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15 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 2GS-3: 10
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GS-2Polity

1.Writ Jurisdiction over Private Entities (Writ Jurisdiction)

DH

What & Where

Verdict: 2025 SC case S. Shobha v. Muthoot Finance held NBFCs, scheduled banks outside writ ambit unless doing public duties.

Constitutional Hooks: Articles 32 (SC) & 226 (HC) empower writs; Article 12 defines “State” controlling writ reach.

Geography: Applies across Indian territory; HC writs limited to own jurisdiction unless cause-of-action arises locally.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Function-test: Entity liable to writ only if statute imposes governmental or essential public function.
  • Regulation-alone: Mere RBI oversight does not convert private firm into “State”.
  • Article 32 right: SC cannot refuse writ plea for FR breach; HC discretion exists under 226.

Fundamental Rights

  • Writ-for-rights: SC writs solely for FR enforcement; HC additionally for statutory/other legal rights.
  • Public-law element: Private denial of a statutorily imposed public duty opens writ remedy.

Judicial Process

  • Territorial reach: SC nationwide; HC restricted to own state unless cause arises within.
  • Non-issuance instances: Mandamus barred against President, Governors, duties sans statutory backing.

Financial Sector

  • NBFC status: Not “State”; no writs unless NBFC undertakes delegated governmental tasks.
  • Scheduled banks treated identically under verdict, reinforcing private-entity exemption.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Case year2025
Key rulingFunction test, not RBI regulation, decides writ maintainability
Articles conferring writ power32 (SC only FR), 226 (HC FR + other rights)
Writ typesHabeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto
Definition of “State”Government, legislatures, local & other authorities (Art 12)
NBFC duty scopeLimited to account-holders & borrowers, not general public

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Which of the following conditions is/are necessary for the issue of a writ of certiorari in India?

GS-3Economy

2.Economic Survey 2025 Highlights (Economic Survey)

Indian Express

What & Where

Economic Survey: annual pre-Budget document reviewing macro-performance, sectoral trends, policy challenges; tabled in Parliament.

Key processes: data analysis, growth projection, reform prescriptions like Systematic Deregulation, risk-based regulation, AI-workforce skilling.

Core geography: Indian economy in global context; compares with IMF, China, trade fragmentation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Growth & Sectoral Output

  • Agriculture growth FY25 expected 3.8 %; record kharif grain 1,647 lakh t.
  • Industry growth est. 6.2 %, propelled by construction, utilities.
  • Services at 7.2 %; services exports up 12.8 % Apr–Nov 24.

Fiscal & Capex

  • Central capital outlay up 8.2 % Jul–Nov 24, infra-heavy.
  • Gross tax revenue rose 10.7 %; higher devolution muted net collections.
  • States’ revenue spend expanded 12 %, driven by subsidies, committed liabilities.

External & Trade

  • Merchandise exports +1.6 %, imports +5.2 % Apr–Dec 24.
  • Remittances and services surplus sustain low CAD; reserves cover 90 % external debt.
  • Rising protectionism, geo-economic fragmentation flagged as export risks.

Banking & Stability

  • Gross NPAs dropped to 2.6 %—12-year low.
  • CRAR robust at 16.7 % vs 11.5 % norm.
  • Survey backs shift to risk-based regulation to cut compliance costs.

Reforms & New Concepts

  • Systematic Deregulation: identify burdens, benchmark, cost-audit—under EoDB 2.0.
  • Mittelstand-style SME push: ₹50,000 cr Self-Reliant India Fund.
  • AI-driven labor change: stresses joint skilling by government, industry, academia.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Global growth 20233.3 %
IMF 2024-28 average forecast3.2 %
India real GDP FY25 (proj.)6.4 %
GDP growth band FY266.3–6.8 %
Unemployment 2023-243.2 %
Retail inflation Apr–Dec 244.9 %
Food inflation same period8.4 %
Current A/C deficit Q2 FY251.2 % of GDP
Forex reserves Jan 2025USD 634.6 bn
Import cover of reserves10.9 months

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about Indian economy during 2019–20 is not correct?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

Which one among the following is the estimated fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP of India in the Budget Estimates of 2025-26?

GS-3Economy

3.Union Budget 2025-26 Overview (Union Budget)

PIB
Illustration for Union Budget 2025-26 Overview (Union Budget)

What & Where

Union Budget 2025-26: annual central financial statement, tabled on 1 Feb 2025 in Parliament.

Theme Sabka Vikas; delivers Viksit Bharat vision through 4 engines—Agriculture, MSME, Investment, Exports.

Nationwide scope with special thrust for Bihar, North-East, coastal fisheries zones.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Agriculture & Allied

  • Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana upgrades 100 low-yield districts, benefits 1.7 cr farmers.
  • Kisan Credit Card limit enhanced to ₹5 lakh for 7.7 cr holders.
  • Six-year Pulses Mission targets Tur, Urad, Masoor self-sufficiency via NAFED, NCCF.

MSME & Startup Support

  • MSME investment & turnover caps raised 2.5 ×; guarantee cover now ₹10 cr.
  • Micro Enterprise Card offers ₹5 lakh collateral-free credit to 10 lakh units.
  • Fund-of-Funds topped up by ₹10,000 cr; focus on toy, leather clusters.

Investment & Infrastructure

  • Urban Challenge Fund finances growth hubs, sanitation; corpus ₹1 lakh cr.
  • UDAN 2.0 adds 120 destinations, targets 4 cr flyers in 10 years.
  • Nuclear Mission earmarks ₹20,000 cr for domestic SMRs operational by 2033.

Tax & Financial Reforms

  • No tax till ₹12 lakh; slabs peak at 30 % beyond ₹24 lakh.
  • Rent-TDS threshold raised to ₹6 lakh; updated returns allowed within 4 years.
  • Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 decriminalises 100+ regulatory provisions.

Export Promotion

  • Export Promotion Mission with sectoral targets; BharatTradeNet streamlines digital documentation.
  • Incentives for GCCs in tier-2 cities; new air-cargo warehousing for perishables.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Four development enginesAgriculture, MSME, Investment, Exports
Income-tax nil slabUp to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh salaried with deductions)
Jal Jeevan Mission outlay₹67,000 cr; completion target 2028
Urban Challenge Fund₹1 lakh cr corpus; ₹10,000 cr in 2025-26
Maritime Development Fund₹25,000 cr; Govt share 49 %
Nuclear Energy Mission₹20,000 cr for indigenous SMRs
Fiscal deficit 2024-25 (RE)3.3 % of GDP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2025PYQ 1

केंद्रीय बजट, 2025-26 में निम्नलिखित में से किसे 'विकास के इंजन' में से एक के रूप में शामिल नहीं किया गया है?

CAPF_GAI 2025PYQ 2

The Union Budget for which of the following years announced the issue of Sovereign Green Bonds to reduce the carbon intensity of the economy?

GS-3Infrastructure

4.SwaRail Railway SuperApp (Railway Digital App)

PIB
Illustration for SwaRail Railway SuperApp (Railway Digital App)

What & Where

SwaRail: beta-phase SuperApp by Indian Railways, unifies multiple passenger & freight services.

Developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS); overseen by Ministry of Railways.

Accessible pan-India; single platform replaces several existing railway apps.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Single sign-on leverages Rail ID federation; reduces repeated authentication.
  • Modular micro-services architecture enables addition of future railway utilities.

User Convenience

  • Biometric & m-PIN cut login time; suits low-literacy segments.
  • Integrated food & freight booking avoids separate vendor apps.

Governance & Implementation

  • CRIS handles backend; Railways to gather beta feedback before nation-wide roll-out.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch statusBeta testing (May 2024)
Parent ministryMinistry of Railways
DeveloperCentre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)
Core aimStreamline & integrate railway digital services
Key offeringOne-stop ticketing, PNR, freight, food ordering
Login systemSingle sign-on; m-PIN & biometric options
OnboardingUses existing Rail Connect/UTS credentials
Ticket coverageReserved + Unreserved segments
Added info layerPNR auto-linked with train schedule details
Clutter benefitReplaces multiple standalone IRCTC/UTS apps
GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

5.RBI Liquidity Injection Measures (Liquidity Measures)

Times of India

What & Where

Liquidity: ability to turn assets into cash quickly with little price change.

Where: Indian banking system facing rupee shortage after RBI dollar sales.

What: RBI to inject >₹1.5 lakh crore via G-sec buyback, variable-rate repo, USD-INR swap.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Infusion lowers inter-bank rates, easing borrowing costs for firms and consumers.
  • Adequate liquidity aids credit flow, supporting investment and growth.
  • Excessive liquidity risk: potential inflation resurgence if not sterilised later.

Monetary Toolkit

  • Government bond buyback directly expands monetary base without raising public debt.
  • Variable-rate repo offers rate discovery, aligning with Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
  • USD-INR swap provides foreign currency while sidestepping spot rupee sales.

Market Impact

  • Call money and TREPS rates expected to move closer to policy repo.
  • Banks gain room to meet CRR and statutory payments without aggressive market borrowing.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Liquidity gap sizeOver ₹1.5 lakh crore
TriggerRBI forex sale to stem FII-led rupee slide
No. of tools usedThree
Tool 1Government bond buyback
Tool 2Variable-rate repo auction
Tool 3USD-INR swap auction
Immediate aimRe-flood banking system with rupees
Forward signalCould precede repo-rate cut in next policy
Bond buyback effectPays holders, injects base money
Repo auction featureBanks bid; lowest rates allotted first
Swap benefitBorrows dollars, prevents further rupee drain
Expected market impactSofter short-term interest rates

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to

GS1 2015PYQ 2

When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

GS-1Mapping

6.Kara Sea in Arctic (Arctic Sea)

Economic Times

What & Where

Kara Sea: marginal sea of Arctic Ocean, north of Siberia

Borders only Russia; drains Ob, Yenisei, Pyasina, Kara rivers

Crucial Arctic segment along Northern Sea Route

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Features

  • Climate one of coldest seas; pack ice dominates nine months
  • Depth mostly shallow continental shelf; freezing salinity variation common
  • Water inflow heavily riverine; high sediment load near estuaries

Navigation & Shipping

  • Passage vital for Russia’s Arctic exports; icebreakers routinely deployed
  • Collision of 50 Let Pobedy underscores safety risks in congested ice lanes
  • Seasonal window widens slightly due to warming, boosting NSR traffic

Islands & Archipelagos

  • Nordenskiöld Archipelago houses 90 + islands shaping complex coastal topography
  • Taymyr Island marks northern tip of Eurasian mainland
  • Bely and Dikson Islands support limited meteorological and military outposts

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent oceanArctic Ocean
Bordering nationRussia exclusively
Major riversOb, Yenisei, Pyasina, Kara
Ice coverSeptember – May
Western straitKara Strait to Barents Sea
Eastern straitVilkitsky Strait to Laptev Sea
Notable islandsBely, Dikson, Taymyr, Nordenskiöld Archipelago
Strategic roleCore stretch of Northern Sea Route
GS-3Environment

7.Kolleru Lake Ramsar Wetland (Ramsar Wetland)

The Hindu
Illustration for Kolleru Lake Ramsar Wetland (Ramsar Wetland)

What & Where

Kolleru Lake; large freshwater wetland between Krishna–Godavari deltas, Andhra Pradesh

Fed by Budameru, Tammileru; drains via Upputeru channel to Bay of Bengal

Core zone protected as Kolleru Bird Sanctuary; Ramsar Site since 2002

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • NGT bench restrained Andhra Pradesh from executing six infrastructure projects inside notified wetland area
  • Direction bars construction until ecological assessment and requisite clearances obtained

Biodiversity Value

  • Habitat hosts Grey Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Open-billed Stork, Painted Stork, Purple Moorhen
  • Crucial winter stopover for thousands of waterfowl along Central Asian Flyway

Hydrology & Threats

  • Lake functions as flood buffer and groundwater recharge zone for Krishna–Godavari delta villages
  • Infrastructure could fragment marshes, degrade water quality and disturb breeding colonies

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
StateAndhra Pradesh
DistrictsEluru, Krishna
Wetland typeFreshwater floodplain lake
Feeder riversBudameru, Tammileru
OutletUpputeru → Bay of Bengal
Ramsar designation2002
Wildlife Sanctuary year1999
Indicator speciesGrey (Spot-billed) Pelican
Migratory routeCentral Asian Flyway
Latest NGT action2024 stay on 6 projects

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

According to the Ramsar Convention, which one of the following lakes is protected as waterfowl habitat?

GEO_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following pairs is/are not correctly matched?

GS-3Environment

8.India's New Ramsar Sites (Ramsar Additions)

News on Air
Illustration for India's New Ramsar Sites (Ramsar Additions)

What & Where

Ramsar Site = wetland recognised under 1971 Ramsar Convention for ecological, hydrological or cultural importance.

India’s tally rises to 89 after notification of four sites (2024); Tamil Nadu tops with 20.

First-ever Ramsar tags for Sikkim (Khecheopalri Wetland) and Jharkhand (Udhwa Lake Complex).

Quick Facts for MCQs

State Highlights

  • Tamil Nadu leads Ramsar list: 20 wetlands after latest two bird sanctuaries.
  • Sikkim & Jharkhand enter Ramsar map; earlier had zero sites.
  • Eastern Himalayan state count now: Assam 7, Manipur 3, Meghalaya 2, Sikkim 1.

Ecological Features

  • Avifauna richness: fishing eagles, Brahminy kites, lion-tailed macaque habitat (Sakkarakottai).
  • Hydrophytes: Aponogeton nutans, Hydrilla verticillata dominate Therthangal waters.
  • Udhwa Jheels offer nesting, roosting for winter migrants from September onward.

Cultural & Tourism

  • Khecheopalri sacred to Buddhists & Hindus; part of Demazong pilgrimage circuit, boosts eco-tourism.
  • Bird-watching seasons draw visitors to Therthangal & Udhwa, aiding local livelihood.
  • Sacred landscape status bolsters community conservation support in Sikkim.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
New sites addedTherthangal BS, Sakkarakottai BS (TN); Khecheopalri Wetland (SK); Udhwa Lake (JH)
Therthangal area29.29 ha
Sakkarakottai area230.49 ha
Udhwa Lake componentsPataura Jheel 155 ha + Brahma-Jamalpur Jheel 410 ha
Khecheopalri local nameSho Dzo Sho (“Oh Lady, Sit Here”)
Unique Khecheopalri traitBirds pick floating leaves, keep lake clear
Sakkarakottai key floraNeem, Palmyra Palm, Gloriosa superba
Therthangal peak visitationOct–Mar migratory season
Udhwa proximityNear Ganga River stream
Year notified as BSTherthangal 2010; Sakkarakottai 2012; Udhwa BS 1991

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following Ramsar Wetland sites is not situated in any of the Union Territories of India?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs of Ramsar Sites and States is not correctly matched?

GS-3Environment

9.Ocean Coordination Mechanism Launch (Caribbean Marine Governance)

Down to Earth
Illustration for Ocean Coordination Mechanism Launch (Caribbean Marine Governance)

What & Where

Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM): UNESCO-IOC collaborative framework for sustainable marine governance in Wider Caribbean.

Works via IOCARIBE; funds from GEF–UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+; stresses cross-country, science-traditional knowledge blend.

Geographic focus: Caribbean Sea + North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Framework status: Voluntary regional coordination mechanism, complements national laws and Cartagena Convention provisions.
  • Governance scope: Encourages joint marine spatial planning and transboundary MPA networks.
  • Priority communities: Small Island Developing States emphasised for capacity-building and finance access.

Environmental Impact

  • Conservation target: Protect biodiversity hotspots like Mesoamerican Reef and mangrove-rich North Brazil Shelf.
  • Pollution control: Focus on land-based runoff, marine plastics, oil-shipping spills.
  • Blue carbon: Promotes mangrove, seagrass restoration for NDC-linked carbon sequestration.

Geography Highlights

  • Caribbean basin bordered by Greater & Lesser Antilles, Central & South America.
  • North Brazil Shelf spans Amazon mouth to Orinoco, noted for world’s largest muddy coastline.
  • Region hosts expansive coastal swamps, key nurseries for commercial fish species.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launching bodyIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
Implementing armIOCARIBE (UNESCO-IOC Sub-commission)
Primary funderGlobal Environment Facility via UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+
Core aimsSustainable fisheries, ecosystem restoration, pollution control, blue carbon, MSP, MPAs
Oceanic coverageCaribbean Sea & North Brazil Shelf LMEs
Deepest Caribbean pointCayman Trough – 7,686 m
Major reefMesoamerican Barrier Reef – 1,000 km, world’s 2nd largest
Key Caribbean gulfsGonâve, Venezuela, Darién, Mosquitos, Paria, Honduras
North Brazil Shelf statesBrazil (Amapá), French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana
Shelf hallmarkAmazon–Orinoco sediments creating muddy shores, vast mangroves
GS-3S&T

10.Suzetrigine Non-Opioid Painkiller (Non-opioid Analgesic)

Indian Express

What & Where

Suzetrigine : first US-FDA-cleared non-opioid oral painkiller, 2024

Acts inside spinal cord, halting nociceptor signals before cortical perception

Intended for acute–moderate pain; positioned amid US opioid-overdose crisis

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pharmacology

  • Target : nociceptors activated by tissue injury
  • Outcome : prevents ascending pain transmission, sparing central opioid receptors
  • Distinct : avoids respiratory depression common to opioids

Public Health Significance

  • Addresses opioid-addiction epidemic; safer alternative
  • Potential to downscale dependence on Schedule-II narcotics
  • May influence global essential-medicine lists

Regulatory Aspect

  • FDA clearance precedes international approvals; WHO, EMA pending
  • Classified under new drug application, accelerated due to public-health need
  • Post-marketing surveillance mandated for long-term safety

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Drug classNon-opioid analgesic
MechanismVoltage-gated pain-signal blockade in spinal cord
Euphoria/AddictionNone reported
Initial dose100 mg single administration
Maintenance50 mg every 12 hours
Prescription statusRx-only
Approving bodyUS Food & Drug Administration
Opioid deaths 2022 (US)~82,000
Key opioid examplesMorphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl
GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.First Indian Ax-4 Pilot (Axiom Mission)

Business Standard

What & Where

Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) – a 2025 private, multinational flight to the International Space Station.

Launch aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon from Kennedy Space Center, Florida; 14-day ISS stay planned.

Crew: India’s Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla (pilot), NASA’s Peggy Whitson (commander), astronauts from Poland and Hungary.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • SpaceX Crew Dragon enables launch, docking, re-entry for Ax-4 private mission.
  • Experiments cover science, educational outreach, commercial tech demonstrations with NASA-ISRO oversight.
  • Flight provides operational experience feeding into India’s Gaganyaan program.

International Collaboration

  • Ax-4 marks first India-USA-Europe joint crewed space mission in 40+ years.
  • Axiom Space manages multinational crew training, logistics, mission integration.
  • NASA grants ISS access under Commercial Crew and Low-Earth-Orbit commercialization policy.

Historical Context

  • Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet Interkosmos flight was India’s sole earlier human spaceflight.
  • Ax-4 will place first Indian on ISS, ending 41-year gap.
  • Peggy Whitson holds record for most ISS days by a female astronaut, lending veteran leadership.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Indian astronautGp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla
Mission nameAxiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Mission typePrivate ISS visit
Launch year2025 (planned)
SpacecraftSpaceX Crew Dragon
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, USA
Mission commanderPeggy Whitson (NASA)
ISS duration14 days
Partner nationsIndia, Poland, Hungary, USA
Collaborating agenciesNASA & ISRO
Indian future roleAstronaut-designate for Gaganyaan
First Indian in spaceRakesh Sharma, 1984, Soyuz T-11

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 2

Who among the following is India's first Space Tourist?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.India's Card Tokenization Drive (Card Tokenization)

BL

What & Where

Definition – Card tokenization replaces actual card PAN with a unique “token” for each authorised transaction.

Key types – Device tokenization (device-specific) & Card-on-File tokenization (merchant-specific).

Geography – Implemented pan-India; mandated by RBI for all domestic card-based digital payments.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Device-token unique per smartphone or wearable; unusable if copied elsewhere.
  • Card-on-File token tied to one merchant, enabling quick repeat purchases.
  • Token replaces 16-digit PAN plus CVV, preserving existing card networks and issuers.

Security Dimension

  • Breach-mitigation: stolen merchant databases reveal only tokens, not usable raw card data.
  • Adoption delivered 98 % tokenised e-commerce, slashing mass card leak incidents.
  • RBI directive enforces deletion of stored PAN, compelling ecosystem-wide compliance.

Future Outlook

  • Expansion: RBI, networks planning token use in NFC tap-payments and subscription billing.
  • UPI-linked credit card pilot may leverage tokens for secure mandate-based pulls.
  • Scale-up: token count expected to surpass active card base as multi-device mapping rises.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tokens issued (Dec 2024)91 + crore
E-commerce share via tokens~98 % of transactions
RBI storage ban notificationOct 2022
Major security gainMerchants cannot store card PAN
Main use case todayOnline merchant checkout
Likely next arenasContactless POS, recurring, UPI-credit links

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

हाल ही, 'अविनिमेय (Non-Fungible) टोकन्स' की चर्चा निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंध में की जाती है?

GS-2Editorial

13.India-Bhutan Subnational Diplomacy (India-Bhutan Relations)

BL
Illustration for India-Bhutan Subnational Diplomacy (India-Bhutan Relations)

What & Where

Subnational diplomacy (Paradiplomacy): states/regions conduct external outreach for trade, culture, investment under federal framework.

Core corridor: Assam–Bhutan frontier; Darranga ICP operational, Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail and Banarhat–Samtse rail proposed.

Hydropower zone: Punatsangchhu-I & II on Sankosh basin, mainstay of India-Bhutan energy cooperation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Mechanisms

  • States Division: nodal MEA wing enabling state links in trade, tourism, FDI.
  • Consular & Federal Foreign Affairs offices: interface foreign missions with state governments.
  • City-diplomacy: town-twinning—Barcelona, London, São Paulo showcase municipal foreign affairs.

Economic Angle

  • Trade potential: Assam tea, oil, Joha rice, Bhut Jolokia suited for Bhutan markets via new ICPs.
  • Investment showcase: Vibrant Gujarat, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu attract FDI through state-led summits.
  • Mindfulness City: India funds sustainable economic hub in Bhutan’s south.

Security & Constitutional Issues

  • Union List constraint: foreign affairs remain central prerogative limiting unilateral state moves.
  • Border sensitivity: Northeast, J&K paradiplomacy monitored to avert security breaches.
  • Disinformation risk: smaller municipalities vulnerable to foreign manipulation in decentralised deals.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bhutan Five-Year Plan supported by India13th Plan, 2024-29
Punatsangchhu-II installed capacity1020 MW
Hydropower share in Bhutan’s GDP≈63 %
India-Bhutan trade via Jaigaon LCS>70 %
New Integrated Check PostDarranga, Assam
Proposed cross-border railKokrajhar (AS) – Gelephu (BT)
MEA unit handling statesStates Division
City-twinning sampleKobe–Ahmedabad

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

In January 2024, India has entered into a bilateral agreement through which it will provide grant assistance to a country to construct a 20 feet Bailey bridge. Identify the country.

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, 1954 में भारत और चीन द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित ‘पंचशील’ समझौते में निहित पाँच सिद्धांतों का भाग नहीं है ?

GS-1PolityQuick Bite

15.Inter-State Worker Social Security (Workers Social Security)

The Hindu

What & Where

Event: Union–State Labour Ministers’ Conference, India, Jan 2025

Focus: rollout of four Labour Codes, broader social security for informal, gig, construction workers

Process shift: Labour inspector model replaced by inspector-cum-facilitator to ease compliance

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Codes: Wage, Social Security, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety under implementation push
  • Reform: Single inspector-cum-facilitator envisaged for factory, mines, shops, other establishments
  • Goal: Ease of Doing Business through reduced compliance visits and digitised inspections

Social Security

  • Committees: tasked to design sustainable, contributory model covering informal workforce
  • Coverage: pensions, health, maternity, accident benefits proposed under Social Security Code
  • Data: eShram portal central to identification, portability, scheme enrollment

Construction Cess Funds

  • Concern: Massive idle corpus despite Building & Other Construction Workers Act mandate
  • Proposal: Channel funds to worker pensions and children’s education
  • Emphasis: States urged to expedite beneficiary mapping and direct benefit transfer

Gig & Platform Workers

  • Scheme: Dedicated Social Security Scheme in pipeline, financing mechanism under study
  • Needs: Funding sources, real-time data capture, simplified registration highlighted
  • Objective: Extend insurance, contingency, retirement cover beyond current voluntary models

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Committees formed3, with 5 States each
Mandate deadlineReports by Mar 2025
Unused construction-cess corpus₹70,744.16 crore
New compliance modelInspector-cum-facilitator
Portal for worker registrationeShram
Target group for fresh schemeGig & platform workers

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 1

भारत सरकार द्वारा अधिसूचित निम्नलिखित श्रम संहिताओं में से किसमें केंद्रीय श्रम अधिनियमों, यथा कारखाना अधिनियम, 1948 और खदान श्रम अधिनियम, 1951 के विशेष उपबंध को शामिल किया गया है?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which of the following features regarding ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’ are correct?

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