UPSC Current Affairs 4 January 2025

Q: S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

The correct answer is (a) Q S R P. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) None. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (a) NLP was launched in 2022. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Which one of the following is NOT important initiatives under EASE 4.0?

The correct answer is (a) Smart lending for aspiring India. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?

The correct answer is (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2017.

Q: Consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020.

Q: किसानों को प्रोत्साहन देने के लिए प्रत्येक वर्ष विभिन्न फसलों के लिए सरकार द्वारा घोषित की जाने वाली कीमत को क्या कहते हैं?

The correct answer is (a) खरीद कीमत. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?

The correct answer is (a) Nashik Inscription of Gautami Balashri. This question appeared in GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: A 150 CE inscription of Shaka ruler Rudradaman and a 5th-century inscription, at the same place, of the time of Gupta king Skandagupta refer to which one of the following?

The correct answer is (a) King Ashoka’s visit to the birthplace of Buddha. This question appeared in GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2026.

GS-2Polity

1.Birth Certificate Gender Change Ruling (Transgender Rights)

Indian ExpressKarnataka High Court · Transgender Persons Act 2019 · Registrar of Births

What & Where

Karnataka High Court 2024 judgment allows transgender persons to alter name + gender in birth certificates.

Relies on Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, which prevails over Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969.

Core process: self-identification → DM issues identity certificate → Registrar supplies corrected civil records.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Supremacy clause: Special law status forces 1969 Act compliance with 2019 Act provisions.
Right affirmed: legal recognition of chosen name, gender integral to Article 21 dignity.
Court direction: Registrars cannot refuse correction once valid identity certificate produced.

Procedure & Timelines

Application: Submit affidavit to DM; no medical board scrutiny needed.
Post-surgery: Add CMO/Superintendent certificate; quicker 15-day disposal.
Document updates: All linked authorities must finish changes within 15 days of request.

Administrative Roles

District Magistrate: Verify affidavit, issue identity card + certificate.
Registrar Births/Deaths: Enter corrections, supply new birth certificate without old details.
Central/state document authorities: Accept identity certificate as sufficient proof for database edits.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Leading case	Ms. X vs State of Karnataka (2024)
Governing statute	Transgender Persons Act 2019 (special law)
Acts overridden	Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969
Primary officers	District Magistrate; Registrar of Births & Deaths
Affidavit basis	Self-declared transgender identity
Medical proof	Needed only after sex-reassignment surgery
DM timeline: first certificate	30 days
DM timeline: post-surgery revision	15 days
Update deadline for Aadhaar/passport/birth record	15 days

GS-2Polity

2.Supreme Court Upholds Elderly Property Rights (Senior Citizens Act)

Hindustan TimesMWPSC Act 2007 · Section 23 · Property restoration

What & Where

MWPSC Act 2007; pan-India legal framework mandating children/legal heirs maintain parents & senior citizens

Section 23 empowers district/sub-division tribunals to void property transfers, restore assets when care duties breached

Supreme Court Jan 2025 judgment reiterates tribunal power to repossess property for neglected elders

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Supreme Court clarifies tribunals need not await civil suits; can directly cancel gift/transfer if care breached
Authorized NGOs or persons may file on behalf of incapacitated elders, easing locus standi barriers
Act supplements but does not replace provisions of CrPC sec 125 maintenance

Enforcement Mechanism

Summary procedure; cases disposed within 90 days, 30-day extension only with recorded reasons
Orders executable as arrears of land revenue; collectors empowered to attach salary/property
State to provide officers & budget; failure invites High Court directions under Art 226

Social Concerns

Rapid elder population growth (projected 20% by 2030) heightens relevance of maintenance safeguards
Changing family structures, urban migration cited as drivers of elder neglect cases
Awareness drives by ministry, helplines (Elderline 14567) push for increased reporting

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enactment year	2007
Admin ministry	Social Justice & Empowerment
Key section on property	Section 23
Tribunal levels	Sub-division & District
Appeal forum	Appellate Tribunal (District Collector–headed)
Maintenance ceiling	≥ ₹10,000/month (state-notified)
Penalty—non-payment	Fine + up to 1 month jail
Penalty—abandonment	Fine or up to 3 months jail

GS-3Editorial

3.Decade-Long Indian Economic Surge (GDP Growth)

DHGDP rise · FDI inflows · Ease of Doing Business

Illustration for Decade-Long Indian Economic Surge (GDP Growth)

What & Where

India: large emerging economy undergoing policy-led transformation since 2014

Processes: liberalisation, digitalisation, production-linked incentives, infrastructure push

Geography: nationwide impact with global investment linkages; third-largest economy in PPP terms

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy Initiatives

Make in India: second-largest mobile maker, lower import dependence
PLI scheme: production incentives attracting foreign capital to priority sectors
Gati Shakti: multimodal infra grid speeding logistics, industrial dispersion

Upsides

Job-creation: manufacturing/services expansion widening formal opportunities
Innovation: Global Innovation Index climb 76➔39 (2014-24) reflecting higher R&D spend
Financial-health: falling NPAs signalling stronger banking resilience

Challenges

Inequality: growth dividends uneven, marginalised groups lagging
Inflation: sticky food prices eroding real incomes
Employment-quality: high educated unemployment despite headline growth

Way Forward

Inclusive-growth: targeted redistribution, social protection for bottom quintiles
MSME-support: credit, tech, markets to spur local jobs
Green-transition: scale renewable investment for sustainable $30-tn ambition

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nominal GDP (2014)	$2.04 trillion
Nominal GDP (2023)	$3.57 trillion
GDP Target (2027)	$5 trillion
GDP Vision (2047)	$30 trillion
Per-capita income (2014)	$1,554
Per-capita income (2023)	$2,481
FDI inflow 2014-24	$709.84 bn (+69% vs previous decade)
Ease of Doing Biz rank	142 (2014) ➔ 63 (2019)
Competitiveness Index	71 (2015) ➔ 40 (current)
BSE Sensex	27,507 (2015) ➔ 78,507 (2025)
Market capitalisation	$5 trillion (2024)
Gross NPAs	2.6 % (2024)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3Economy

4.LEADS 2024 Logistics Ranking (Logistics Index)

PIBLEADS report · DPIIT · Logistics infrastructure

Illustration for LEADS 2024 Logistics Ranking (Logistics Index)

What & Where

LEADS: annual index measuring logistics ease across all Indian States & UTs.

Scope: evaluates Infrastructure, Services, Operating-Regulatory environment via stakeholder survey.

Geography: ranks Coastal, Land-locked, North-East States and Union Territories separately.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Performance Ranking

Achievers category includes 5 Coastal, 4 Land-locked, 2 North-East states, 2 UTs.
Fast Movers: Andhra Pradesh, Goa; Bihar, HP, MP, Punjab, Rajasthan; Meghalaya group; DNHDD, J&K, Lakshadweep, Puducherry.
Aspirers: Kerala, West Bengal; Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand; Manipur; Andaman & Nicobar, Ladakh.

Methodology

Evidence gathered through pan-India perception survey complemented by secondary data checks.
Weightage distributed across infrastructure 40%, services 40%, regulatory environment 20%.

Policy & Governance

Index fosters Centre-State dialogue for PM Gati Shakti & National Logistics Policy targets.
Highlights state-specific gaps enabling targeted PMGS and multimodal logistics park interventions.

Economic Angle

Higher LEADS score correlated with reduced logistics cost, boosting export competitiveness and domestic supply-chain resilience.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	Logistics Ease Across Different States
Launch year	2018
Nodal agency	DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Latest edition released	2024
Survey responses	7,300+
Stakeholder consultations	750+ bodies
Assessment pillars	Infrastructure; Services; Operating & Regulatory Environment
Aim	Actionable insights, competitive federalism, logistics reforms
Coastal Achiever top-3	Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra
Land-locked Achiever top-3	Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
North-East Achiever	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
UT Achievers	Chandigarh, Delhi

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

GS-3Economy

5.BAANKNET E-Auction Portal Launch (E-auction Portal)

Business StandardBAANKNET · Department of Financial Services · Bad loan recovery

What & Where

Portal: BAANKNET, centralised e-auction marketplace for distressed PSB assets

Department: Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India

Geography: Pan-India coverage for properties under PSBs and Debt Recovery Tribunals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Microservices architecture enables modular scaling and fault isolation
Integrated payment gateway allows instant EMD transfers and settlement
KYC API linkage ensures bidder verification in real time

Economic Angle

Consolidated portal improves price discovery, maximising recovery on bad loans
Faster asset offloading strengthens PSB balance sheets, lowering provisioning burden
Transparent auctions expected to boost investor confidence in stressed-asset market

Administrative Set-up

DFS trains PSB executives and DRT officers for uniform operations
Helpdesk + call centre provide multilingual assistance to bidders nationwide
Portal aligns with Insolvency & SARFAESI frameworks for seamless legal compliance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Purpose	E-auction & recovery of PSB-held properties
Managing body	Department of Financial Services, MoF
Listings at launch	~1,22,500 properties
Asset categories	Residential, commercial, industrial, agri land, vehicles, machinery
Tech design	Microservices architecture
Digital tools	Automated payment gateway + integrated KYC
Process span	Pre-auction, auction, post-auction
Support	24×7 helpdesk & call centre with callback

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT important initiatives under EASE 4.0?

ESE_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 2

Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?

GS-3Economy

6.Farmers Seek Legal MSP Guarantee (Minimum Support Price)

LiveMintMSP · Supreme Court · Farm protests

What & Where

Definition : Minimum Support Price (MSP) = Centre-declared floor rate guaranteeing farmers a pre-announced price for produce.

Coverage : 22 kharif + rabi crops plus FRP for sugarcane; effective procurement concentrated on rice & wheat.

Geography : Fresh protests ring-fence Punjab–Haryana border; matter now before Supreme Court of India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SupremeCourt: asked Centre to reply, hinted at High-Powered Committee mediation on MSP guarantee demand.
Government: terms nationwide legal MSP “fiscally unviable”, fears WTO subsidy breaches.
Petitioners: seek statutory right ensuring every farmer gets at least C2 + 50 % price.

Economic Angle

FiscalBurden: universal MSP procurement estimated at ₹10-15 lakh crore annually.
InflationRisk: higher floor prices can push retail food inflation via cereals, pulses.
MarketDistortion: compulsory MSP may crowd out private trade, inflate storage & logistics costs.

Social Concerns

FarmerDistress: low returns, rising inputs, indebtedness drive protests since liberalisation era.
EquityIssue: non-paddy/wheat regions rarely benefit; 86 % smallholders most vulnerable.
DemandsBeyondMSP: full debt waiver, pensions, labour wage hike, land-water rights.

Tech & Schemes

DigitalMandi: formal online platforms proposed to improve transparent MSP operations.
PMKSY: augments cold-chain & storage, reducing post-harvest losses supporting price realisation.
FPOs/Cooperatives: touted to aggregate produce, negotiate better prices, lessen state procurement load.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
MSP first announced	1966-67 (wheat)
Deciding body	Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)
Current cost yardstick	A2 + FL + 50 % margin
Swaminathan formula	C2 + 50 % margin
Crops statutorily procured	Mainly rice, wheat by FCI
Crops under MSP list	22 (+ FRP for sugarcane)
Price-deficiency scheme	PM-AASHA, 2018
High-Powered Committee year	2021, after farm-law repeal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements :

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 2

किसानों को प्रोत्साहन देने के लिए प्रत्येक वर्ष विभिन्न फसलों के लिए सरकार द्वारा घोषित की जाने वाली कीमत को क्या कहते हैं?

GS-1History

7.Fourth-Century Sanskrit Inscription Gilgit (Ancient Inscription)

Times of IndiaBrahmi script · Pushpasingha · Mahesvaralinga

What & Where

Discovery: 4th-century CE Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi at Gilgit, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Content: Pushpasingha installs a Mahesvara-linga for the spiritual merit of his partly-lost guru

Parallel: 2024 find of 10th-century Sanskrit-Sharada Dharini slab near Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Quick Facts for MCQs

Recent Discoveries

Gilgit find: earliest Sanskrit Brahmi in region, extends early Kashmir cultural footprint
Peshawar Sharada slab: evidences Buddhist Dharini chant spread in northwest by 10th century

Historical Significance

Evidence: inscriptions give undiluted dates, rulers, conquests, social data absent in later texts
Administration: Junagarh Girnar record shows Rudradaman prioritising Sudarshana Lake dam upkeep

Selected Inscriptions

Political: Bhitari pillar extols Skandagupta victories against Hunas
Land-grant: Harsha’s Banskhera plates reveal ancestry, revenue concessions, governance style
Victory: Mandsaur stone praises Yashodharman’s defeat of Hunas, restoring regional order

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inscription date	4th century CE
Primary script	Brahmi
Language	Sanskrit
Location	Gilgit, POK
Key donor	Pushpasingha
Installed object	Mahesvaralinga
Earlier linked find	10th century Sanskrit-Sharada (2024)
Earlier content	Buddhist Dharini mantra mention

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2026PYQ 2

A 150 CE inscription of Shaka ruler Rudradaman and a 5th-century inscription, at the same place, of the time of Gupta king Skandagupta refer to which one of the following?

GS-1History

8.Thanthai Periyar Memorial Renovation (Vaikom Satyagraha)

The HinduPeriyar · Vaikom · Self-Respect Movement

Illustration for Thanthai Periyar Memorial Renovation (Vaikom Satyagraha)

What & Where

Renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial located at Vaikom, Kottayam district, Kerala.

Honors E.V. Ramasami Naicker (Periyar), central figure of 1924-25 Vaikom Satyagraha.

Vaikom Satyagraha: first organised anti-caste access protest for ‘untouchable’ communities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Significance

First organised temple-access campaign seeded later temple-entry legislations.
Dual imprisonments amplified Periyar’s South-Indian reform image.
“Vaikom Veeran” moniker embodies anti-caste valor.

Memorial Features

Library stores biographies, Dravidian archives, leader correspondence.
Upgrade promotes research, heritage tourism on social reform history.
Joint-state inauguration denotes cross-regional respect for Periyar.

Dravidian Movement

Self-Respect ideology stressed rationalism, caste annihilation, women’s rights.
Dravidar Kazhagam ideologically fathered DMK, AIADMK politics.
Periyar shaped Tamil linguistic and social-justice discourse.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inauguration date	Jan 2025
Inaugurated by	Kerala & Tamil Nadu CMs
Memorial add-ons	New library, archival displays
Periyar’s title from stir	Vaikom Veeran
Satyagraha span	30 Mar 1924 – 23 Nov 1925
Protest locale	Streets around Vaikom temple, Kerala
Local leaders	T.K. Madhavan; K.P. Kesava Menon; K. Kelappan
Periyar-founded bodies	Self-Respect Movement; Dravidar Kazhagam
Periyar epithet	Father of Dravidian movement
Movement character	Peaceful, anti-caste civil rights

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

GEO_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 2

The self-respect movement was started by:

GS-1Mapping

9.Hotan Prefecture Border Dispute (Aksai Chin)

New Indian ExpressHotan Prefecture · Aksai Chin · Tarim Basin

Illustration for Hotan Prefecture Border Dispute (Aksai Chin)

What & Where

Hotan Prefecture, SW Xinjiang, administers Aksai Chin claimed by India as Ladakh

New counties He’an & Hekang carved in 2024 inside Hotan, triggering Indian protest

Tarim Basin location, bounded by Kunlun Mountains south, Taklamakan Desert north

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Context

1962 War made Aksai Chin core dispute between India and China
Continuous Chinese control since ceasefire, infrastructure consolidation followed
Prefecture status in 1971 institutionalised Beijing’s administration

Geographical Features

Desert terrain limits habitation, oases enable Hotan city agriculture
Kunlun range forms natural barrier between Tibet & Tarim Basin
Strategic plateau roads link Xinjiang to Tibet via Aksai Chin

Security Dimension

County creation seen by India as cartographic assertiveness
Hotan’s proximity to Line of Actual Control heightens troop deployment calculus
Region part of China’s Western Theater Command logistics chain

Demographic Profile

Uyghur majority settled around oases, practicing oasis farming and trade
Sparse Han presence compared to northern Xinjiang cities
Cultural linkages distinct from Tibetan and Ladakhi populations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Administering country	China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region)
Indian claim	Eastern Ladakh, Aksai Chin sector
Year Hotan became prefecture	1971
Key war over area	Sino-Indian War 1962
Northern landscape	Taklamakan Desert
Southern mountain range	Kunlun Mountains
Dominant ethnicity	Muslim Uyghurs
Borders to west	Ladakh & Gilgit-Baltistan
New counties created	He’an, Hekang (2024)

GS-3Environment

10.Wildlife Tranquilizer Evolution (Wildlife Immobilisation)

Indian ExpressTranquilizer darts · Zeenat tigress · Curare

Illustration for Wildlife Tranquilizer Evolution (Wildlife Immobilisation)

What & Where

Tranquilizer = chemical agent inducing sedation or anesthesia, delivered by remote darts to immobilise wild animals

Key use in wildlife rescue, research, conflict capture; recent case — tigress Zeenat, West Bengal, India

Applied worldwide; choice of drug, dose, gun pressure varies by species, size, terrain

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

Manual capture: pits, nets, chase methods pre-20th C
Chemical shift: Curare darts, narcotic bullets, mercy bullets marked incremental humaneness
Reliability improved only after 1950s with calibrated anesthetic formulations

Chemical Agents

Etorphine micrograms immobilise multi-ton elephants; requires opioid antagonist post-procedure
Ketamine dissociative anesthesia effective yet prone to illegal diversion
Telazol gaining field popularity due to single-vial convenience, broad mammal dosage charts

Mechanism & Delivery

Dart gun: CO₂ cartridge propels drug-filled dart at selectable velocity
Upon impact needle penetrates hide, plunger auto-injects full dose
CNS depression yields recumbency within minutes, allowing safe approach

Risks & Limitations

Curare and other neuromuscular blockers caused respiratory arrest, now largely obsolete
Overdose or inaccurate shot can be lethal; underdose prompts dangerous partial sedation
Field teams carry antagonists, oxygen, monitoring gear to mitigate cardiorespiratory collapse

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First narcotic bullet	1912, morphine load
“Mercy bullet” intro	1928, Capt Barnett Harris
Early plant toxin	Curare, South American origin
Strongest modern opioid	Etorphine (M99) for elephants
Popular sedative combo	Xylazine + Ketamine
Ready-mix drug	Telazol = Tiletamine + Zolazepam
Dart propulsion	Compressed CO₂ gas
Injection site	Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Reversible sedative class	Alpha-adrenergic, e.g., Xylazine
High-risk neuromuscular blocker	Curare, high mortality

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

11.Inter-State Tiger Translocation Plan (Tiger Translocation)

Times of IndiaBandhavgarh · Kanha · NTCA

What & Where

Translocation planned shift of 15 Madhya Pradesh tigers to boost genetics elsewhere

Source landscapes Bandhavgarh, Pench & Kanha Tiger Reserves in central India

Recipient states Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha after NTCA clearance

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Strategy

Reinforcement method introduces unrelated cats into isolated populations
Genetic mixing expected to strengthen long-term species viability

Statewise Allocation

Chhattisgarh to receive 6 tigresses + 2 tigers
Rajasthan to receive 4 tigresses
Odisha to receive 1 tiger + 2 tigresses

MP Tiger Landscape

State holds India’s highest wild-tiger number 785
Nine reserves span diverse habitats from Vindhyan to Satpura ranges

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total tigers in MP (NTCA 2022)	785
Tigers being moved	15 (12 tigresses + 3 tigers)
Approving authority	National Tiger Conservation Authority
Origin reserves	Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha
MP tiger reserves count	9
Newest MP reserve	Madhav Tiger Reserve, Shivpuri
Core aim	Increase genetic diversity, cut inbreeding

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 1

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following was recently considered to be a suitable site for introducing African cheetah in India?

GS-3S&T

12.Mission ShakthiSAT All-Girls Lunar Flight (All-girls Lunar Mission)

Times of IndiaShakthiSAT · ISRO · Space Kidz India

What & Where

Mission ShakthiSAT all-girls satellite headed to lunar orbit demonstrating global student talent

Launch site Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota using PSLV rocket in September 2026

Participation 12000 girls from 108 nations with top 108 building payloads in Chennai

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Satellite built under Space Kidz India mentorship with student designed scientific payloads
IN-SPACe facilitates private sector contributions to components launch services training
Mission aims lunar orbital experiments rather than surface landing reducing complexity cost

Social Concerns

Gender inclusion core focus empowering teenage girls into space STEM careers
Visibility of female role models expected to improve retention rates in higher STEM education

Global Collaboration

Representation includes Africa Latin America Europe Asia Oceania fostering cross cultural teamwork
Age criteria broader for African Latin American students 14-18 acknowledging later STEM entry points
Global mentoring sessions planned virtually until final Chennai bootcamp ensuring inclusive access

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scheduled launch	Sep 2026
Launch vehicle	Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Launch site	SDSC Sriharikota, India
Mission orbit	Lunar orbit (not landing)
Lead agency	ISRO
Student coordinator	Space Kidz India
Private facilitator	IN-SPACe
Total girl applicants	≈12 000
Countries represented	108
Final trainees	108 girls
Training venue	Chennai, India
Age limit Africa/LatAm	14–18 yrs
Age limit other regions	14–16 yrs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

India's maiden human space mission will be launched in 2023. What is its name?

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

भारत का ‘मिशन शक्ति’ (DRDO) निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है?

GS-3S&T

13.Human Metapneumovirus Outbreak Overview (Respiratory Virus)

Times of IndiaHMPV · Pneumoviridae · Respiratory infection

Illustration for Human Metapneumovirus Outbreak Overview (Respiratory Virus)

What & Where

Virus: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Pneumoviridae family, non-segmented RNA respiratory pathogen

Discovery: first identified 2001 in Netherlands via genomic sequencing of respiratory samples

Geography: circulates worldwide; current spike reported in China

Quick Facts for MCQs

Vulnerable Groups

Infants: immature immunity raises hospitalization risk
Elderly: immunosenescence elevates morbidity and mortality
Immunocompromised: transplant or cancer patients show prolonged shedding

Clinical Features

Incubation: 3–6 days, flu-like presentation
Seasonality: late winter–early spring peak paralleling RSV
Coinfection: frequent with RSV or influenza, heightening severity

Transmission & Diagnosis

Droplet spread: virus viable hours on plastic or cloth surfaces
NAAT: real-time RT-PCR offers rapid, high sensitivity detection
Antigen assay: useful when viral load high during outbreaks

Treatment & Prevention

Vaccine status: candidates in pre-clinical recombinant F-protein stage
Prevention: hand hygiene, mask etiquette, isolate symptomatic individuals
Severe care: oxygen supplementation, rare mechanical ventilation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Genome type	Non-segmented negative-sense RNA
Virus family	Pneumoviridae
Year discovered	2001
Place discovered	Netherlands
Natural host	Humans
High-risk groups	<5 yrs, ≥65 yrs, immunocompromised, chronic lung disease
Common symptoms	Cough, rhinorrhoea, fever, sore throat
Severe outcomes	Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, wheeze, dyspnoea
Transmission	Droplets, close contact, fomites
Preferred test	NAAT (real-time RT-PCR)
Antigen test use	Outbreaks or severe cases
Antiviral/vaccine	None licensed
Supportive care	Hydration, OTC antipyretic, oxygen/IV fluids if severe

GS-3S&T

14.ANEEL Thorium Fuel Collaboration (Thorium Fuel ANEEL)

Business StandardThorium · HALEU · NTPC

Illustration for ANEEL Thorium Fuel Collaboration (Thorium Fuel ANEEL)

What & Where

ANEEL fuel thorium + HALEU blend engineered for India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)

Thorium reactors fertile Th-232 paired with 235U / 239Pu to breed fissile 233U

Geography India’s monazite-rich coasts supply world-scale thorium; NTPC-CCTE pact targets domestic PHWR fleet

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Efficiency ANEEL lifts burn-up eightfold cutting refuelling frequency and operating costs
PHWR pipeline 10 indigenous 700 MW units under construction expand uptake potential
Three-stage programme ANEEL offers quicker thorium entry before full Stage-III reactors arrive

Environmental Impact

Waste reduction Higher burn-up slashes spent-fuel volume and long-lived actinide inventory
Clean energy alignment Supports COP28 pledge to triple global nuclear capacity for net-zero targets

Security Dimension

Non-weaponizable Thorium and spent ANEEL fuel resist diversion easing supplier proliferation worries
Deterrent radiation Hard gamma from 232U in thorium cycle complicates clandestine handling

International Collaboration

NTPC-CCTE MoU 2025 pioneers commercial ANEEL deployment research and licensing
HALEU supply risk Russia and China dominate production; alternative sourcing is strategic priority

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Operating Indian reactors	22
PHWRs in operation	18
Installed nuclear capacity	6780 MWe
ANEEL burn-up	60 000 MWd / t
Natural-U PHWR burn-up	7000 MWd / t
Fuel bundles 220 MW PHWR	22 000 with ANEEL vs 1 75 000 conventional
HALEU enrichment band	5 – 20 % 235U
Thorium abundance	~10.5 ppm; thrice uranium

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium?

GS1 2016PYQ 2

India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

GS-3S&T

15.AICTE Declares 2025 Year of AI (AICTE AI Initiative)

Times of IndiaYear of AI 2025 · AI curriculum · Faculty workshops

Illustration for AICTE Declares 2025 Year of AI (AICTE AI Initiative)

What & Where

AICTE proclaims 2025 as “Year of Artificial Intelligence” across Indian technical higher-education.

Coverage spans 14,000+ AICTE-affiliated colleges, impacting ~40 million students nationwide.

Goal: embed AI curriculum, upskill faculty, forge industry ties to position India as global AI hub.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Education Reform

Curriculum overhaul introduces AI modules across engineering, management, architecture, pharmacy streams.
Faculty-development workshops enhance AI pedagogy and research capability.
Excellence awards planned for institutions leading AI adoption.

Industry Linkages

Collaborations with AI firms provide projects, internships, mentoring.
Partnerships expected to align academic outputs with market needs, spurring innovation.

Consumer Protection

AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline delivers 24×7 grievance redressal.
e-Daakhil portal facilitates online filing, tracking of complaints.
New guidelines curb deceptive marketing, dark patterns, fake reviews in e-commerce.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal Council	All India Council for Technical Education
Parent Ministry	Ministry of Education
Legal Status	Statutory body since Nov 1945
Theme Year	2025 = “Year of AI”
Colleges Covered	≈14,000
Learners Targeted	≈40 million
Core Pledge	AI Affirmation Pledge
Faculty Support	Pan-India AI workshops
Industry Role	Partnerships for real-world exposure
Consumer Portals	Helpline, e-maap, e-Daakhil, Jago Grahak Jago

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

ESE_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2International Relations

16.Indo-Pak Nuclear List Exchange (Nuclear Lists Exchange)

Hindustan Times1988 agreement · Consular Access 2008 · Vienna Convention

What & Where

Bilateral practice: India–Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear sites, prisoners & fishermen every 1 January; prisoners also on 1 July.

Nuclear lists governed by 1988 Agreement on Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations; no site specifics disclosed.

Prisoner lists mandated by 2008 Agreement on Consular Access; draws on Vienna Convention, 1963 (Article 36).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Agreement-1988 prohibits attacks on declared nuclear facilities, fostering minimal strategic transparency.
Agreement-2008 obliges biannual national-list exchange, easing verification of detainees’ status.
Vienna Convention internationalizes right of arrested foreigners to consular communication.

Security Dimension

Nuclear list exchange aims to lower accidental strike risk on strategic assets.
Non-disclosure of exact facility details maintains operational secrecy while honoring pact formalities.
Continual exchanges persist despite broader diplomatic freezes, underscoring criticality of strategic stability.

Diplomatic Practice

Lists swapped through respective High Commissions in New Delhi & Islamabad on calendar-fixed dates.
Mechanism operates under composite dialogue suspension, illustrating compartmentalized engagement model.
Regularity provides confidence-building measure, complementing other CBMs like border hotline.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nuclear-site pact signing	31 Dec 1988
Pact in force	27 Jan 1991
First nuclear list swap	1 Jan 1992
2025 exchange number	34th consecutive
Swap frequency-nuclear	Annual, 1 January
Swap frequency-prisoners	Biannual, 1 Jan & 1 Jul
Governing prisoner pact	Agreement on Consular Access, 2008
Vienna Convention clause	Article 36 – prompt consular notification

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच के निम्नलिखित समझौतों को कालानुक्रम के अनुसार व्यवस्थित कीजिए:

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following international events:

GS-3Security

17.Army Promotion Policy Revamp (Quantified ACR)

Times of IndiaTheatre commands · Merit-based promotions · Annual Confidential Report

What & Where

Reform: Indian Army’s promotion policy for Lieutenant Generals shifted from seniority-centric to quantified merit system.

Geography: Applies across all Army commands in India; syncs with Navy & IAF to enable future tri-Service theatre commands.

Scope: Excludes Vice Chief and 7 existing C-in-C posts; targets upcoming apex-level vacancies.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Administrative Reform

Quantification: Objective numbers replace narrative ACRs, curbing subjectivity & lobbying.
Uniformity: Harmonises appraisal metrics across three services for joint staffing.
Vacancy impact: Merit list, not age, decides apex postings once incumbents retire.

Security Dimension

Theatre readiness: Ensures best-rated leaders head China, Pakistan & IOR oriented commands.
Accountability: Performance-linked promotions expected to elevate operational standards.
Continuity: Removal of 18-month rule allows younger high-performers earlier elevation.

Inter-Service Synergy

Cross-compatibility: Common appraisal yardsticks ease lateral movement into joint structures.
Policy precedent: Mirrors Navy/IAF models, smoothing cultural transition for Army brass.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Old basis	Seniority, date of birth, vacancy
Minimum residual service (old)	18 months before superannuation
New appraisal tool	Quantified Annual Confidential Report (ACR)
Grading scale	1 to 9 for each attribute
Primary promotion criterion now	Merit score from ACR
Ranks covered	Lieutenant Generals (except VCOAS, 7 C-in-C)
Services already using quantified ACR	Navy, Air Force
Reform driver	Upcoming integrated theatre commands
Key objectives	Transparency, uniformity, operational readiness

GS-3Security

18.CENJOWS-NDMA Disaster Management MoU (CENJOWS-NDMA MoU)

PIBDisaster mitigation · HADR · Whole-of-nation

What & Where

MoU signed Jan 2025 between NDMA & CENJOWS to fortify national disaster management

Focus areas – mitigation, preparedness, response, humanitarian assistance & disaster relief operations

Geography – pan-India implementation with scope for international collaboration

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

MoU provides structured framework for joint research giving policy inputs on HADR and disaster governance
Alignment ensured with India’s foreign policy during global disaster management cooperation
Jointness concept promoted as driver of Comprehensive National Power

Capacity Building

Seminars, workshops, training planned for armed forces, NDMA officials, wider stakeholders
Awareness campaigns to mainstream risk mitigation across communities
Outputs expected to refine doctrines and standard operating procedures

International Engagement

Collaboration channels opened for multilateral HADR exercises and knowledge exchange
Supports India’s intent to project credible disaster response leadership in Indo-Pacific
MoU envisages syncing defence diplomacy with humanitarian outreach

Institutional Profiles

CENJOWS functions as MoD think-tank fostering tri-service synergy through research alternatives
NDMA remains apex statutory body steering national disaster policy, guidelines, resource allocation
Partnership bridges military expertise with civilian mandate for holistic disaster resilience

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Signing bodies	NDMA + Centre for Joint Warfare Studies
CENJOWS parent ministry	Ministry of Defence
CENJOWS setup year	2004
CENJOWS legal status	Societies Registration Act 1860
NDMA setup year	2006
NDMA legal basis	Disaster Management Act 2005
NDMA chairperson	Prime Minister of India
NDMA total members	9 (one Vice-Chairperson)
Approach coined	Whole-of-the-Nation
Key pillars	Research, Capacity Building, Awareness, International Engagement

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन संस्थान (NIDM) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-2Scheme

19.Crop Insurance Schemes Extended (PMFBY Extension)

The HinduPM Fasal Bima Yojana · RWBCIS · DAP subsidy

What & Where

Measures: Union Cabinet clears PMFBY & RWBCIS extension, DAP special subsidy, FIAT fund

Processes: Crop insurance from pre-sowing to post-harvest; tech-based yield & weather monitoring via YES-TECH, WINDS

Geography: Pan-India coverage for notified crops; WINDS stations at block level, rain gauges at panchayat level

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Extension decision taken at 04 Jan 2025 Union Cabinet meeting under Government Policies & Interventions
DAP subsidy kept outside standard Nutrient Based Subsidy to cushion global price spikes

Tech & Schemes

YES-TECH employs remote sensing and AI for faster, objective yield estimation
WINDS supplies hyper-local data improving claim calculation transparency and speed

Economic Angle

DAP price support aims affordable fertilizer input despite volatile international phosphate market
FIAT funding accelerates tech adoption, reducing administrative costs and claim disputes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
PMFBY & RWBCIS validity	Up to 2025-26
Farmer premium	2 % Kharif; 1.5 % Rabi; 5 % commercial/horticulture
Scheme nature	Central Sector
DAP special package	From 1 Jan 2025 till further orders
Seasons covered	Kharif & Rabi 2024-25
FIAT corpus	₹ 824.77 crore
YES-TECH weightage	≥ 30 % tech-based yield estimate
WINDS install plan	Automatic weather station per block; rain gauge per panchayat
Weather network density	5-fold increase
Crop types insured	Food grains, oilseeds, annual commercial/horticultural

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following Yojanas replaces two schemes – National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), 1999 as well as the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS), 2010 – by incorporating the best features of all these schemes while removing the previous shortcomings and weaknesses?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

GS-2Scheme

20.PMAY-G Rural Housing Progress (PMAY-G)

PIBPMAY-G · SECC 2011 · Financial assistance

Illustration for PMAY-G Rural Housing Progress (PMAY-G)

What & Where

PMAY-G 2016: Centrally sponsored scheme giving pucca houses to SECC-2011 listed rural poor.

Process: Gram Sabha validation, geo-tagging, convergence with SBM-G toilets, Ujjwala LPG, MGNREGA labour.

Geography split: plains versus Himalayan/NE & UTs (J&K, Ladakh) for subsidy and cost-sharing.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding Pattern

Subsidy tiering: Rs1.20 lakh plains; Rs1.30 lakh hills/NE/J&K; 60:40 vs 90:10 ratios.
Allocation FY24-29: Rs3.06 lakh cr for 2 crore houses; Ladakh 100 % Centre.

Implementation Tools

Digital monitoring: Awas Plus-2024 & Awas Sakhi apps enable geo-tagging and fund tracking.
Scheme convergence: SBM-G toilets, Ujjwala LPG, 90/95 MGNREGA workdays reduce beneficiary burden.

Progress Metrics

Output: 3.21 crore houses sanctioned; 2.67 crore built by Nov 2024.
Inclusion: 59.58 lakh SC and 58.57 lakh ST houses completed.

Poverty Indicators

MPI drop: 29.17 % (2013-14) to 11.28 % (2022-23).
Consumption survey 2022-23: rural poverty 7.2 %, urban 4.6 %.

Challenges

Constraints: agriculture dependence, underemployment, service deficits curb rural incomes.
Governance gaps: weak data, corruption, short-term focus slow poverty eradication efforts.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2016
Plain-area subsidy	Rs 1.20 lakh/house
Hill/NE/J&K subsidy	Rs 1.30 lakh/house
Cost share plains	60 : 40 (Centre : State)
Cost share hills/NE/J&K	90 : 10
UT Ladakh funding	100 % Central
Toilet grant (SBM-G)	Rs 12,000
MGNREGA support	90/95 person-days
SC/ST earmarking	60 % of targets
Extra target FY24-29	2 crore houses; Rs 3.06 lakh cr
Completed houses Nov 2024	2.67 crore
Int’l poverty line	USD 2.15 (2017 PPP)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन PM-JANMAN योजना के संदर्भ में सही है?

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following is the earliest launched scheme of the Government of India?

GS-1Misc

21.National Sports Awards 2024 Recipients (National Sports Awards)

PIBKhel Ratna · Arjuna Award · Dronacharya

What & Where

National Sports Awards = annual Government of India honours for sporting excellence, announced by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Key categories: Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Major Dhyan Chand (lifetime), Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar, MAKA Trophy.

Ceremony in New Delhi; covers athletes, coaches, institutions across all Indian states and Union Territories.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Awardees 2024

Khel Ratna: Chess Gukesh D; Hockey Harmanpreet Singh; Para-Athletics Praveen Kumar; Shooting Manu Bhaker
Arjuna: Athletics Jyothi Yarraji, Annu Rani; Boxing Nitu; Para-Archery Rakesh Kumar; Para-Athletics Navdeep etc.
Other honours: Coaches Subhash Rana, S Muralidharan; Institution Physical Education Foundation; University Chandigarh University

Award Categories

Khel Ratna recognises most outstanding international performance over four years; medal, certificate, cash included.
Arjuna rewards consistent high-level results; winner gets Arjuna statuette, certificate, cash.
Dronacharya top coach award; Major Dhyan Chand honours lifetime sporting contribution.

Eligibility & Benefits

Protsahan Puraskar for organisations driving sports development in preceding three years.
MAKA Trophy for university topping National University Games/inter-university championships of previous academic year.
Selection via ministry-constituted committee; awards traditionally conferred by President on National Sports Day.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year of present list	2024
Highest sporting honour	Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Khel Ratna 2024 winners	Gukesh D, Harmanpreet Singh, Praveen Kumar, Manu Bhaker
Arjuna (Lifetime) 2024	Sucha Singh; Murlikant R Petkar
Protsahan Puraskar 2024	Physical Education Foundation of India
MAKA Trophy 2024	Chandigarh University
Coach award name	Dronacharya
Performance period: Khel Ratna/Arjuna	Previous 4 years
Promotion period: Protsahan Puraskar	Previous 3 years
MAKA evaluation window	Last 1 year of inter-university events

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT correct regarding the Khel Ratna Award?

ESE_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 2

खेल पुरस्कारों के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए :