Prelims-Pinpointer-for-20-oct-2025

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Prelims Oriented

Periyar River

Context: Water released from Mullaperiyar into Periyar river caused village flooding.

Periyar River

  • Longest river in Kerala: 244 km length.
  • Known as ‘Lifeline of Kerala’. It is one of few perennial rivers in state (continuous flow year-round).
  • Course
    • Originates from Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats.
    • Flows through Periyar National Park.
    • Drains into Vembanad Lake and then into Arabian Sea.
  • Main tributaries: Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti.

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme

Context: Kerala government to memorandum of understanding with the Union government to access the Prime Minister’s Schools for Raising India (PM SHRI) government school modernisation funds.

PM-SHRI Scheme

  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (2022) establishing 14,500+ PM SHRI Schools by upgrading existing schools to showcase NEP 2020 implementation.
  • Objective
    • Create inclusive, nurturing environment promoting student well-being and safety, offering diverse learning experiences and quality infrastructure/resources.
  • Funding Pattern
    • 60:40 (Centre:State/UTs with legislature, except J&K).
    • 90:10 (NE, Himalayan States, J&K UT).
    • 100% Central (UTs without legislature).
    • States must sign MoU with Education Ministry for participation.
  • Duration
    • 2022-23 to 2026-27; thereafter States/UTs maintain benchmarks.
  • Key Features
    • Pedagogy
      • Focus on holistic development: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking.
      • Experiential, inquiry-driven, learner-centered teaching.
      • Competency-based assessments applying knowledge to real-life situations.
    • Infrastructure
      • Modern facilities: Smart Classrooms, Computer Labs, Integrated Science Labs, Vocational/Skill Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs, libraries, art rooms.
      • Green initiatives: Water conservation, waste recycling.
    • Eligibility
      • Schools managed by Central/State/UT Governments, local bodies.
      • All Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas (non-project, permanent buildings).
    • Monitoring
      • School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF): Standards and best practices for excellence; regular evaluations ensure high standards.
  • Selection Process (Challenge Mode – 3 Stages)
    • Stage-1: Sign MoU with Centre.
    • Stage-2: Identify eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
    • Stage-3: Challenge method where eligible schools compete on criteria; States/UTs/KVS/JNV verify and recommend; Expert committee (headed by Secretary) makes final selection.

Fighter Jets

Context: With MiG-21 decommissioned, IAF now has 29 fighter squadrons against sanctioned strength of 42 (lowest since 1960s). Tejas Mk1A meant to replace MiG, but delays created gap as full fleet available only 4 years later.

Fighter Jet Generations

  • Classification
    • Fighter jets classified by technological advancements and development era.
    • Each generation reflects innovations in speed, stealth, avionics, weaponry.
  • Generations Overview
GenerationEraKey FeaturesExamples
1st Gen1943-1955Subsonic speeds, basic avionics, unguided weapons, straight/swept wingsMesserschmitt Me 262, MiG-15, Hawker Hunter
2nd Gen1955-1970Supersonic speeds, afterburners, radar systems, semi-active guided missilesMiG-21, F-104 Starfighter, Sukhoi Su-9
3rd Gen1960-1970Multi-role capabilities, beyond-visual-range combat, integrated airframes, advanced radarsMiG-23, F-4 Phantom, Harrier
4th Gen1970-2000sMulti-role fighters, fly-by-wire control, heads-up displays, initial stealth featuresF-16, Su-30, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon
5th Gen2000 onwardsStealth design, advanced avionics, network-centric warfare, data fusion, sustained supersonic speedsF-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning, Su-57, Chengdu J-20
6th GenIn DevelopmentHypersonic capabilities, AI integration, optionally manned systems, directed-energy weaponsTempest (UK-Italy-Japan), NGAD (USA), Baidi (China)
  • Nations with 5th Generation Fighters
    • USA: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II.
    • Russia: Sukhoi Su-57.
    • China: Chengdu J-20.
    • India (Developing): AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).

Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

  • Multirole combat fighter jointly developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau and HAL for IAF.
  • Based on Su-30; equipped with thrust vectoring control and canards.
  • Features
    • 4th generation jet powered by two AL-31 FP aero engines (high-temperature turbojet by-pass, modular design).
    • Fitted with air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (successfully tested Nov 2017).
    • Equipped with Tarang radar warning receiver (RWR) indigenously developed by DRDO.
    • Maximum unrefuelled range: 3,000 km.
    • In-flight refuelling system: Maximum range 8,000 km (two refuellings).
  • Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Tejas LCA Mk1A

  • It is an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.
  • Features over 40 improvements over Mk1 variant, enhancing combat capabilities, survivability, and operational efficiency.
  • Key Upgrades
    • Advanced Avionics
      • Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars:
        • Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar
        • Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar
    • Enhanced Electronic Warfare
      • Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS).
      • Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability.
    • Flight Control
  • Digital Fly-by-Wire System with upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
  • Weapons Capability
    • Nine hardpoints capable of carrying:
      • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles
      • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles
      • Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM)
  • Operational Efficiency
    • Reduced weight and improved maintainability for faster mission turnaround times.

Chandrayaan-2

Context: Chandrayaan-2’s lunar orbiter made first-ever observation of sun’s coronal mass ejection (CME) effects on moon. The CHACE-2 payload (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) onboard orbiter showed increase in total pressure of dayside lunar exosphere when CME impacted moon.

More in News:

  • Increased solar coronal mass impacting moon enhanced knocking off atoms from lunar surface, liberating them to lunar exosphere, causing total pressure enhancement in sunlit lunar exosphere.
  • Scientific significance: Provides insight into understanding lunar exosphere and space weather effects on moon. 
  • Chandrayaan-2: Launched July 22, 2019 using GSLV-MkIII-M1 rocket with 8 experiment payloads. Vikram lander lost communication during soft landing attempt on moon’s surface.

Chandrayaan-2 vs Chandrayaan-3: Comparative Analysis

Mission Design and Approach

AspectChandrayaan-2Chandrayaan-3
ComponentsOrbiter + Lander (Vikram) + Rover (Pragyan)Lander (Vikram) + Rover (Pragyan); no orbiter
ApproachSuccess-based; precise landing in 500m x 500m areaFailure-based; landing anywhere in 4km x 2.4km area
Lander FeaturesCentral thruster; 5 legsNo central thruster; strengthened legs for higher velocity; more fuel; more solar panels
Landing SiteHigh precision requiredExpanded area; improved site determination using Chandrayaan-2 orbiter images

Payloads and Scientific Instruments

  • Chandrayaan-2
    • Orbiter: Study moon’s surface and exosphere. 
    • Lander: RAMBHA (plasma density), ChaSTE (thermal properties), ILSA (seismicity), LP (lunar properties). 
    • Rover: APXS, LIBS (elemental analysis).
  • Chandrayaan-3
    • Propulsion Module: SHAPE payload (search habitable planets via spectro-polarimetry). 
    • Lander: RAMBHA (from NASA), ChaSTE, ILSA, LP (similar to Chandrayaan-2). 
    • Rover: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for studying in-situ elemental composition.

Implementation and Outcomes

  • Chandrayaan-2
    • Vikram lander failed during descent (last-minute glitch).
    • Pragyan rover not deployed.
  • Chandrayaan-3 (Launched July 14, 2023)
    • Aims for successful soft landing with Vikram; deploy Pragyan rover.
    • Design changes and improved landing site determination increase success chances.
    • Successful Chandrayaan-3 makes India 4th country for soft lunar landing (after U.S., Russia, China).

Kaziranga National Park

Location and Status

  • North-eastern India, Assam
  • It isargest undisturbed area in Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).

Geography

  • Terrain: Sheer forest, tall elephant grass, reeds, marshes, shallow pools.
  • Rivers: Diffalu (tributary of Brahmaputra) flows through park; Moradifalu flows along southern boundary.

Flora and Fauna

  • Flora: Dense tall elephant grass with swamplands; abundant water lilies, hyacinths, lotus. 
  • Fauna: World’s largest one-horned rhinoceros population; endangered species — Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, Gangetic River dolphin.

Grassland Bird Survey

  • 43 grassland species recorded across 3 wildlife divisions.
  • Finn’s weaver (locally tukura chorai; IUCN: Endangered) breeding successfully.

Small Savings Instruments (SSIs)

Savings instruments managed by central government to encourage regular savings irrespective of age.

Features

  • Higher returns than bank fixed deposits.
  • Provides sovereign guarantee and tax benefits.
  • Interest rates reviewed quarterly.

Classification (Three Heads)

  • Postal Deposits: Savings account, recurring deposits, time deposits, Monthly Income Scheme (MIS). 
  • Savings Certificates: National Small Savings Certificate VIII (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP). 
  • Social Security Schemes: Public Provident Fund (PPF), Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS).

National Small Savings Fund (NSSF)

  • Established 1999 within Public Account of India.
  • Pools money from different small savings schemes.
  • Collections credited to NSSF; withdrawals made from this fund.
  • Money used by centre and states to finance fiscal deficit.

Bima Sugam Portal

About

  • Unified digital marketplace for insurance bringing insurers, intermediaries, customers onto single platform.
  • Backed by Life Insurance Council  and General Insurance Council.

Features

  • Users can buy, sell, service, renew, manage, claim policies with ease and transparency.
  • Centralized database answering insurance-related queries, helping consumers navigate insurance complexities.
  • Accelerates acceptance of new and sandbox products, promoting innovation.
  • Covers life insurance (term plans, savings, annuity, pension, ULIPs).
  • Provides health insurance options for medical and wellness needs.
  • Flexible to host future insurance products as per regulatory councils.
  • Leverages advanced digital technologies to automate and digitize processes for multiple stakeholders.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

About

  • Statutory body under IRDAI Act 1999 for supervision and development of insurance sector.
  • Autonomous authority under Ministry of Finance.
  • Head Office: Hyderabad.

Main Goals

  • Safeguard policyholder interests through fair conduct and timely claim settlement.
  • Develop and nurture Indian insurance industry.
  • Regulate insurance with transparency, fairness, honest practices.
  • Ensure financial prudence via solvency and stability checks.
  • Regulate premium charges and policy terms to prevent unscrupulous pricing.

Composition: Chairman + 5 full-time members + 4 part-time members (appointed by Government of India).

Functions

  • Register/license insurance, reinsurance companies, intermediaries per regulations.
  • Set eligibility criteria, qualifications, capital requirements for licenses.
  • Approve product terms and conditions.
  • Regulate investment of funds; maintain solvency margin.
  • Specify financial reporting norms, code of conduct, qualifications/training for agents.
  • Conduct inspections, investigations, audits.
  • Ensure rural coverage and coverage for vulnerable sections.

Regulated Entities

  • Life Insurance Companies (public/private).
  • General Insurance Companies (public/private, including standalone health insurers).
  • Re-Insurance Companies.
  • Intermediaries: Corporate Agents, Brokers, Third-party Administrators, Surveyors, Loss Assessors.
  • Agency Channel.

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