Prelims Mantra – (1st & 2nd /05/2026)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM

UAE’s Das Island:

Context: Das Island highlighted in global energy discussions.

• • Located in the Persian Gulf (UAE).

• • Major oil and LNG export hub.

• • Operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
  • Plays role in global energy supply chains.
  • Strategic for West Asia energy security.
  • Linked to India’s energy imports.
  • Important for offshore hydrocarbon production.
  • Sensitive to geopolitical tensions in Gulf region.

 

(TH)

Sacred Groves Restoration – Kerala:

Context: Kerala government launched a programme to restore sacred groves (Kavus).

• • Sacred groves are patches of forest preserved due to religious beliefs.
  • Act as biodiversity hotspots.
  • Help in groundwater conservation and microclimate regulation.
  • Contain rare/endemic species.
  • Community-led conservation model.
  • Threatened by urbanisation and land-use change.
  • Linked with traditional ecological knowledge.
  • Similar systems exist in Western Ghats and Northeast India.
  • Recognised under in-situ conservation.

 

(TH)

India’s First Green Methanol Plant:

Context: India to produce green methanol from invasive weed in Kutch.

• • Uses Prosopis juliflora (invasive species).

• • Converts biomass into clean marine fuel.
  • Supports decarbonisation of shipping sector.
  • Methanol is a low-carbon alternative fuel.
  • Helps control invasive species spread.
  • Part of India’s green energy transition.
  • Linked to National Bioenergy Mission.
  • Reduces fossil fuel dependency.
  • Supports circular economy.
  • Aligns with net-zero targets.

 

(TH)

Science & Technology

QR Code-based Access in Counting Centres:

Context: Election Commission to implement QR-based access system.

• • Introduced by Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • Ensures secure entry to counting centres.
  • Enhances transparency and accountability.
  • Reduces manual verification errors.
  • Helps in digitisation of election processes.
  • Linked to free and fair elections (Art. 324).
  • Prevents unauthorized access.
  • Supports technology-driven governance.

 

(PIB+TH)

History, Art & Culture

UNESCO-Sikkim Ru-Soam Initiative:

Context: Ru-Soam is an indigenous suspension bridge traditionally built by the Lepcha community in Sikkim.

• • Constructed using locally available materials like:
    • Cane
    • Bamboo
    • Wood
  • Designed to cross:
    • Fast-flowing Himalayan rivers
    • Deep valleys and gorges
  • Reflects indigenous engineering knowledge adapted to mountainous terrain.
  • Eco-friendly and low environmental impact.
  • Maintained by local community practices, not formal engineering systems.
  • Represents traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).

 

(TH+IE)

Return of Buddha Relics to Ladakh:

Context: Sacred Buddha relics returned to Ladakh after 75 years.

• • The Government of India organized the “Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha” to allow public viewing of sacred Buddhist relics.
  • The event is part of the broader initiative “Peace Beyond Borders”, aimed at promoting cultural diplomacy and spiritual heritage.

• • Sacred buddhist relics display: The exposition showcases relics associated with Gautama Buddha, considered highly sacred by Buddhists worldwide.
  • Public access initiative: The event enables common citizens and devotees to view relics, which are otherwise rarely accessible.
  • Cultural diplomacy objective: Promotes India’s Buddhist heritage globally and strengthens international cultural ties.
  • Theme: Peace Beyond Borders: Highlights the universal teachings of Buddhism such as peace, compassion, and non-violence.
  • Spiritual tourism boost: Expected to enhance Buddhist pilgrimage circuits and tourism.
  • International significance: Attracts participation from Buddhist-majority countries, reinforcing India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism.
  • Soft power projection: Strengthens India’s soft power diplomacy through religion and culture.
  • Historical importance of relics: Relics are believed to be physical remains or associated objects of Buddha, carrying deep religious value.
  • Promotion of Buddhist Philosophy: Reinforces teachings like Middle Path, Four Noble Truths, and Eightfold Path in contemporary global discourse.

 

(PIB)

Important data/facts

Society & Social Justice

Women and Men in India 2025 Report:

Context: Government released ‘Women and Men in India 2025’ report by MoSPI.

• • Published by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • Provides gender-disaggregated data across sectors.
  • Covers education, health, employment, political participation.
  • Female literacy rate showing steady improvement.
  • Female labour force participation increasing but still low.
  • Highlights wage gap between men and women.
  • Indicates underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
  • SDG-5 (Gender Equality) monitoring.

 

(PIB)

Economy

Fiscal Stress in Indian States (Economic Review):

Context: Finance Ministry flagged revenue deficit in 9 states.

• • Revenue deficit = revenue expenditure > revenue receipts.
  • 9 major states projected in deficit (2026–27).
  • Includes Punjab, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Punjab shows highest debt stress.
  • “Golden Rule”: Zero revenue deficit.
  • States with deficits have limited fiscal flexibility.
  • Linked to FRBM Act, 2003.
  • Revenue surplus states include Odisha, Gujarat, UP.
  • External shocks (e.g., West Asia crisis) increase risks.

 

(TH)

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