Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- PM Modi paid tributes to Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji on his martyrdom day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Birsa Munda was born<\/strong> on 15th November 1875<\/strong> in Ulihatu of the erstwhile Bengal Presidency (present day Jharkhand) .\n
\n- He was a legendary Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero from the Munda tribe.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Birsait religion:<\/strong> He founded a new religion called \u201cBirsait\u201c <\/strong>and declared himself as God\u2019s messenger. He believed in One God.\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- People of Munda and Oraon community joined the sect and challenged British conversion activities of tribals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- He was referred to as\u00a0 \u2018Dharti Abba or Father of Earth\u2019<\/strong> by his followers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Munda Rebellion:<\/strong> It was the tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against the oppressions of the British Raj and <\/strong>local exploiters (Dikus).\n
\n- It is also referred to as \u2018Ulgulan\u2019 <\/strong>or the \u2018Great Tumult\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In 1900 he was arrested in Jamkopai forest and passed away in custody (due to cholera).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outcome: <\/strong>The British government introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908<\/strong>, to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: <\/strong>Observed on November 15 since 2021<\/strong> to honor his legacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHindu Kush Himalaya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The HKH Monsoon Outlook 2026, projects below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region during the 2026 monsoon season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km<\/strong> over eight countries<\/strong> \u2014 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These mountains are also called the \u201cwater towers of Asia<\/strong>\u201d because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems <\/strong>on the continent \u2014 Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth<\/strong> of the world\u2019s population and are a significant freshwater source for 240 million people in the HKH region.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-83.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCoal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/ Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ministry of Coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in the country to enable transparent and market-driven coal trading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a Coal Exchange?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- A Coal Exchange is an electronic marketplace where coal producers, consumers, traders, and other participants can buy and sell coal<\/strong> through transparent trading mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It facilitates efficient price discovery<\/strong> based on market demand and supply conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key Features of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Market-Based Trading: <\/strong>The framework shifts coal marketing from the traditional one-to-many model (producer to multiple consumers) to a many-to-many trading model.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Price Discovery: <\/strong>Coal prices will be determined through market forces<\/strong> rather than administrative allocations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regulatory Oversight: <\/strong>The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)<\/strong> is the nodal authority tasked with registering and overseeing these exchanges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exchange Registration:<\/strong> Entities operating an exchange must be incorporated as a company in India with a minimum net worth of \u20b950 crore. Registrations are granted for 25 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transition Timeline: <\/strong>Pre-existing electronic coal trading platforms must transition and register as a Coal Exchange within six months <\/strong>of the first registered exchange’s commencement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Demutualization:<\/strong> The ownership and management do not hold any trading rights <\/strong>in the exchange.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCoal Sector in India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of coal<\/strong>. India has the fifth-largest coal reserves<\/strong> globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coal accounts for around 55% of India’s primary commercial energy requirement and about 70% of electricity generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Major coal-producing regions <\/strong>are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDark Patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- According to a report, Indian consumers are losing an estimated \u20b925,000 crore to \u20b928,000 crore annually due to dark patterns, across online marketplaces.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Dark patterns <\/strong>are user interface or user experience designs that manipulate, pressure, or mislead people into making choices they might not otherwise make.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The term \u2018dark patterns\u2019<\/strong> was coined by Harry Brignull in 2010.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It encompasses a wide range of manipulative practices<\/strong> such as drip pricing, disguised advertising, bait and click, choice manipulation, false urgency and privacy concerns.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark patterns can:<\/strong>\n
\n- Undermine informed consent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce user autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lead to unintended purchases or data sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Erode trust in products and companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India’s Laws Related to Dark Patterns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & CCPA Guidelines, 2023: <\/strong>The Consumer Protection Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to curb unfair trade practices.\n
\n- The CCPA’s Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 explicitly prohibit deceptive practices such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and subscription traps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: <\/strong>Require transparency in pricing, advertisements, and terms of sale, and prohibit misleading practices on e-commerce platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: <\/strong>Mandates free, informed, and unambiguous user consent for data processing, thereby discouraging dark patterns that manipulate users into sharing personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Arrest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Cybercrime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- As per the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Indians have lost around \u20b952,976 crore to cyber-enabled frauds over the past six years, with nearly 8% of the losses linked to \u201cdigital arrest\u201d scams.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- A digital arrest <\/strong>refers to a cyber scam where fraudsters use fake video calls, forged IDs, and official-looking websites to falsely accuse individuals of crimes and coerce them into paying money.\n
\n- Emerging technologies<\/strong> such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic identities are likely to make such frauds more convincing and difficult to detect in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have issued public advisories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNew Rule Requires Fish Survival Test for Caustic Soda Industry Wastewater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Wastewater from caustic soda plants using membrane cell technology<\/strong> will now have to pass a laboratory-based fish survival test <\/strong>under new environmental standards notified by the Union government.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The new standards apply to standalone caustic soda plants that use membrane cell technology.<\/strong>\n
\n- Membrane cell technology<\/strong> uses a special membrane to control the chemical process and is considered less polluting<\/strong> than older mercury-based processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The rules say at least 90% of fish must survive<\/strong> after 96 hours in 100% wastewater during laboratory-based bioassay testing.\n
\n- The standards also set limits for pH, chloride, suspended solids, dissolved solids, water use and wastewater generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say enforcement will be key, as bioassay testing requires specialised laboratories, trained staff and regular independent monitoring.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caustic soda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Caustic soda, <\/strong>also known as sodium hydroxide, <\/strong>is one of India\u2019s most widely used industrial chemicals.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is used in industries such as<\/strong> soap, detergents, paper, textiles, aluminium, petrochemicals and water purification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India has about 32 to 37 caustic soda plants,<\/strong> with annual production of more than five million metric tonnes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- But the industry can also pose environmental risks because its wastewater is often highly alkaline and saline. <\/strong>It may contain chlorine, hydrochloric acid and high levels of dissolved solids.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Birsa Munda was born<\/strong> on 15th November 1875<\/strong> in Ulihatu of the erstwhile Bengal Presidency (present day Jharkhand) .\n
\n- He was a legendary Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero from the Munda tribe.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Birsait religion:<\/strong> He founded a new religion called \u201cBirsait\u201c <\/strong>and declared himself as God\u2019s messenger. He believed in One God.\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- People of Munda and Oraon community joined the sect and challenged British conversion activities of tribals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- He was referred to as\u00a0 \u2018Dharti Abba or Father of Earth\u2019<\/strong> by his followers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Munda Rebellion:<\/strong> It was the tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against the oppressions of the British Raj and <\/strong>local exploiters (Dikus).\n
\n- It is also referred to as \u2018Ulgulan\u2019 <\/strong>or the \u2018Great Tumult\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In 1900 he was arrested in Jamkopai forest and passed away in custody (due to cholera).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outcome: <\/strong>The British government introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908<\/strong>, to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: <\/strong>Observed on November 15 since 2021<\/strong> to honor his legacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHindu Kush Himalaya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The HKH Monsoon Outlook 2026, projects below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region during the 2026 monsoon season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km<\/strong> over eight countries<\/strong> \u2014 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These mountains are also called the \u201cwater towers of Asia<\/strong>\u201d because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems <\/strong>on the continent \u2014 Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth<\/strong> of the world\u2019s population and are a significant freshwater source for 240 million people in the HKH region.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCoal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/ Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ministry of Coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in the country to enable transparent and market-driven coal trading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a Coal Exchange?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- A Coal Exchange is an electronic marketplace where coal producers, consumers, traders, and other participants can buy and sell coal<\/strong> through transparent trading mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It facilitates efficient price discovery<\/strong> based on market demand and supply conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key Features of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Market-Based Trading: <\/strong>The framework shifts coal marketing from the traditional one-to-many model (producer to multiple consumers) to a many-to-many trading model.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Price Discovery: <\/strong>Coal prices will be determined through market forces<\/strong> rather than administrative allocations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regulatory Oversight: <\/strong>The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)<\/strong> is the nodal authority tasked with registering and overseeing these exchanges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exchange Registration:<\/strong> Entities operating an exchange must be incorporated as a company in India with a minimum net worth of \u20b950 crore. Registrations are granted for 25 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transition Timeline: <\/strong>Pre-existing electronic coal trading platforms must transition and register as a Coal Exchange within six months <\/strong>of the first registered exchange’s commencement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Demutualization:<\/strong> The ownership and management do not hold any trading rights <\/strong>in the exchange.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCoal Sector in India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of coal<\/strong>. India has the fifth-largest coal reserves<\/strong> globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coal accounts for around 55% of India’s primary commercial energy requirement and about 70% of electricity generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Major coal-producing regions <\/strong>are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDark Patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- According to a report, Indian consumers are losing an estimated \u20b925,000 crore to \u20b928,000 crore annually due to dark patterns, across online marketplaces.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Dark patterns <\/strong>are user interface or user experience designs that manipulate, pressure, or mislead people into making choices they might not otherwise make.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The term \u2018dark patterns\u2019<\/strong> was coined by Harry Brignull in 2010.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It encompasses a wide range of manipulative practices<\/strong> such as drip pricing, disguised advertising, bait and click, choice manipulation, false urgency and privacy concerns.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark patterns can:<\/strong>\n
\n- Undermine informed consent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce user autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lead to unintended purchases or data sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Erode trust in products and companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India’s Laws Related to Dark Patterns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & CCPA Guidelines, 2023: <\/strong>The Consumer Protection Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to curb unfair trade practices.\n
\n- The CCPA’s Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 explicitly prohibit deceptive practices such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and subscription traps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: <\/strong>Require transparency in pricing, advertisements, and terms of sale, and prohibit misleading practices on e-commerce platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: <\/strong>Mandates free, informed, and unambiguous user consent for data processing, thereby discouraging dark patterns that manipulate users into sharing personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Arrest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Cybercrime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- As per the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Indians have lost around \u20b952,976 crore to cyber-enabled frauds over the past six years, with nearly 8% of the losses linked to \u201cdigital arrest\u201d scams.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- A digital arrest <\/strong>refers to a cyber scam where fraudsters use fake video calls, forged IDs, and official-looking websites to falsely accuse individuals of crimes and coerce them into paying money.\n
\n- Emerging technologies<\/strong> such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic identities are likely to make such frauds more convincing and difficult to detect in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have issued public advisories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNew Rule Requires Fish Survival Test for Caustic Soda Industry Wastewater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Wastewater from caustic soda plants using membrane cell technology<\/strong> will now have to pass a laboratory-based fish survival test <\/strong>under new environmental standards notified by the Union government.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The new standards apply to standalone caustic soda plants that use membrane cell technology.<\/strong>\n
\n- Membrane cell technology<\/strong> uses a special membrane to control the chemical process and is considered less polluting<\/strong> than older mercury-based processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The rules say at least 90% of fish must survive<\/strong> after 96 hours in 100% wastewater during laboratory-based bioassay testing.\n
\n- The standards also set limits for pH, chloride, suspended solids, dissolved solids, water use and wastewater generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say enforcement will be key, as bioassay testing requires specialised laboratories, trained staff and regular independent monitoring.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caustic soda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Caustic soda, <\/strong>also known as sodium hydroxide, <\/strong>is one of India\u2019s most widely used industrial chemicals.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is used in industries such as<\/strong> soap, detergents, paper, textiles, aluminium, petrochemicals and water purification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India has about 32 to 37 caustic soda plants,<\/strong> with annual production of more than five million metric tonnes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- But the industry can also pose environmental risks because its wastewater is often highly alkaline and saline. <\/strong>It may contain chlorine, hydrochloric acid and high levels of dissolved solids.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- He was a legendary Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader, and folk hero from the Munda tribe.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Birsait religion:<\/strong> He founded a new religion called \u201cBirsait\u201c <\/strong>and declared himself as God\u2019s messenger. He believed in One God.\u00a0<\/strong>\n
- \n
- People of Munda and Oraon community joined the sect and challenged British conversion activities of tribals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- He was referred to as\u00a0 \u2018Dharti Abba or Father of Earth\u2019<\/strong> by his followers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Munda Rebellion:<\/strong> It was the tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against the oppressions of the British Raj and <\/strong>local exploiters (Dikus).\n
- \n
- It is also referred to as \u2018Ulgulan\u2019 <\/strong>or the \u2018Great Tumult\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In 1900 he was arrested in Jamkopai forest and passed away in custody (due to cholera).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outcome: <\/strong>The British government introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908<\/strong>, to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: <\/strong>Observed on November 15 since 2021<\/strong> to honor his legacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hindu Kush Himalaya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The HKH Monsoon Outlook 2026, projects below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region during the 2026 monsoon season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km<\/strong> over eight countries<\/strong> \u2014 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These mountains are also called the \u201cwater towers of Asia<\/strong>\u201d because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems <\/strong>on the continent \u2014 Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth<\/strong> of the world\u2019s population and are a significant freshwater source for 240 million people in the HKH region.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/ Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Ministry of Coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in the country to enable transparent and market-driven coal trading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a Coal Exchange?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A Coal Exchange is an electronic marketplace where coal producers, consumers, traders, and other participants can buy and sell coal<\/strong> through transparent trading mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It facilitates efficient price discovery<\/strong> based on market demand and supply conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key Features of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Market-Based Trading: <\/strong>The framework shifts coal marketing from the traditional one-to-many model (producer to multiple consumers) to a many-to-many trading model.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Price Discovery: <\/strong>Coal prices will be determined through market forces<\/strong> rather than administrative allocations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regulatory Oversight: <\/strong>The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)<\/strong> is the nodal authority tasked with registering and overseeing these exchanges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exchange Registration:<\/strong> Entities operating an exchange must be incorporated as a company in India with a minimum net worth of \u20b950 crore. Registrations are granted for 25 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transition Timeline: <\/strong>Pre-existing electronic coal trading platforms must transition and register as a Coal Exchange within six months <\/strong>of the first registered exchange’s commencement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Demutualization:<\/strong> The ownership and management do not hold any trading rights <\/strong>in the exchange.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCoal Sector in India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of coal<\/strong>. India has the fifth-largest coal reserves<\/strong> globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coal accounts for around 55% of India’s primary commercial energy requirement and about 70% of electricity generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Major coal-producing regions <\/strong>are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dark Patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- According to a report, Indian consumers are losing an estimated \u20b925,000 crore to \u20b928,000 crore annually due to dark patterns, across online marketplaces.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Dark patterns <\/strong>are user interface or user experience designs that manipulate, pressure, or mislead people into making choices they might not otherwise make.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The term \u2018dark patterns\u2019<\/strong> was coined by Harry Brignull in 2010.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It encompasses a wide range of manipulative practices<\/strong> such as drip pricing, disguised advertising, bait and click, choice manipulation, false urgency and privacy concerns.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark patterns can:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Undermine informed consent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce user autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lead to unintended purchases or data sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Erode trust in products and companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
India’s Laws Related to Dark Patterns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & CCPA Guidelines, 2023: <\/strong>The Consumer Protection Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to curb unfair trade practices.\n
- \n
- The CCPA’s Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 explicitly prohibit deceptive practices such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and subscription traps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: <\/strong>Require transparency in pricing, advertisements, and terms of sale, and prohibit misleading practices on e-commerce platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: <\/strong>Mandates free, informed, and unambiguous user consent for data processing, thereby discouraging dark patterns that manipulate users into sharing personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Digital Arrest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Cybercrime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- As per the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Indians have lost around \u20b952,976 crore to cyber-enabled frauds over the past six years, with nearly 8% of the losses linked to \u201cdigital arrest\u201d scams.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A digital arrest <\/strong>refers to a cyber scam where fraudsters use fake video calls, forged IDs, and official-looking websites to falsely accuse individuals of crimes and coerce them into paying money.\n
- \n
- Emerging technologies<\/strong> such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic identities are likely to make such frauds more convincing and difficult to detect in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have issued public advisories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Rule Requires Fish Survival Test for Caustic Soda Industry Wastewater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wastewater from caustic soda plants using membrane cell technology<\/strong> will now have to pass a laboratory-based fish survival test <\/strong>under new environmental standards notified by the Union government.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The new standards apply to standalone caustic soda plants that use membrane cell technology.<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Membrane cell technology<\/strong> uses a special membrane to control the chemical process and is considered less polluting<\/strong> than older mercury-based processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The rules say at least 90% of fish must survive<\/strong> after 96 hours in 100% wastewater during laboratory-based bioassay testing.\n
- \n
- The standards also set limits for pH, chloride, suspended solids, dissolved solids, water use and wastewater generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say enforcement will be key, as bioassay testing requires specialised laboratories, trained staff and regular independent monitoring.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caustic soda<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Caustic soda, <\/strong>also known as sodium hydroxide, <\/strong>is one of India\u2019s most widely used industrial chemicals.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is used in industries such as<\/strong> soap, detergents, paper, textiles, aluminium, petrochemicals and water purification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India has about 32 to 37 caustic soda plants,<\/strong> with annual production of more than five million metric tonnes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- But the industry can also pose environmental risks because its wastewater is often highly alkaline and saline. <\/strong>It may contain chlorine, hydrochloric acid and high levels of dissolved solids.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- It is used in industries such as<\/strong> soap, detergents, paper, textiles, aluminium, petrochemicals and water purification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts say enforcement will be key, as bioassay testing requires specialised laboratories, trained staff and regular independent monitoring.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The rules say at least 90% of fish must survive<\/strong> after 96 hours in 100% wastewater during laboratory-based bioassay testing.\n
- Membrane cell technology<\/strong> uses a special membrane to control the chemical process and is considered less polluting<\/strong> than older mercury-based processes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The new standards apply to standalone caustic soda plants that use membrane cell technology.<\/strong>\n
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have issued public advisories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Emerging technologies<\/strong> such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic identities are likely to make such frauds more convincing and difficult to detect in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A digital arrest <\/strong>refers to a cyber scam where fraudsters use fake video calls, forged IDs, and official-looking websites to falsely accuse individuals of crimes and coerce them into paying money.\n
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: <\/strong>Mandates free, informed, and unambiguous user consent for data processing, thereby discouraging dark patterns that manipulate users into sharing personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & CCPA Guidelines, 2023: <\/strong>The Consumer Protection Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to curb unfair trade practices.\n
- The term \u2018dark patterns\u2019<\/strong> was coined by Harry Brignull in 2010.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark patterns <\/strong>are user interface or user experience designs that manipulate, pressure, or mislead people into making choices they might not otherwise make.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coal accounts for around 55% of India’s primary commercial energy requirement and about 70% of electricity generation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Price Discovery: <\/strong>Coal prices will be determined through market forces<\/strong> rather than administrative allocations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It facilitates efficient price discovery<\/strong> based on market demand and supply conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A Coal Exchange is an electronic marketplace where coal producers, consumers, traders, and other participants can buy and sell coal<\/strong> through transparent trading mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These mountains are also called the \u201cwater towers of Asia<\/strong>\u201d because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems <\/strong>on the continent \u2014 Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km<\/strong> over eight countries<\/strong> \u2014 Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Munda Rebellion:<\/strong> It was the tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against the oppressions of the British Raj and <\/strong>local exploiters (Dikus).\n