Current Affairs · UPSC Prelims & Mains

Pramukh Prelims Pointers

10–11 September 2026

PolityInternational RelationsEnvironmentScience & TechnologyDefence

Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint and PIB

08Topics to revise

08Prelims questions

02Mains questions

Source: The Hindu

Major Key Data / Facts

• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in the novel Anandamath (1882).
• It was first sung publicly at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress by Rabindranath Tagore.
• On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly accorded Vande Mataram equal honour with the National Anthem, while Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem.
• Only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram are officially recognised for ceremonial use.

Static Introduction: National Song of India

What is the National Song?

• The National Song of India is "Vande Mataram", composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Sanskritised Bengali. It became a symbol of India’s freedom movement and inspired generations of freedom fighters during the struggle against British rule.
• Although it enjoys great historical and cultural significance, it does not have the same constitutional or statutory status as the National Anthem.

History of Vande Mataram

Composition

• Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Included in the novel Anandamath (1882).

National Movement

• Became the rallying cry of the Swadeshi Movement (1905).
• Widely used during the freedom struggle.
• Inspired revolutionary organisations across India.

Constitutional Position

National Anthem

• Jana Gana Mana was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950.

National Song

• On the same day, Vande Mataram was accorded equal respect and honour because of its historic role in the freedom movement.
• However, the Constitution does not expressly mention either the National Anthem or the National Song.

Legal Status of Vande Mataram

Important Points

• No constitutional provision makes singing Vande Mataram compulsory.
• There is no parliamentary law requiring citizens to sing the National Song.
• Only the first two stanzas are used for official occasions.

National Anthem vs National Song

Relevant Constitutional Provisions

Article 19(1)(a)

• Freedom of speech and expression.

Article 25

• Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.

Article 51A(a)

Fundamental Duty:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.

Note: Article 51A(a) specifically mentions the National Anthem, but does not mention the National Song.

Important Supreme Court Judgments

Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986)

Background

Three students belonging to the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith respectfully stood during the National Anthem but did not sing it due to their religious beliefs.

Supreme Court Held

• Freedom of conscience is protected under Article 25.
• Citizens cannot be compelled to sing the National Anthem if they show due respect.
• Respect is mandatory; compulsory singing is not.

UPSC Significance: This principle is often cited in discussions on whether singing Vande Mataram can be made compulsory.

Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018)

The Supreme Court clarified that regulations concerning the National Anthem should primarily be framed by the executive, while ensuring respect for national symbols.

Why Does the Debate Continue?

Historical Reasons

• Role during the freedom struggle.
• Symbol of nationalism.

Religious Concerns

• Certain groups object to portions of the song that personify the nation as a goddess.
• Official use is therefore generally restricted to the first two stanzas.

Constitutional Debate

• Whether participation can be made compulsory.
• Balance between patriotism and individual freedoms.

UPSC Value Addition

National Symbols of India

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

Covers

• National Flag
• Constitution of India
• National Anthem

Does Not Specifically Cover

• National Song (Vande Mataram)

Difference Between National Anthem and National Song

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Vande Mataram’:
2. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and appeared in the novel Anandamath.
3. The Constituent Assembly accorded Vande Mataram equal honour with the National Anthem on 24 January 1950.
4. The Constitution of India expressly declares Vande Mataram as the National Song.
5. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 specifically provides statutory protection to the National Song.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A

1 and 2 only

B

1, 2 and 3 only

C

2, 3 and 4 only

D

1, 2, 3 and 4

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

1. Statement 1 – Correct

Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in Anandamath (1882).

1. Statement 2 – Correct

On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly accorded it equal honour with the National Anthem.

1. Statement 3 – Incorrect

The Constitution does not expressly declare any National Song.

1. Statement 4 – Incorrect

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 protects the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem, but does not specifically cover the National Song.

UPSC Mains Question

1. "The debate surrounding the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ reflects the constitutional balance between national identity and individual freedoms. Discuss with reference to constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements." (250 words)

Source: The Hindu

Major Key Data / Facts

• BRICS was established in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
• Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• Permanent Headquarters: Shanghai, China, where the New Development Bank (NDB) is headquartered.
• Share in Global Economy: BRICS countries together account for over 35% of global GDP (PPP basis) and represent about 45% of the world’s population.

Static Introduction: BRICS

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies that seeks to promote economic cooperation, political coordination, reform of global governance institutions, sustainable development, and South-South cooperation.

Originally formed as BRIC, the grouping became BRICS after South Africa joined in 2010.

Evolution of BRICS

Objectives of BRICS

Economic Cooperation

• Promote trade and investment.
• Encourage financial cooperation.
• Reduce dependence on traditional financial institutions.

Global Governance Reform

• Reform the United Nations.
• Increase representation of developing countries in IMF and World Bank.
• Promote a multipolar world order.

Sustainable Development

• Infrastructure financing.
• Climate cooperation.
• Digital economy.
• Green growth.

Institutional Architecture of BRICS

New Development Bank (NDB)

Headquarters

• Shanghai, China

Established

• 2014 (Fortaleza Summit)

Purpose

• Finance infrastructure projects.
• Promote sustainable development.
• Complement existing multilateral development banks.

Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

Established

• 2014

Objective

• Provide liquidity support during balance of payments crises.
• Strengthen financial stability among BRICS members.

Areas of Cooperation

• Trade and Investment
• Energy Security
• Digital Economy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Climate Change
• Health Cooperation
• Food Security
• Counter-Terrorism
• Cyber Security
• Science & Technology

BRICS Expansion

Why Expansion?

• Greater representation of the Global South.
• Enhanced economic influence.
• Diversification of global partnerships.
• Alternative development financing.

Importance of BRICS for India

Strategic Importance

• Platform for engaging China and Russia.
• Supports multipolar global order.
• Strengthens India’s voice in global governance.

Economic Benefits

• Trade expansion.
• Infrastructure financing through NDB.
• Investment opportunities.
• Energy cooperation.

Diplomatic Significance

• South-South Cooperation.
• Reform of global institutions.
• Greater role for developing countries.

Challenges Facing BRICS

Internal Challenges

• Border tensions between India and China.
• Divergent geopolitical interests.
• Economic asymmetry among members.

External Challenges

• Western sanctions.
• Global geopolitical instability.
• Balancing expansion with institutional effectiveness.

India’s Priorities in BRICS

• Reform of the UN Security Council.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• Climate finance.
• Supply chain resilience.
• Energy security.
• Global South development agenda.

UPSC Value Addition

Difference Between BRICS and G7

BRICS Institutions

Related Organisations

• G20
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
• IBSA Dialogue Forum
• New Development Bank (NDB)
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding BRICS:
2. BRICS was initially formed as BRIC, with South Africa joining the grouping later.
3. The New Development Bank (NDB) was established to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
4. The headquarters of the New Development Bank is located in Shanghai.
5. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) aims to provide financial support during balance of payments pressures among BRICS members.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A

1, 2, 3 and 4

B

1, 2 and 3 only

C

2 and 4 only

D

1 and 4 only

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

1. Statement 1 – Correct
2. The grouping started as BRIC in 2009 and became BRICS after South Africa joined in 2010.
3. Statement 2 – Correct
4. The New Development Bank (NDB) finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies.
5. Statement 3 – Correct
6. The NDB headquarters is in Shanghai, China.
7. Statement 4 – Correct
8. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) provides liquidity support to members facing short-term balance of payments difficulties.

UPSC Mains Question

1. "BRICS has evolved from an economic grouping into an important platform shaping the voice of the Global South. Examine the significance of BRICS for India in the context of changing global geopolitics and ongoing reforms in international governance." (250 words)

Key Facts:

• It is a statutory, multidisciplinary body established under Section 38Y of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and became operational in 2008.
• Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates five regional offices (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bhopal).
• It assists in enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and tracks cross-border trafficking via Interpol and the World Customs Organization.

Prelims Practice Question:

Consider the following statements regarding the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):

It is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

It assists in the enforcement of CITES in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: B (It is under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972).

Key Facts:

• It is a ground-dwelling species endemic to the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems of the Anamudi region in Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park.
• Characterized by pronounced crawling behavior and much shorter limbs than other species of its genus.
• It undergoes direct development without a free-swimming tadpole stage.
• IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered.

Prelims Practice Question:

The ‘Resplendent Shrub Frog’, recently in the news, is naturally found in which of the following regions?

A

Eastern Himalayas

B

Western Ghats

C

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

D

Aravalli Range

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: B

Key Facts:

• It is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, caused by an Aphthovirus.
• Characterized by fever and blister-like sores. While rarely fatal in adult animals, it causes severe production losses and debilitation.
• It is a transboundary animal disease that deeply disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products.

Prelims Practice Question:

Consider the following statements about Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD):

It is a bacterial infection that severely affects all domestic animals, including poultry.

The disease can cause significant economic losses by disrupting international trade in animal products.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: B (It is a viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals; poultry are not susceptible).

Key Facts:

• Established in 1957 following US President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address, it is an autonomous organization within the UN system.
• Its primary goal is to ensure nuclear energy is not diverted for weapons purposes; it reports to both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
• Although not a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the IAEA is entrusted with a key verification role to inspect and monitor nuclear programs.

Prelims Practice Question:

With reference to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), consider the following statements:

It is an autonomous organization that reports directly to both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

The IAEA is a formal party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: A (It is not a party to the NPT, but it carries out verification under it).

Key Facts:

• It is a neurological sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden "sleep attacks" where individuals fall asleep without warning.
• Type 1 Narcolepsy causes sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy) and is associated with low levels of a brain chemical called hypocretin (orexin), which controls wakefulness and REM sleep.
• While the exact cause is unknown, experts suspect an autoimmune reaction where the body’s immune system destroys its own hypocretin-producing cells.

Prelims Practice Question:

The term ‘Narcolepsy’, sometimes mentioned in the news, is associated with:

A

A viral disease affecting the respiratory system.

B

A neurological disorder causing sudden sleep attacks and muscle weakness.

C

A genetic disorder leading to muscular dystrophy.

D

An autoimmune condition primarily affecting the joints.

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: B

Key Facts:

• INS Mysore (D60) is a Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer built at Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai, and commissioned in 1999.
• It features a combined gas and diesel (COGAG) propulsion system—gas turbines for extra thrust and diesel engines for cruising.
• The ship is designed for multi-role operations and is equipped with Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM), Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), and anti-submarine rocket launchers.

Prelims Practice Question:

Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’, recently seen in the news, is a joint naval exercise conducted between India and:

A

Indonesia

B

Sri Lanka

C

Malaysia

D

Singapore

Reveal answer & explanation⌄

Correct answer: C