1. Monroe Doctrine (International Relations)

• Context: U.S. President Donald Trump justified action against Venezuela (capturing President Maduro) by invoking this 19th-century policy.
• Definition: A U.S. foreign policy principle asserting that the Western Hemisphere (North & South America) is the exclusive sphere of influence of the United States.
• Origin: Proclaimed on December 2, 1823 by U.S. President James Monroe.
• Core Principles:
  • No New Colonization: European powers warned against establishing new colonies in the Americas.
  • Non-Interference: Any European intervention viewed as a hostile act against the U.S.
  • Separate Spheres: Europe and the Americas to have distinct political systems.
• Evolution (Roosevelt Corollary, 1904):
  • Added by President Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Shifted the doctrine from defensive to active interventionist.
  • Claimed U.S. right to intervene in Latin American nations to prevent “instability” or European involvement.
• Current Criticism: Viewed by critics as neo-imperialism (historically used in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti).

2. Suryastra Rocket System (Defence)

• Context: Indian Army signed a ₹293-crore emergency procurement contract with NIBE Ltd. to induct this system.
• Type: India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher.
• Key Partners:
  • Manufacturer: NIBE Ltd. (India).
  • Technology Partner:Elbit Systems (Israel).
  • Tech Base: Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System).
• Capabilities:
  • Range: Two variants—150 km and 300 km.
  • Universal Launcher: Can fire multiple calibres (122mm, 160mm, 306mm) from the same platform.
  • Precision: High accuracy with CEP (Circular Error Probable) < 5 metres.
• Significance:
  • Surpasses existing Pinaka systems in range and precision.
  • Enhances conventional deterrence against China and Pakistan.

3. India: World’s Largest Rice Producer (Economy/Agriculture)

• Context: Union Agriculture Minister stated India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest rice producer.
• Data (2024-25 Estimates):
  • India:150.18 Million Tonnes (MT) (Rank 1).
  • China: 145.28 MT (Rank 2).
• Top Rice Producing States (2023-24):
  1. Telangana (Highest share: ~12.17%)
  2. Uttar Pradesh
  3. West Bengal
• Geographical Conditions:
  • Climate: Hot and humid (tropical/sub-tropical).
  • Regions: River deltas (Krishna-Godavari-Cauvery), Floodplains (Ganga-Brahmaputra), and terraced hills.
  • Water: Heavy dependence on irrigation (canals/tube-wells) in lower rainfall zones (Punjab/Haryana).

4. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Environment/Species)

• Context: Nesting season has begun; hatcheries set up along the Chennai coast.
• Status:
  • IUCN:Vulnerable.
  • WPA, 1972:Schedule I (Highest protection).
• Key Features:
  • Appearance: Smallest sea turtle; olive-green, heart-shaped shell.
  • Arribada: Unique mass nesting phenomenon where thousands of females nest synchronously.
  • Sex Determination:Temperature-dependent (warmer sand = more females).
• Major Nesting Sites in India:
  • Odisha (World’s largest rookeries): Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi River mouth.
  • Also found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar.

5. Ramjet-Powered Artillery Shells (Defence Tech)

• Context: Indian Army to be the first in the world to operationally deploy these shells for 155mm guns.
• Technology:
  • Ramjet: An air-breathing jet engine with no moving parts. It uses atmospheric oxygen (unlike rockets which carry oxidizers).
  • Mechanism: Shell launched at supersonic speed (~Mach 2) → Air compressed by forward motion (ram effect) → Fuel ignites → Continuous thrust.
• Benefits:
  • Range: Increases range by 30–50% (reaching deep targets).
  • Compatibility: Can be retrofitted to standard 155mm shells (e.g., M777 Howitzer).
• Developer:IIT Madras with Army Technology Board.

6. Battery Pack Aadhaar Number – BPAN (Science/Governance)

• Context: Proposed by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) for EV battery tracking.
• What is it? A 21-character unique identification number for battery packs.
• Purpose:
  • Functions as a “digital identity” for batteries.
  • Ensures traceability from raw material to recycling (Circular Economy).
• Implementation:
  • Mandatory for producers/importers.
  • Administered under Automotive Industry Standards (AIS).
  • Crucial for enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

High-Yield Prelims Snippets