➤ Definition: These earthquakes originate in the mantle beneath continents, deeper than the Mohorovičić DiscontinuityThe boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle where seismic waves change velocity significantly. (Moho).
➤ Depth & Detection: Occur >80 km deep. Scientists detect them using Sn wavesHigh-frequency shear waves traveling through the uppermost mantle (3.8-4.5 km/s). and Lg wavesLong-lasting wave trains of trapped, reflected S-waves within the continental crust..
➤ Global Hotspots: Clustered primarily beneath the Himalayas and the Bering Strait.

GEOLOGY 🌋

Mud Volcanoes

Why in News: A rare eruption occurred in Diglipur, Andaman Islands.

Key Mechanics

• Formed by mud forced upward by Hydrocarbon gasesOrganic compounds like methane that exert pressure to push mud upward..
• Ejects mud, water, & methane (No Lava).
• Types: 'Porridge Pot' (Boiling) & 'Paint Pot' (Colored).

Indian Context

The only active mud volcanoes in India are located on Baratang Island (Andamans). They play a role in altering coastlines.

INFRASTRUCTURE 💧

Idukki Hydroelectric Project: 50 Years

Milestone: Kerala's largest hydel project celebrates 50 years of operation (1976-2026).

📍 Location: Periyar River, Idukki District.
⚡ Capacity: 780 MW (6 x 130 MW).
🏗️ Engineering Marvel:
- Idukki Arch Dam: Asia's first double-curvature Arch DamA concrete dam curved upstream in a plan, transmitting water pressure to the canyon walls..
- Moolamattom Powerhouse: India's longest underground station.
🤝 Partnership: Built with Canadian aid.

GOVERNANCE 🏛️

Rashtriya Karmayogi Programme

Status: Phase-II concluded; 10.5 lakh civil servants trained.

Goal

Shift from Rule-based to Role-based governance under Mission KarmayogiA National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)..

Core Values

Promotes Seva Bhav (Service) & Svadharma (Duty).

Implemented by Capacity Building Commission (CBC)

HISTORY 📜

Inscriptions in Valley of the Kings

Discovery: 30 inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit found in Egyptian tombs (1st-3rd Century AD).

Significance: Hard evidence of ancient Indo-Egyptian trade and cultural exchange.
Location: Valley of the KingsAncient burial site in Thebes (Luxor) for New Kingdom Pharaohs (1539-1077 BC), replacing pyramids. (UNESCO Site).
Context: Rock-cut tombs of the New Kingdom era.

ECONOMY 🌿

India at BIOFACH 2026

Achievement: India designated 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH 2026 (Germany), the world's largest organic trade fair.

Agency

Focus Spices, Pulses, Essential Oils

Water Disputes

🌊 Almatti Dam Dispute

Andhra Pradesh objects to Karnataka raising the dam height on the Krishna River.

Tech Spec: Vertical . 290 MW Capacity.

Environment

🐒 Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

News: Electrocution of a male gibbon in Jorhat, Assam.

Key Fauna: Hoolock Gibbon (India's only ) & Bengal Slow Loris.

BIODIVERSITY 🦁

Lion-Tailed Macaque

Status Endangered (IUCN)

Habitat Endemic to

Behavior Arboreal (Tree-dwelling) & Diurnal. Known as 'Beard Ape'.

HEALTH 🧬

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)

New Initiative: India launches first national BiobankA facility that collects and stores biological samples for research. for LSDs.

Mechanism: Missing enzymes in the LysosomeThe cell's waste disposal system/recycling unit. cause toxic buildup.

Genetics: Mostly Autosomal RecessiveRequires two copies of the defective gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. (e.g., Gaucher, Pompe).

CLIMATE 📉

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Global leaders recognize India's role in corporate climate action.

Mission: Align corporate emissions with the Paris AgreementGlobal treaty to limit warming to 1.5°C..
Partners: CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI, WWF.

INDICES 📶

Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025

India's Rank

45th

▲ Up 4 Places Publisher: Portulans Institute

Top Performance: #1 in AI Scientific Publications & ICT Services Exports.

POLICY 🍷

UP Excise Export Policy (2026-29)

First State to introduce a dedicated export framework for excise.

Incentives: Reduced duty on ENAExtra Neutral Alcohol: High purity ethanol used as the base for alcoholic beverages.. Export charges cut to 25%.
New Category: Allows production of "Heritage Wines" for export.

Rapid Revision

Geography 🌍

• Mantle Quakes: Deep (>80km), Himalayas.
• Mud Volcanoes: Methane driven, Baratang.
• Moho: Crust-Mantle boundary.

Bio & Env 🌿

• Macaque: W. Ghats Endemic.
• Gibbon Sanctuary: Assam (Hoolock).
• BIOFACH: Organic Fair (Germany).

Infra 🏗️

• Idukki: Arch Dam, 50 Yrs, Kerala.
• Almatti: Krishna River dispute.
• Valley of Kings: Egypt (Tamil Script).

Govt 🏛️

• Karmayogi: Civil Service Reform.
• NRI 2025: India #45.
• UP Policy: Export focus for liquor.
• LSDs: National Biobank.

Master Your Preparation