1. Horbill festival
GS paper I -Art &culture
Context :The festival’s 26th edition has started with notable enthusiasm, highlighting its continuing importance in preserving tribal culture and driving tourism growth in Nagaland. This edition draws widespread attention for promoting tribal unity and showcasing Nagaland’s heritage on a national and international stage.
What is the Hornbill Festival?
- Inception: First held in 2000
- Also Known As: The “Festival of Festivals”
- Objectives:
- Foster inter-tribal unity and interaction
- Safeguard and celebrate the indigenous heritage of the Naga people
- Integrate traditional customs with modern artistic expressions
- Organisers:
- Nagaland Government’s Department of Tourism
- Nagaland Government’s Department of Art & Culture
- Location: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, approximately 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland
- Namesake: Named after the Hornbill bird, symbolically significant to the socio-cultural identity of the Naga tribes.
2. Why is there no peace in ukraine ?
GS paper II-IR
Context : The Ukraine-Russia conflict has resurfaced in headlines as Russia captured Pokrovske—their first significant territorial gain after a year of stalemate.
- Concurrently, a 28-point U.S. peace proposal, known as the Trump plan, surfaced that controversially offers recognition of Russian control over key occupied territories.
- Ukraine faces critical military pressures, troop shortages, and delays in Western aid, making peace negotiations urgent yet politically sensitive.
- These developments have reignited global debate on the prospects of a ceasefire.
Background and Current Battlefield Situation
- Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, multiple negotiation attempts in Belarus and Turkey failed amid disagreements over territorial integrity, NATO membership, and security guarantees.
- Russia continues consolidating control by capturing Pokrovske, repositioning troops in Kharkiv and Kherson, and increasing assaults on Avdiivka and Kupiansk.
- Ukraine is under severe strain due to troop attrition, shortages, and reduced ammunition deliveries from Western allies.
Reasons for Previous Peace Talks Breaking Down
- Conflicting maximalist stances: Ukraine demands a return to 1991 borders without concessions, while Russia insists on recognition of annexed territories and security guarantees.
- The issue of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remains a major obstacle.
- Initially, Ukrainian battlefield successes sidelined negotiations, but later Russian territorial consolidation hardened Moscow’s position.
- Domestic political costs in Kyiv and influential Western support for Ukraine’s continued fight complicated compromises.
Key Proposals of the Trump Peace Plan
- Recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
- Calls for an immediate ceasefire based on current frontlines.
- Security guarantees for Ukraine without NATO membership but alternative defense assurances.
- Internationally supervised referendums in disputed territories.
- Encourages further U.S. security commitments if Ukraine accepts territorial concessions.
Ukraine’s Response and Challenges
- President Zelensky faces pressure from domestic actors opposing territorial concessions or NATO abandonment.
- Fear of losing crucial U.S. support if rejecting the plan outright.
- Mixed signals from the White House create uncertainty around U.S. policy.
- Military realities push Ukraine toward negotiating but also heighten risks if concessions are made prematurely.
Russia’s Ongoing Strategy
- Pursuing gradual territorial expansion and fortifying defensive positions.
- Aims to exhaust Ukrainian forces and Western resolve through prolonged warfare.
- Uses the Trump plan diplomatically to depict Ukraine as unwilling to negotiate.
- Continuously rotates and reorganizes military units for sustained conflict readiness.
3. A Missing Link in Indias mineral mission
GS Paper I – Geography / Indian Society,Geography – Minerals and Energy Resources of India; Distribution of key natural resources; Industrial location factors.
CONTEXT :The article responds to India’s new policies on critical minerals and rare-earths and the G‑20 focus on critical mineral security.
- It argues that while India has improved mining laws and secured more mineral supplies, it is still weak in processing and refining, which is essential for value addition, high-tech manufacturing, and strategic autonomy.
Why processing matters more than mining
- Value addition & jobs: Maximum economic value and high-quality jobs lie in refining, separation, alloy-making, and component manufacturing—not just digging minerals out of the ground.
- Strategic control: Countries that control processing dominate clean energy, electronics, EVs, defence and semiconductor supply chains; raw-ore exporters remain vulnerable and dependent.
- Supply-chain resilience: Without domestic processing, India stays exposed to export controls (e.g., by China on rare earths/graphite), tariffs and geopolitical shocks.
India’s mining reforms vs processing gap
- Mining reforms: Recent amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, auctions, exploration incentives and new mineral blocks have improved access to lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths.
- Processing gap: India still lacks large-scale, high-purity refining, separation and advanced material-processing capacity; most ores go abroad for processing, and India then imports finished materials at higher prices.
- Risk: This “dig-but-don’t-refine” model keeps India stuck as a raw-material supplier, undermining Atmanirbhar Bharat in batteries, EVs, solar, wind, electronics and defence.
India’s existing capabilities
- Strengths:
- Some institutional capacity in CSIR labs, IITs, and the National Centre for Minerals and Materials.
- An emerging critical minerals recycling scheme and pilot projects on battery and e‑waste recycling.
- Limitations:
- Refining of many key minerals (copper, rare earths, silicon, titanium, graphite, zirconium) is either small scale or not at global quality.
- Weak linkages between labs, industry and large-scale commercial plants.
Turn Centres of Excellence into innovation engines
- Existing National Mineral Mission centres must shift from pure research to problem-solving for industry—developing scalable, cost-effective processing technologies.
- Focus areas should include:
- High-purity compounds and advanced materials for batteries, magnets, solar, electronics.
- Demonstration plants, techno‑economic and life‑cycle modelling to speed up industry adoption.
Unlock secondary resources – “urban mining”
- India generates large quantities of coal ash, red mud, slag, tailings and e‑waste that contain strategic minerals.
- Policy should:
- Map and classify these secondary reserves and integrate them into the critical minerals strategy.
- Create Critical Minerals Processing Parks where such residues are processed for rare earths, gallium, indium, cobalt, etc.
- This reduces import dependence and environmental burden simultaneously.
Build a specialised skilled workforce
- Advanced processing (hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, separation, recycling) needs highly trained technicians, engineers and researchers.
- Government and industry must:
- Design specialised curricula and diploma courses in universities, IITs, NITs and ITIs.
- Use mission funding to run “train-the-trainer” programmes and continuous upskilling for existing workforce.
De-risk investment through government support
- Processing plants face high capital costs, long gestation and price volatility, which discourages private investment.
- Government support tools can include:
- Long-term offtake contracts, minimum price guarantees, viability gap funding and risk-sharing facilities.
- Strategic stockpiles that buy during price slumps and release during spikes, giving stable demand signals to processors.
Link mineral diplomacy with processing
- India’s recent overseas critical-mineral tie-ups (Australia, Africa, Latin America) largely target raw ore access.
- These partnerships should explicitly include:
- Joint processing facilities, co‑investment in refineries and technology-sharing.
- Positioning India as a processing hub where foreign miners bring ore for value addition, not just extraction.
The big picture: Processing as the missing link
- Mining reforms have improved India’s ability to “dig”, but national security and economic competitiveness depend on the ability to “refine and make”.
- Without domestic processing, India will continue exporting prosperity while importing high-value materials, remaining vulnerable in clean energy, electronics and defence supply chains.
- Bridging the processing gap—through technology, skills, finance and diplomacy—is thus the critical missing link in India’s mineral mission, determining whether India becomes a mere raw-material supplier or a resilient manufacturing and technology power.
4. Chinese firms resuable rocket fails to complete landing test
GS PAPER III-Science and technology
Context :LandSpace conducted the maiden test of its next‑generation reusable rocket Zhuque‑3 from Jiuquan on 3 December 2025.
- The rocket lifted off successfully but failed to achieve a controlled vertical landing, drawing global attention to China’s private space sector.
Why is this test important?
- It is the first large reusable orbital rocket test by a Chinese private company.
- Success would have placed LandSpace alongside SpaceX and Blue Origin in advanced reusable launch technology.
What is Zhuque‑3?
- Zhuque‑3 is a methane–liquid oxygen (methalox) reusable rocket developed by LandSpace.
- It is designed to carry large payloads (~20+ tonnes) to low Earth orbit and deploy multiple satellites for Chinese constellations.
Why is this failure still significant?
- The rocket completed ascent and only failed during the landing burn due to an abnormal combustion event.
- The flight still generated crucial telemetry and engineering data for future landing and recovery attempts.
Why are reusable rockets important?
- Cost reduction: Reuse of boosters sharply cuts per‑launch costs versus expendable rockets.
- High launch cadence: Enables frequent launches for mega‑constellations, navigation and surveillance networks.
- Tech superiority: Develops precision re‑entry, retro‑propulsion and control skills with spin‑offs for missiles and hypersonic systems.
Comparison with SpaceX
- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 first landed successfully in 2015 after multiple failures and now routinely reuses boosters ~20 times.
- Zhuque‑3 targets a similar performance class but remains at an early experimental stage compared to SpaceX’s mature operations.
- Even so, this test moves LandSpace ahead of other Chinese private firms working on smaller or less advanced reusable systems.
Strategic significance for China
- Commercial edge: A working Zhuque‑3 would lower China’s launch prices and boost its role in the global launch market.
- Space power projection: Supports Starlink‑like constellations, on‑orbit services and deeper space missions.
- Technological self‑reliance: Strengthens domestic capability and elevates Chinese private players within the national space ecosystem.
Why did the landing fail?
- An abnormal combustion event during the landing phase disrupted the controlled descent.
- In reusable rockets, minor issues in combustion stability, thrust vectoring, entry angle or burn timing can cause loss of control or missed landings.
Overall significance
- Despite the failed landing, the test is a major developmental step in China’s reusable‑rocket journey.
- Iterating on this data could accelerate China’s progress toward low‑cost, high‑cadence access to space and intensify global competition.
5. Center is not considering any proposal to classify denotified tribes ,RS told
GS PAPER II-polity
Context :In Rajya Sabha, the Union Government stated it is not considering any proposal to newly classify denotified, nomadic and semi‑nomadic tribes into SC/ST/OBC categories.
- This comes two years after an Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) study had recommended their reclassification and clearer categorisation.
What has the government said?
- The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry informed Parliament that no proposal is under consideration to reclassify these communities afresh.
- The Ministry said the existing Development and Welfare Board for DNTs and the SEED scheme are already addressing welfare needs.
Background: Who are denotified, nomadic & semi‑nomadic tribes?
- Denotified tribes (DNTs): Communities branded as “criminal tribes” under colonial laws and “denotified” after Independence, but continuing to face stigma.
- Nomadic & semi‑nomadic tribes: Groups that move periodically for livelihood (pastoralism, trading, entertainment, craft work) with weak land rights and low documentation.
Why was the classification exercise started?
- Multiple commissions (e.g., Idate Commission, 2017) highlighted that DNTs were improperly or only partly included in SC/ST/OBC lists.
- To address this, the Centre set up a Development and Welfare Board for DNTs (DWBDNC) in 2019 and commissioned AnSI to conduct an ethnographic survey of 268 communities.
Key findings of the AnSI study (report submitted 2023)
- Recommended fresh classification of 85 communities and changes in the existing status of several others.
- Suggested reclassification of nine communities and noted that many remained only partially classified or ambiguously listed.
Why are DNTs demanding reclassification?
- Many communities either do not figure clearly in any SC/ST/OBC list or are placed in inappropriate categories, limiting access to quotas.
- Lack of proper classification means states hesitate to issue community certificates, preventing beneficiaries from availing welfare schemes.
Why is the government’s decision important?
- By refusing reclassification now, existing exclusion and ambiguity in reservation benefits may persist for many DNT groups.
- It has triggered criticism from civil society that DNTs remain a “fourth category” outside the three main reservation lists, despite official studies recommending changes.
What is the SEED scheme?
- SEED = Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi‑Nomadic Communities.
- Provides support for education, housing, health insurance and livelihood initiatives targeted specifically at DNT/NT/SNT households.
6. Was it a coup or was it a ‘sham’? Behind Guinea-Bissau’s military takeover
GS Paper II-IR
Context: The military staged a takeover in Guinea-Bissau on 26 November 2025, overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló just days after a disputed presidential election. Led by Presidential Guard members, this event marks another disruption to democratic processes in West Africa, amid claims it was either a genuine coup or a staged “sham” to manipulate election outcomes.
Geographical and Demographic Overview
- Situated in West Africa, sharing borders with Senegal to the north, Guinea to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
- Official language is Portuguese, classifying it among Lusophone African nations.
- Population stands at approximately 2.25 million, with a low Human Development Index ranking of 174 out of 193 (UNDP data).
Economic Characteristics
- Economy primarily relies on agriculture, with cashew nuts accounting for over 80% of export earnings (World Bank figures).
- Notoriously serves as a transit hub for drug trafficking routes from Latin America to Europe.
Political History
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
- Among the world’s most politically unstable nations, featuring more successful coups than peaceful power transitions.
- Often described as trapped in a “Coup Trap,” where the military repeatedly emerges as the primary political force
7. Why is volcanic ash a safety concern for flights?
GS I: Geomorphology and natural hazards (volcanism and its impacts).
GS III: Disaster management, infrastructure, transport – disruption of aviation due to natural hazards .
Context : Volcanic ash is in the news because ash clouds from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano drifted into Indian airspace, forcing the aviation regulator (DGCA) to issue an urgent safety advisory and cause disruptions to flights.
How Volcanic Ash Endangers Aircraft
- Jet Engine Failure: Ash is sucked into engines with air and fuel, melting at high temperatures (up to 1,600°C) and forming glassy deposits that block airflow, causing sudden shutdowns.
- Abrasion Damage: Fine ash particles act like sandpaper, eroding turbine blades, compressor stages, and hot sections, reducing engine efficiency and thrust.
- Sensor and Navigation Failure: Ash clouds obscure visibility, contaminate pitot tubes and sensors, leading to inaccurate airspeed, altitude readings, and potential navigation errors.
- Cabin Air Contamination: Ash infiltrates cabin air systems, reducing oxygen levels and exposing passengers to toxic sulfur dioxide, risking health issues like respiratory distress.
How Hayli Gubbi Eruption Affected Indian Airspace
- Ash Drift Path: Plume moved 15,000-25,000 km/hour at 10:30 PM on November 25, crossing Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh towards China.
- Airspace Closure: India’s western border airspace shut from November 24 at 5:30 PM to November 25, blocking flights over Arabian Sea towards Yemen and Oman.
- Flight Cancellations: Air India canceled nine flights to/from Dubai, Dammam, Jeddah on November 24-25; Akasa halted Dubai services due to ash advisory.
How Volcanic Ash Affects Aircraft Engines
- Ingestion and Melting: Engines draw in ash with air; silicate particles melt in combustion chamber (1,600°C), solidify into glassy coating on turbine blades.
- Blockage and Thrust Loss: Deposits clog cooling holes and fuel nozzles, reducing airflow and causing power loss or complete flameout.
- Abrasion and Restart Risks: Particles grind internal components; post-exposure restarts can fail multiple times, as in historical cases descending thousands of feet.
What Did the DGCA Order?
- Advisory Issuance: DGCA urged airlines to steer clear of ash-affected regions to ensure safety and avoid engine performance impacts.
- Precautionary Checks: Ordered inspections for contamination, smoke, or damage; restricted or suspended flights if risks detected.
- Operational Restrictions: Airlines to conduct ground checks on aircraft returning from affected routes, prioritizing engine and air system reviews.
Historical Flight Impacts
- 1989 KLM Incident (Alaska): Boeing 747-400 ingested ash from Mt Redoubt; all four engines failed at 25,000 ft, descended 14,000 ft before restarts; $80M engines scrapped.
- 1982 British Airways (Indonesia): Boeing 747 hit Mt Galunggung ash en route Jakarta; engines shut down twice, crew restarted after descent; plane landed safely but damaged.
- 2010 Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland): Eruption grounded 100,000+ flights across Europe for days, stranding millions due to ash cloud over North Atlantic routes
