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17 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 7GS-3: 8
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GS-2Editorial

1.Freebies versus Welfare Debate (Electoral Freebies)

The Hindu

What & Where

Freebies = RBI term for public‐welfare goods/services given free of charge, often before polls

Delhi Assembly 2025 highlights surge in cash, gadgets, free ration promises to woo voters

Typical non-merit items: TVs, laptops, mixer-grinders; contrast with merit goods like education, health

Quick Facts for MCQs

Socio-economic Gains

  • Women empowerment via direct cash improves bargaining power, reduces dependence
  • Capability approach: free food, health cover raise dignity, productivity, long-term human capital
  • Cash transfers spur local demand, circulating money in low-income markets

Fiscal Risks

  • Revenue deficit rise crowds out capital spends on infra, health, education
  • Higher borrowing escalates debt servicing, elevates credit-default probability for states
  • Possible tax hikes shrink middle-class disposable income, dampen consumption

Judicial & Constitutional

  • DPSP alignment lets welfare spending escape strict judicial review, yet court flags pre-poll inducement concern
  • No current constitutional bar on promising non-merit freebies during campaigns

Reform Path

  • Strengthen FRBM; enforce time-bound, targeted subsidies linked to outcomes
  • Draft objective yardsticks separating welfare from electoral giveaways: social utility, long-term impact, fiscal sustainability
  • Enhance regulatory tracking of off-budget borrowings, electricity under-pricing, hidden subsidies

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
SC precedentS. Subramaniam Balaji vs TN 2013: freebies within legislative policy
Recent SC remark2025 PIL: warned of creating “class of parasites” via free ration, money
Delhi revenue surplusFell 35 % between 2022-23 & 2024-25 due to freebies
Extra subsidy loadRBI: Rs 10,000-12,000 cr annually from new giveaways
Merit good exampleMid-Day Meal under PDS ensures food security
Key fiscal guardrailFRBM Act 2003 limits deficits, seeks prudence
GS-2Polity

2.National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Mandate (Safai Karamcharis Welfare)

News on Air

What & Where

Government welfare watchdog for Safai Karamcharis, HQ New Delhi, under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Set up 1994 via National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act 1993; Cabinet extended life till 31 Mar 2028.

Nationwide mandate to upgrade sanitation-worker welfare and eradicate manual scavenging.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mandate & Powers

  • Recommendation: welfare schemes, economic rehabilitation, inequality removal
  • Investigation: complaints on unsafe work, discrimination, scheme violations
  • Oversight: monitors 2013 Act compliance and Supreme Court directives

Organisational Setup

  • Composition: Chairperson, Vice-Chair, five members appointed by Centre
  • Status: Chairperson holds MoS rank for higher institutional clout
  • Tenure: extension granted till 31 March 2028

Operational Tools

  • Field-visits: members assess on-ground sanitation conditions across states
  • Grievance-redressal: accepts petitions, liaises with authorities for quick relief
  • Suo-motu monitoring: acts on media reports to pre-empt rights violations

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Establishment Year1994
Legal BasisNCSK Act, 1993
Latest TenureUp to 31 Mar 2028
Parent MinistrySocial Justice & Empowerment
HeadquartersNew Delhi
CompositionChairperson, Vice-Chair, 5 Members
Chairperson RankMinister of State
Core AimWelfare + end manual scavenging
Key Law MonitoredProhibition of Manual Scavengers Act 2013
Sewer-death Compensation₹30 lakh (SC directive)
GS-2Polity

3.Centrally Sponsored Schemes Funding Cut (Article 282 Grants)

Financial Express

What & Where

Article 282, Constitution of India: lets Union & States give discretionary grants for any public purpose, outside their legislative field.

Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Centre-State joint programmes, mainly on State/Concurrent List subjects, funded via Article 282 grants.

Pan-India implementation; design steered by NITI Aayog; money flows through State Consolidated Funds.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Supreme Court: Bhim Singh 2010 + Ram Jawaya 1955 uphold discretionary grants from Consolidated Fund.
  • Finance Commission binds Articles 270/275, not Article 282; hence CSS bypass FC guidance.
  • Many CSS operate on State List items, diluting Seventh Schedule boundaries.

Fiscal Numbers

  • Union earmarks ~12 % of its budget for CSS, demanding state matching grants.
  • 15th FC: states hold 37 % resources yet shoulder 62 % spending, spurring CSS dependence.
  • Interest-free loan window ₹50,000 crore (2022) linked to state disinvestment illustrates fiscal conditionality.

Cooperative Federalism

  • Mandatory “branding” of assets projects central leadership, weakening co-equal spirit highlighted by Ambedkar.
  • Proliferating CSS seen as political instruments, raising federal friction.
  • Suggested fix: Inter-State Council & flexible CSS guidelines to restore collaborative governance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
2025-26 CSS outlay cut₹91,000 crore (18 % of BE)
Unspent earlier CSS funds₹1.6 lakh crore
Union share of national resources63 %
Union share of expenditure38 %
CSS share in total transfers 2014-15 → 2022-237.5 % → 47 %
Usual Centre-State ratio60:40
NE & special category ratio90:10
SC case validating Article 282 grantsBhim Singh v UoI (2010)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS1 2002PYQ 2

Which one of the following authorities recommends the principles governing grants-in-aid of the revenues to the states out of the Consolidated Fund of India?

GS-2Polity

4.Supreme Court on Sports Politicisation (Sports Governance)

The Hindu

What & Where

AKFI – apex Indian Kabaddi body; governs national/indoor/beach/circle styles; HQ Jaipur, Rajasthan.

IKF – international Kabaddi federation; founded 2004; HQ Jaipur; 24 member-countries.

Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025 slated Iran; India’s entry ordered by Supreme Court.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Supreme Court directed administrator to hand over charge to December 2023 elected AKFI body.
  • Court clarified takeover not endorsement; election validity questions remain sub-judice.
  • IKF promises reinstatement once democratically elected body functions.

Governance Issues

  • Allegations: opaque elections, financial irregularities, political monopolisation within AKFI.
  • Several federations alleged non-compliance with National Sports Code 2011.
  • 2010 Commonwealth Games audit exposed 14 projects with CVC-flagged irregularities.

Athlete Impact

  • Administrative delays risked India’s Asian Championship participation and training camps.
  • Weak complaint mechanisms leave athletes, especially women, vulnerable to harassment.
  • SC notes federations improve when sportspersons, not politicians, run them.

Representation & Inclusion

  • Olympic Charter mandates athlete reps in National Olympic Committees; urged adoption across federations.
  • Suggested gender quotas, safe workplaces to raise women’s presence in sports governance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
AKFI legal statusRecognised by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
AKFI administrator (till 2023)Justice (Retd) S. P. Garg, appointed by Delhi HC
Suspension authorityInternational Kabaddi Federation
Stated suspension causeAbsence of an elected AKFI body
Supreme Court order date10 Feb 2025
National Sports Code year2011
IKF member nations24
Sports list statusState Subject (Seventh Schedule)
GS-3Infrastructure

5.South Coast Railway Zone Formation (Railway Reorganisation)

Indian Express
Illustration for South Coast Railway Zone Formation (Railway Reorganisation)

What & Where

South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) — 18th* zone, carved from Waltair Division, Cabinet nod 7 Feb 2025

HQ Visakhapatnam; jurisdiction spans Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, north Tamil Nadu

Waltair Division split into Visakhapatnam Div (SCoR) and Rayagada Div (East Coast Railway)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Act compliance Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act mandates separate AP-centric railway zone
  • Cabinet used Railway Act 1989 Section 3 for zone creation
  • Policy goal decentralised administration for post-bifurcation equity

Economic Angle

  • Waltair among top revenue divisions owing freight of iron ore, coal, finished steel
  • SCoR expected reduced turnaround time for Vizag & Krishnapatnam ports
  • Projected tourism gains Araku valley, Tirupati, eastern coastline

Administrative Structure

  • Indian Railways now 17 operational zones + SCoR + Metro Kolkata makes 19 in tally
  • Zones report to Railway Board chaired by CEO & Chairman
  • New DRM offices Visakhapatnam and Rayagada operational by FY 2025-26

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Zone number*18th under IR; 19 zones incl Metro Kolkata
Establishment year2025
Cabinet approval date7 Feb 2025
HeadquartersVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Key legacy divisions movedVijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam
New Rayagada Division HQRayagada, Odisha
Parent zone of RayagadaEast Coast Railway
Revenue driver WaltairFreight from Odisha & Chhattisgarh mining-steel belt
Legal triggerAndhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014, Sec 93(2)
Aim of bifurcationBetter logistics, industry growth, tourism boost
Total railway divisions70
Latest added divisionJammu Railway Division
Zones under a GMOne General Manager each
Divisions under a DRMOne Divisional Railway Manager each

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2006PYQ 1

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

The Headquarters of South-Eastern Railway is located at

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

6.India Crosses 100 GW Solar Capacity (Solar Capacity Milestone)

PIB
Illustration for India Crosses 100 GW Solar Capacity (Solar Capacity Milestone)

What & Where

Milestone India surpasses 100 GW installed solar power capacity February 2025

Key types include utility scale, rooftop, hybrid solar-wind projects across states

Core geography leaders Rajasthan Gujarat Tamil Nadu Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh high irradiation belts

Quick Facts for MCQs

Capacity Growth

  • Surge 2014-25 addition 97 GW averaging ~9 GW yearly
  • Hybrid integration elevates pipeline near 300 GW broadening grid mix
  • Solar now almost half of RE portfolio strengthening India’s INDC trajectory

Schemes & Policy

  • Flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli subsidises rooftop panels upto 3 kW for households
  • Central target 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 aligns with updated NDC energy goal
  • State ranking drives Viability-Gap tenders and RPO enforcement

Manufacturing & Industry

  • Domestic module capacity expanded 30-fold to 60 GW by 2024 aided by PLI Scheme
  • Backward integration encouraged for cells wafers glass reducing import dependence from China
  • Production boost supports ALMM order and export ambitions

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Installed solar capacity Feb 2025100 GW
Growth since 201435 × (2.82 GW ➔ 100 GW)
Solar + hybrid project pipeline296.59 GW
Share in total RE capacity47 %
National non-fossil target 2030500 GW
Rooftop installs under PM Surya Ghar9 lakh households
Leading solar stateRajasthan
Module capacity 20142 GW
Module capacity 202460 GW

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ :

GS-1Mapping

7.Namibia Key Geographic Features (Country Mapping)

DD News
Illustration for Namibia Key Geographic Features (Country Mapping)

What & Where

Namibia: Southern African nation, Atlantic frontage; gained independence from South Africa in 1990.

Core geography: Namib Desert west, Kalahari Desert east, central plateau with Brandberg peak.

Strategic borders: Angola north, Botswana east, South Africa south, Zambia & Zimbabwe northeast via Zambezi strip.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political Milestone

  • Independence: UN-brokered transition ended South African administration on 21 Mar 1990.
  • Leadership: Sam Nujoma elected first president; served three terms till 2005.
  • Legacy: Referred to domestically as “Founding Father of Namibia”.

Physical Geography

  • Desert‐duo: Namib gives coastal fog deserts; Kalahari supports sparse savanna in east.
  • Plateau: Central highlands host Brandberg, granite inselberg famed for White Lady rock art.
  • Climate: Arid to semi-arid, rainfall declines sharply westwards toward Atlantic.

Borders & Rivers

  • Northern flow: Kunene and Okavango rivers enter from Angola, sustain limited agriculture.
  • Caprivi Strip: Narrow northeast corridor touches Zambia & Zimbabwe, strategic for Zambezi access.
  • Southern limit: Orange River demarcates lengthy Namibia–South Africa boundary, key for water sharing.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CapitalWindhoek
Year of Independence1990
Founding FatherSam Nujoma
Bordering OceanAtlantic Ocean (west)
Highest PeakBrandberg Mountain – 2,573 m
Oldest DesertNamib Desert
Eastern DesertKalahari Desert
River Border with S. AfricaOrange River
GS-1Mapping

8.Cook Islands Location and Status (Polynesian Islands)

FT

What & Where

Cook Islands = 15-island, self-governing Polynesian state in free association with New Zealand, South Pacific Ocean.

Mix of volcanic high islands and coral atolls, famed for lagoons, reefs.

Capital Avarua on Rarotonga; highest peak Te Manga 652 m.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political Status

  • Autonomy: Own parliament/government; NZ handles external affairs “in consultation”.
  • Citizenship: Dual benefit—Cook Islanders freely live, work, vote in New Zealand.
  • Funding: Wellington’s grants key to health, education, infrastructure budgets.

Security Dimension

  • Concern: China-Cook Islands deal may expand PLA footprint in South Pacific.
  • Diplomacy: NZ stresses transparency, prior consultation under free-association norms.
  • Context: Intensifying China influence after 2022 Solomon security pact.

Geography & Terrain

  • Volcanic cores: Rarotonga, Mangaia present rugged peaks, fertile valleys.
  • Coral atolls: Aitutaki, Manihiki feature lagoons, pearl-farming potential.
  • EEZ: Vast maritime zone gives fisheries, seabed minerals significance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Political statusSelf-governing; free association with New Zealand
Capital cityAvarua, Rarotonga Island
RegionPolynesia, South Pacific
Number of islands15
Terrain typesVolcanic islands; coral atolls
Highest pointTe Manga 652 m
CitizenshipCook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship
NZ assistanceFinancial aid, defence support, foreign-affairs management
Planned pactStrategic partnership with China
NZ reaction“Significant concern”; claimed lack of prior consultation
GS-3Environment

9.Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Profile (Cheetah Habitat)

The Hindu
Illustration for Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Profile (Cheetah Habitat)

What & Where

Sanctuary: Gandhi Sagar WLS, 368 sq km in Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous ecoregion, NW Madhya Pradesh bordering Rajasthan

Geography: Chambal River bisects area, creating mixed scrub–grassland ideal for cheetah reintroduction

Status: Tagged as India’s second cheetah habitat; 6–8 South African cheetahs due by summer 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ecology & Habitat

  • Vegetation: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests interspersed with open grasslands resembling African savanna
  • Seasons: Hot March–June, moderate winters; rainfall low, aiding grassland maintenance
  • Avifauna: IBA tag signals significant resident & migratory bird diversity

Fauna Management

  • Prey-boost: Spotted deer & Nilgai translocated to ensure adequate cheetah food supply
  • Predator-control: Leopard density actively monitored, conflict-reduction plans in place
  • Monitoring: Radio-collaring, camera traps to track carnivore interactions post-release

Cultural Heritage

  • Rock art: Chaturbhuj Nala paintings show hunting scenes with spotted felids, echoing historical cheetah presence
  • Protection: Archaeological Survey of India manages shelters alongside Forest Department
  • Folklore: Local oral traditions recall cheetahs before nationwide extinction in 1952

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
StateMadhya Pradesh
DistrictsMandsaur & Nimach
BorderMadhya Pradesh–Rajasthan
Area368 sq km
Main riverChambal
EcoregionKhathiar-Gir dry deciduous
Climate typeSemi-arid
Key floraKhair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash
Core prey baseChinkara, Nilgai, Spotted deer
Major carnivoresIndian leopard, Striped hyena, Jackal
Bird statusImportant Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA)
Rock-art siteChaturbhuj Nala shelters (ASI-protected)
Historical cheetah extinction1952
Incoming cheetahs6–8 from South Africa
First Indian siteKuno NP (8 Namibia + 12 South Africa, 2022-23)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Cheetahs, brought from Namibia, were introduced in India to which one of the following National Parks?

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 2

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

10.Eurasian Otter Sighted in Kashmir (Eurasian Otter)

BL

What & Where

Sighted species Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), first live record in 25 yrs within Kashmir

Location Kishanganga River, flowing through Tulail & Gurez Valleys before PoK

Otter range Himalayas, Northeast India, Western Ghats; lives in both fresh- and marine-water systems

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Status

  • Schedule I & Appendix I confer highest national & international trade protection
  • Near Threatened tag signals population decline risk but not yet Vulnerable

Habitat & Ecology

  • Himalayan cold-water rivers offer clean, fish-rich environment essential for otter survival
  • Species acts as apex meso-predator maintaining aquatic trophic balance
  • Crepuscular behaviour reduces human encounter and predation risk

Geographical Context

  • Kishanganga a Jhelum tributary, strategic basin shared by India & PoK
  • Gurez-Tulail Valleys form high-altitude corridor enabling transboundary wildlife movement

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Local name (J&K)Vodur
Mammal familyMustelidae
IUCN categoryNear Threatened
WPA 1972 listingSchedule I
CITES listingAppendix I
Activity peakCrepuscular (dawn, dusk)
Principal dietFish, crustaceans, amphibians
Other preyReptiles, birds, eggs, insects, worms
Other Indian ottersSmooth-coated; Small-clawed
River sourceKrishansar Lake, Ganderbal district
River flowNorthward to PoK via Tulail & Gurez
Live documentation gap25 years
GS-3S&T

12.Chandrayaan-3 Shiv Shakti Point Age (Lunar Geology)

Times of India
Illustration for Chandrayaan-3 Shiv Shakti Point Age (Lunar Geology)

What & Where

Shiv Shakti Point; Chandrayaan-3 landing site in lunar south-polar highlands

Age derived by crater size–frequency distribution plus morphology analysis

Flanked by Manzinus, Boguslawsky, Schomberger craters shaping ejecta-rich terrain

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Context

  • Impact cratering; primary surface-shaping process across lunar south-pole highlands
  • Ejecta blankets; Manzinus, Boguslawsky, Schomberger deposits generate rugged topography and secondary craters

Rover Findings

  • Rock fragments; density rises toward 14-km fresh crater indicating recent geologic disturbance
  • Minimal space weathering; allows preservation of compositional clues for in-situ analysis

Comparative Timelines

  • 3.7-Ga lunar surface; contemporaneous with earliest microbial life emergence on Earth
  • Chronology alignment; aids scientists in modelling solar system thermal and geological evolution

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Landing site age~3.7 billion years
Study agencyISRO – Physical Research Laboratory
Analysis methodCrater distribution & morphological study
Neighbouring cratersManzinus 3.9 Ga; Boguslawsky 4.0 Ga; Schomberger 3.7 Ga
Fresh crater distance14 km south of Shiv Shakti Point
Rover operatingPragyan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2019PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the name given to the lander of Chandrayaan-2?

GS-3S&T

13.SRY Gene and Sex Determination (Sex Determination)

The Hindu

What & Where

Sex determination : embryonic process assigning male or female pathway via genetic-hormonal cues

Key chromosomal types : XX =female default, XY =male via SRY master gene; rare XX-SRY translocation cases

Geography note : 2024 case reports of SRY-positive females from Italy and USA

Quick Facts for MCQs

Genetic Basics

  • Cascade : SRY activates downstream SOX9, AMH genes steering testicular differentiation
  • Hormone loop : Foetal testes secrete testosterone, MIS; suppresses Müllerian ducts, enhances Wolffian structures
  • Absence scenario : Without SRY, ovaries form, estrogen leads Müllerian duct maturation

Rare Variants

  • XX-SRY males : 1 in 20,000 births; present male external genitalia yet lack AZF genes causing azoospermia
  • XY females : SRY deletion/mutation yields Swyer syndrome requiring hormone therapy, gonadectomy risk
  • Mosaicism : Some individuals carry both SRY-positive and SRY-negative cells, producing ambiguous genitalia

Research Geography

  • Italy case : 46,XX girl with SRY on X; normal puberty, fertility under evaluation
  • USA cohort : Pediatric screening identified SRY presence in phenotypic females owing to skewed X-inactivation
  • Diagnostic tool : FISH and PCR employed to map SRY locus in both studies

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Human chromosome pairs23 total; 1 pair sex chromosomes
Egg contributionAlways X chromosome
Sperm contributionX or Y chromosome
SRY gene locationY chromosome short arm
SRY functionTriggers testes development → testosterone cascade
Default pathwayFemale organs form if SRY absent/inactive
XX male outcomeSRY translocated to X; phenotypic male, typically sterile
XX female with SRYPossible via biased X-inactivation silencing SRY
Translocation mechanismCrossing-over error during paternal meiosis
Recent study nationsItaly, United States

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

In human beings, the chromosomes that determine birth of a normal female child are

GS-2Polity

14.International Criminal Court Overview (International Criminal Court)

The Hindu
Illustration for International Criminal Court Overview (International Criminal Court)

What & Where

ICC = treaty-based permanent court prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, aggression

Created by 1998 Rome Statute; entered into force 2002

Seat: The Hague, Netherlands; global jurisdiction when national courts fail

Quick Facts for MCQs

Organ Structure

  • OTP screens situations, gathers evidence, files charges
  • Judicial Divisions manage pre-trial, trial, appeals; ensure fair procedure
  • Registry provides admin, witness protection, outreach

Referral & Complementarity

  • Complementarity activates only when states unwilling or unable to act
  • Proprio motu power lets Prosecutor open probes after Pre-Trial Chamber nod
  • UNSC referral binds even non-members under Chapter VII authority

Membership Map

  • Regional strength: Europe, Latin America, Africa largest block of parties
  • Withdrawals rare; Burundi 2017 first exit, Philippines 2019 suspension
  • Accession requires ratification of Rome Statute without reservations

Security Dimension

  • June 2020 US Executive Order sanctioned ICC staff over probes in Afghanistan, Palestine
  • Sanctions target asset freezes, visa bans, assistance prohibitions
  • Critics label move intimidation; EU, UN reaffirm ICC independence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Treaty basisRome Statute, 1998
Entry into force1 July 2002
HeadquartersThe Hague, Netherlands
Membership125 States Parties
Major non-membersUSA, China, Russia, India, Israel
Core crimesGenocide; Crimes against humanity; War crimes; Aggression
Referral modesState Party, UN Security Council, proprio motu Prosecutor
Key organsOTP; Judicial Divisions; Registry
Governing principleComplementarity with national jurisdictions
Highest sanctionArrest warrants against individuals, not states
GS-2Misc

15.First BIMSTEC Youth Summit Highlights (BIMSTEC Cooperation)

Business Standard
Illustration for First BIMSTEC Youth Summit Highlights (BIMSTEC Cooperation)

What & Where

BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025: first regional meet for Bay-of-Bengal youth leaders.

Venue Gandhinagar, Gujarat; inaugurated by Union Youth Affairs & Sports Minister.

Platform to deepen intra-BIMSTEC cooperation, leadership, policy dialogue.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Leadership & Skills

  • Training in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, other digital competencies.
  • Sessions map Viksit Bharat @2047 goals to regional youth policy.

Innovation & Startups

  • Plan for BIMSTEC-wide startup network to spur cross-border entrepreneurship.
  • Focus on technology transfer, investment matchmaking among members.

Cultural & Heritage

  • Delegates visit Dandi Kutir; events showcase shared civilisational links.
  • Cultural exchanges positioned as trust-building soft-power tool.

Sustainability & Digital Growth

  • Panels address climate resilience, green tech, inclusive digital economy.
  • Agenda aligns with BIMSTEC vision for sustainable regional development.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Summit edition1st
Year scheduled2025
Host cityGandhinagar, Gujarat
Proposed at4th BIMSTEC Summit, Kathmandu
Core themeYouth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange
Main organiserMinistry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Co-organiserMinistry of External Affairs
Knowledge partnerCII – Young Indians
BIMSTEC formed on6 Jun 1997 (Bangkok Declaration)
Permanent SecretariatDhaka, Bangladesh
Current Sec-GeneralIndra Mani Pandey (India)
Member count7 (BGD, BTN, IND, MMR, NPL, LKA, THA)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

BIMSTEC के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

The 22nd India-ASEAN Summit was held in October 2025 in

GS-3Security

16.Naxalism Causes and Countermeasures (Left-Wing Extremism)

PIB
Illustration for Naxalism Causes and Countermeasures (Left-Wing Extremism)

What & Where

Naxalism = Left-Wing Extremism; Maoist-inspired armed insurgency challenging Indian state authority.

Tactics: guerrilla warfare, IEDs, “Janatana Sarkars” in dense forest–tribal belts.

Current footprint: only 25 districts across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, etc.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • UAPA ban on CPI(Maoist) disrupts recruitment, finance networks.
  • NIA’s LWE Division accelerates investigation and prosecution.
  • Multi-state coordination centres enable 24×7 intelligence sharing, joint ops.

Development Schemes

  • SCA ₹3,450 cr funds roads, telecom, bridges in 25 districts.
  • 2,796 banks, 4,903 post offices widen financial inclusion.
  • 48 ITIs, 68 SDCs deliver job-linked skill training.

Security Dimension

  • CAPF battalions deployed; camps pushed deeper into forest interiors.
  • 250 police stations fortified with sandbags, CCTV, night-vision gadgets.
  • UAVs, helicopters, counter-IED teams lower security casualties.

Progress Metrics

  • Violent incidents down 48%, fatalities down 65% since 2013.
  • Affected districts contracted from 76 to 25 during 2013-23.
  • 31 Maoists killed Bijapur 2024, biggest single-day success.

Persisting Challenges

  • Dense forests aid ambush, landmine guerrilla tactics.
  • Maoists sabotage roads, schools, telecom to stall development.
  • Urban sympathizers supply ideology, funds, digital outreach.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Target year for Naxal-free India31 Mar 2026
Violent incidents 2013 → 20231,136 → 594 (-48%)
Fatalities 2013 → 2023397 → 138 (-65%)
Proscription law on CPI(Maoist)UAPA 1967
Special Central Assistance₹3,450 crore, 25 districts
Roads built under LWE scheme5,148 km
Fortified police stations250
New bank branches in LWE areas2,796
ITIs / Skill Dev. Centres48 / 68
GS-2Scheme

17.Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Initiative (Women Entrepreneurship)

PIB
Illustration for Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Initiative (Women Entrepreneurship)

What & Where

Scheme “Swavalambini” — women-entrepreneurship programme for Northeast Higher-Education Institutions (HEIs).

Process chain — EAP → EDP → FDP → funding & awards; executed by IIE-Guwahati.

Geography focus — launched Feb 2025 in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Program Structure

  • Stages: Entrepreneurship Awareness, Development, Faculty training, post-training funding.
  • Faculty Development builds campus mentors to institutionalise pipeline.
  • Recognition-cum-award planned for successful cohorts.

Outcomes & Targets

  • Metric: 10 % EDP participants expected to operationalise businesses.
  • Goal: make entrepreneurship viable career choice for NE women graduates.
  • Vision: women-led firms as drivers of $5-trn economy aspiration.

Policy Alignment

  • NEP 2020 integration—skill, industry link, flexible curricula.
  • Complements Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, PM-Mudra, Women Entrepreneurship Platform.
  • Union Budget incentives—corpus + tax holiday lower early-stage capital risk.

Women Entrepreneurship Data

  • Universe: 63 mn MSMEs; women helm one-fifth.
  • State pattern: WB > TN > TS > KA > AP in female ownership share.
  • Global indices signal untapped potential despite large domestic base.

Northeast Focus

  • Rationale: region under-represented in start-up ecosystem.
  • Leverages IIE-Guwahati’s existing incubation network.
  • Aims replication model for other Himalayan & tribal belts.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Nodal ministrySkill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Key partnersNITI Aayog & Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship
Budget 2025 start-up fund₹10,000 crore
Tax benefit100 % profit exemption for first 5 years
Women-owned MSME share20 % ≈ 12.39 million units
Employment by women MSMEs22–27 million persons
India’s MIWE 2021 rank57 / 65
India’s Global FEI rank70 / 77
Top state share—WB23.42 % women-led MSMEs
Target success rate10 % EDP trainees to start ventures

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2008PYQ 1

What is the name of the scheme which provides training and skills to women in traditional and non-traditional trades?

GS1 2016PYQ 2

'SWAYAM', an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

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