Tuesday, 14 January 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?

The correct answer is (b) Application of fertilizer to the soil increases fertility of the soil.. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 3. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Recently Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the linking of two rivers as a link project. Which are these two rivers?

The correct answer is (a) Betwa and Chambal. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?

The correct answer is (a) Chambal Project. This question appeared in GS1 2005.

Q: Consider the following features about a geographical phenomenon:

The correct answer is (a) Slump and earthflow. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: In the map given below, four islands of Indian Ocean region, i.e. A) Seychelles, B) Chagos, C) Mauritius and D) Socatra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match them and select the correct answer from the codes given below.

The correct answer is (a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

The correct answer is (a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: भारत द्वारा विकसित ‘पिनाका’ क्या है?

The correct answer is (c) टैंक-निषेचित प्रक्षेपास्त्र (Anti-Tank Guided Missile). This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: With reference to India's defence, the terms ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ refer to

The correct answer is (b) cargo helicopters. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a fast attack craft commissioned by the Indian Navy.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024.

19 topicsGS-1: 7GS-2: 5GS-3: 7

0/19 done

GS-3Economy

1.India Domestic Urea Production Surge (Fertiliser Industry)

Indian Expressurea capacity · Atmanirbhar Bharat · greenfield plants

Illustration for India Domestic Urea Production Surge (Fertiliser Industry)

What & Where

Urea: nitrogenous fertiliser made from natural-gas ammonia + CO₂; backbone of Indian cereal productivity.

Installed capacity 2023-24: 31.4 MT; fresh plants cluster in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha.

Six gas-based units operational since 2019; Talcher (Odisha) coal-gasification plant upcoming.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Neem-Coated Urea 2015: curbs diversion, lifts nitrogen-use efficiency.
Nano Urea 2021: 500 ml replaces one 45 kg bag; halves field losses.
NBS, energy-efficiency norms & Atmanirbhar push collectively incentivise domestic, low-energy output.

Economic Angle

Import fall from 9.8 MT to 7 MT saves forex; still >₹70,000 cr subsidy.
Domestic cost > landed import due to LNG prices, but assured offtake via subsidy regime.
New eastern plants spur ancillary jobs, logistics and balanced regional industrialisation.

Environmental Impact

Energy-efficient 5 GCal/tonne units lower CO₂ emissions per tonne produced.
Controlled-release (neem, nano) products aim to cut soil nitrate leaching & water eutrophication.
Over-application persists; awareness campaigns crucial for sustainable nitrogen balance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Installed capacity (2023-24)	31.4 MT
Capacity in 2011-12	22 MT
Import volume 2023-24	7 MT
Peak imports 2020-21	9.8 MT
Greenfield addition since 2019	7.55 MT
No. of new units (2019-23)	6
Energy use – new plants	≈5 GCal / tonne
Energy use – old plants	5.5–6.5 GCal / tonne
Upcoming plant	Talcher, Odisha
Key new operators	HURL, Chambal, Matix

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following statements :

GS-3Infrastructure

2.Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Link (River Linking)

Indian ExpressPKC project · ERCP · Chambal River

Illustration for Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Link (River Linking)

What & Where

Project scope: Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link merged with Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project to redistribute surplus Chambal basin water

Geography: Works across Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas rivers in south-east Rajasthan and north-west Madhya Pradesh

Goal: Irrigation, drinking, industrial supply to 23 Rajasthan districts and adjoining MP blocks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Submergence threatens core forest blocks inside Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Altered flow may affect Chambal gharial nesting sites downstream
Project sited in semi-arid zone, raising evapotranspiration loss concerns

Financial & Implementation

Funding pattern mirrors Ken-Betwa, targeting Union budgetary support under National River Linking Project
Large capital outlay aimed at drought-proofing Eastern Rajasthan agriculture
Requires inter-state accord; yet to secure forest and wildlife clearances

River Geography

Chambal tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Sipra, Mej
Kali Sindh origin Bagli, Dewas district, MP; key tributaries Newaj, Ahu, Parwan
Banas acts as northern hydrological boundary of Ranthambore landscape

Biodiversity Concerns

Ranthambore habitat: tropical dry deciduous with dominant Dhok trees and seasonal grasslands
Faunal assemblage includes tiger, leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, mugger crocodile
Site lies on Great Boundary Fault zone linking Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Conception year	2017; DPR modified 2023
Total cost	₹72,000 crore
Centre funding share	90 %
Water to Rajasthan	4,100 MCM
Water to Madhya Pradesh	3,000 MCM
States covered	Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Submergence in Ranthambore TR	37 sq km
Major rivers tapped	Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas
Chambal source	Singar Chouri Peak, Vindhyas, MP
Parbati source	Vindhya Range, Sehore, MP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2006PYQ 1

Recently Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the linking of two rivers as a link project. Which are these two rivers?

GS1 2005PYQ 2

Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?

GS-1History

3.Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary (Freedom Movement Leader)

Indian ExpressLal Bahadur Shastri · Jai Jawan Jai Kisan · 1965 Indo-Pak war

Illustration for Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary (Freedom Movement Leader)

What & Where

Lal Bahadur Shastri – 2nd Prime Minister of India (1964-66); born 2 Oct 1904, Mughalsarai (U.P.).

Tashkent Declaration – Indo-Pak peace accord signed Jan 1966 in Tashkent (then U.S.S.R.; now Uzbekistan).

59th death anniversary observed 11 Jan 2025; Shastri died in Tashkent hours after signing the accord.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Struggle

Gandhian-influenced; active Congress worker during civil disobedience era.
Reputation for humility, integrity, mass-contact skills.

Governance & Ethics

Accountability; resigned twice post-train accidents as Railways Minister.
Portfolios ranged Railways, Home, Commerce & Industry before premiership.
Slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan underscored soldier-farmer primacy in nation-building.

1965 War & Diplomacy

Leadership; directed armed forces during 1965 Indo-Pak conflict.
Tashkent Declaration sought status-quo ante & troop withdrawal after war.
Sudden Tashkent death still debated; mystery fuels inquiries and literature.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	2 Oct 1904
Birthplace	Mughalsarai, near Varanasi
Death	11 Jan 1966, Tashkent
PM tenure	Jun 1964 – Jan 1966
Famous slogan	“Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”
Key ministries held	Railways; Home; Commerce & Industry
Resignations as Railways Min	Twice, after major train accidents
1965 War role	Authorised military action to defend Kashmir
Peace pact signed	Tashkent Declaration, Jan 1966
2025 marker	59th death anniversary

GS-1History

4.World Hindi Day 2025 Celebration (Hindi Language Promotion)

Indian ExpressWorld Hindi Day · 10 January · UNGA 1949 speech

What & Where

Observance: World Hindi Day celebrated every 10 January worldwide to promote Hindi internationally

Commemoration: Recalls 1949 first Hindi speech at UNGA and 1975 inaugural World Hindi Conference

Distinction: Separate from Hindi Diwas on 14 September marking Hindi’s adoption as an official Indian language

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Milestones

Year 1949: Hindi debuted at UNGA, initiating global visibility
Event 1975: Nagpur first World Hindi Conference launched international forum
Resolution 2006: MEA fixed 10 Jan as World Hindi Day for diaspora outreach

Legal & Policy

Article 343: Hindi official language with English for Union functions
Schedule VIII: Hindi one of 22 constitutionally recognised languages
Celebration Hindi Diwas: 14 Sep observes 1949 constitutional adoption, separate from World Hindi Day

Demographic Significance

Speakers Count: ~600 million native+L2 users worldwide
Global Rank: 3rd most spoken after Mandarin, English
Domestic Status: Largest linguistic group within India, vital for outreach

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Annual date	10 January
First Hindi at UNGA	1949
First World Hindi Conference	1975, Nagpur
Designated as World Hindi Day	2006 by MEA
2025 Theme	“A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride”
Global speaker rank	3rd most spoken
Approximate speakers	~600 million
Constitutional article	Article 343
Schedule listing	8th Schedule language

GS-1Environment

5.Wayanad 2024 Landslide Study Findings (Landslide Modelling)

The HinduWayanad landslide · RAMMS · run-out modelling

Illustration for Wayanad 2024 Landslide Study Findings (Landslide Modelling)

What & Where

Landslide = downslope movement of rock/soil; rapid variant termed debris flow.

July 2024 event in Wayanad (Western Ghats, Kerala) triggered by extreme convectional rainfall on soil-over-rock slopes.

Study in Nature Natural Hazards used RAMMS run-out modelling to map paths, speed, pressure, deposition.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

RAMMS provides run-out path, velocity, pressure, deposition maps for mitigation design.
LRMS + National Landslide Risk Management Strategy fund slope stabilisation, monitoring, early warning.
Landslide Atlas of India (NRSC-ISRO) logs events for vulnerability assessment.

Environmental Impact

Debris build-up downstream elevates future flood and slide risk.
Landslides strip vegetation, amplify erosion, destabilise adjacent slopes.
Blocked streams may form temporary dams, causing secondary floods on breach.

Legal & Policy

NDMA guidelines mandate hazard zoning, structural & non-structural measures.
Gadgil panel sought whole Western Ghats ESA; Kasturirangan limited ESA to 37 %, banned mining there.
WGEA proposal under Environment (P) Act for statutory oversight (not yet operational).

Regional Contrast

Himalayas: tectonic quakes + snowmelt augment slides; Western Ghats: mainly monsoon rainfall, lower seismicity.
Himalayan slopes steeper, unconsolidated moraines; Ghats comparatively gradual, dual-layered soil-rock profile.
Deforestation rates higher in Himalayas, yet both regions see vegetation loss as key anthropogenic trigger.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Disaster date	July 2024
District & State	Wayanad, Kerala
Earlier slides on same path	1984 fatal, 2019 minor
Landslide-prone India	0.42 mn km² (12.6 % land)
Share in Western Ghats & Konkan	0.09 mn km²
Modelling tool	RAMMS (Rapid Mass Movement Simulation)
Key hazard noted	Debris accumulation at lower slopes
Needed sensors	Rainfall & soil-moisture gauges
Arabian Sea trend	Warming → deep cloud systems
Nature of rainfall	Localised convective bursts

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

Consider the following features about a geographical phenomenon:

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

6.Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Mayotte (Indian Ocean Cyclone)

Down to EarthCyclone Dikeledi · Mayotte · Comoros archipelago

Illustration for Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Mayotte (Indian Ocean Cyclone)

What & Where

Cyclone Dikeledi: tropical storm that struck Mayotte, French Indian Ocean territory, January 2025.

Mayotte: two-island French overseas department (Grande Terre & Pamandzi) in Comoros archipelago.

Location: northern Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and mainland Africa, south-west Indian Ocean.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

Colonisation: France seized Mayotte 1843; annexed entire Comoros archipelago 1904.
Referendum: 1974—95 % backed separation overall, yet 63 % of Mayotte opted to remain French.
Independence: Grande Comore, Anjouan, Moheli left French rule 1975; Mayotte retained Paris governance.

Disaster Management Angle

Frequency: Dikeledi followed Cyclone Chido within a month, highlighting rising storm activity.
Severity: Chido marked worst storm in 90 years for archipelago, stressing infrastructure limits.
Need: Recurrent cyclones demand stronger early-warning and coastal resilience in Mozambique Channel.

Socio-Economic Snapshot

Poverty: Mayotte stands as the EU’s poorest territory despite French administrative status.
Infrastructure: Insular isolation and limited resources hamper rapid disaster recovery.
Dependency: Core services, funds, and relief operations remain financed by mainland France.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Cyclone name	Dikeledi
Hit territory	Mayotte (France)
Oceanic zone	Mozambique Channel
Component islands	Grande Terre & Pamandzi
French colonisation	1843
Archipelago annexed	1904
1974 Mayotte vote	63 % stay French
Other Comoros independence	1975
Poverty rank	Poorest in France & EU
Previous worst storm	Cyclone Chido, Dec 2024, worst in 90 yrs

GS-1Mapping

7.Diego Garcia Atoll Dispute (Indian Ocean Island)

The HinduDiego Garcia · Chagos Archipelago · BIOT

Illustration for Diego Garcia Atoll Dispute (Indian Ocean Island)

What & Where

Diego Garcia: coral atoll in central Indian Ocean, south of equator, within Chagos Archipelago.

Administered as British Indian Ocean Territory; entire atoll leased to United States for military base.

Chagos Archipelago: 50 + islands whose sovereignty is contested between United Kingdom and Mauritius.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

ICJ-2019 advisory opinion deemed UK’s BIOT administration inconsistent with decolonisation obligations.
Mauritius continues diplomatic push for sovereignty; UK maintains de facto control.
Jurisdictional ambiguity complicates regional fishing rights and law-enforcement actions.

Security Dimension

Atoll leased to US since late-1960s, hosting strategic air-naval logistics hub.
Base enables sustained surveillance and force projection across Indian Ocean littorals.
No permanent civilians; strict exclusion zone enforced by UK/US patrols.

Fishermen Issue

Fifteen Tamil Nadu fishermen recently detained near Diego Garcia for alleged BIOT waters intrusion.
Indian External Affairs coordinating with UK to secure release and clarifications.
Case spotlights EEZ awareness gaps among deep-sea fishing communities.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Location zone	South of Equator, central Indian Ocean
Archipelago	Chagos
Atoll shape	V-shaped cay, open northern lagoon
Admin control	British Indian Ocean Territory (UK)
Lease holder	United States military
Discovery	Portuguese explorers, 16th century
ICJ 2019 advisory	Favoured Mauritius’ decolonisation claim
No. of Chagos islands	More than 50

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

In the map given below, four islands of Indian Ocean region, i.e. A) Seychelles, B) Chagos, C) Mauritius and D) Socatra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match them and select the correct answer from the codes given below.

GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

GS-1Mapping

8.Konkan Sada Lateritic Plateaus (Lateritic Plateaus)

The HinduSada · Konkan region · flat-top plateaus

What & Where

Sada = flat-top lateritic plateaus carved by prolonged erosion/weathering.

Stretch across Konkan coast, esp. Ratnagiri district, sandwiched between Arabian Sea & Western Ghats.

Monsoon turns rocky expanses into biodiverse, freshwater-harbouring mini-ecosystems; akin to Kaas Plateau (Satara).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geology

Lateritic crust resists erosion, leaving elevated flats while softer materials wash away.
Plateau edges often display step-like scarps evidencing episodic weathering.
Location between coast & Ghats influences rapid drainage and soil stripping.

Biodiversity

Monsoon carpets sada with ephemeral herbs, tubers and endemic wildflowers.
Invertebrates, amphibians exploit temporary pools; several species Konkan-endemic.
Thin nutrient-poor soil limits woody vegetation, fostering specialised flora assemblages.

Hydrology & Ecosystem Services

Impermeable laterite stores rain, releasing slowly into surrounding valleys.
Act as seasonal grazing grounds and community water sources.
Absorb runoff, mitigating flash floods in lower coastal settlements.

Cultural Aspect

Local communities revere seasonal blooms; organise monsoon treks & fairs.
Traditional grazing patterns timed with post-monsoon grass flush.
Increasing ecotourism prompts calls for regulated access to prevent trampling.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Local name meaning	Sada = large flat area
Parent rock/soil	Laterite
Core location	Konkan, Maharashtra
District hotspot	Ratnagiri
Comparable plateau	Kaas (Satara)
Key formation driver	Centuries-long erosion & weathering
Peak ecological activity	Southwest monsoon months
Hydrological role	Natural freshwater catchments

GS-3Environment

9.Rat-Hole Coal Mining in India (Illegal Coal Mining)

The Hindurat-hole mining · Assam accident · Meghalaya

Illustration for Rat-Hole Coal Mining in India (Illegal Coal Mining)

What & Where

Rat-hole mining: manual extraction of coal through crawable tunnels dug into thin seams

Two variants: Side-cutting along hill faces; Box-cutting vertical pit with horizontal drives

Dominant in Northeast hills—Meghalaya, Assam (Dima Hasao), Tripura—within Sixth Schedule tribal lands

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Wage premium; miners earn higher than farm or construction work
Quick returns; low capital outlay suits small landholders
Local demand; cement & thermal power plants sustain continuous offtake

Legal & Policy

NGT imposed nationwide ban on rat-hole mining May 2014
Sixth Schedule; landowners hold surface plus mineral rights limiting state control
Enforcement gaps; alleged official complicity enables clandestine operations

Geology & Terrain

Coal seams in NE thin & shallow, uneconomic for large mechanised mines
Rugged, forested slopes restrict heavy machinery deployment
High rainfall; pits prone to flooding, amplifying accident risk

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Definition	Narrow tunnel coal extraction
Key types	Side-cutting; Box-cutting
Core region	Meghalaya & adjacent NE states
Ownership regime	Sixth Schedule tribal land & mineral rights
Regulator action	NGT blanket ban since 2014
Coal nature	Thin, shallow seams
Terrain	Hilly, high rainfall, forested
Main buyers	Cement & thermal power plants
Worker earnings	Higher than farm/construction wages
Recent mishap	Flood deaths in Dima Hasao mine

GS-3S&T

10.Purulia Astronomical Observatory (Astronomy Infrastructure)

The HinduPurulia Observatory · 14-inch telescope · SN Bose Centre

Illustration for Purulia Astronomical Observatory (Astronomy Infrastructure)

What & Where

Advanced astronomical observatory housing a 14-inch optical telescope for research and training.

Set up by S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences, autonomous under Department of Science & Technology.

Located on Panchet Hill (600 m), Garpanchakot, Purulia district, West Bengal; plugs 86° E longitudinal gap.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Telescope: 14-inch Cassegrain class; enables photometry, spectroscopy, transient-event follow-ups
Observatory complements MACE gamma-ray project; strengthens multi-wavelength coordination
Funded by DST under national basic sciences promotion

Research Significance

Longitude 86° E offers night coverage between Europe and East Asia
Accelerates alerts for supernovae, GRBs, gravitational-wave optical counterparts
Data integrated into global time-domain astronomy networks

Regional Impact

Facility boosts local employment, science tourism, outreach in Purulia
Provides training for college students, PhD scholars, school groups
Potential nucleus for future astrophysics cluster in eastern India

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishing body	S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (DST)
Instrument size	14-inch telescope
Site coordinates	Panchet Hill, Purulia, West Bengal
Altitude	~600 m AMSL
Longitude served	~86° E
Key purpose	Time-domain observation of transient events
Indian peer observatories	ARIES–Nainital; Vainu Bappu–Tamil Nadu; IUCAA–Pune
Strategic value	Bridges global longitudinal observation gap
Regional benefit	Spurs STEM ecosystem in backward district

GS-3S&T

11.Nag Mk-2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Anti-Tank Missile)

Hindustan TimesNag Mk-2 · DRDO · fire-and-forget

Illustration for Nag Mk-2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Anti-Tank Missile)

What & Where

Nag Mk-2: third-generation, indigenously developed, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) by DRDO.

Designed for Indian Army armoured engagements; mounts chiefly on Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) or similar platforms.

Operates across validated minimum–maximum ranges, day/night, to neutralise tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Imaging-IR seeker enables autonomous homing in day, night, smoke.
IGMDP umbrella accelerated Nag family design, testing, production.
Modular design eases integration on ground or airborne launchers.

Security Dimension

Indigenous ATGM cuts import reliance, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat defence push.
Demonstrated capability bolsters deterrence against armoured incursions on western & northern fronts.
Technology showcase strengthens India’s profile among missile-exporting nations.

Operational Advantages

Fire-and-forget mode frees crew post-launch, raising survivability.
High hit probability minimises collateral damage in built-up battlefields.
Capability against ERA-equipped tanks future-proofs infantry anti-armour tactics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Generation	Third
Guidance type	Fire-and-forget
Seeker	Imaging Infra-Red (IIR)
Developer	DRDO
Parent programme	Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
Primary platform	NAMICA tracked carrier
Armour penetration	Defeats Explosive Reactive Armour
Operational envelope	Both minimum & maximum ranges validated
Launch versatility	Lock-on-before-launch
Origin	100 % indigenous

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

भारत द्वारा विकसित ‘पिनाका’ क्या है?

GS-3S&T

12.Bacterial Esterase Degrades DEHP Plasticiser (Bioremediation)

The HinduDEHP · Sulfobacillus acidophilus · esterase enzyme

Illustration for Bacterial Esterase Degrades DEHP Plasticiser (Bioremediation)

What & Where

Innovation: IIT Roorkee, India used esterase from soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus to biodegrade plasticiser DEHP.

Pollutant: Di-ethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP) ― common PVC additive in toys, food containers; persistent, carcinogenic.

Process: Enzyme cleaves DEHP into phthalate + alcohol, then further enzymes yield water + CO₂.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration: Gene-encoded esterase inside bacterial cells enables long-term, self-regenerating degradation.
Efficiency: Demonstrated rapid breakdown of high-molecular-weight plasticisers, outperforming earlier lab methods.
Structural-biology: Crystal data pinpoint catalytic residues guiding future enzyme engineering.

Environmental Impact

Detoxification: Converts persistent organic pollutant DEHP into benign molecules, curbing soil & aquatic toxicity.
Waste-management: Provides bio-remediation option alongside bans and mechanical recycling.
Ecosystem benefit: Lowers microplastic precursor load, aiding biodiversity protection.

Health Concerns

Exposure: DEHP absorbed via skin or food contact; infants at higher risk from toys.
Risks: Classified carcinogen; linked to endocrine disruption and developmental issues.
Urgency: Enzymatic removal complements regulatory limits on phthalate content.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enzyme type	Esterase
Source organism	Sulfobacillus acidophilus
Host institute	IIT Roorkee
Target chemical	Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP)
Technique used	X-ray crystallography for active-site mapping
End products	Water, Carbon Dioxide
Global plastic output 2023	413.8 million metric tonnes
India’s plastic waste	10.2 million tonnes / year

GS-2Misc

13.Gaza Israel-Hamas Truce Deal (Israel-Hamas Ceasefire)

Times of IndiaGaza truce · Qatar mediation · hostage release

What & Where

Gaza Truce Deal: proposed cease-fire pact between Israel & Hamas, negotiated in Doha under Qatari mediation

Key processes: phased cessation of hostilities, hostage–prisoner exchanges, follow-up talks for durable peace

Geography: applies to Gaza Strip; negotiation hub Doha; stakeholders span Middle East & U.S.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Humanitarian Impact

Casualties: conflict caused 46,000+ Palestinian deaths, heavy civilian proportion
Pause: truce targets immediate aid corridors, medical evacuations, utility repairs
Hostages: framework envisions staged release of Israeli captives, Palestinian detainees

Political Implications

Israel: ceasefire may alter Netanyahu coalition arithmetic, rising domestic pressure
Region: reduced Gaza fighting expected to calm Lebanon border and Red Sea flashpoints
US: diplomatic win could boost Biden legacy before handover to Trump

Mediation & Diplomacy

Qatar: principal mediator, hosted secret and open rounds in Doha
Triad: U.S.–Egypt–Qatar operated joint shuttle diplomacy channel
Framework: phased truce segueing into broad political track toward two-state dialogue

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nature of pact	Ceasefire + hostage release
Primary belligerents	Israel, Hamas
Mediator nation	Qatar
Supporting facilitators	U.S., Egypt, Qatar
Negotiation venue	Doha, Qatar
Reported Palestinian casualties	>46,000
Timeline relevance	Late Biden administration

GS-2Misc

14.India Humanitarian Aid to Cuba (Disaster Relief)

All India RadioHurricane Rafael · Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam · Havana

Illustration for India Humanitarian Aid to Cuba (Disaster Relief)

What & Where

Cuba – island nation in Northern Caribbean Sea, between Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean.

Capital Havana – largest city; economic, commercial, industrial hub.

India rushed humanitarian aid post-Hurricane Rafael, reflecting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ethos.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Ties

Recognition 1959; diplomatic warmth persisted through Cold War divergences.
Cuba supported India during 1962 Sino-India war diplomatically.

Economic Angle

Trade modest; India enjoys surplus driven by pharma and chemicals.
Nickel potential for future strategic mineral collaboration.

Development Assistance

Disaster Relief; aid after 2008, 2016, 2017 hurricanes and COVID-19 medicines.
IT Centre 2010; 1,900+ Cuban professionals trained.

Cultural Links

Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore commemorated; Tagore bust unveiled Old Havana 2007.
Yoga & Ayurveda events popular; International Day of Yoga observed annually.

Multilateral Support

Cuba backs India’s UNSC permanent seat demand.
Both coordinate in UN, NAM, WTO on South-South issues.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
India recognised revolutionary Cuba	January 1959
Cuba’s nickel production rank	9th globally
India’s FY 22-23 exports to Cuba	USD 79.04 million
India’s FY 22-23 imports from Cuba	USD 4.87 million
Indian Lines of Credit to Cuba	5 LoCs worth USD 243 million
Key Indian export items	Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical equipment, textiles
Key Cuban exports to India	Tobacco, pharmaceutical products
Cuba in International Solar Alliance	Member since 2015 launch

GS-2Misc

15.Iran Plans Capital Relocation to Makran (Capital Relocation)

Down to EarthMakran coast · Tehran issues · Gulf of Oman

Illustration for Iran Plans Capital Relocation to Makran (Capital Relocation)

What & Where

Makran – semi-desert coastal plateau along Arabian Sea & Gulf of Oman, spanning Iran-Pakistan

Iran plans shifting capital from congested Tehran to Makran, Sistan-Baluchestan Province

Gedrosian Desert within Makran cost Alexander one-third of his army in 325 BCE

Quick Facts for MCQs

Strategic Geography

Location near Gulf of Oman grants direct Indian Ocean access
Corridor vision linking Central Asia trade through Chabahar & highways
Coast houses sizeable Iranian petroleum reserves

Ancient Military Campaign

Entry via Khyber Pass after Kabul conquest
Victory over Porus at Hydaspes, kingdom restored as ally
Troops mutinied at Beas, fearing Nanda strength, compelled retreat

Cultural Outcomes

Greek colonies founded: Alexandria-of-Arachosia, Boukephala
Interaction birthed Gandhara art blending Hellenic and Buddhist styles
Mauryan rise: Chandragupta exploited power vacuum post-Alexander

Environmental & Urban Issues

Tehran plagued by pollution, water scarcity, seismic vulnerability
Capital move aims population redistribution from 15 million megacity
Makran offers lower altitude heat, ample wind-solar potential

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Tehran capital since	c. 1796 under Qajar Agha Mohammad Khan
First shift proposal	Mahmoud Ahmadinejad era, early 2000s
Makran coastline length	~1,000 km
Iranian port on coast	Chabahar
Pakistani port on coast	Gwadar
Chabahar FTZ start	2003
Nearby chokepoint	Strait of Hormuz, major oil route
Alexander’s India campaign	327 – 325 BCE
Hydaspes battle river	Jhelum
Army halted at	Hyphasis / Beas River
Infantry taken to India	~1,20,000
Return survival rate	≈25 %
Main Greek source	Arrian’s Anabasis of Alexander

GS-3Security

16.Navy Commissions Nilgiri Surat Vaghsheer (Indigenous Warships)

Economic TimesProject 17A · Project 15B · Scorpene-class

What & Where

Commissioning of frigate Nilgiri, destroyer Surat, submarine Vaghsheer at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, 15 Jan 2025

Platforms belong respectively to Projects 17A, 15B and 75, core modernisation lines of Indian Navy surface–sub-surface fleet

Geography: Built and inducted on India’s western seaboard, enhancing Arabian Sea maritime security

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Stealth: Nilgiri incorporates reduced radar, infrared and acoustic signatures
Missiles: Surat fitted with land-attack & area-defence long-range missile suites
Expansion: Project 75 continues indigenous submarine line beyond French Scorpene baseline

Security Dimension

Deterrence: Tri-platform induction boosts layered defence from surface to subsurface in Indian Ocean Region
Readiness: Multi-role capabilities allow simultaneous fleet air defence, strike, surveillance and covert insertion

Indigenous Capability

Design: Projects 17A & 15B use Indian naval architecture evolved from Shivalik, Kolkata classes
Manufacture: High domestic content at MDL supports Make in India, defence self-reliance targets

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Commission date	15 January 2025
Shipyard	Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai
Nilgiri class/type	Lead frigate, Project 17A
Surat class/type	4th guided-missile destroyer, Project 15B
Vaghsheer class/type	6th Scorpene diesel-electric submarine, Project 75
Project 15B total hulls	4 destroyers
Project 75 (India) goal	18 conventional + 6 nuclear submarines
Key tech Nilgiri	Advanced stealth design
Key tech Surat	Long-range missiles, indigenous weapons
Key role Vaghsheer	Anti-surface/anti-submarine warfare, special ops

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

With reference to India's defence, the terms ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ refer to

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

GS-2Scheme

17.Mission Mausam Weather Modernisation (Weather Forecasting)

DD NewsMission Mausam · IMD · radar network

What & Where

Mission Mausam = national modernisation drive for weather-and-climate observation, forecasting and air-quality monitoring.

Launched by Prime Minister on IMD’s 150th Foundation Day; executed by IMD under Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Pan-India rollout of radars, satellites and HPC centres to create a “weather-ready, climate-smart” nation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Next-gen radars; dual-polar, longer-range network for real-time mesoscale tracking.
HPC upgrades; enables sub-kilometre numerical weather prediction models.
Satellite additions; continuous cloud-land-ocean scans improve nowcasting.

Sectoral Impact

Agriculture; precise rainfall/temp guidance for sowing, irrigation, pest alerts.
Disaster management; earlier cyclone, flood, heatwave warnings reduce loss.
Aviation & defence; enhanced wind, turbulence, visibility data raises mission safety.

Climate & Air Quality

High-resolution reanalysis datasets feed climate risk assessments & adaptation plans.
Integrated sensors deliver city-level AQI forecasts supporting NCAP interventions.
Data backbone aids energy, health sectors in pollution-related decision-making.

Policy Alignment

Complements IMD Vision-2047 goal of climate-resilient infrastructure.
Supports National Framework for Climate Services by widening sectoral outreach.
Reinforces India’s climate-mitigation commitments via improved evidence base.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Earth Sciences
Implementing agency	India Meteorological Department
Launch occasion	150th Foundation Day of IMD
Aim statement	Make India weather-ready & climate-smart
Core hardware	Next-gen radars, satellites, HPC systems
Extra module	Integrated air-quality monitoring
Sectoral beneficiaries	Agriculture, disaster mgmt, aviation, defence, energy, health
Long-term linkage	IMD Vision-2047 roadmap

GS-2Scheme

18.Odisha Adoption of Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY (Health Insurance)

PIBAyushman Bharat · PM-JAY · GJAY

What & Where

Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: national health-insurance for secondary & tertiary care.

Odisha joins as 27th state; Delhi & West Bengal still out.

Runs parallel to state-led Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana within Odisha.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding Pattern

Ratio — 60:40 general; 90:10 NE, Himalayan states, UTs
Category — Centrally Sponsored, states retain opt-out choice
Convergence — Odisha finances AB PM-JAY alongside GJAY

Coverage & Beneficiaries

Limit — ₹5 lakh per family + ₹5 lakh women top-up
Reach — 1.03 crore Odisha families expected to benefit
Nationwide — 55 crore persons, 12.3 crore families, 45 % population

Healthcare Network

Empanelment — 30,985 hospitals; 41 % private participation
Procedures — 2,000 + secondary/tertiary packages across 27 specialties
Senior focus — all citizens aged 70 + receive free treatment

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scheme type	Centrally Sponsored
Cost share (general)	Centre 60 : State 40
Cost share (NE/Himalayan/UTs)	Centre 90 : State 10
Adopting state no.	27 – Odisha
Non-adopters	Delhi, West Bengal
Annual cover per family	₹5 lakh
Extra cover for women	Additional ₹5 lakh
Odisha beneficiary families	1.03 crore
National individuals covered	55 crore (≈45 % population)
National families covered	12.3 crore
Senior citizen perk	Free care for 70 +
Empanelled hospitals	30,985 (12,881 private)
Procedures offered	2,000 + across 27 specialties

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 2

Centrally sponsored scheme Ayushman Bharat is a national health insurance system for:

GS-1Misc

19.Hysterectomy Prevalence Patterns in India (Women's Health)

The Hinduhysterectomy · NFHS-4 · Beed district

Illustration for Hysterectomy Prevalence Patterns in India (Women's Health)

What & Where

Hysterectomy = surgical removal of uterus; permanently stops menstruation & pregnancy

Done for fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, severe pelvic pain after failed therapies

NFHS-5: highest prevalence Andhra Pradesh 9 %, Telangana 8 %; lowest Sikkim 0.8 %, Meghalaya 0.7 %

Quick Facts for MCQs

Social Concerns

Agricultural women: poor hygiene, menstrual taboos, delayed gynaec care, heavy labour drive early surgery
Affluent women: better affordability & access spur elective procedures
Migration case: Beed sugarcane cutters report unusual surgery clusters

Medical Indications

Standard triggers: fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, PID, malignancy, unresponsive pelvic pain
Performed only after non-surgical measures fail; irreversible loss of fertility

Policy & Schemes

RSBY reimbursement can unintentionally incentivise unnecessary hysterectomies
NFHS-4 highlighted socio-economic skew; spurred calls for stricter procedure audits

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NFHS-5 national prevalence (15-49 yrs)	3 % women undergone hysterectomy
Highest state	Andhra Pradesh 9 %
Second-highest state	Telangana 8 %
Lowest states	Sikkim 0.8 %; Meghalaya 0.7 %
Region with max cases	South India 4.2 %
Region with min cases	Northeast 1.2 %
NFHS-4 key finding	High rates in low-income farm workers & affluent women
Illustrative hotspot	Beed district, Maharashtra (female sugarcane workers)
Incentive-linked scheme	Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

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