Friday, 24 January 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीश के रूप में किसे नियुक्त किया जा सकता है?

The correct answer is (a) किसी अधिवक्ता को, जिसने किसी उच्च न्यायालय में कम-से-कम दस वर्ष तक विधि व्यवसाय किया हो. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

The correct answer is (a) States Reorganization Act : Andhra Pradesh. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following as full States of the Indian Union?

The correct answer is (a) Sikkim – Arunachal Pradesh – Nagaland – Haryana. This question appeared in GS1 2007.

Q: What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?

The correct answer is (a) III, IV, I, II. This question appeared in GS1 1998.

Q: Consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2019.

Q: Nitrogen cycle is one of the most important microorganisms-mediated chemical reactions in aquatic and soil environments. In this context consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2024.

Q: ‘कृष्ण-बाघ (Black Tiger)’ के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024.

Q: "India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

The correct answer is (a) Lion. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 1999.

18 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 6GS-3: 9

0/18 done

GS-2Polity

1.Ad Hoc High Court Judges (Article 224A)

Indian ExpressRetired judges · Case backlog · Chief Justice

What & Where

Ad-hoc High Court judges – retired judges re-inducted temporarily under Article 224A of the Constitution

Posted in State High Courts across India to cut pendency, mainly criminal cases

Enjoy identical powers & privileges as sitting judges; not part of regular sanctioned strength

Quick Facts for MCQs

Appointment Process

Identification: Chief Justice selects retirees, obtains written consent
Routing: Proposal moves via Union Law Ministry to Supreme Court Collegium
Approval: President issues warrant on Cabinet advice led by Prime Minister

Service Conditions

Powers: Full judicial authority of a High Court judge during term
Benefits: Salary, leave, protocol status equal to permanent peers; pension unchanged
Exit: Automatic demitting after fixed tenure unless reappointed anew

Purpose & Rationale

Backlog: Quick infusion of experience to tackle surging criminal case pendency
Flexibility: Temporary measure without altering sanctioned strength or triggering fresh vacancies
Efficiency Goal: Supreme Court push for five-year pendency clearance target

Checks & Balances

Dual Consent: Retired judge’s willingness plus Presidential approval ensure voluntariness and oversight
Collegium Vetting: Maintains competence and integrity standards
Time-Bound Nature: Prevents permanent dilution of standard appointment process

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional Article	224A
Appointer	President of India
Recommending Authority	Chief Justice of High Court
Additional Endorsement	Supreme Court Collegium
Eligibility	Any consenting retired High Court judge
Prior Consents Needed	Judge & President
Typical Tenure	2–3 years
Allowances & Privileges	Same as regular High Court judge; rates fixed by President
Final Executive Advice	Prime Minister
Strength Count	Excluded from regular judge cadre

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 1

उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीश के रूप में किसे नियुक्त किया जा सकता है?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 2

With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

GS-2Polity

2.SC Ruling on Accessibility (Disability Rights)

The HinduRPwD Act 2016 · Rule 15 · Rajive Raturi case

What & Where

Rule 15 (RPwD Rules 2017): let each ministry frame optional accessibility norms for services, buildings, ICT

Supreme Court, Jan 2024 (Rajive Raturi v Union): quashed Rule 15 as inconsistent with mandatory RPwD Act 2016

Conflict: Act’s Sections 40, 44-46, 89 demand uniform standards; discretionary rule hampered audits and compliance

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Ultra-vires: Rule 15 negated statutory duty, hence struck under Article 14 equality principles
Differentiation: SC separated universal design accessibility from individual reasonable accommodation concepts
Monitoring: Act envisages regular social audits; absence of uniform norms caused patchy enforcement

Accessibility & Technology

Principles ordered: universal design, multi-disability coverage, assistive tech integration, continuous stakeholder consultation
Digital focus: screen readers, accessible websites, mobile apps mandated in forthcoming guidelines
Infrastructure: ramps, tactile paths, barrier-free transport highlighted for time-bound retrofit

Rights & Entitlements

Education: free schooling 6-18 yrs for benchmark disabilities; inclusive curricula required
Employment: reservations plus workplace adjustments to break glass ceiling prejudices
Regulatory bodies: Chief Commissioner & State Commissioners empowered for grievance redressal, monitoring

Statistics

Literacy among PwDs: 55 % overall; female 45 % only
Graduates share: merely 5 % of total disabled population
Legislative presence: negligible representation across Lok Sabha, Assemblies, local bodies

Schemes & Initiatives

Accessible India Campaign: targets built environment, transport, ICT accessibility metrics
UDID Portal: single digital ID enabling benefits, tracking, verification

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Act challenged	Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Rule invalidated	Rule 15, RPwD Rules 2017
SC deadline for new norms	3 months
Disability categories	Expanded 7 → 21
Benchmark disability cut-off	≥ 40 % certified
Higher-ed reservation	5 % seats
Central/State jobs quota	4 % posts
PwD population (2011)	26.8 mn (2.21 %)
Fully accessible buildings (2018)	3 %
Employable vs employed PwDs	1.3 cr vs 34 lakh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

GS-2Polity

3.Halal Certification Debate (Halal Certification)

LiveMintSolicitor General · i-CAS scheme · DGFT guidelines

What & Where

Halal-certification: Arabic halal means permissible; indicates products comply with Islamic dietary laws and purity codes

India: Lacks overarching halal statute; Quality Council i-CAS covers only meat certification for export

Supreme-petition: Challenges halal seals on cement, iron bars, atta, besan claiming unfair market distortion

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Solicitor-General: Opposed non-meat halal certification before Supreme Court citing unfair competition
Petition claims forged certificates exploit religious sentiments and breach public trust
Absence of national halal statute enables multiple private certifiers with limited oversight

Certification Scheme

i-CAS: QCI framework aligning halal audit with ISO 17065 for meat establishments
Certificate required for slaughter, processing, packaging units intending to export as halal
Accreditation bodies approved by National Accreditation Board issue validity-bound certificates

Social Concerns

Critics: Halal requirement on staples could marginalise vendors not conforming
Alleged social animosity arises when religious compliance becomes market entry condition
Supporters view certification as consumer choice and export competitiveness enhancer

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Meaning of Halal	Permissible under Islamic law
FAO definition	Food permitted by Islamic law standards
National halal law in India	None currently
i-CAS full form	Indian Conformity Assessment Scheme
i-CAS administered by	Quality Council of India
DGFT export rule	Halal tag only from certified meat facilities
Solicitor General rank	Second senior-most Union law officer

GS-2History

4.Statehood of Northeast States (NE Reorganisation)

PIBNorth-Eastern Areas Act · Instrument of Accession · Part C State

What & Where

Statehood Day 21 Jan commemorates 1972 creation of Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya.

Path: Princely/Assam districts → Part-C States → Union Territories → full States via NEA(R) Act 1971.

NE location; capitals Imphal, Agartala, Shillong.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

Manipur: 1948 first universal adult franchise election; constitutional monarchy phase.
Tripura: 1947 King Bir Bikram death; Regency Queen Kanchan Prabha Devi led 1949 accession.
Meghalaya: 1960s anti-Assamese medium agitation spurred separate-state movement.

Legal & Policy

NEA(R) Act 1971: upgraded Manipur, Tripura; formed Meghalaya; created UTs Mizoram, Arunachal.
Representation: Act fixed Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha seats; ensured SC/ST assembly quotas.
Judiciary: Gauhati High Court made common court for five NE states.

Administrative Status Shift

Part-C States: President rule via Chief Commissioner after 1949–50 mergers.
Union Territory phase: Manipur, Tripura governed under Union Territorial Council Act 1956.
Statehood: 21 Jan 1972 endowed full legislative powers and elected ministries.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Manipur – Instrument of Accession	1947
Manipur – Merger Agreement	1949
Manipur – UT status begins	1 Nov 1956
Tripura – Merger with India	1949
Tripura – UT status begins	1956
Meghalaya – Autonomous State Act	1969
Full statehood date (all 3)	21 Jan 1972
Enabling legislation	North-Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act 1971
Common High Court post-Act	Gauhati High Court

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2006PYQ 1

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

GS1 2007PYQ 2

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following as full States of the Indian Union?

GS-3Economy

5.Differential Pricing Practices (Dynamic Pricing)

Times of IndiaCCPA notice · Ola · Uber

What & Where

Differential Pricing: varied rates for identical good/service based on customer, time, place or behaviour

Key formats: Price Localization, Real-Time AI pricing, Subscription, Seasonal, Volume discounts

India focus: CCPA notice to Ola & Uber over smartphone-linked fare variation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

CCPA can impose fines, order cessation of unfair trade practices
Notice seeks algorithm details to verify transparency, non-discrimination
Potential precedent for regulating app-based dynamic fares

Business Strategy

Revenue maximisation via segmented pricing enhances profit margins
Market penetration: introductory low rates attract new users, later adjusted
Events/peak seasons: higher tariffs leveraged to exploit demand surges

Technology Dimension

AI/ML analyse demand, location, user data for real-time fare tweaks
Geo-fencing enables city, micro-market specific price localisation
Device metadata acts as proxy for user purchasing power

Consumer Impact

Premium-phone users may unknowingly pay higher fares for same route
Perceived opacity fuels distrust, sparks calls for algorithmic audits
Differential pricing viewed as unfair when unrelated to service cost

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Regulator probing issue	Central Consumer Protection Authority
Firms questioned	Ola, Uber
Alleged discrimination basis	Type/brand of user smartphone
Governing statute	Consumer Protection Act 2019
Core goal of strategy	Capture maximum willingness-to-pay
Tech enabler	AI-driven dynamic pricing engines
Classic high-demand example	Airlines charge more for last-minute bookings
Volume discount purpose	Spur bulk buys, clear inventory

GS-1History

6.Early Indian Iron Age (Early Metallurgy)

Times of IndiaSivagalai · Mayiladumparai · Iron tools

What & Where

Definition Iron Age when iron tools & weapons overtake stone/bronze technology

Geography Indian evidence led by Sivagalai, Mayiladumparai (TN) plus Brahmagiri (KA) & Gachibowli (TG)

Significance New Sivagalai C-14 pushes sub-continental iron use back to 3345 BCE

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chronology

Early Iron tools appear Hallur Karnataka around 1500 BCE
Middle phase shows Painted Grey Ware culture in Ganga-Yamuna plains
Late phase coincides with Mahajanapada rise and Mauryan consolidation

Key Sites

Sivagalai cluster of urn burials indicating pre-2200 BCE iron metallurgy
Atranjikhera UP & Malhar Chhattisgarh yield Early Iron agricultural implements
Kausambi fortified settlement exemplifies urban spread during Middle Iron Age

Socio-Economic Impact

Agriculture Iron ploughs & sickles create surplus enabling urbanization
Polity Iron weaponry aids Janapada militarization fueling regional states
Culture Composition of Atharvaveda, Upanishads; Buddhist & Jain spread during Late phase

Technology & Craft

Smelting Advancement in bloomery furnaces yields tougher, cheaper metal
Artefacts Durable arrowheads, axes, sickles dominate grave goods and habitation layers
Infrastructure Fortified cities feature drainage, granaries reflecting metallurgical surplus

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Globally accepted Iron Age start	≈ 1200 BCE
Hittite iron use	1380 BCE
Sivagalai C-14 date	3345 BCE
Mayiladumparai date	2172 BCE
Brahmagiri date	2140 BCE
Gachibowli date	2200 BCE
Early-Middle-Late Iron Age India	1500-1000 BCE

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1998PYQ 1

What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?

GS-1Mapping

7.Cabo Verde Island Nation (Island Geography)

Down to EarthAtlantic Ocean · Barlavento · Sotavento

What & Where

Cabo Verde: 10-island volcanic archipelago in Atlantic, ≈570 km west of Senegal, West Africa.

Groups: Northern Barlavento (windward) & Southern Sotavento (leeward).

Climate: Moderate but extremely arid; lacks perennial rivers, depends on rain & aquifers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

World Bank earmarks $842 m (2024-30) for integrated climate-development projects.
Focus areas: resilience infrastructure, water security, sustainable growth.

Environmental Constraints

Aridity plus porous volcanic soil limit surface water, intensify groundwater dependence.
No perennial rivers; rainfall variability complicates agriculture and livelihoods.

Demography & Society

Mestico/Crioulo majority reflects Portuguese-African historical mixing; cultural links with Lusophone Africa.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Praia (Santiago Island)
Nearest mainland	Senegal (≈570 km east)
Island count	10 volcanic islands
Main island groups	Barlavento & Sotavento
Climate type	Arid tropical with stable temperatures
Major rivers	None
Population majority	Mixed African-European (mestiço/Crioulo)
WB investment need	US $842 million, 2024-2030

GS-3Environment

8.Rhodamine B Toxic Dye (Toxic Dye)

The HinduSynthetic dye · Fluorescent pink · FDA ban

What & Where

Synthetic-dye; water-soluble, green powder turning fluorescent pink in water

Industrial-use; textiles, leather, paper, paints, scientific tracers—never approved for food

Global-ban; FDA, EU and Indian States (e.g., Karnataka) prohibit in consumables

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chemical & Physical Traits

High-dyeing efficiency; produces vibrant red/pink shades
Stable molecule; resists breakdown, accumulates in effluents
Soluble-in-water; easy dispersion raises contamination risk

Health Hazards

Carcinogenic-link; animal studies show tumour promotion, DNA breaks
Oxidative-stress inducer; generates reactive oxygen damaging cells
Chronic-exposure; organ toxicity to liver, kidneys, bladder documented

Environmental Impact

Wastewater-discharge; contaminates aquatic ecosystems, bioaccumulates
Non-biodegradable nature; long environmental half-life increases ecological load

Legal & Policy

Global-toxic listing; barred in any edible product worldwide
Indian-actions; Karnataka, others seize coloured foods, impose fines & bans

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Chemical formula	C28H31ClN2O3
Fluorescence colour in water	Bright pink
Appearance (dry)	Green powder
Key property	Highly UV-visible
Biodegradability	Non-biodegradable, persistent
Legitimate sectors	Textiles, leather, paper, paints
Main toxic targets	Liver, kidney, bladder
Proven lab effect	DNA damage & mutations
Vulnerable groups	Children, immunocompromised
Indian food status	Banned under FSSAI; state crackdowns

GS-3Environment

9.FAO Report on Nitrogen Pollution (Nitrogen Pollution)

Down to EarthReactive nitrogen · Livestock emissions · Synthetic fertilizers

Illustration for FAO Report on Nitrogen Pollution (Nitrogen Pollution)

What & Where

Nitrogen pollution: escape of reactive N (NH₃, NOₓ, N₂O, NO₃⁻) from fertilisers, manure, industry into air-water-soil matrices.

Key processes: Haber-Bosch synthesis, biological fixation by legumes, volatilisation & leaching from livestock waste and croplands.

Geography: Global exceedance of planetary N boundary; Asia largest hotspot, livestock emissions dominate worldwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Sources & Trends

Livestock, synthetic fertiliser, land-use change cumulatively double pre-industrial N flows.
NUE dived to 40 % in 1980s, rebounded to 56 % by 2022.
Soybean highly efficient; horticulture crops lose most nitrogen.

Environmental Impact

Nitrous oxide: 300 × stronger GHG than CO₂; largest human threat to ozone layer.
Nitrate leaching drives eutrophication, ocean dead zones, toxic algal blooms.
Ammonia & NOₓ form PM₂.₅, ground-level ozone, aggravating respiratory diseases.

Regional Picture

Asia: Green-Revolution subsidies cut NUE to 45 % in 1990s; marginal recovery since.
Africa: Low fertiliser access → nutrient mining, poor yields, rising emissions from manure.
Europe/North America: Regulations lifted NUE to ~69 % (USA 2022).

Policy & Tech

Integrate N targets in NDCs; commit to ammonia & nitrate cuts for biodiversity goals.
Promote circular bioeconomy: recycle organic residues, feed food waste to livestock.
Invest in low-emission fertilisers, redistribute livestock spatially to avoid hotspots.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Annual anthropogenic reactive N addition	≈150 Tg yr⁻¹ (may hit 600 Tg by 2100)
Livestock share in human N emissions	~33 %
Global crop N application rate 1961→2022	19 kg N/ha/yr → 65 kg N/ha/yr
Global Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) 2022	56 %
India’s share of anthropogenic N₂O (2020)	11 % (second after China)
Soybean NUE (2010)	~80 %
Fruits & vegetables NUE (2010)	~14 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2019PYQ 1

Consider the following statements :

GEO_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Nitrogen cycle is one of the most important microorganisms-mediated chemical reactions in aquatic and soil environments. In this context consider the following statements:

GS-3Species

10.Melanistic Tiger Poaching Case (Melanistic Tiger)

Times of IndiaSimilipal Reserve · Pseudo-melanistic · Genetic trait

Illustration for Melanistic Tiger Poaching Case (Melanistic Tiger)

What & Where

Melanistic tiger: Royal Bengal morph with excess melanin, enlarged dark stripes

Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj, Odisha; Deccan Peninsula zone; only wild pseudo-melanistic habitat

Lodha PVTG of Odisha implicated in January 2025 poaching incident

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation

Poaching: Four Lodha men caught after killing sub-adult melanistic tiger inside STR
Rarity: STR hosts only 13 adult pseudo-melanistic tigers; global count about 20
Habitat: STR conservation revived mugger crocodile numbers along Khairi and Deo rivers

Tribal Welfare

History: British classified Lodha under Criminal Tribes Act; stigma persisted post-independence
Economy: Community moving from hunting-gathering to agriculture, labour, tussar cocoon and rope production
Diet: Fish and tortoise remain preferred protein sources

Genetic Diversity

Melanism: Autosomal trait concentrates eumelanin, enlarging black bands on orange coat
Leucism: Mutation dilutes pigment, producing white tigers within Bengal subspecies
Wideband: Recessive allele lowers melanin during hair growth; yields golden tiger morph

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Melanism	Overproduction of melanin; darker coat
Global melanistic tigers	≈ 20 individuals
STR tiger count 2023-24	27 total; 13 adult pseudo-melanistic
STR location	Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone, Odisha
STR Biosphere year	2009 (UNESCO)
STR flowering plants share	7 % of India
STR orchid share	8 % of India
White tiger cause	Leucism mutation
Golden tiger cause	Recessive wideband allele
PVTGs India / Odisha	75 / 13
Lodha population	~3,000; Kudumali-Odia speakers

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

‘कृष्ण-बाघ (Black Tiger)’ के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 1999PYQ 2

"India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

11.Indian Grey Wolf Status (Canis lupus pallipes)

The HinduBankapur Sanctuary · Endangered · CITES Appendix I

Illustration for Indian Grey Wolf Status (Canis lupus pallipes)

What & Where

Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): grey-wolf subspecies ranging Southwest Asia–Indian subcontinent; apex hunter of dry grass-scrub.

Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary, Haveri district, Karnataka: 332 ha scrub–hill–cave landscape; state’s first, nation’s second wolf-exclusive reserve.

Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, Latehar, Jharkhand (1976): India’s earliest reserve focussed solely on wolves.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxonomy & Traits

Subspecies Status distinct from Himalayan and Tibetan wolves; shorter coat aids heat dissipation.
Behaviour Nocturnal hunting reduces daytime heat exposure and human contact.
Sociality Smaller, quieter packs aid stealth in open scrub.

Legal & Policy

Protection Highest domestic safeguard via WPA Schedule I; trade banned under CITES Appendix I.
Conservation Listing as Endangered drives priority under National Wildlife Action Plan.
Sanctuary Trend Creation of wolf-exclusive reserves aligns with Recovery Programme for carnivores.

Protected Area Profile

Landscape Scrub hills with natural caves provide denning; minimal forest canopy suits prey visibility.
Biodiversity Presence of blackbuck and hare ensures prey base sustainability.
Expansion Birth of eight pups indicates favourable breeding conditions post-notification.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Common name	Indian grey wolf
Scientific name	Canis lupus pallipes
IUCN status	Endangered
Indian population	≈ 2,000 – 3,000 individuals
CITES listing	Appendix I
WPA, 1972 schedule	Schedule I
Primary activity time	Nocturnal (dusk–dawn)
Typical pack size	Smaller, less vocal than other wolves
Core habitats	Scrublands, grasslands, semi-arid agro-ecosystems
Temperature preference	Warmer regions
Bankapur sanctuary area	332 ha
Karnataka ranking	1st wolf sanctuary
National ranking	2nd (after Mahuadanr, 1976)
Notable co-fauna	Leopards, blackbucks, peacocks, foxes, hares

GS-3S&T

12.Guillain-Barre Syndrome Overview (Autoimmune Disease)

DHPeripheral nerves · Muscle weakness · Campylobacter jejuni

Illustration for Guillain-Barre Syndrome Overview (Autoimmune Disease)

What & Where

Disorder: Guillain-Barré Syndrome, acute autoimmune attack on peripheral nerves causing weakness to paralysis

Location spike: Reported surge in Pune district, Maharashtra, India

Processes: Demyelination/axonal damage; recovery often weeks-months with immunotherapy

Quick Facts for MCQs

Clinical Features

Ascending_weakness: tingling then motor loss legs→arms→face
Reflex_loss: deep tendon reflexes markedly reduced or absent
Autonomic_instability: BP fluctuations, cardiac arrhythmias in severe cases

Etiology & Triggers

Post-infection: 2-6 weeks after gastroenteritis or viral illness
Vaccine_link: rarely follows influenza, COVID-19, rabies shots
Surgical_stress: postoperative immune perturbation documented trigger

Treatment Modalities

IVIG_course: 0.4 g/kg/day for 5 days standard regimen
Plasma_exchange: 4–6 sessions over 8–10 days removes pathogenic antibodies
Early_start: therapy within 2 weeks of onset improves outcomes

Public Health Angle

Surveillance_need: sudden clusters demand infection tracking and vaccination audit
Critical_care_load: ventilator demand spikes with severe cases
Awareness_campaign: early symptom recognition shortens morbidity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Disease class	Acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy
Contagious	No
Usual age bracket	Mostly adults; any age possible
Typical onset pattern	Ascending weakness starting in legs
Commonest antecedent bug	Campylobacter jejuni
Other infectious links	EBV, CMV, pneumonia & UTI bacteria
Non-infectious triggers	Vaccination, surgery, trauma, severe stress
Severe complication	Respiratory muscle paralysis needing ventilation
First-line therapies	IV Immunoglobulin or Plasmapheresis
Supportive rehab	Physiotherapy, respiratory care
Prognosis window	Most recover within weeks-months
Indian context 2024	Notifiable spike in Pune Health Dept data

GS-3S&T

13.India’s Deep Ocean Mission (Deep Sea Exploration)

DD NewsMatsya 6000 · Samudrayaan · Polymetallic nodules

Illustration for India’s Deep Ocean Mission (Deep Sea Exploration)

What & Where

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) – national programme to explore deep seas, develop tech, exploit resources.

Implemented by Ministry of Earth Sciences; launched 2021 under PM-STIAC umbrella.

Operations planned within India’s EEZ & Central Indian Ocean Basin, reaching depths up to 6,000 m.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Matsya-6000 titanium sphere designed for three-person crew, 12-hour mission endurance.
Varaha crawler trials validate deep-sea mining hardware ahead of commercial extraction.
Planned marine biology station to enable long-term physiological, genetic ocean studies.

Economic Angle

Resource extraction projected to supply nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper for energy transition industries.
Indigenous tech reduces import dependence, spurs ocean-tech startups, coastal employment.

Environmental Impact

Biodiversity surveys to set sustainable harvest limits, protect fragile benthic ecosystems.
Ocean climate-service advisories to refine fisheries forecasts, cyclone early-warning models.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2021
Nodal ministry	Earth Sciences (MoES)
Mission umbrella	PM-STIAC
Crewed project codename	Samudrayaan
Submersible name	Matsya-6000
Target depth (submersible)	6,000 m
Mining system tested	Varaha
Varaha test depth	5,270 m
Key resource focus	Polymetallic nodules, sulphides, rare metals
Core economic goal	Strengthen blue economy

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is not correct?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 2

Which institution released the report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

14.Dengue Early Warning System (Disease Forecasting)

Indian ExpressIITM Pune · Machine learning · Rainfall

Illustration for Dengue Early Warning System (Disease Forecasting)

What & Where

Dengue Early-warning system: IITM Pune tool predicting outbreaks using climate signals

Process: Machine-learning correlates temperature, rainfall, humidity with Aedes aegypti breeding dynamics

Geography: Monsoon-influenced Indian regions facing rising temperatures and variable precipitation patterns

Quick Facts for MCQs

Climate Linkage

Humidity 60-78 percent promotes mosquito survival during monsoon
Heavy rainfall >150 mm flushes eggs, temporarily lowers vector density
Rising mean temperatures project 40 percent higher dengue mortality by 2050

Tech & Schemes

Early warning system uses machine-learning algorithms ingesting temperature, rainfall, humidity datasets
Two-month advance alerts allow vector control, public advisories, health-care mobilisation
Model supports district-level planning, scalable across tropical South Asia

Health Science

Dengue virus possesses four antigenically distinct serotypes causing variable immunity profiles
Diagnosis relies on blood-based NS1 antigen, IgM/IgG, RT-PCR assays; supportive care mainstay
Aedes aegypti displays daytime biting, container breeding, urban habitat preference

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Lead institute	IITM Pune
Prediction lead time	≥ 2 months
Humidity risk range	60 – 78 %
Rainfall flushing threshold	> 150 mm
Projected death rise by 2050	Up to 40 %
Primary vector	Aedes aegypti
Virus genus	Flavivirus
Serotypes count	Four (DEN-1 to DEN-4)
Key symptoms	High fever, retro-orbital pain, myalgia
Specific antiviral	None

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2005PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS-2Editorial

15.US Policy Shifts Impact India (US Policy Changes)

The HinduBirthright citizenship · Paris Agreement exit · WHO withdrawal

What & Where

Birthright citizenship: US jus soli system grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil; ancestry route exists separately.

Paris Agreement: 2015 UNFCCC treaty (196 parties) targets ≤ 1.5 °C warming; obliges developed states to fund mitigation/adaptation.

Global Corporate Minimum Tax (GCMT): OECD-brokered GloBE rules set 15 % floor on multinational profits across jurisdictions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Immigration Impact

H-1B families: US-born children risk losing automatic citizenship; mixed-status households face separation fears.
Deportations: Executive order heightens removal threat for 7 lakh+ Indians without status.
Diversion: Skilled migrants pivot to Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand.

Environmental Impact

Finance-gap: US exit slashes climate funds, stalling renewables in developing countries including India.
Emissions-spike: Fossil-fuel push could add 4 billion t CO₂, hampering global targets.
Coalition: India may partner EU, Japan to source green finance & show leadership.

Health Governance

Funding-vacuum: Loss of 20 % WHO budget jeopardises polio eradication, pandemic preparedness.
Expertise-drain: Recall of US staff weakens vaccine R&D and surveillance capacities.
India-opportunity: Push Indian experts into WHO roles; champion Global South collaboration.

Global Taxation

Consensus-risk: US rejection undermines 15 % GCMT and Pillar-1 profit reallocation.
Sovereignty-argument: Trump labels 15 % floor anti-competitive, retains 10 % domestic rate.
India-approach: Wait-and-watch; no immediate GloBE-linked legislative changes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Undocumented Indians in US	≈ 7.25 lakh
US share in WHO funding	~20 % (assessed + voluntary)
US global minimum tax (2017 Act)	10 %
Extra emissions from US energy rollbacks	≈ 4 billion t CO₂ over 4 yrs
US rank in GHG emissions	2nd-largest emitter

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements with regard to the World Immigration Report, 2020 prepared by the United Nations is NOT correct?

GS-2Polity

16.Indus Water Treaty Disputes (Indus Water Treaty)

Indian ExpressKishanganga HEP · Ratle project · Neutral Expert

Illustration for Indus Water Treaty Disputes (Indus Water Treaty)

What & Where

Indus Waters Treaty (1960): World Bank-brokered water-sharing pact between India & Pakistan over Indus basin.

Allocation: Eastern rivers (Beas-Ravi-Sutlej) to India; Western rivers (Indus-Jhelum-Chenab) largely to Pakistan.

Present flashpoints: Run-of-river Kishanganga HEP on Jhelum tributary & Ratle HEP on Chenab in J-K.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Hierarchy: India insists Neutral Expert precedes PCA, citing Article IX.
Parallel tracks: WB began NE & PCA in 2022; India boycotts PCA proceedings.
NE’s Jan 2025 finding bolsters India’s procedural stance.

Hydro Projects

Kishanganga diverts water through 23 km tunnel to Jhelum basin; Pakistan fears flow reduction.
Ratle design with gated spillway viewed by Pakistan as flow-control tool.
Both classified run-of-river, hence permissible with design constraints.

Treaty Challenges

Climate change: Glacial retreat, erratic rainfall skew original flow estimates.
Rigidity: No adaptive clauses for emerging hydrological realities.
Political mistrust: Bilateral hostility hampers data-sharing & joint management.

World Bank Role

Facilitator: Signs, finances, and appoints experts/arbitrators under IWT.
2022 decision to entertain dual processes exposed procedural ambiguity.
Provides Financial Assistance Fund for developing-state arbitration costs.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Signing year	1960
Broker/guarantor	World Bank
Eastern rivers to India	Beas, Ravi, Sutlej
Western rivers to Pakistan	Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
India share of basin flow	≈ 20 %
Pakistan share	≈ 80 %
Dispute-resolution order	PIC → Neutral Expert → Court of Arbitration
PIC meeting frequency	At least annually
PCA headquarters	The Hague, Netherlands
Contested projects	Kishanganga (330 MW), Ratle (850 MW)
2025 update	NE declared himself “competent” to adjudicate

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2009PYQ 1

Consider the following statements :

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about the Indus Waters Treaty is/are correct?

GS-3Security

17.M23 Rebel Activities in DRC (DRC Rebel Group)

The HinduNorth Kivu · Goma threat · Rwanda support

Illustration for M23 Rebel Activities in DRC (DRC Rebel Group)

What & Where

March 23 Movement (M23): Tutsi-led rebel faction of ex-army mutineers in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Current push seized Minova, positions along Sake corridor, directly threatening provincial capital Goma on Rwanda border.

Eastern DRC combines mineral riches, rugged volcanic terrain and porous frontiers, inviting regional interventions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Offensive: M23 now within artillery range of Goma after Minova capture
Displacement: Fighting triggers mass civilian flight along Sake–Goma highway
Strategic node: Goma hosts airport, lake port, provincial administration hub

Physical Geography

Terrain: Virunga volcanic chain houses active Mount Nyiragongo near Goma
Waterway: Congo River enables inland transport, hydropower potential across DRC
Borders: North Kivu touches Rwanda, Uganda, expediting cross-border insurgent moves

International Dynamics

Rwanda: UN experts cite artillery, troop assistance to M23 positions
Great Lakes tension: Conflict strains DRC ties with Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda
UN spotlight: Kigali denies but Security Council debates sanctions, arms embargo

Mineral Wealth

Deposits: Eastern DRC hosts sizeable cobalt, coltan, gold lodes critical for tech supply chains
Financing: Rebel taxes on artisanal mines feed weapon purchases
Global stakes: EV battery and smartphone demand heightens geopolitical interest in region

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	March 23 Movement
Emergence year	2012
Root grievance	Unfulfilled 2009 peace accord
Main province	North Kivu
Town recently captured	Minova
Capital threatened	Goma
Alleged external backer	Rwanda
DRC national capital	Kinshasa
Congo River rank	2nd longest in Africa
Key mineral trio	Cobalt, gold, coltan

GS-1Editorial

18.Debate on Poverty Estimates (Poverty Measurement)

The HinduHCES 2023-24 · Tendulkar line · Rangarajan committee

What & Where

Poverty measurement in India uses expenditure (HCES), multidimensional deprivations (MPI) and World Bank’s $2.15-PPP line.

HCES 2023-24, by NSO, canvasses nationwide rural-urban households to estimate consumption & derive head-count poverty.

MPI compiled by NITI Aayog/UNDP gives state-wise poverty across health, education, living-standards indicators.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Data Debates

Recall-period tweak to MMRP inflates expenditure, mechanically lowers poverty ratios.
Missing Census 2021 hampers rural-urban reclassification, skewing peri-urban poverty counts.
Comparable long-term series break after cancelled 2017-18 consumption survey.

Welfare Schemes Impact

PMJDY enabled near-universal bank accounts, aiding cash-transfer delivery.
SBM toilets, PMUY LPG & Saubhagya electricity improved MPI indicators for sanitation, cooking fuel, power.
Leakages observed in MGNREGA & PMAY cause exclusion of poorest despite allocations.

Economic Angle

High GDP growth & moderate inflation cited as drivers of consumption rise post-2014.
Service-spend share up in rural baskets, signalling movement beyond calorie subsistence.
Nutrition cost warning: 74 % Indians can’t afford healthy diet (World Bank).

Way Ahead

Update poverty lines to reflect current prices & regional variance.
Expedite Census, ensure annual consumption surveys for granular policy.
Strengthen targeting, transparency, grievance redress in all flagship schemes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
HCES 2023-24 rural poverty	7.2 %
HCES 2023-24 urban poverty	4.6 %
2011-12 rural poverty (HCES)	25.7 %
2011-12 urban poverty (HCES)	13.7 %
NITI MPI 2022-23 poverty	11.28 %
NITI MPI 2013-14 baseline	29.17 %
People exited MPI poverty 2013-23	24.82 crore
Global MPI 2019-21 exit count	135.5 million
World Bank extreme poverty 2019	11.9 %
Tendulkar poverty line 2011-12	₹33/d urban; ₹27/d rural
Rangarajan poverty line 2011-12	₹47/d urban; ₹30/d rural

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

The computation of poverty in terms of Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) based on the Mixed Reference Period was recommended by the

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements with regard to the Report of Tendulkar Committee (2009) on poverty estimates is/are correct?

Ready to practice?

Test your knowledge with our UPSC test series.

Start Free Trial