17th Nov, 2025 Home ContextThe Indian Army has established three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor to reinforce its eastern frontier amid shifting regional dynamics, a new regime in Bangladesh, and concerns over China’s increased presence near the corridor. I. New Garrisons – Regions of Creation II. Why These Garrisons Were Created ?? III. Advantages of These Three Garrisons Pandum Café in Bastar will provide dignified livelihoods and social reintegration opportunities to both surrendered Maoist cadres and victims of Naxal violence by training them in hospitality and helping them transition into mainstream community life. The e-KYC rollout within MGNREGS is intended to authenticate workers’ identities and, by removing nearly 27 lakh ghost or ineligible beneficiaries, ensure that scheme funds and wages reach only genuine rural workers with greater transparency and accuracy LOFAR – Key FactsEuropean network of low-frequency radio telescopes. Operated by: ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy). Purpose: Detect low-frequency radio signals from extreme cosmic events (e.g., black holes, stellar eruptions). The Discovery• Event detected: First-ever coronal mass ejection (CME) on a star other than the Sun.• Star: Red dwarf StKM 1-1262, about 133 light-years away.• Intensity: Around 10,000 times stronger than known solar storms on the Sun. Significance• Shows that red dwarf stars can produce extremely violent magnetic storms.• Such CMEs can strip atmospheres of nearby planets, reducing chances of habitability.• Opens a new era of radio detection of stellar space weather. TDF“Delhi’s air pollution is a ‘wicked problem’ shaped by structural, geographic and behavioral factors.Discuss the complexities involved in addressing it and evaluate the multidimensional measures required for sustainable improvement.”(250 words)

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 — The Hindu, Page 1GS-2: Right to Privacy | GS-3: Data Protection Context 2. Essential Features of the DPDP Act, 2023A. Consent & Lawful Processing B. Rights of Individuals (Data Principals) C. Duties of Platforms (Data Fiduciaries) D. Exemptions: Wide exemptions for State and its instrumentalities for E. Data Protection Board F. Cross-Border Data Transfer TDFThe Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 seeks to reinforce the fundamental right to privacy, yet its expanded definition of personal information intensifies the conflict with the citizen’s right to information under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. Critically examine this emerging privacy–transparency dichotomy.(150words) 3) Issues & Criticism (w.r.t. RTI Act) : A. Expansion of “Personal Information” → More RTI Denials RTI: Section 8(1)(j) B. Wider Government ExemptionsRTI: Section 24 C. Loss of Proactive DisclosureRTI: Section 4(1)(b) D. Autonomy Concerns 1. Context:India is preparing the 2026–31 inflation-targeting framework, bringing three key questions into focus: 2. Inflation Targeting Framework (ITF) 3. Summary/Arguments 4. One-Line DefinitionsHeadline inflation: Total inflation including food and fuel.Core inflation: Inflation excluding food and fuel. ContextAmbaji marble from Gujarat has been awarded a GI tag for its high-quality white stone and long-standing use in temple architecture. Who Gives GI Tag?• Geographical Indications Registry,• Under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry,• As per the GI Act, 1999. About Ambaji Marble• Origin: Ambaji, Banaskantha, Gujarat.• Qualities: White, durable, high calcium, longlasting shine.• Heritage use: 1,200–1,500 years, including Dilwara Jain Temple.• Modern use: Temples in the U.S., New Zealand, England. ContextPM will address Birsa Munda birth anniversary event in Gujarat and launch major tribal welfare initiatives including PM-JANMAN, DA-JAGUA, EMRS expansion, community centres, and bus services. Key Schemes ContextIran intercepted a Marshall Islands–flagged oil tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime chokepoint for global oil transport. This incident adds to rising tensions in the region. Strait of Hormuz• Connects: Persian Gulf → Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea• Located between Iran and Oman (Musandam exclave)• One of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints• About 20% of global petroleum and large volumes of LNG pass through it• Narrowest width: ~39 km• Strategic significance: Any disruption affects global energy prices and maritime security Context:Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment formalises and expands the Army’s control over the state, weakening civilian authority and judicial oversight. Main Points: