Tuesday, 28 January 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to FEMA in India?

The correct answer is (a) The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), was replaced by Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the year 2001. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

The correct answer is (d) The Supreme Court of India. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

The correct answer is (c) Precious metals are taxed at a rate of 1% under GST.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: Following the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, the Parliament of India enacted quite a few GST Acts in the year 2017. Which one of the following does not fall in this category?

The correct answer is (b) The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: भारत में कार्य कर रही विदेशी-स्वामित्व की e-व्यापारिक फर्मों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों में कौन-सा/से सही हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: 100. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

The correct answer is (a) Jamnalal Bajaj — Satyagraha Ashram at Wardha. This question appeared in GS1 1995.

Q: The Congress policy of pray and petition ultimately came to an end under the guidance of

The correct answer is (a) Aurobindo Ghosh. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

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: Which one of the following lakes forms an international boundary between Tanzania and Uganda?

The correct answer is (a) Chad. This question appeared in GS1 2000.

17 topicsGS-1: 5GS-2: 6GS-3: 6

0/17 done

GS-2Polity

1.FCRA NGO Compliance Rules (FCRA Amendments)

Hindustan TimesMHA · Foreign contribution · License renewal

What & Where

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 – central law regulating acceptance & use of overseas funds in India

Applies to individuals, associations, NGOs nationwide; administered by Ministry of Home Affairs

Objective: guard national interest, ensure transparency, prevent political or religious misuse of foreign money

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment 2010 strengthened reporting; Amendment 2020 tightened utilisation & oversight
MHA empowered to inspect, suspend, cancel registrations for contraventions
Warning Jan 2025 reiterates penalties for unlicensed foreign-fund usage

Compliance Requirements

Aadhaar-based verification ensures traceable governance of NGOs
Only one SBI-Delhi account to receive foreign inflows; other accounts limited to utilisation
Renewal filing six months early prevents automatic lapse of FCRA status

Funding Restrictions

Administrative-spend capped at 20 %; balance for stated charitable objectives
No onward transfer of foreign money to other NGOs or entities
Bar extends to candidates, journalists, media houses, judges, govt servants, political bodies

Security Dimension

Applicants must not engage in religious conversion, fictitious entities, seditious or communal activities
Act designed to curb foreign influence over domestic political or social processes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enactment year	1976 (Emergency period)
Latest major amendment	2020
Admin ministry	MHA, GoI
Registration validity	5 years
Renewal deadline	Apply ≥6 months before expiry
Max suspension period	360 days
Admin-expense ceiling	20 % of foreign funds (pre-2020: 50 %)
Sub-granting	Completely prohibited post-2020
Mandatory ID	Aadhaar for all key functionaries
Designated account	Single FCRA a/c at SBI, New Delhi
Public servants funding	Absolutely barred
Typical penalty trigger	Use of foreign funds without valid licence

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to FEMA in India?

GS-2Polity

2.Loudspeaker Not Essential Practice (Essential Religious Practice)

Indian ExpressBombay HC · Article 25 · Noise rules

Illustration for Loudspeaker Not Essential Practice (Essential Religious Practice)

What & Where

Essential Religious Practice (ERP) test: courts decide practices integral to faith, protected by Article 25 freedom of religion.

Bombay High Court, Maharashtra (Bedekar v State, 2016) held loudspeaker use non-ERP; enforced Noise Rules statewide.

Noise treated as “air pollutant” nationwide under Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Judicial Precedents

Bombay HC: loudspeaker non-essential; directs strict Noise Rules enforcement including silence zones.
Supreme Court: instant triple talaq unconstitutional, not ERP, violates gender equality.
Rajasthan HC ban on Santhara labelled non-ERP; SC interim stay permits ritual.

Fundamental Rights

Article 25 protects only essential, non-harmful religious practices.
Article 19(1)(a) speech subject to reasonable restrictions incl. public health.
ERP doctrine balances religious freedom with other fundamental rights.

Environmental Norms

Noise Rules prescribe area-wise decibel ceilings; enforced via state pollution boards.
Silence zones: 100 m around hospitals, schools, courts; no loudspeakers barring exemptions.
Non-compliance invites penalties under Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional shields cited	Article 25 (religion), Article 19(1)(a) (speech)
Case title & year	Dr Mahesh Vijay Bedekar v Maharashtra, 2016
Loudspeaker ban window	10 pm – 6 am
Yearly festive exemption	15 specified days
Residential limit (day/night)	55 dB / 45 dB
Act defining noise as pollutant	Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981
ERP struck down by SC	Instant triple talaq (2017)
ERP under stay	Jain Santhara/Sallekhana (SC stay on 2015 HC ban)

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

3.Supreme Court Foundation Day Facts (Supreme Court Facts)

SCIArticle 124 · Lady Justice statue · CJI strength

What & Where

Supreme Court of India – apex court under Article 124; seated in New Delhi.

Began in Old Parliament House (28 Jan 1950); shifted to Tilak Marg complex, inaugurated 1958.

Exercises nationwide constitutional, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Evolution

Strength raised through five constitutional amendments, reaching 34 judges by 2019.
75th-year celebrations in 2024 introduced new flag and insignia.
Court’s seal unchanged since 1950, depicting Lion Capital and Dharma-chakra.

Eligibility & Tenure

Citizenship mandatory; appointment tenure till 65 without re-appointment.
Removal only by Presidential order after Parliament’s special majority address.
Salaries, allowances charged on Consolidated Fund of India ensuring independence.

Symbolic Updates

Lady Justice redesign shifts from Roman Justitia to Indianised, Constitution-centric iconography.
Open eyes denote conscious, equitable justice; absence of sword signals supremacy of law over force.
Flag shows Ashok Chakra, court edifice, Constitution, reinforcing constitutional supremacy.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional article	124
Formal inauguration	28 Jan 1950
Original sanctioned strength	CJI + 7 judges
Present sanctioned strength (2024)	CJI + 33 judges
Retirement age	65 years
Appointing authority	President of India
Eligibility option 1	5 yrs High Court judge
Eligibility option 2	10 yrs advocate in High Court
Eligibility option 3	Distinguished jurist (President’s opinion)
Current building inauguration	1958 by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad
New Lady Justice statue unveil	2024
Statue highlights	Saree, open eyes, holds Constitution, no sword
New SC flag unveiled	2024 (75th year)
Motto on insignia	“Yato Dharmastato Jayah”

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

GS1 2015PYQ 2

Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?

GS-3Editorial

4.Reforming India's Taxation Framework (GST Reforms)

Indian ExpressGST · Direct taxes · Indirect taxes

What & Where

Goods & Services Tax (GST): value-added, destination-based indirect tax created via 101st Constitution Amendment, 2016.

Dual levy: Centre charges CGST, States charge SGST; inter-state supplies attract IGST.

Governing body: Article 279A GST Council, headquartered New Delhi, decides rates by ¾ majority.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Retrospective‐tax amendments overturned SC Vodafone ruling, triggered ₹8,000 cr international penalty.
GST Council’s 55th meeting sought retrospective levy, seen as regressive for investor trust.
Multiple rates on same item (e.g., popcorn 5-18 %) spur demand for rationalisation.

Economic Angle

Complex taxes raise production cost, induce import reliance; China purchases rose USD 30 bn since 2018-19.
Inverted duty structure discourages domestic manufacturing, drags sector’s GDP share below 15 %.
Currency pressure: higher trade deficit risks twin deficits and rupee depreciation.

Administrative Issues

Input Tax Credit denials inflate consumer prices; Supreme Court now permits ITC on commercial realty builds.
Low direct-tax capture pushes government toward high indirect levies, cess proliferation.
Arbitrary notices, ambiguous circulars benefit tax professionals, impede ease of doing business.

Judicial Precedents

Safari Retreats 2024: SC affirmed ITC on leased commercial complexes, curbing departmental discretion.
Vodafone verdict nullification exemplar of investor-unfriendly retrospective action.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional amendment	101st, 2016
GST Council vote share	Centre 1/3, States 2/3
Decision threshold	75 % of weighted votes
Standard GST rate slabs	0, 5, 12, 18, 28 %
MAT minimum rate	18.5 %
ITC allowed to real estate (SC 2024)	Safari Retreats case
Retrospective tax criticised as	“Tax terrorism” (A. Jaitley, 2014)
Manufacturing share in GDP	< 15 %
Chinese imports 2023-24	USD 100 billion
Cesses examples	Education, Swachh Bharat, Krishi Kalyan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

Following the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, the Parliament of India enacted quite a few GST Acts in the year 2017. Which one of the following does not fall in this category?

GS-3Economy

5.Enhanced eCoO 2.0 Trade Platform (Export Certification)

PIBDGFT · Certificate of Origin · CAROTAR rules

What & Where

Enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0: DGFT online system authenticating origin of Indian export consignments

Issues both Preferential & Non-Preferential CoOs through a single digital window

Pan-India rollout; Non-Preferential CoOs compulsory online from 1 Jan 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Digitalisation: Cloud platform integrates e-sign, live tracking, paperless issuance
Amendment: In-Lieu CoO allows online corrections without resubmission
Access: Multi-user login boosts organisational flexibility

Trade Facilitation

Speed: Automated vetting cuts certificate turnaround for exporters
Transparency: Back-to-back CoO maps full origin chain for re-exports
Savings: Paperless flow trims courier and printing costs

Legal & Policy

Alignment: Conforms to CAROTAR-2020 rules on origin verification
Mandate: DGFT circular fixes 1 Jan 2025 as offline phase-out date
Oversight: Commerce Ministry dashboard monitors national issuance metrics

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal agency	Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Admin ministry	Commerce & Industry
Coverage	Preferential & Non-Preferential CoOs
Mandatory online date (NP CoO)	1 Jan 2025
User authentication	Aadhaar e-Sign / Digital Token
Multi-user facility	Several users under one IEC
Back-to-back CoO	Enabled for re-export, transshipment
Amendment tool	In-Lieu Certificate of Origin

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

भारत में कार्य कर रही विदेशी-स्वामित्व की e-व्यापारिक फर्मों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों में कौन-सा/से सही हैं?

GS-1History

6.Lezim Folk Dance Maharashtra (Maharashtra Folk Dance)

Indian ExpressLezim instrument · Ganesh Chaturthi · Konkan coast

What & Where

Definition: Maharashtra folk-dance using handheld wooden Lezim with metallic jingles, marked by vigorous, drill-like moves

Geography: Core in western Maharashtra & Konkan belt; common in Ganesh Chaturthi, marriages, school PT displays

Types/Process: Group formations of 2–4 dancers, circle or line patterns, pace rising with dhol/dhalgi beats

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Roots

Evolution: From gymnasium combat drills to celebratory folk performance
Maratha era: Shivaji institutionalised Lezim for soldier conditioning, embedding pride & unity

Performance Elements

Movements: Energetic stamp, knee bends, leaps executed rhythmically with jingling accents
Tempo: Gradual acceleration aligned to percussion, demanding stamina and synchrony

Cultural Significance

Identity: Symbol of Maharashtrian community spirit and martial heritage
Continuity: Featured in civic parades, cultural events, retaining physical fitness appeal

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main instrument	Lezim (wood + iron jingles)
Drum support	Dhol, Dhalgi
Likely origin	Akhadas / martial drill
Royal patron	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Historic use	Military fitness routine
Festivals seen	Ganesh Chaturthi, processions
Physical actions	Stepping, squatting, jumping
Common formation	Circles or synchronized rows
School role	Mass PT exercise in Maharashtra
Coast spread	Konkan region popularity

GS-1History

7.Libia Lobo Sardesai Goa Liberation (Goa Liberation)

Indian ExpressPadma Shri · Economic blockade 1954 · Operation Vijay 1961

Illustration for Libia Lobo Sardesai Goa Liberation (Goa Liberation)

What & Where

Goa Liberation Movement; anti-Portuguese struggle in Goa culminating 19 Dec 1961

Core phase 1954-61 after India’s economic blockade of Portuguese enclaves

Geography: Goa province; jungle bases at Amboli & Castle Rock, Western Ghats

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1954 blockade severed road, rail, sea links; pressured Portuguese administration
1955 satyagraha met with firing; deaths intensified international attention
1961 tri-service assault secured unconditional Portuguese surrender within 36 hours

Key Personalities

Lohia; initiated mass civil disobedience in Goa during June 1946 visit
Libia; clandestine broadcaster, aerial announcement of liberation on 19 Dec 1961
Nehru; authorised military option after diplomatic deadlock with Salazar regime

Communication Strategy

Underground transmitters hidden in Western Ghats forest; mobility evaded PIDE secret police
Broadcasts relayed news, patriotic songs, coded messages to resistance cells
Portuguese jamming attempted but limited by rugged terrain and frequency hopping

Security Dimension

Indian Navy blockaded Mormugao harbour; INS Delhi shelled Aguada batteries
Air Force Hunters neutralised Dabolim runway; Para Brigade secured Panaji bridges
Swift action avoided major civilian casualties; annexation internationally accepted within weeks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Colonial ruler duration	~450 years (1510-1961)
Economic blockade imposed	1954 by Government of India
Mass satyagraha date	15 Aug 1955
Military code-name	Operation Vijay
Operation Vijay start	17 Dec 1961
Goa Liberation Day	19 Dec 1961
Operation commander	Lt Gen J N Chaudhuri
Underground radio name	Voice of Freedom of Goa
Broadcast years	1955-1961
Key broadcaster honoured	Libia Lobo Sardesai, Padma Shri 2024

GS-1History

8.Lala Lajpat Rai Contributions (Indian Freedom Movement)

News on AirPunjab Kesari · Lal-Bal-Pal · Simon Commission protest

Illustration for Lala Lajpat Rai Contributions (Indian Freedom Movement)

What & Where

Freedom-fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, “Punjab Kesari,” led extremist nationalism within Indian National Congress.

Geographic focus Punjab region—born Dhudike, mobilised Lahore; campaigned abroad via Home Rule League of America.

Part of “Lal-Bal-Pal” trio that steered anti-British mass agitation pre-Gandhian era.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political Role

Led Punjab INC agitation, opposed Rowlatt Act, condemned Jallianwala massacre.
Guided Non-Cooperation in North India despite earlier exile to Burma.
Simon Commission protest turned martyrdom energised revolutionary phase.

Institution Building

Co-founded PNB to nurture indigenous credit networks.
Servants of People Society trained cadre for socio-political work.
Hindu Relief Movement aided famine victims, countered proselytisation.

Social Reform

Arya Samaj activism promoted education, widow-remarriage, anti-caste outlook.
Championed Swadeshi and vernacular education for rural uplift.

Literary & Press

Writings dissected colonial economics, inspired diaspora support.
Arya Gazette platform disseminated nationalist ideology under strict censorship.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	28 Jan 1865
Birth place	Dhudike village, Ferozepur (now Moga), Punjab
Parents	Munshi Radha Krishna, Gulab Devi
Education	Law, Government College Lahore
Profession	Lawyer turned full-time nationalist
Sobriquet	Lion of Punjab / Punjab Kesari
Ideological wing	Extremist faction of INC
Famous trio	Lal-Bal-Pal (Lajpat Rai, Tilak, B C Pal)
Key protests	Anti-Partition 1905, Non-Cooperation 1920, Simon Commission 1928
International step	Founded Home Rule League of America 1917
Major organisations	Punjab National Bank 1894; Hindu Relief Movement 1897; Servants of People Society 1921
Reform link	Active member of Arya Samaj
Important books	Young India; England’s Debt to India; Evolution of Japan; India’s Will to Freedom
Newspaper edited	Arya Gazette
Death	17 Nov 1928, Lahore; injuries from lathi-charge
Last words	“Every blow on my body will be a nail in the coffin of British imperialism.”

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1995PYQ 1

100. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

GS1 1999PYQ 2

The Congress policy of pray and petition ultimately came to an end under the guidance of

GS-1History

9.Iron Age Antiquity Tamil Nadu (Iron Age India)

Indian ExpressRadiometric dates · 4th millennium BCE · Raja Nal Ka Tila

Illustration for Iron Age Antiquity Tamil Nadu (Iron Age India)

What & Where

Iron Age: post-Bronze era featuring extensive iron tool-making and smelting.

Tamil Nadu radiometric dates push Indian iron use to early 4th millennium BCE (~3700 BCE).

Core chain: ore mining → pit/shaft furnaces → forging; major hubs in Ganga valley and South-Indian megalithic belt.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chronology

Rigvedic hymns silent on iron; Early Historic texts record smiths.
Ahar culture shows iron presence 2500–1700 BCE.
New Tamil Nadu dates indicate earlier 4th-millennium metallurgy.

Archaeological Sites

Raja Nal Ka Tila: tools, slag in pre-NBPW layers (1400-800 BCE).
Malhar (UP): furnaces and slag confirm metallurgical centre.
Paiyampalli (TN): huge slag heaps signal local smelting.

Pottery Cultures

BRW: black inside, red outside; spans Harappan, pre-PGW, South Megalithic.
PGW: grey painted geometric ware; iron finds across Ganga basin.
NBPW: lustrous black ware; aligns with second urbanization, 700–100 BCE.

Urbanization Impact

Iron ploughs cleared Gangetic forests, raised crop yields.
Surplus fostered Mahajanapadas and varna-based hierarchy.
Freed labour enabled crafts, trade and emergent cities.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Earliest Indian iron evidence	Tamil Nadu, ~3700 BCE
Conventional Iron Age onset	2000–1500 BCE
Second urbanization timing	c 6th cent BCE, mid-Ganga
Naikund, Vidarbha	Excavated iron-smelting furnace
Megalithic tool diversity	33 iron implement types
BRW pottery hallmark	Black interior, red exterior

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1998PYQ 1

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

GS-1Environment

10.Storm Eowyn Bomb Cyclone Impact (Bomb Cyclone)

Down to EarthExplosive cyclogenesis · Ireland · Scotland

Illustration for Storm Eowyn Bomb Cyclone Impact (Bomb Cyclone)

What & Where

Bomb cyclone: mid-latitude low whose core pressure falls ≥ 24 mb in 24 h, triggering gale-force winds

Storm Éowyn: bomb cyclone born 22 Jan 2025 off US East Coast; crossed 2,000 mi Atlantic; landfall W Scotland 24 Jan

Core impact zone: Ireland & Scotland; peak gust 114 mph at Mace Head, Galway

Quick Facts for MCQs

Climatology Drivers

Jet-stream energy: polar front streak >200 mph accelerated cyclogenesis
Thermal contrast: sharp Arctic-Atlantic gradient supplied instability and latent heat
Ocean heat flux: warm SSTs fed towering cumulonimbus, deepened low rapidly

Preparedness & Response

Red alerts: timely Met offices warnings curtailed casualties and enabled port/road closures
Forecast accuracy: high-resolution models captured 50 mb drop, validating ensemble prediction use

Climate Change Angle

Intensification trend: warmer oceans expected to raise bomb cyclone frequency & magnitude in N Atlantic
Infrastructure stress: record winds highlight adaptation need for coastal grids & transport

Environmental Impact

Wind damage: uprooted forests, disrupted power to thousands in rural Highlands & west Ireland
Extreme rainfall: swollen rivers risked flash floods, soil erosion across peatlands and farmlands

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Central pressure drop	50 mb in 24 h
Explosive cyclogenesis threshold	24 mb in 24 h
Formation date	22 Jan 2025
Landfall date	24 Jan 2025
Ocean traverse distance	~2,000 miles
Peak recorded gust	114 mph (Mace Head, Ireland)
Jet-stream speed aiding growth	> 200 mph
Primary air-mass clash	Cold Arctic vs warm oceanic
Alerts issued	Red (Ireland & Scotland)
Region scale	British Isles, strongest over west coasts

GS-3Environment

11.Lake Victoria Algal Blooms (African Great Lakes)

Down to EarthLake Victoria · East Africa · Cyanobacteria

Illustration for Lake Victoria Algal Blooms (African Great Lakes)

What & Where

Location: East African lake shared by Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, world’s second-largest freshwater body

Hydrology: Receives Kagera and other rivers, discharges via White Nile at Jinja, integral to Nile basin

Significance: Hosts world’s biggest freshwater fishery, now threatened by cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Toxic blooms reduce dissolved oxygen, endanger aquatic fauna and biodiversity
Water quality deterioration spreads across transboundary lake surface

Human Health

Communities risk liver and neuro toxins when drinking or bathing in bloom water
Conventional boiling fails, necessitating advanced filtration for safe consumption

Economic Angle

Fish mortality and market rejection slash incomes of tens of thousands of fishers
Utilities and governments incur higher costs for treating potable water

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global size rank	2nd largest freshwater lake
Riparian countries	Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya
Main inflow river	Kagera
Main outflow	White Nile (Victoria Nile)
Annual fish yield	>1 million tonnes
Dominant fish species	Nile Perch, Tilapia
Bloom organism	Cyanobacteria blue-green algae
Bloom type	cyanoHABs (harmful algal blooms)
Toxin removal by boiling	Ineffective
Key economic stake	Largest freshwater fishery livelihood
Water treatment impact	Rising purification costs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2000PYQ 1

Which one of the following lakes forms an international boundary between Tanzania and Uganda?

GS-3Environment

12.Wetland City Accreditation Initiative (Ramsar Convention)

Times of IndiaWCA · Indore · Udaipur

Illustration for Wetland City Accreditation Initiative (Ramsar Convention)

What & Where

Wetland City Accreditation: voluntary Ramsar tag rewarding urban wetland conservation & wise use.

Introduced at Ramsar COP-12, Punta del Este, Uruguay, 2015; valid 6 yrs, renewable.

2024: Indore (Madhya Pradesh) & Udaipur (Rajasthan) become India’s first accredited cities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives

Promote conservation & wise use of urban/peri-urban wetlands.
Ensure ecological balance alongside socio-economic gains for locals.
Foster positive city–wetland relationships near Ramsar sites.

Eligibility Criteria

Adopt wetland-centric policies, ecosystem-service promotion, sustainable socio-economic practices.
Engage local communities; curb degradation drivers.
Protect both natural and constructed wetlands within jurisdiction.

Indian Examples

Indore restored Sirpur Lake, major water-bird congregation zone.
Udaipur manages interconnected lakes enhancing biodiversity & eco-tourism.

Governance & Validity

Accreditation conferred by Ramsar Secretariat; cities apply voluntarily.
Review every six years; non-compliance risks delisting.
Recognition boosts funding, policy focus, global visibility.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Accrediting treaty	Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Launch event/year	COP-12 / 2015
Accreditation cycle	6 years, renewable
Mandatory criteria	6 international benchmarks
India’s debut cities	Indore & Udaipur
Indore wetland cited	Sirpur Lake – Ramsar site, bird sanctuary
Udaipur wetland network	Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Doodh Talai
MoEF&CC linkage	Supports Amrit Dharohar initiative
Scope	Natural & human-made urban/peri-urban wetlands
Core benefit	International recognition for sustainable urban planning

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted three nominations from India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Which one among the following cities is not one among them?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation of

GS-3S&T

13.Piezoelectric Stove Lighter Mechanism (Piezoelectric Ignition)

The HinduPiezoelectric crystal · Manual lighter · Electronic lighter

Illustration for Piezoelectric Stove Lighter Mechanism (Piezoelectric Ignition)

What & Where

Kitchen igniter; produces small electric/flame spark to start LPG/PNG gas stoves worldwide

Three variants; manual piezoelectric, battery-powered electronic, butane flame-based

Core action; mechanical click or circuit makes high-voltage discharge that lights fuel emerging from burner

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Basics

Piezoelectric; hammer strike compresses crystal, separates charges, emits kilovolt spark across 2–4 mm air gap
Electronic; battery current stepped up by transformer, repeated sparks on each button press
Flame type; valve releases butane while piezo spark or flint wheel ignites visible flame tip

Safety & Efficiency

Reusability minimises matchstick waste and accidental burns
Instant spark shortens unburnt gas release, reducing explosion risk
Metal nose and insulated handle isolate user from high voltage

Component Materials

Common crystals; quartz, lead-zirconate-titanate for reliable charge build-up
Conductive electrodes at crystal ends direct accumulated charge towards spark gap
Spring-loaded stainless hammer ensures quick, high-pressure impact on crystal

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main mechanisms	Piezoelectric crystal, electronic coil, butane flame
Manual lighter power source	None; thumb pressure only
Electronic lighter power source	AA/AAA button cell or Li-ion battery
Fuel in flame type	Liquid butane stored in mini-tank
Key safety gain	Reusable device keeps hand away from open flame

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

14.Exoplanet WASP-127b High Winds (Exoplanet Discovery)

The HinduHot Jupiter · 33 · 000 km/h winds

Illustration for Exoplanet WASP-127b High Winds (Exoplanet Discovery)

What & Where

Exoplanet WASP-127b, a hot Jupiter, orbits a star outside the Solar System

Lies about 520 light-years from Earth; among the puffiest, lowest-density gas giants known

Recent study measured record winds of 33,000 km/h, six times its rotation speed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Characteristics

Size 30 % bigger than Jupiter yet only 16 % its mass creating ultra-low density
Puffy structure assists atmospheric transmission observations by telescopes
Day-side temperature around 1,127 °C with night side still heated by stellar radiation

Atmospheric Dynamics

Winds reach 33,000 km/h, the fastest measured on any planet
Speed equals six times planetary rotation indicating strong eastward jet stream
Composition hydrogen helium plus traces carbon monoxide and water vapor

Orbital Features

Orbital period 4 Earth days due to very close star distance
Tidal locking causes permanent day and night hemispheres driving thermal gradient
Category hot Jupiter common target for studying star-planet interactions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Planet classification	Hot Jupiter
Distance from Earth	~520 light years
Relative radius	1.3 × Jupiter
Relative mass	0.16 × Jupiter
Orbital period	4 Earth days
Wind speed measured	33,000 km/h
Wind vs rotation rate	6 × faster
Day-side temperature	1,127 °C
Atmospheric constituents	H₂, He, traces CO & H₂O

GS-2Editorial

15.Trump Gaza Relocation Proposal (Israel-Palestine Conflict)

DCEgypt · Jordan · Two-state solution

Illustration for Trump Gaza Relocation Proposal (Israel-Palestine Conflict)

What & Where

Proposal: Trump call to relocate Gaza’s ≈1.5 million Palestinians into neighbouring Egypt and Jordan

Geography: Gaza Strip—Mediterranean enclave bordering Israel, Sinai; resettlement sites envisaged in Egyptian, Jordanian territory

Aim: Remove conflict actors, brand move “temporary/long-term” to create perceived regional stability

Quick Facts for MCQs

Neighbouring Responses

Jordan: rejects relocation; warns demographic imbalance; reiterates two-state framework
Egypt: says plan would “eliminate Palestinian cause”; fears Sinai militant spillover; cites treaty risk

Legal & Humanitarian Concerns

International-law: Forced transfer breaches Geneva Conventions and UN Charter norms
Right-of-return: UN-194 guarantees Palestinians return/compensation, contradicting mass resettlement
Identity: Permanent shift threatens Palestinian statehood claim and cultural continuity

Security Dimension

Israel: expects diminished rocket/militant threat if Gaza depopulated
Egypt: anticipates Sinai becoming staging ground for future attacks
Jordan: foresees domestic unrest, economic strain from extra refugees

Historical Context

Parallel: Palestinians equate scheme to 1948 Nakba mass expulsion
Precedent: Lebanon’s refugee influx tied to 1975-90 civil war instability
Two-state: Widely endorsed peace formula remains alternative to displacement plans

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposed Palestinians to be moved	≈1.5 million
Palestinian refugees already in Jordan	≈2.3 million
UN resolution on right of return	Resolution 194 (1948)
Egypt–Israel peace treaty year	1979
Historical displacement cited (Nakba)	1948

GS-2Editorial

16.India Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership (India-Indonesia Relations)

Indian ExpressMoUs · Defence exercises · USD 38.8 bn trade

Illustration for India Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership (India-Indonesia Relations)

What & Where

Partnership: India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, celebrating 75 yrs of diplomatic ties in 2025.

Geography: Indonesia guards Malacca, Sunda & Lombok Straits; India’s Andaman proximity underpins shared Indo-Pacific security.

Scope: Defence, trade, energy, health, digital public infrastructure, culture, multilateral coordination.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence & Security

Mechanisms: Coordinated Patrols, planned Maritime & Cyber Security Dialogues deepen naval-cyber cooperation.
Procurement: Jakarta negotiating BrahMos battery; agreement on price around USD 450 million.
Objective: Jointly secure sea lanes, counter terrorism and emerging cyber threats.

Economic Angle

Trade: Goal to surpass USD 38.8 billion; barriers tackled via accelerated AITIGA review.
Finance: Local Currency Settlement cuts forex costs, eases MSME participation.
Resources: Collaboration on biofuels, nickel, bauxite ensures critical-mineral and energy diversification.

Historical Evolution

Solidarity: India backed Indonesian independence; Treaty of Friendship signed 1951.
Strain: 1960s ties dipped as Indonesia sided with Pakistan; thaw after 1977 maritime pact, Suharto’s 1980 visit.
Revival: ‘Look East’ 1991 and ‘Act East’ 2014 policies repositioned Indonesia as a prime regional partner.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
2025 R-Day Chief Guest	Indonesian President
Diplomatic ties age	75 years (1950-2025)
Partnership level	Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – 2018
Bilateral trade 2022-23	USD 38.8 billion
Indonesia’s ASEAN trade rank for India	2nd after Singapore
Local Currency Settlement MoU	Allows INR–IDR invoicing
Key defence exercises	Garuda Shakti (Army); Samudra Shakti (Navy)
Proposed BrahMos sale	~USD 450 million

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the name of the initiative launched by India and Denmark in November 2025 to enhance bilateral ties?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 2

The eighth edition of the Exercise Garuda Shakti, a bilateral military-to-military exercise, was conducted recently between the special forces of India and

GS-2Scheme

17.PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme (Education Scholarships)

PIBOBC students · Pre-Matric · Post-Matric

Illustration for PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme (Education Scholarships)

What & Where

Central sector PM-YASASVI: scholarship umbrella under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, operational pan-India.

Targets marginalized school-to-college learners via pre-matric, post-matric, top-class education and hostel sub-schemes.

Focus on OBC, Economically Backward Classes and De-Notified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/SNT).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility Criteria

Category: OBC, EBC, DNT/SNT only
Income: combined parental income not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh annually
Level: school (Class IX onward) to postgraduate professional courses

Scholarship Components

Pre-matric: Rs 4,000 yearly academic allowance credited to student account
Post-matric: variable Rs 5,000–20,000 based on course category and duration
Top-class education: covers tuition, boarding, books, devices and incidental charges

Ancillary Support

Hostel: new/expanded facilities constructed near government institutions to cut commute barriers
Convergence: aligns with National Scholarships for Disabled, INSPIRE, Maulana Azad Fellowship for seamless higher-study pipeline
Monitoring: ministry interacts with student cohorts; Republic Day 2025 address showcased progress

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Admin ministry	Social Justice & Empowerment
Beneficiary groups	OBC, EBC, DNT/SNT students
Annual family income cap	≤ Rs 2.5 lakh
Pre-matric allowance	Flat Rs 4,000 per annum
Post-matric allowance	Rs 5,000 – 20,000 per annum
Top-class college aid	Full tuition, living, materials
Hostel provision	Accommodation near govt schools/colleges

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