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PSC Chronicles Team

India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs /

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This marks a major step in strengthening India’s trade and economic ties with Gulf countries.

india–gcc fta talks

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

  • A regional political and economic alliance of 6 Gulf countries
  • Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Member Countries:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2232327&reg=3&lang=1#:~:text=The%20Joint%20Statement%20on%20the,formally%20launching%20negotiations%20for%20a: India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed Read More »

US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The New START Treaty expired on February 5, 2026, ending the last major nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia.
This has raised serious concerns about global nuclear stability and arms race risks.

new start treaty

New START Treaty

New START was a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms.

Treaty Expiry:

  • Officially expired on February 5, 2026

Signed:

  • In 2010, came into force in 2011

Duration:

  • Initially 10 years → Extended till 2026

Key Provisions:

  • Limited:
    • Deployed nuclear warheads
    • Strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, bombers)

Significance:

  • Last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between US and Russia
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-last-us-russia-nuclear-pact-ends-today-is-this-the-beginning-of-a-new-arms-race-10515674/: US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability Read More »

Shahpur Kandi Dam Near Completion: India to Fully Utilise Ravi Waters

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, National Current Affairs /

Why in News?

India is set to complete the Shahpur Kandi Dam on the Ravi River . The project is crucial for fully utilising India’s share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty.

shahpur kandi dam

Key Highlights of the project:

Location:

  • On Ravi River in Punjab (Pathankot district)

Project Type:

  • Major national irrigation and hydropower project

    Objective:

    • Ensure maximum utilisation of India’s allocated waters
    • Prevent unused water flowing into Pakistan

    Indus Water Treaty

    • Signed between India and Pakistan
    • Brokered by the World Bank

    River Allocation:

    • Eastern Rivers → Ravi, Beas, Sutlej → Allocated to India
    • Western Rivers → Indus, Jhelum, Chenab → Allocated to Pakistan
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-moves-to-stop-ravi-waters-to-pak-as-shahpur-kandi-dam-nears-finish/articleshow/128435041.cms: Shahpur Kandi Dam Near Completion: India to Fully Utilise Ravi Waters

    Shahpur Kandi Dam Near Completion: India to Fully Utilise Ravi Waters Read More »

    AP Govt Signs MoU with IIC to Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme:

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs /

    Why in News?

    The School Education Department of Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with International Innovation Corps to improve implementation of the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme

    dokka seethamma midday meal scheme

    Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme:

    Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme is named after Dokka Seethamma, a historical figure from the Godavari region renowned for her selfless service in feeding the poor, the scheme focuses on improving student nutrition, attendance, and health across the state

    Key Developments (2025–2026)

    • Extension to Intermediate Students: scheme was officially extended to cover students in Government Junior Colleges. This expansion aims to benefit approximately 1.48 lakh students across 475 colleges.
    • Introduction of Fine Rice: From the start of the 2025 academic year, the government began serving meals made with high-quality fine rice (sanna biyyam) in all government and aided schools to enhance meal quality.
    https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/ap-signs-pact-with-iic-to-digitally-strengthen-dokka-seethamma-midday-meal-scheme-1938554: AP Govt Signs MoU with IIC to Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme:

    AP Govt Signs MoU with IIC to Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme: Read More »

    Andhra Pradesh to Market DWCRA Products under ‘Swayam’ Brand

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs /

    Why in News?

    The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has proposed launching a new brand ‘Swayam’ to market products made by DWCRA women groups.

    dwcra swayam

    Key Highlights:

    New Branding Initiative:

    • DWCRA products to be marketed under ‘Swayam’ brand

    Types of Products:

    • Handicrafts
    • Textiles
    • Food products

    Existing Platform:

    • Currently, products are sold through eMahila

    Objective:

    • Enhance market visibility and branding
    • Increase income of rural women
    • Promote women entrepreneurship

    About DWCRA

    DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas):

    • Launched in 1982 by the Government of India
    • Target group: Rural women below poverty line (BPL)

    Key Features:

    • Women organized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of 10–15 members
    • Focus on:
      • Income generation
      • Skill development
      • Financial inclusion
    https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/cm-finalises-swayam-as-brand-name-for-dwcra-products-1045674: Andhra Pradesh to Market DWCRA Products under ‘Swayam’ Brand

    Andhra Pradesh to Market DWCRA Products under ‘Swayam’ Brand Read More »

    Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs /

    Why in News?

    • The world’s first private space station “Haven-1” is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
    • It marks a major shift from government-led missions to commercial space infrastructure.
    haven 1

    Key Highlights

    Developed by:

    • US-based aerospace company Vast

    Launch Timeline:

    • Expected in early 2027

    Launch Vehicle:

    • SpaceX Falcon 9, a reusable rocket reducing mission costs

    Significance:

    • First privately owned space station
    • Beginning of commercial space station era

    Context:

    • Comes as the International Space Station is expected to be retired by the end of this decade

    What is International Space Station?

    A habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Serves as a microgravity research laboratory One of the most complex international collaborations involving:

    • NASA (USA)
    • Roscosmos (Russia)
    • European Space Agency (Europe)
    • JAXA (Japan)
    • Canadian Space Agency (Canada)
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/worlds-first-private-space-station-haven-1-aboard-a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-set-to-launch-in-2027/articleshow/127884540.cms: Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

    Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027 Read More »

    Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs /

    Why in News?

    Hyderabad-based Azista Space has successfully captured images of the International Space Station using its own satellite. This marks a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

    azista space

    First-of-its-kind achievement:

    • Azista Space demonstrated “in-orbit snooping” capability.

    What was done?

    • Its satellite successfully captured images of the ISS from orbit, proving advanced tracking and imaging abilities.

    Importance of SSA:

    • Helps in detecting, tracking, and identifying objects in space.
    • Prevents collisions between satellites and space debris.
    • Protects critical infrastructure like:
      • Communication satellites
      • Navigation systems (e.g., GPS/NavIC)
    https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/azista-space-spying-satellites-space-situational-awareness-collission-crash-iss-2864913-2026-02-08: Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

    Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Read More »

    వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ వర్ధంతి (ఫిబ్రవరి 26) – సేవలు, పుస్తకాలు & స్వాతంత్ర్య పోరాటంలో పాత్ర

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs /

    వార్తలలో ఎందుకు? ఫిబ్రవరి 26వ తేదీ వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ (వీర్ సావర్కర్) వర్ధంతి. ప్రధానమంత్రితో సహా పలువురు నాయకులు, భారతదేశ స్వాతంత్ర్య ఉద్యమంలో ఆయన పోషించిన పాత్రను ప్రముఖంగా ప్రస్తావిస్తూ నివాళులర్పించారు.

    వీర్ సావర్కర్ యొక్క ప్రధాన సేవలు: విప్లవ సంస్థలు: మిత్ర మేళాను స్థాపించారు (1899). తరువాత ఇది అభినవ్ భారత్ సొసైటీగా రూపాంతరం చెందింది (1904). లండన్‌లో కార్యకలాపాలు: ఇండియా హౌస్ (లండన్)తో అనుబంధం కలిగి ఉన్నారు. భారతీయ విద్యార్థులను సమీకరించడానికి ఫ్రీ ఇండియా సొసైటీని స్థాపించారు. 1857 తిరుగుబాటు పునర్వివరణ: ‘ది హిస్టరీ ఆఫ్ ది వార్ ఆఫ్ ఇండియన్ ఇండిపెండెన్స్’ (1909) గ్రంథాన్ని రచించారు. ఈ తిరుగుబాటును “మొదటి స్వాతంత్ర్య యుద్ధం” అని పిలిచిన మొదటి వ్యక్తి. జైలు శిక్ష: 1910లో అరెస్టు (నాసిక్ కుట్ర కేసు). సెల్యులార్ జైలులో (అండమాన్ & నికోబార్ దీవులు) 50 సంవత్సరాల జైలు శిక్ష విధించబడింది. https://www.

    newsonair.gov.

    వినాయక్ దామోదర్ సావర్కర్ వర్ధంతి (ఫిబ్రవరి 26) – సేవలు, పుస్తకాలు & స్వాతంత్ర్య పోరాటంలో పాత్ర Read More »

    Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

    Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs /

    Why in News?

    Iran announced a temporary closure of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire naval exercises. The move has raised concerns over global energy supply and maritime security.

    strait of hormuz

    Strait of Hormuz:

    Strait of Hormuz is narrow waterway separating Iran (north) from the Musandam Peninsula (an exclave of Oman) and the United Arab Emirates (south).

    • World’s Most Vital Chokepoint: It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
    • Energy Lifeline: Approximately 20-25% of the world’s seaborne oil and 20-30% of global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pass through it daily.
    • Major Exporters: Key OPEC members like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Iran rely on it to export crude. Qatar, the world’s leading LNG exporter, sends nearly all its LNG through this strait. 
    Significance for India
    • Energy Security: India is highly dependent on this route, as nearly 40% of its crude oil imports and 54% of its LNG imports pass through the strait.
    • Economic Impact: Any disruption leads to immediate spikes in global oil prices, impacting India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) and fueling domestic inflation.
    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n6p09pzno: Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

    Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams Read More »

    CITIZENSIP TRAIL

    Leave a Comment / Indian Polity and Constitution MCQs /

    Article 6 of the Indian Constitution relates to citizenship of which category of persons?

     
     
     
     

    Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws on citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following is correct about the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card?

     
     
     
     

    The concept of ‘Jus Sanguinis’ in citizenship law refers to:

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following is NOT included in the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Article 19 to Indian citizens?

     
     
     
     

    Which among the following statements about the Foreigners Act 1946 is CORRECT?

     
     
     
     

    Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides that a person shall not be a citizen of India if they voluntarily acquire citizenship of a foreign state?

     
     
     
     

    Which Part of the Indian Constitution deals with Citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in which year?

     
     
     
     

    Which provision prevents a person from being both an Indian citizen and a citizen of another country simultaneously (barring OCI)?

     
     
     
     

    Which part of the Indian Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights?

     
     
     
     

    Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on which grounds?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following is a ground for DEPRIVATION of citizenship under Section 10 of the Citizenship Act 1955?

     
     
     
     

    India follows which type of citizenship system?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following persons CANNOT be granted Indian citizenship by naturalisation?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following correctly states the relationship between Articles 5 to 11 of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act 1955?

     
     
     
     

    Consider the following statements about citizenship provisions in the Indian Constitution:
    1. Articles 5 to 11 in Part II deal with citizenship.
    2. Article 9 states that a person who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship ceases to be an Indian citizen.
    3. Article 11 empowers state legislatures to make laws relating to citizenship.
    Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?

     
     
     
     

    The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was first prepared and updated in which state?

     
     
     
     

    Which case is associated with the Supreme Court striking down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act 1983?

     
     
     
     

    Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees six freedoms. Which of the following groups correctly identifies ALL six freedoms?

     
     
     
     

    What does Article 10 of the Indian Constitution state about citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    The right of a minor who has renounced Indian citizenship to resume it is available:

     
     
     
     

    What is the minimum period of residence required in India for citizenship by naturalisation (general category)?

     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed by the Indian Parliament in which year?

     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 was challenged in the Supreme Court primarily on the basis of violation of which constitutional provision?

     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 grants fast-track citizenship to persecuted minorities from which three countries?

     
     
     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 reduces the residency requirement for naturalisation to 5 years for minorities from Pakistan Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This amendment is to Clause __ of Section __ of the Citizenship Act 1955.

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following correctly describes ‘citizenship by incorporation of territory’ under the Citizenship Act 1955?

     
     
     
     

    Which Article of the Indian Constitution specifically abolishes untouchability and its practice is an offence?

     
     
     
     

    What is meant by ‘domicile’ in the context of Indian citizenship law?

     
     
     
     

    In India, citizenship is a subject in the _______ List, meaning only _______ can legislate on it.

     
     
     
     

    What is the difference between an ‘NRI’ (Non-Resident Indian) and an ‘OCI’ (Overseas Citizen of India)?

     
     
     
     

    The ‘basic structure’ doctrine related to citizenship was most importantly articulated in which Supreme Court case?

     
     
     
     

    Under which article does the Indian Constitution address citizenship of persons of Indian origin residing outside India?

     
     
     
     

    In which Schedule of the Indian Constitution is citizenship listed as a Union subject?

     
     
     
     

    Deprivation of citizenship under Section 10 of the Citizenship Act does NOT apply to persons who acquired citizenship by:

     
     
     
     

    Which Fundamental Right is available to citizens of India ONLY (not to all persons)?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following bodies determines disputes related to citizenship in India?

     
     
     
     

    Article 5 of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following?

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following is NOT a mode of acquiring Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act 1955?

     
     
     
     

    The concept of ‘Jus Soli’ in citizenship law means:

     
     
     
     

    Citizenship in India is listed under which Schedule and Entry of the Constitution?

     
     
     
     

    The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution on:

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following persons can apply for registration as an Indian citizen under Section 5 of the Citizenship Act 1955?

     
     
     
     

    The Citizenship Act 1955 was amended to provide citizenship to persons of Indian origin in which year — also when OCI was introduced?

     
     
     
     

    Under the Citizenship Act 1955, which of the following can lead to termination of Indian citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    What is the significance of the Assam Accord of 1985 in the context of citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    A person born in India on or after 26 January 1950 but before 1 July 1987 is a citizen of India by:

     
     
     
     

    Which of the following is the correct sequence of constitutional articles dealing with citizenship?

     
     
     
     

    Which committee/body of the Constituent Assembly dealt with the Draft Articles on Citizenship?

     
     
     
     


    CITIZENSIP TRAIL Read More »

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