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National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST) Syllabus: GS2/Government Schemes Context: Research scholars from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities across India have raised concerns over prolonged delays and irregular disbursement of funds under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST).   About NFST: Administered by: Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme. Coverage: 750 fellowships awarded annually.   Courses Covered: D. (full-time, regular) Integrated M.Phil. + Ph.D. Phil. in Clinical Psychology Psychiatric Social Work   Duration & Support: Fellowship provided for a maximum of 5 years, released in quarterly installments.   Mode of Application: Online via the National Fellowship Portal.   Objective: To promote higher education among Scheduled Tribe students by providing financial assistance for advanced research and professional studies.   Eligibility: Candidate must be enrolled in a recognized university/institute/college (UGC-approved) for a full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program. With reference to the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST), consider the following statements: It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The scheme provides 750 fellowships annually for ST candidates pursuing higher education, including Ph.D., Integrated M.Phil.+Ph.D., and certain professional courses. Disbursement of fellowship funds is done monthly, directly through the concerned university or institution. The fellowship is admissible for a maximum period of five years, and applications are invited online via the National Fellowship Portal. Only candidates registered for regular, full-time courses in UGC-recognized institutions are eligible. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only(b) 1, 3 and 5 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only Explanation: Statement 1 → Correct: NFST is indeed a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Statement 2 → Correct: 750 fellowships are offered annually for ST candidates, including Ph.D., Integrated M.Phil.+Ph.D., M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology, and Psychiatric Social Work. Statement 3 → Incorrect: The fellowship is disbursed quarterly, not monthly, and goes directly to the scholar’s account (not via the university). Statement 4 → Correct: Fellowship is available for a maximum of 5 years, and applications are processed online through the National Fellowship Portal. Statement 5 → Correct: Only candidates registered for full-time, regular M.Phil./Ph.D. in UGC-recognized institutions are eligible. ISRO Inks Agreement with HAL for Transfer of SSLV Technology Syllabus:Science and Technology     Context The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the transfer of technology (ToT) to enable the production of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).   Key Highlights of the Agreement Industry Participation: Marks a milestone in private/industry involvement in India’s space sector. 100th ToT Agreement: Facilitated under the aegis of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Timeline: ISRO will complete the ToT process in 24 months, including training and technical support. Outcome: HAL will gain the capacity to independently manufacture SSLVs for both domestic and international markets.   Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Design: Three-stage, all-solid propulsion system. Payload Capacity: Up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Features: Quick turnaround and on-demand launches. Industry-friendly design for bulk/independent production. Strengthens India’s competitiveness in the global small satellite launch market. With reference to the recent ISRO–HAL agreement on Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV), consider the following statements: It is the first Technology Transfer Agreement signed by ISRO with a defence PSU for an entire launch vehicle. The SSLV is designed primarily with liquid propulsion systems for cost efficiency and reusability. The agreement was facilitated by IN-SPACe, which functions under the Department of Space. Post-transfer, HAL will be authorized to independently manufacture SSLVs for international clients without ISRO’s supervision. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 4 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 onlyExplanation: (1)  Correct → First full launch vehicle ToT to a defence PSU (earlier transfers were for subsystems, materials, etc.). (2)  Incorrect → SSLV uses a 3-stage all-solid propulsion, not liquid. (3) Correct → IN-SPACe (under DoS) promotes private participation. (4)  Correct → Agreement empowers HAL to manufacture SSLVs independently, including for global markets. AI-Based Mental Health Program ‘Never Alone’ Launched at AIIMS Delhi Syllabus: GS2/Health     Context: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has launched an AI-driven mental health and wellness initiative, “Never Alone”, aimed at addressing rising student suicides and improving mental health awareness. About ‘Never Alone’ Programme Launch Date: 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day). Platform: Web-based app (accessible via WhatsApp). Services: 24×7 virtual and offline consultations with mental health professionals. Purpose: To reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and enhance awareness among students.   Objectives & Rationale Provides personalised, confidential mental health screening at an institutional cost of only ₹0.70 per student per day (for institutions with ≥5,000 students). NCRB data (2022): Over 7 lakh suicide deaths in India, with the 18–30 years age group contributing ~35%, highlighting the urgent need for interventions.   World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) Established: 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with WHO. Date: 10 September each year. Aim: To focus global attention on suicide prevention, foster awareness, and unite governments, organizations, and communities with the belief that suicides are preventable. With reference to India’s recent mental health initiatives, consider the following statements: Never Alone, launched by AIIMS, is India’s first AI-enabled mental health program providing 24×7 consultations, and it was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed annually by WHO on 10 September since 2003. The program provides personalised screening at an institutional cost of less than ₹1 per student per day, making it one of the lowest-cost structured mental health interventions globally. According to NCRB (2022) data, the 18–30 years age group accounts for more than one-third of suicides in India, while student suicides constitute less than 10% of all suicides. Unlike Ayushman Bharat Mental Health initiative, which is focused on hospital-based care, Never Alone adopts a preventive, app-based,

INS Khanderi vs INS Kalvari: Scorpene-Class Submarines Compared Syllabus:Defence Background Built under Project 75: MDL (Mumbai) + French Naval Group Role: Stealth, intelligence, surveillance, precision strike   INS Kalvari Commissioned: 14 Dec 2017 Name Origin: Kalvari (deep-sea tiger shark) Significance: First Scorpene-class, proof of concept Features: Torpedoes + Exocet missiles, Advanced sonar & stealth tech ~1,600 tonnes displacement, 67.5 m length, crew ~35   INS Khanderi Commissioned: 28 Sep 2019, Name Origin: Khanderi (Maratha Navy island fort) Significance: Improved systems, operational maturity   Features: Torpedoes + Exocet missiles (18 load),Enhanced combat management systems Better acoustic silencing & sonar   Strategic Importance Strengthen India’s sea-denial & underwater warfare in IOR Kalvari = symbol of capability | Khanderi = refined integration & maturity   Consider the following statements about Project 75: It involves construction of diesel-electric attack submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). INS Kalvari was the first Scorpene-class submarine commissioned under Project 75. The project is part of a larger naval vision to induct both SSBNs and SSNs for nuclear deterrence. Which of the above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3  Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Project 75 = conventional diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs), not SSBNs/SSNs (nuclear-powered). Kalvari = first commissioned (2017). AIP modules (DRDO) planned for later refits, not fully operational yet Exercise Zapad 2025 Syllabus:Defence   Overview Type: Multilateral military exercise (Russia-led) Venue: Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia Since: Soviet era; modern series from 2009 (quadrennial) India’s Participation: Earlier in 2021 & now in 2025   Objectives Strengthen defence cooperation & trust Enhance interoperability & joint tactics Build counter-terrorism & conventional warfare capacity Exposure to multinational combat & new technologies   Key Features Participants: Indian Army, Navy & Air Force   Focus Areas: Joint company-level operations in plains Tactical drills & arms proficiency Special operations & counter-terrorism   Outcome: Operational synergy Shared military learning Stronger India–Russia defence ties Consider the following statements about India’s participation in the Russia-led multilateral military exercise held at Mulino Training Ground in 2025: The modern series of this exercise has been conducted since 2009 on a quadrennial basis, though its roots trace back to the Soviet era. India participated in earlier editions including 2021, and in 2025 deployed a tri-service contingent (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The primary focus areas include counter-terrorism operations, tactical drills, and interoperability in plains warfare. The exercise is exclusively bilateral between India and Russia, designed to consolidate defence ties. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only(b) 2 and 4 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4  Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Explanation:  (1) Correct: The exercise’s legacy comes from the Soviet era, with the present “modern” format started in 2009, held every 4 years.  (2) Correct: India had joined earlier (notably 2021), and in 2025 sent a tri-service contingent.  (3) Correct: Core focus = interoperability, tactical drills, counter-terrorism, company-level ops in plains.  (4) Incorrect: The exercise is multilateral, not bilateral—other nations also join. Lankhong Puja Syllabus:Culture   About the Festival Type: Socio-religious agricultural festival Celebrated by: Tiwa (Lalung) tribe of Assam Purpose: Invoke blessings for prosperous Rabi crop   Features: Community prayers & ritual offerings Music, dance, cultural performances Reinforces agricultural traditions & community bonding   About the Tiwa Tribe Ethnicity: Mongoloid group; Tibeto-Burman linguistic family Habitat: Assam (Nagaon, Morigaon, Dhemaji, Jorhat, Dibrugarh), parts of Meghalaya & Tripura Divisions: Hill Tiwas & Plain Tiwas (distinct lifestyles)   Culture: Oral traditions, folk dance/music Religious life around Borghar, Thaan Ghar, Naamghar Youth body Chamadi manages social duties Festivals linked to agricultural cycles Historical Mentions: Assam Buranji, Jayanta Buranji, Kachari Buranji Consider the following statements regarding the Tiwa (Lalung) tribe of Northeast India: The Tiwa festival, celebrated to invoke blessings for a prosperous Rabi crop, blends both agricultural and socio-religious elements. Tiwas belong to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic family and are broadly divided into Hill Tiwas and Plain Tiwas with distinct lifestyles. The Chamadi, a traditional youth body among the Tiwas, manages cultural duties but is not involved in community-level decision making. Historical records such as Assam Buranji and Kachari Buranji make mention of the Tiwa tribe, attesting to their socio-political presence in pre-colonial Assam. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4  Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only Explanation:  (1) Correct → Tiwa agricultural festival is both socio-religious and agrarian, invoking prosperity for Rabi crops.  (2) Correct → They belong to the Tibeto-Burman family; division between Hill Tiwas (more traditional, autonomous) and Plain Tiwas (assimilated with Assamese culture).  (3) Incorrect → The Chamadi is not just ceremonial; it undertakes social duties and community decision-making, especially for youth affairs.  (4) Correct → Mentioned in historical chronicles (Assam Buranji, Jayanta Buranji, Kachari Buranji). Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Syllabus: Geography   About GERD Type: Mega hydroelectric project (2011–) Location: Blue Nile River, Guba (Ethiopia), ~30 km from Sudan border   Significance: Symbol of Ethiopia’s development & regional influence Source of regional energy trade & power security Contested by Egypt (water security concerns)   Key Features Height: ~170 m | Length: ~2 km, Reservoir Capacity: 74 BCM (~1,874 km² area) Power Output: 5,150–6,450 MW (largest in Africa), Sediment Trap: Designed to hold ~100 years of inflow About Blue Nile River Length: ~1,460 km (Ethiopia → Sudan → joins White Nile at Khartoum) Origin: Lake Tana region, ~1,800 m altitude Contribution: Provides ~70–85% of Nile waters Major Tributaries: Dinder & Rahad Rivers   Strategic Importance: Ethiopia → national pride & power generation Egypt & Sudan → concerns over water rights & Nile dependence Consider the following statements regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Blue Nile River: GERD, located close to the Sudan border, is designed to generate more hydroelectricity than the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. The Blue Nile, originating near Lake Tana, contributes over two-thirds of