><strong>(d) II and III<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1e00fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/more-than-a-dazzle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/more-than-a-dazzle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Bannerghatta National Park is known for which of the following?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Important for elephant conservation as it lies within an elephant corridor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\">3. High-altitude alpine ecosystem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Shrinking shock absorbers of Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bannerghatta National Park:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-115\">\n<li>Bannerghatta National Park is located in Karnataka.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It lies near Bengaluru city (approximately 22 km south of Bengaluru).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park was established in 1974.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It forms part of the Eastern Ghats landscape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park is contiguous with forest ranges connecting to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve landscape through forest corridors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geography &amp; Habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-117\">\n<li>Terrain consists of dry deciduous forests, scrub forests and grasslands. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The park includes hills, valleys and seasonal streams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the park. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elevation varies, contributing to habitat diversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Flora<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-119\">\n<li>Dominated by southern tropical dry deciduous forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common tree species include sandalwood, neem, tamarind and eucalyptus (plantations).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fauna<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-121\">\n<li>Major mammals include Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, spotted deer and wild boar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important for elephant conservation as it lies within an elephant corridor. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports diverse bird species, reptiles and butterflies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Special Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-123\">\n<li>Bannerghatta Biological Park is located within\/adjacent to the national park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It includes a zoo, safari park, butterfly park and rescue centre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The butterfly park is among the first of its kind in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-125\">\n<li>Acts as a green buffer for Bengaluru.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important for human\u2013wildlife conflict management due to proximity to urban areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Part of larger elephant migration routes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#b2edd3b3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to India\u2019s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is spread over two districts.<br>2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. <br>3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a00ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/karnataka\/shrinking-shock-absorbers-of-bannerghatta-national-park-in-bengaluru\/article70583970.ece\/amp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/karnataka\/shrinking-shock-absorbers-of-bannerghatta-national-park-in-bengaluru\/article70583970.ece\/amp\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Tallest flying bird in the world<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Grey body with red bare skin on head and upper neck<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Usually found in freshwater wetlands and agricultural fields<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\">4. State bird of Uttar Pradesh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the following birds is best described above?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Great Indian Bustard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Sarus Crane<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Demoiselle Crane<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Painted Stork<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Sarus Crane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>A flock of Sarus Cranes on the outskirts of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Census data on Wednesday showed a significant rise in the number of the State bird, the tallest flying bird in the world. with Etawah forest division topping the list with 3,304 cranes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"695\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-8.png 695w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-8-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sarus Crane:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-141\">\n<li>Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is the tallest flying bird in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It belongs to the family Gruidae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the State bird of Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In India, major populations are found in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-143\">\n<li>Prefers wetlands, marshes, floodplains, shallow lakes and agricultural fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often found near human habitation and agricultural landscapes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relies on shallow freshwater wetlands for breeding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Physical Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-145\">\n<li>Known for long legs, long neck and grey body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinctive red bare skin on head and upper neck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong pair bonding; usually seen in pairs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-147\">\n<li>Non-migratory (resident species in India).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for elaborate courtship dances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Builds nests in shallow wetlands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-149\">\n<li>IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listed under CITES Appendix II.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Threats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-151\">\n<li>Wetland loss and habitat fragmentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agricultural intensification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power line collisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human disturbance and encroachment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#e4fabe80\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2014)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. <\/strong><br><strong>Which of the following is\/are such bird\/birds?<\/strong><br><br>1. Painted Stork <br>2. Common Myna <br>3. Black-necked Crane <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2<br><strong>(b) 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 3 <br>(d) 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400ff\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/169500\/OPS\/GTJFGFHGB.1+G69FHQ2UH.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/169500\/OPS\/GTJFGFHGB.1+G69FHQ2UH.1.html<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Which of the following countries participates with India in Exercise KHANJAR?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Kazakhstan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Kyrgyzstan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Tajikistan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Uzbekistan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Kyrgyzstan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>INDIA &#8211; KYRGYZSTAN JOINT SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISE KHANJAR COMMENCES IN ASSAM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exercise KHANJAR:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-163\">\n<li>Exercise KHANJAR is a <strong>joint special forces military exercise<\/strong> conducted between <strong>India and Kyrgyzstan<\/strong>.<strong> Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is an <strong>annual bilateral exercise<\/strong> held <strong>alternatively in India and Kyrgyzstan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise primarily involves <strong>Special Forces units<\/strong> from both countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Indian contingent is generally represented by troops from the <strong>Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)<\/strong> of the Indian Army.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Kyrgyzstan side is represented by the <strong>ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The main objective of Exercise KHANJAR is to enhance cooperation in <strong>Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training focuses on operations in <strong>urban and mountainous terrain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key operational components include:<ul><li>Special forces tactics<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Sniping skills<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Complex building intervention (CQB \u2013 Close Quarter Battle)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mountain warfare skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exercise aims to promote <strong>interoperability<\/strong>, exchange of best practices, and joint operational understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercise KHANJAR contributes to strengthening <strong>India\u2013Central Asia defence cooperation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also supports collaboration against <strong>international terrorism and extremism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR (2026) is being conducted at <strong>Missamari, Assam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1100fe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223244&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223244&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I: <\/strong>Vizhinjam port aims to reduce India\u2019s dependence on foreign transshipment ports such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II: <\/strong>Vizhinjam port is strategically important for its location on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Vizhinjam port sets new operational benchmarks in Jan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vizhinjam International Seaport:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-177\">\n<li>Vizhinjam International Seaport is located near <strong>Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala<\/strong>, on the <strong>Arabian Sea coast. Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is developed under a <strong>Public-Private Partnership (PPP)<\/strong> between the <strong>Kerala Government<\/strong> and <strong>Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The port is designed primarily as a <strong>container transshipment hub<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vizhinjam is strategically located close to major international east-west shipping routes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The port has <strong>natural deep draft<\/strong> conditions, enabling large container vessels to dock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In January 2026, the port recorded:<ul><li>Highest monthly container throughput of <strong>1,23,092 TEUs<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Handling of <strong>62 vessels<\/strong> (highest in a single month).<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highest Gross Crane Rate (GCR) of <strong>30.12 container lifts\/hour<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The port began <strong>commercial operations recently<\/strong> (around 2024\u201325 period).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vizhinjam port aims to reduce India\u2019s dependence on foreign transshipment ports such as <strong>Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has moved to the <strong>83rd position globally<\/strong> among container ports by handling volume.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#3df5ca75\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong> <br><strong>Port\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0                   Well known as<\/strong> <br>1. Kamarajar Port\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 First major port in India registered as a company <br>2. Mundra Port\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Largest privately owned port in India <br>3. Visakhapatnam\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Largest container port in Port India <br><br><strong>How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one pair <br><strong>(b) Only two pairs<\/strong> <br>(c) All three pairs <br>(d) None of the pairs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0800ff\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/vizhinjam-port-sets-new-operational-benchmarks-in-january-2026\/article70594993.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/kerala\/vizhinjam-port-sets-new-operational-benchmarks-in-january-2026\/article70594993.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. The famous female figurine known as &#8216;Dancing Girl&#8217;, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) carnelian\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) clay\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) bronze\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-183 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) gold<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) bronze&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-186\">\n<li>The \u201cDancing Girl\u201d is a famous artefact from the Indus Valley Civilization, discovered at Mohenjo-daro.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>bronze <\/strong>statuette made using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue). <strong>Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The figurine represents advanced metallurgical skills and artistic excellence of the Harappan people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Under the Risk-Based Premium framework for deposit insurance in India, which of the following banks continue to pay the 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