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17 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 5GS-3: 9
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GS-2Polity

1.Draft Digital Personal Data Rules (Data Protection)

PIB

What & Where

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2023 – subordinate legislation to enforce the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

Regulates collection, processing, storage and erasure of digital personal data through consent-based safeguards

Applies pan-India; framed by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Delegated-legislation operationalises Act without exceeding primary-law mandate
  • Alignment with GDPR‐style global benchmarks to aid cross-border data adequacy
  • DPIA compulsory for all entities notified as Significant Data Fiduciaries

Tech & Schemes

  • Digital-grievance portal enables time-stamped complaints and transparent progress tracking
  • Annual electronic audits uploaded on secure government dashboard for oversight
  • MyGov crowdsourcing ensures iterative, evidence-based rule finalisation

Industry Facilitation

  • Startups/MSMEs get reduced record-keeping and lighter audit frequency
  • Balanced compliance designed to spur innovation while safeguarding user trust
  • SDF classification based on data volume, sensitivity, and potential harm

Citizen Empowerment

  • Rights include consent withdrawal, data portability, review of automated decisions
  • Mandatory timelines for fulfilling erasure or correction requests improve control
  • Awareness drives through schools, Common Service Centres, and online modules

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent legislationDigital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Nodal ministryMeitY
Core aimCitizen empowerment and data-misuse prevention
Consent standardInformed, prior, unambiguous
Key citizen rightsAccess, correction, erasure, grievance redressal
Compliance reliefRelaxed norms for startups & MSMEs
Oversight tagSignificant Data Fiduciary (SDF)
SDF obligationsAnnual audit + Data Protection Impact Assessment
Grievance redressalEnd-to-end digital portal & online adjudication
Feedback channelMyGov platform for public comments
Awareness planNationwide digital-rights literacy campaigns

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 1

सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005 के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं ?

GS-2Polity

2.Karnataka Ruling on Transgender Birth Certificates (Transgender Rights)

Indian Express

What & Where

Case: Ms. X vs State of Karnataka (2024); HC okays change of name & gender on birth certificates.

Law clash: Special Transgender Persons Act 2019 overrides general Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969.

Geography: Karnataka HC; judgment persuasive nationwide on official document corrections for trans persons.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Judgment: Registrar must accept transgender certificate until Parliament amends 1969 Act.
  • Discrimination ban: 2019 Act covers education, employment, healthcare, housing, public facilities.
  • Body: National Council for Transgender Persons advises, monitors, addresses grievances.

Social Concerns

  • Literacy gap: Transgender literacy 46 % vs national 74 %; education drop-outs high.
  • Vulnerability: Rejection triggers homelessness, street living, abuse, mental-health distress.
  • Transphobia: Frequent violence, harassment in public spaces lacking inclusive toilets, shelters.

Reform Timeline

  • 2009 Election Commission adds “Others” in voter forms.
  • 2014 NALSA verdict recognises third gender, affirms Article 21 dignity.
  • 2019 Parliament enacts Transgender Persons Act with identity certificates and anti-discrimination clauses.

Welfare & Support

  • Healthcare: Act mandates HIV surveillance, free medical care, SRS insurance coverage.
  • Economic aid: Policy push for liberal credit, entrepreneurship support for trans communities.
  • Education: Suggested anti-bullying, anti-ragging protocols tailored for transgender students.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Karnataka HC case year2024
Legal maxim usedgeneralia specialibus non-derogant
Special statute citedTransgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019
General statute limitedRegistration of Births & Deaths Act 1969
Identity certificate sectionsSec 6 (issue) & Sec 7 (post-surgery revision)
India transgender count 20114.88 lakh
Largest trans-pop statesUP > AP > Maharashtra
SC “Third Gender” ruling year2014 (NALSA case)
EC added “Others” option2009
Penalty under 2019 Act6 months – 2 years jail + fine
GS-2Polity

3.Arunachal Freedom of Religion Act Implementation (Anti-Conversion Law)

Indian Express

What & Where

Law; Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978 prohibits forced religious conversions statewide

Coverage; explicitly protects indigenous faiths like Donyi-Polo, tribal Buddhism, Nocte-Aka Vaishnavism

Geography; North-East border state Arunachal Pradesh with 26 districts now framing enforcement rules

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Provision; conversion against will punishable with two-year jail and ₹10,000 fine
  • Procedure; every conversion must be reported to District Deputy Commissioner
  • Revival; state drafting rules after Gauhati HC direction on 2022 PIL

Demographic Shift

  • Statistic; Christian population rose 0.79 % 1971 to 30.26 % 2011
  • Concentration; some districts record conversion ratios touching 90 % as per IFCSAP

Constitutional Context

  • Article 25; protects profession, practice, propagation subject to public order, morality, health
  • Article 26; allows denominations to manage own affairs under same limitations
  • Articles 27-30; cover taxes, property, educational rights of religious groups

State Comparisons

  • Pioneer; Odisha Freedom of Religion Act 1967 first anti-conversion statute
  • Expansion; 12+ states including MP 1968, Gujarat 2003, UP 2021 enacted similar laws
  • Severity; many acts impose higher penalties on SC, ST, women, minors

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Year enacted1978
Rules being framed2024-25
Max imprisonment2 years
Max fine₹10,000
Reporting authorityDeputy Commissioner
PIL trigger year2022
Court directionGauhati High Court
Christian share 19710.79 %
Christian share 201130.26 %
First anti-conversion state lawOdisha 1967
Constitutional baseArticle 25
Higher-penalty groupsSC, ST, minors, women

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

As per Article 371G of the Constitution of India, special provisions have been made with respect to the state of Mizoram. Accordingly, no Act of Parliament shall apply on certain matters unless the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram so decides by a resolution. Which one of the following matters is not covered under this Article?

GS-3Economy

4.Open Network for Digital Commerce Milestone (Digital Commerce)

The Hindu
Illustration for Open Network for Digital Commerce Milestone (Digital Commerce)

What & Where

ONDC = DPIIT-promoted, non-profit, open protocol linking disparate buyer-seller apps for egalitarian e-commerce.

Geography pan-India; piloted Bengaluru/Delhi; functional in 616+ cities (Jan 2024).

Process interoperable transactions via open-source APIs; role-segregated buyer apps, seller apps, logistics, tech enablers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives & Benefits

  • Democratization reduces gatekeeper fees, widens seller reach, boosts consumer choice.
  • Cost-efficiency cuts acquisition/processing costs for small firms.
  • Inclusion focus on MSMEs, women, SC/ST entrepreneurs via skill training, visibility.

Tech & Architecture

  • Open-source protocol enables plug-and-play for any compliant app.
  • Role-segregation unbundles marketplace functions, allowing independent logistics or catalog providers.
  • Multi-sector design supports commerce, mobility, finance, healthcare.

Expansion & Recognition

  • Pilots Fair Price Shop in Himachal Pradesh; ONDC Startup Mahotsav for ecosystem.
  • Awards validate emerging-tech use for citizen-centric services.
  • Transactions ramped sharply within three years, signalling market acceptance.

Capacity Building

  • Workshops with FICCI educate SMEs on onboarding.
  • Bhashini partnership drives Indic-language app development.
  • Chatbot ONDC Sahayak offers multilingual on-demand guidance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
IncorporationDec 2021 as Section-8 company
Public LaunchApr 2022
Nodal ministryCommerce & Industry (DPIIT)
Founding membersQuality Council of India, Protean eGov
Governance modelNon-profit, open network
Monthly transactions15 million+ (Dec 2024)
City coverage616+
Key sectorsFood, grocery, mobility, fashion, health, B2B, finance, agri
Core objectiveDemocratise digital commerce, curb platform monopolies
MSME scheme linkMSME-TEAM for women, SC/ST enterprises
Awareness toolsFICCI workshops, Bhashini tie-up, “ONDC Sahayak” WhatsApp bot (5 languages)
Recent awards2024 National e-Governance, 2024 IDA Startup of Year, 2023 Global Fintech

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

डिजिटल कॉमर्स के लिए ओपन नेटवर्क (ONDC) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 2

Which organization developed the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) portal?

GS-3Infrastructure

5.New Jammu Railway Division (Railway Administration)

Economic Times
Illustration for New Jammu Railway Division (Railway Administration)

What & Where

Railway Division = administrative sub-unit of Indian Railways handling operations, maintenance, infrastructure.

Jammu Division: new unit under Northern Railway Zone; territory split from Firozpur Division.

Jurisdiction spans Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla corridor incl. Anji Khad & Chenab bridges in J&K Himalayas.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Organisational Structure

  • Indian Railways hierarchy: Railway Board → 19 Zones → 70 Divisions.
  • Jammu Division creation fulfils decades-old regional demand for dedicated administration.

Infrastructure Highlights

  • Anji Khad Bridge: India first cable-stayed rail, critical USBRL segment.
  • Chenab Rail Bridge: 359 m above riverbed, wind resistance up to 260 km/h.
  • Division controls 272 km USBRL route with numerous tunnels, 1 km+ bridges.

Strategic Significance

  • Continuous rail link expected to spur tourism, horticulture exports, pilgrim inflow to Vaishno Devi.
  • Enhances troop, material mobility towards LoC and Ladakh corridors.
  • Integrates Kashmir economy with Delhi–Mumbai industrial hubs via National Rail grid.

Tech & Schemes

  • Hi-tech control centres, real-time asset monitoring, predictive maintenance tools planned.
  • Aligns with broader Indian Railways reforms: station redevelopment, 100% electrification drive.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total railway zones19 (incl. Metro Railway Kolkata)
Total railway divisions70
Zone headGeneral Manager (GM)
Division headDivisional Railway Manager (DRM)
Parent zone of Jammu DivisionNorthern Railway
Earlier managing divisionFirozpur Division
Key project overseenUdhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL)
Signature bridgesAnji Khad cable-stayed; Chenab Rail Bridge arch
Chenab Bridge recordWorld’s highest railway arch
Purpose of new divisionDecentralised management, faster decision-making in J&K
GS-1History

6.Sree Narayana Guru Contributions (Social Reformers)

PIB
Illustration for Sree Narayana Guru Contributions (Social Reformers)

What & Where

Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928); saint-reformer, Advaita philosopher from Chempazhanthy near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Championed caste-eradication through slogan “One Caste One Religion One God for All” and temple consecrations across Travancore

2021: Vice-President e-launched “Not Many, But One”, English translation of his poems

Quick Facts for MCQs

Social Reform

  • Temple-entry activism; mirrors as idols to negate caste hierarchy
  • Advocated education, cleanliness, vocational skills to uplift oppressed communities
  • Opposed exploitative conversions while insisting on inter-faith harmony

Philosophy & Literature

  • Reinterpreted Advaita Vedanta for social equality; stressed universal oneness
  • Composed hymns, mystical verses in Malayalam, Sanskrit, Tamil, English
  • Literary thrust captured unity underlying apparent diversity of India

National Movement

  • Vaikom agitation support drew Mahatma Gandhi’s praise; advanced universal temple access
  • Teachings energised Kerala’s anti-untouchability campaigns aligning with broader freedom struggle

Science Linkage

  • Darsanamala’s cosmology parallels contemporary physics concepts on creation
  • Emphasised rational cleanliness, agriculture, technical training reflecting proto-scientific temperament

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Birth22 Aug 1856, Chempazhanthy, Ezhava family
Death/Observance20 Sept 1928; Samadhi Day in Kerala
First Shiva templeAruvippuram, 1888, breaking caste bar
Unique idol choiceKalavancode temple had mirrors, symbolising inner divinity
Major sloganOru Jathi Oru Matham Oru Daivam Manushyanu
All-Religion Conf.1923, Alwaye Advaita Ashram; counters conversion
Key textsAdvaitha Deepika, Darsanamala, Atmopadesa Satakam
Reform linkageProvided impetus for Vaikom temple-entry agitation
Science mentionDarsanamala explains universe creation; ideas echo modern physics
Recent release2021 English anthology “Not Many, But One”

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in which one of the following?

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

7.Winter Char Dham Circuit Launch (Winter Char Dham)

Indian Express

What & Where

Initiative : Winter Char Dham circuit, Uttarakhand, promotes pilgrim-tourism during snowbound Dec-Apr off-season.

Sites : Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath in Garhwal Himalaya; altitudinal migration of deities ensures winter worship.

Relocation : Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), Pandukeshwar (Chamoli), Mukhba & Kharsali (both Uttarkashi) host the four deities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tourism & Economy

  • Diversification : Circuit converts lean winter spell into revenue stream for hotels, homestays, guides.
  • Employment : Snow-season festivals and heli-services expected to generate local jobs.
  • Marketing : State branding stresses safety, heated shelters, all-weather roads.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

  • Highways : 825 km Char Dham Project widens NH-58, NH-109, NH-94 for year-round traffic.
  • Logistics : All-weather road plus ropeways ease ambulance, supplies in heavy snowfall.

Religious Significance

  • Continuity : Idol translocation maintains daily puja when main shrines shut by snow.
  • Locale sanctity : Winter sites considered equal ‘Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga’ & ‘Narasingh Mandir’ status by scriptures.

Philosophical Context

  • Advaita : Shankaracharya’s non-dualism underpins Char Dham idea—realisation of Brahman through pilgrimage.
  • Unity : Four-direction shrines symbolise geographical and spiritual integration of Bharat.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launching stateUttarakhand
Season targetedWinter months
Traditional yatra windowMay – November
Kedarnath winter seatOmkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
Badrinath winter seatPandukeshwar, Chamoli
Gangotri winter seatMukhba, Uttarkashi
Yamunotri winter seatKharsali, Uttarkashi
Connectivity schemeChar Dham Highway Project
Original Char Dham (pan-India)Badrinath – Puri – Dwarka – Rameshwaram
Founder of conceptAdi Shankaracharya

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

The scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) provides assistance for

GS-3Environment

8.Southern Nicobar Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal (Nicobar Islands)

The Hindu
Illustration for Southern Nicobar Wildlife Sanctuary Proposal (Nicobar Islands)

What & Where

Southern Nicobar Islands—Meroë, Menchal, Little Nicobar—earmarked as Coral, Megapode, Leatherback Turtle Wildlife Sanctuaries

Location: southern Nicobar district, Andaman & Nicobar UT, eastern Indian Ocean near Great Nicobar

Inhabitants: PVTG Shompen and Southern Nicobarese tribes with long-standing customary stewardship

Quick Facts for MCQs

Social Concerns

  • Displacement: Sanctuary demarcation risks uprooting Shompen hunting ranges and Nicobarese coconut gardens
  • Livelihoods: Access limits could hit forest produce, reef fishing, sago palm staples
  • Spirituality: Piruii and Pingaeyak revered as ancestral realms; loss erodes cultural identity

Environmental Highlight

  • Biodiversity: Leatherback nesting beaches, megapode mound-nests, vibrant coral reefs and rainforest endemism
  • Ecosystem services: Forests buffer tsunamis, reefs sustain fisheries, mangroves sequester carbon
  • Threats: Mega-projects and land-use change may fragment habitats despite sanctuary tag

Legal & Policy

  • WLPA 1972: Sanctuary notification vests land in UT administration, curtails inhabitant rights without adequate settlement
  • PVTG protection: FRA 2006 and constitutional safeguards demand free prior informed consent before diversion
  • Tribunal oversight: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes empowered to review habitat deprivation cases

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Coral Sanctuary locationMeroë Island
Meroë local namePiruii
Megapode Sanctuary locationMenchal Island
Menchal local namePingaeyak
Leatherback Turtle SanctuaryLittle Nicobar Island
Flagship endangered speciesLeatherback turtle
PVTG presentShompen
Indigenous custodiansSouthern Nicobarese tribe

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found ?

GS-3Environment

9.South Africa Cancel Coal Verdict (Climate Litigation)

The Hindu
Illustration for South Africa Cancel Coal Verdict (Climate Litigation)

What & Where

Cancel Coal: youth-led push halting new 1 500 MW coal plants in South Africa

Venue: South Africa High Court, Pretoria; invoked constitutional right to healthy environment

Geography: South Africa, coal supplies 71 % of national energy (2022)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Judgment: Court declared IRP 2019 coal expansion unconstitutional, prioritised Section 24 environmental rights
  • Precedent: Adds to growing global climate-litigation wins against fossil projects
  • Remedy: Government must reassess energy mix aligning with constitutional duties

Environmental Impact

  • Health: Cites hazardous air pollution especially affecting children around coal plants
  • Climate: Coal expansion incompatible with Paris goals and national carbon-budget commitments
  • Sustainability: Verdict stresses long-term intergenerational equity in resource planning

Civil Society Role

  • Leadership: Youth activists, environmental NGOs spearheaded litigation and public protests
  • Strategy: Combined street mobilisation, expert evidence, constitutional arguments
  • Outcome: Demonstrated potency of civil action in shaping national energy trajectory

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
NationSouth Africa
Protest nameCancel Coal
Contested policyIntegrated Resource Plan 2019
Blocked capacity1 500 MW new coal
Coal share in SA energy (2022)71 %
GS-3Environment

10.Bhopal Hazardous Waste Removal (Hazardous Waste)

Down to Earth
Illustration for Bhopal Hazardous Waste Removal (Hazardous Waste)

What & Where

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: 2 Dec 1984 MIC leak at Union Carbide pesticide plant, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

2024-25: 40-year-old toxic waste finally trucked out for incineration.

MIC now only stored at Bayer CropScience facility, Institute, West Virginia, USA.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Hazardous Waste Rules notified 1989 under Environment Protection Act; major revisions 2008, 2009, 2010, 2016.
  • India ratified Basel Convention 1992; restricts trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste.
  • Seven UCIL officials convicted (IPC 304-A) in 2010; immediately granted bail.

Health Impact

  • Acute phase: breathlessness, eye burns, neurological distress within hours of exposure.
  • Chronic findings: reduced lung function, genetic anomalies, higher pregnancy loss and infant mortality.
  • Survivors still lack specialized healthcare; contamination persists around factory premises.

Disposal Technologies

  • Co-processing: hazardous waste used as alternative fuel/raw material in high-temperature cement kilns.
  • Incineration: controlled burning converts waste to ash and flue gas; energy can be recovered.
  • Pyrolysis: 300–900 °C, oxygen-limited; yields bio-oil, syngas and char for reuse.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Toxic gas involvedMethyl isocyanate (MIC)
Official death toll> 5,000 persons
People exposed> 5 lakh
Settlement (1989)USD 470 million
Victim‐representative lawBhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act, 1985
Hazardous waste India7.66 million t / year
Incinerable share8.5 %
Top generator statesGJ, MH, TN, AP, WB, CG
Co-processing cement plants~25 units
Sole MIC storage siteInstitute, West Virginia (USA)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

The 'Basel Convention' is aimed at protecting human health and environment against adverse effects of which of the following?

GS-3S&T

11.ISRO POEM-4 Space Agriculture (Space Agriculture)

Times of India
Illustration for ISRO POEM-4 Space Agriculture (Space Agriculture)

What & Where

Cowpea seed germination experiment aboard Indian microgravity mission.

Conducted on PSLV-C60 POEM-4 orbital stage in Low-Earth orbit.

Utilised CROPS module developed by VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • POEM-4 reuses spent PSLV upper stage, offering cost-efficient, stable testbed.
  • Robotic arm showcases autonomous manipulation for on-orbit servicing and sample handling.

Space Agriculture

  • Cowpea picked for hardiness, quick life-cycle, high protein—ideal for closed-loop life support.
  • Germination study probes root orientation, water/nutrient flow absent Earth gravity.

Strategic Significance

  • Success underpins Gaganyaan and upcoming lunar south-pole ventures.
  • Enhances ISRO’s profile for international microgravity biology collaborations and commercial missions.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch vehiclePSLV-C60
Orbital platformPOEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module)
Seed speciesCowpea / Vigna unguiculata (lobia)
Experiment moduleCROPS – Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies
DeveloperVikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO)
First-ever techIndia’s inaugural space robotic arm
Core objectiveValidate crop growth in microgravity for long missions
Orbit regimeLow-Earth, microgravity
Sustainability gainLowers Earth-dependency for space food supply
Future targetsLunar & Martian human habitats

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following PSLVs, launched by ISRO, is not correctly matched with their Missions?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 2

Which space organization launched the PUNCH Space Mission?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.Injectable Hydrogel Cancer Therapy (Cancer Therapy)

The Hindu

What & Where

Injectable peptide-based hydrogel engineered for localised cancer drug delivery.

Activates inside high-glutathione tumour micro-environment, enabling controlled release of anti-cancer agents.

2025 lab breakthrough; acts at tumour site, avoiding systemic circulation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biomedical Technology

  • Injectable format allows minimally invasive placement within tumour cavity after biopsy or surgery.
  • Hydrogel forms in situ, creating stable drug reservoir sustaining release over several therapeutic days.

Therapeutic Advantages

  • Localised release curtails systemic toxicity typical of intravenous chemotherapy, improving patient quality of life.
  • Peptide matrix biodegrades naturally, eliminating need for surgical removal post-therapy.

Material Science

  • Hydrogel network absorbs large water volumes, mimicking extracellular matrix for high tissue compatibility.
  • Redox-responsive design exploits tumour glutathione gradient, enabling on-demand drug liberation while sparing normal tissues.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Material classWater-based 3-D polymer hydrogel
CompositionUltra-short biocompatible, biodegradable peptides
Trigger moleculeElevated tumour glutathione (GSH) levels
Drug releaseControlled, localised at tumour site
Key benefitSpares healthy cells, lowers side effects
GS-2Misc

13.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 (Diaspora Engagement)

New Indian Express
Illustration for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 (Diaspora Engagement)

What & Where

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): flagship MEA event honouring NRI contributions.

Observed every 9 January; commemorates Gandhi’s 1915 home-coming from South Africa.

18th edition slated at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 8–10 Jan 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Evolution

  • Shifted to biennial format post-2015 for greater impact.
  • Date chosen as symbolic link to freedom struggle via Gandhi’s return.

Organisation & Logistics

  • MEA collaborates with state hosts for venue, outreach, security.
  • Includes plenaries, cultural shows, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.

2025 Edition

  • Focus on diaspora role in achieving developed-India vision by 2047.
  • Bhubaneswar hosting expected to boost Odisha’s global visibility.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
First celebration2003, New Delhi
Current frequencyBiennial since 2015
Governing ministryExternal Affairs (MEA)
Core objectiveDeepen diaspora engagement
Commemorative date9 January
18th edition cityBhubaneswar
Host stateOdisha
Convention dates8–10 Jan 2025
2025 theme“Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
Event statureLargest global gathering of Indian diaspora
GS-3Security

14.Pig-Butchering Cyber Scam Threat (Cyber Fraud)

DH

What & Where

Definition: online-investment fraud where scammers “fatten” victims before stealing entire stake.

Process: contact via social/dating platforms, show fake crypto gains, block withdrawals, siphon money.

Geography: Union Home Ministry flags rising incidence across India, linked to transnational cyber syndicates.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Modus Operandi

  • Grooming: prolonged friendly chats create trust, lower vigilance.
  • Incremental investment: small initial returns lure bigger deposits.
  • Exit: sudden account freeze, scammers vanish with capital.

Technological Tools

  • Fake trading apps mimic real exchanges, display fabricated blockchain transactions.
  • Use of anonymised crypto wallets complicates traceability.
  • Online ad targeting exploits algorithmic placement on major platforms.

Security Dimension

  • Union Home Ministry alert signals need for enhanced cyber-fraud monitoring.
  • Recovery near-impossible due to cross-border fund routing.
  • Often intertwined with organised syndicates operating cyber-slavery hubs overseas.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scam nickname originAnalogy of fattening pigs before butchering
First contact channelsSocial media, dating apps, Google/Facebook ads
Typical investment hookFaux cryptocurrency or online trading apps
Psychological ployFake profit dashboards to spur larger deposits
Withdrawal attempt resultFunds inaccessible, platform disappears
Enforcement concernMoney laundering and cyber-slavery links
GS-3Security

15.Reducing CAPF Suicide Rates (CAPF Welfare)

The Hindu
Illustration for Reducing CAPF Suicide Rates (CAPF Welfare)

What & Where

CAPFs: CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, NSG; all under MHA, India

Suicide rate: suicides per 1,00,000 population; national average 12.4 (NCRB 2022)

CISF suicides dipped 40 % in 2024 to 15 from 25 (2023)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Stress Factors

  • Deployment: prolonged Naxal, J-K, border stints without peace postings
  • Career: limited promotions, IPS reservation, NPS payouts below OPS
  • Personal: family separation, 80 % suicides post-leave, firearm availability

Support Measures

  • Governance: MHA task force; risk areas—working, service, personal
  • Mental-health: CRPF buddy pairs; CISF Mental Health Championship; BSF-AIIMS counselling
  • Digital: SAMBHAV instant leave approvals; 24×7 Project Mann tele-counselling

CRPF Burden

  • Top suicide numbers; 36 (2018)→57 (2021)→43 (2022)
  • Duties: election security, festival crowd management escalate workload
  • State police gaps cause continuous CRPF deployment, minimal rest cycles

Recommendations

  • Rotation: assured peaceful tenures; bolster state police manpower
  • HR: cadre-based promotions; open senior posts beyond IPS quota
  • Welfare: family co-location options, skill-training for dignified post-retirement jobs

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CAPF suicides 2018-22654
Highest force shareCRPF 230
BSF suicides 2018-22174
CISF suicides 2018-2289
CRPF peak year57 deaths in 2021
National suicide rate 202212.4 / lakh
MHA Task Force set-upDec 2021
CRPF e-leave toolSAMBHAV app
CISF helplineProject Mann

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the oldest Central Paramilitary Force in India?

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 2

‘Operation Sankalp’ was initiated and implemented by the

GS-2Scheme

16.Smart Cities Mission Third-Party Audits (Smart Cities)

LiveMint

What & Where

Mission: Centrally Sponsored Smart Cities Mission launched June 2015 to upgrade 100 Indian cities through area-based and pan-city “smart” solutions

Committee: Parliamentary Standing Committee (Housing & Urban Affairs) now seeks independent third-party audits to measure progress and plug gaps

Geography: Maximum lag in Tier-II/III and North-East cities while metros show faster completion

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance Structure

  • SPV model enables autonomous planning, chaired by state/ULB, leverages PPP funding channels
  • Oversight: Standing Committee classifies audit need for transparency, evidence-based corrections, replication into AMRUT & DAY-NULM
  • Coordination gap persists among Centre, state, ULBs causing approval and execution delays

Financial Progress

  • Funding: 26 cities yet to receive full central share due to slow work
  • Utilisation: ₹46,585 cr released, 93 % already spent; remaining projects worth ₹19,926 cr advancing
  • PPP plus multilateral finance encouraged to meet high sensor, ICT and O&M costs

Implementation Challenges

  • Delay drivers include land acquisition, technical capacity deficit, procedural clearances
  • Social impact: Redevelopment displaces slum dwellers and vendors; 49 % urban population in slums per World Bank
  • Data risk: Massive IoT surveillance needs robust cybersecurity, privacy law and citizen awareness

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2015
Mission coverage100 cities
Revised deadlineMarch 2025
Total projects8,000 + worth ₹1.6 lakh cr
Projects completed7,188 (90 %)
GoI allocation₹48,000 cr
Funds released₹46,585 cr (97 %)
Fund utilisation93 % of release
Cities with full share74
Implementation vehicleCity-level SPV under Companies Act
GS-1Editorial

17.Strengthening Preventive Healthcare in India (Preventive Healthcare)

The Hindu

What & Where

Definition – Preventive healthcare: identifies, mitigates health risks before severe onset

Types – Primary (immunisation, lifestyle), Secondary (screenings), Tertiary (complication management)

Geography – India: rising life expectancy, 65 % deaths now from NCDs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Disease Burden

  • Trend – NCDs strike Indians 10–15 years earlier than global average
  • Impact – Dual load with communicable diseases strains public health capacity
  • Cost – Household out-of-pocket spikes without early detection

Government Schemes

  • Ayushman Bharat HWCs – community NCD screenings, lifestyle counselling
  • NPCDCS – district level cancer, diabetes, CVD awareness, free diagnostics
  • NTCP – taxation, pictorial warnings, vendor licensing to curb tobacco use

Economic Angle

  • Prevention saves – early intervention cheaper than late-stage tertiary care
  • Funding idea – earmark sin-goods GST/cess for screening programs
  • Private sector – incentivised subsidised packages for 30 + age cohort

Implementation Challenges

  • Affordability – diagnostics expensive for bottom income quintile
  • Awareness – rural populace unaware of silent NCD progression
  • Infrastructure – specialist paucity in remote blocks hampers regular screenings

Tech & Innovation

  • AI-enabled imaging – portable tools for rapid eye, cardiac, lung screening at HWCs
  • Digital records – unified health ID to track risk factors longitudinally
  • Tele-consults – bridge specialist gap, enable secondary prevention follow-ups

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
NCD share of Indian deaths65 %
WHO forecasted NCD economic loss₹280 lakh crore by 2030
Productivity loss driverEarly-age chronic diseases
Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) target1.5 lakh centres
Section 80D current preventive check-up cap₹5,000
Proposed enhanced cap₹15,000

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following is not a feature of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

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