Wednesday, 12 February 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

The correct answer is (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

Q: Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union?

The correct answer is (a) Article 257. This question appeared in GS1 2004.

Q: Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

The correct answer is (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: Consider the following:

The correct answer is (b) Only three. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: Consider the following States:

The correct answer is (a) I, III, IV, II. This question appeared in GS1 2001.

Q: Consider the following statements:

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

Q: The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions ?

The correct answer is (d) None of the (a), (b) and (c) above. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: Under the Permanent Settlement, 1793, the zamindars were required to issue pattas to the farmers which were not issued by many of the zamindars. The reason was

The correct answer is (a) the zamindars were trusted by the farmers. This question appeared in GS1 2001.

Q: Volga River drains into which one of the following seas?

The correct answer is (c) North Sea. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding salinity of oceans:

The correct answer is (a) I and II. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2026.

16 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 5GS-3: 8

0/16 done

GS-2Polity

1.President’s Rule Provisions (Article 356)

Indian ExpressArticle 356 · Article 365 · Constitutional machinery

What & Where

President’s Rule = direct Union administration when a state’s constitutional machinery fails

Invoked in any Indian state under Article 356; excludes Union Territories

Activated on Presidential satisfaction, usually after Governor’s report

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

Article 356 failure of machinery; Article 365 non-compliance with Union directives
Article 256 empowers Centre to issue binding instructions to states
Bommai judgment restricts arbitrary imposition; judicial review permitted

Procedure & Timelines

Governor report usually precedes Presidential proclamation
Parliament must endorse within 2 months; otherwise rule lapses
Each 6-month extension requires fresh resolutions in both Houses

Trigger Conditions

Political instability or loss of majority on Assembly floor
Serious law-and-order collapse or inability to hold timely elections
Non-implementation of constitutional obligations or Union directives

Governance Impact

Chief Minister & Council removed; bureaucrats run departments under Governor
Legislature functions shift to Parliament; President may promulgate ordinances
High Court jurisdiction intact; fundamental rights formally unaffected

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main article	Article 356
Supporting article	Article 365
Proclamation validity without Parliament	2 months
Initial tenure after approval	6 months
Maximum continuous duration	3 years
Renewal interval	Every 6 months
Extension beyond 1 yr allowed when	National Emergency or EC says polls impossible
Houses approving	Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha
Executive during rule	Governor on behalf of President
Assembly status	Dissolved or kept under suspension

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

GS1 2004PYQ 2

Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union?

GS-2Polity

2.Competitive vs Cooperative Federalism (Federalism)

BL15th Finance Commission · Tax indicators · State reforms

What & Where

Competitive federalism – state-state & Centre-state race for investment, jobs, services; performance judged by 15th FC indicators.

Cooperative federalism – Centre & states pool authority for GST, Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN, water dispute laws.

Geography of practice – across Indian Union; five Zonal Councils created 1956 for inter-state liaison.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Supremacy – Union prevails on Concurrent & residuary subjects, causing quasi-federal tension.
Conflict – Art 269A GST Council vs Art 270 Finance Commission over tax-share recommendations.
Remedy – Regular Inter-State Council meets urged; last full session 2016.

Economic Angle

Incentive – Performance-based devolution spurs fiscal discipline and policy innovation among states.
Risk – Subsidy wars, reckless freebies may erode stability without conditional grants framework.
PPP push – Budget 2025-26 mandates three-year PPP pipelines to intensify investment rivalry.

Schemes & Initiatives

State models – Rythu Bandhu (Telangana) & KALIA (Odisha) complement PM-Kisan income support.
National missions – India Infrastructure Project Development Fund offers technical aid for equitable projects.
Manufacturing drive – National Manufacturing Mission to benchmark EoDB, infra, investment attractiveness.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
7th Schedule	Divides Union, State, Concurrent lists
Article 261	Full Faith & Credit clause
Article 263 body	Inter-State Council (permanent since 28 May 1990)
Article 262	Parliament may settle inter-state water rows
Zonal Councils count	Five, set up by States Reorganisation Act 1956
15th FC new indicator	Tax & fiscal effort for grants
Upcoming IFI launch year	2025
BRAP 2024 focus	Compliance cut, decriminalisation, B-READY alignment

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following:

GS-3Economy

3.Southern States Economic Performance (GSDP Growth)

The Hindu30% GDP share · Per capita GDP · Manufacturing workforce

Illustration for Southern States Economic Performance (GSDP Growth)

What & Where

Southern States Benchmarking: assessing economic metrics of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh against global peers

Key Processes: GSDP growth analysis, manufacturing share, skill-level mapping, infrastructure & social indicator tracking

Core Geography: peninsular India with major ports Chennai, Kochi, Visakhapatnam enabling trade integration

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Outperformance

Stability: fewer historical invasions fostered continuous trade hubs Vijayanagaram, Madurai, Kochi
Urbanization: early Presidency towns Madras, Bombay attracted FDI, later IT-auto clusters Bengaluru, Chennai
Social Capital: high literacy, midday meals, e-governance produced skilled workforce and investor confidence

Current Concerns

Productivity: only 26 % of national manufacturing output despite 33 % workforce signals efficiency gap
Skills: shortage in Levels 3-4 talents for AI, engineering; ageing demography plus out-migration aggravate
Infrastructure: urban congestion, energy deficits, uneven rural connectivity limit further industrialisation

Suggested Reforms

Benchmarking: measure Bengaluru against global tech hubs, not domestic metros
Upskilling: invest in higher education, Industry 4.0, migrant-friendly labour policies to offset workforce decline
Corridors: expedite Bharatmala, North-South & East-West industrial corridors, integrate coastal tourism for revenue

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Southern share in India’s GDP	30 %
Real GSDP CAGR (South vs Rest)	6.3 % vs 5 %
Per-capita GDP growth	5 %+ South; 4.2 % Rest
Factories located in South	37.4 % of India
Fixed capital investment share	25.6 %
Manufacturing workforce share	33 %
Manufacturing output share	26 %
Kerala infant mortality	6 per 1,000 births
National Maternal Mortality Ratio	103 (2020)
Telangana vaccine output	≈33 % of global supply

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2001PYQ 1

Consider the following States:

GS-3Economy

4.HS Codes for GI Rice Exports (Customs Classification)

BLCustoms Tariff Act · HS Code 1006 · GI-tagged rice

What & Where

HS sub-codes 1006-30-11 (parboiled) & 1006-30-91 (white) earmark India’s GI-tagged rice for export

Added through 2025-26 Budget amendment to Customs Tariff Act, 1975; India first to create GI-specific HS lines

Codes let GI rice ship uninterrupted nationwide even when generic rice exports are banned

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment; GI sub-codes inserted into tariff schedule
Exemption; GI rice bypasses blanket export bans
Pioneer; India introduces world’s first GI-specific HS

Trade Mechanics

HS; six-digit global core, national extensions refine classification
Duties; codes drive tariff, quota, statistics decisions
Revision; WCO updates HS every five years

Geographical Indications

Tagged; 20 rice GIs inc. Navara, Palakkadan Matta, Pokkali
Pending; 20 more varieties like Seeraga Samba, Wada Kolam
Advantage; dedicated codes secure premium export markets

International Body

WCO; founded 1952, HQ Brussels, 183 members
Coverage; members manage ~98 % of global trade
Mandate; maintain HS, standardise customs worldwide

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Amended law	Customs Tariff Act, 1975
Budget reference	FY 2025-26
HS code – parboiled GI rice	1006-30-11
HS code – white GI rice	1006-30-91
GI-tagged rice varieties	20 recognised
Pending GI rice applications	20 varieties
HS overseer	World Customs Organization
WCO headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
WCO formation year	1952
WCO membership	183 customs, ≈98 % world trade

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS-1History

5.Zamindari Abolition Legal Battles (Land Reforms)

Indian ExpressPermanent Settlement · First Amendment · Sankari Prasad

Illustration for Zamindari Abolition Legal Battles (Land Reforms)

What & Where

Zamindari System: 1793 Permanent Settlement; zamindars became revenue-collecting landowners over tenant peasants

Abolition Route: state Zamindari Abolition Acts parked in Ninth Schedule via First Constitutional Amendment 1951

Geography: Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra regions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

AmendmentPower upheld in Sankari Prasad 1951 enabling Zamindari Abolition Acts
Reversal in Golaknath 1967; moderation via Kesavananda 1973 Basic Structure doctrine
NinthSchedule served as constitutional shield for agrarian statutes

Socio-Economic Impact

OwnershipTransfer: 20 million tenants gained titles, boosting rural bargaining power
ProductivityBoost: secure tenure encouraged HYV seeds, irrigation, higher yields
Equity: reduced rent extraction, evictions, feudal begar practices

Implementation Challenges

Evasion: landlords split holdings or formed religious trusts to bypass acquisition
NewIntermediaries: affluent farmers subleased land, recreating hierarchy
EnforcementGaps: political–bureaucratic resistance in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh stalled redistribution

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Introducer	Lord Cornwallis
Legal birth	Permanent Settlement Act 1793
Revenue share	89 % British, 11 % Zamindar
Peasant ownership	Nil under Zamindari
First CAA	1951
Shielding device	Ninth Schedule
SC validation	Sankari Prasad v Union 1951
Tenants to owners	≈ 20 million
Forced labour	Begar declined sharply post-reform
Right to Property	Lost FR status via 44th CAA 1978

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions ?

GS1 2001PYQ 2

Under the Permanent Settlement, 1793, the zamindars were required to issue pattas to the farmers which were not issued by many of the zamindars. The reason was

GS-1Mapping

6.Baltic Sea Mapping (Baltic Sea)

The HinduSemi-enclosed sea · Northern Europe · Danish Straits

What & Where

Semi-enclosed, shallow brackish arm of the North Atlantic in N. Europe; area ≈ 3.77 lakh sq km.

Separates Scandinavian Peninsula from continental Europe; 9 littoral states surround it.

Opens to Atlantic via Danish Straits; artificial links: Kiel Canal (North Sea), White Sea Canal (Arctic).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Gulfs form deep indentations aiding freshwater inflow, maintaining low salinity.
Neva delivers major freshwater load near St Petersburg, influencing eastern basin ecology.
Gotland sits centrally, acting as climatic and strategic reference point.

Environmental Concerns

Oil-spill threat heightened by ageing, uninsured “shadow fleet” tankers transiting narrow, shallow waters.
Brackish ecosystem already stressed by eutrophication; major spill could collapse fish and plankton populations.
Semi-enclosed nature slows pollutant dispersal, prolonging contamination.

Security Dimension

Shadow fleet comprises older, technically deficient vessels rerouted after Western sanctions on Russian oil.
Absence of Western insurance complicates coordinated emergency response and compensation claims.
Increased tanker traffic through Danish Straits raises accident probability in congested chokepoints.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Littoral countries	DK, DE, PL, LT, LV, EE, RU, FI, SE
Surface area	~377,000 sq km
Maximum length	~1,600 km
Mean width	~193 km
Salinity	Lower than oceans; brackish
Rivers draining	>250; largest = Neva
Main gulfs	Bothnia, Finland, Riga
Largest island	Gotland (Sweden)
Natural outlet	Danish Straits
Canal links	Kiel Canal, White Sea Canal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 1

Volga River drains into which one of the following seas?

GEO_GS 2026PYQ 2

Consider the following statements regarding salinity of oceans:

GS-3Species

7.Asian Elephant Trumpeting Study (Elephant Communication)

The HinduHigh-frequency calls · Social interactions · Asian elephant

Illustration for Asian Elephant Trumpeting Study (Elephant Communication)

What & Where

Definition: Loud, high-frequency trunk burst sound for elephant communication, distinct from rumble or roar

Geography: Newly documented multi-context use in Asian elephants; comparison drawn with African savanna populations

Contexts: Social bonding, play, distress, alarm, group coordination; overturns notion of disturbance-only usage

Quick Facts for MCQs

Sound Production

Mechanism: Rapid trunk air expulsion creates trumpet without obligatory vocal fold vibration
Combination: Rare trumpet-roar-rumble hybrids confirmed only in Asian elephants so far
Propagation: High frequencies cut through vegetation, enhancing long-distance herd contact

Species Comparison

African usage skewed to alarm; Asian repertoire spans play, greeting, maternal care
Asian calls shorter, higher, more uniform; African include variable lower frequencies
Combination calls virtually absent in African datasets, highlighting evolutionary divergence

Research Highlights

Dataset: 116 trumpet events analysed across multiple social behaviours
Finding: Multi-functional trumpeting contradicts earlier single-purpose disturbance theory
Application: Refined call libraries improve passive acoustic surveys and early-warning systems in conflict zones

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Producer species	Elephas maximus; compared with Loxodonta africana
Air pathway	Sudden trunk bursts, minimal vocal cord role
Acoustic range	High frequency, audible kilometres through forest
African primary context	Distress / alarm signalling
Asian primary context	Social interaction, play, coordination, alarm
Frequency pattern	Asian higher, consistent; African broader with lower notes
Combo call discovery	First roar-rumble trumpet recorded in Asian elephants
Study journal & year	Mammalian Biology, 2023
Habitat adaptation	High pitch suits dense forests; broader tones suit open savannas
Conservation utility	Acoustic monitoring aids conflict mitigation, population surveys

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Elephants ________ when they perceive danger.

GS-3S&T

8.Shakti Indigenous Aerospace Chip (Indigenous Microprocessor)

IITMRISC-V · IIT Madras · ISRO

Illustration for Shakti Indigenous Aerospace Chip (Indigenous Microprocessor)

What & Where

Chip Shakti: indigenous 64-bit RISC-V aerospace-grade microprocessor

Developer location: IIT Madras with ISRO, fabricated and tested in India

Deployment arena: space, defence, IoT-AI command-control systems

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

RISC-V architecture enables licence-free customisation lowering royalty dependence
DIR-V targets self-reliant chips for 5G, AI, cloud, sensors
Partnership basket includes C-DAC, multiple IITs, ISRO, private fabs

Security Dimension

Fault-tolerant circuits sustain operation under radiation and hardware faults
Cybersecurity stack designed for classified defence and space workloads
Multiple boot modes allow secure update, rollback, isolation

Applications

Space use: satellite onboard computers, launch vehicle avionics
Defence use: rugged military electronics, real-time command-control networks
Civil use: IoT nodes and AI accelerators for smart infrastructure

Industry Ecosystem

End-to-end Indian fabrication boosts strategic autonomy and trims import bill
Indigenous chip R&D elevates India in global semiconductor value chain
Open IP catalyses domestic chip startups and academia-industry projects

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ISA base	Open-source RISC-V
Word length	64-bit
Design attribute	Fault-tolerant, multiple boot modes
Lead institute	IIT Madras
Government scheme	Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V)
Scheme launch	April 2022
Funding ministry	MeitY
Core application	Satellites, avionics, embedded controllers
Security focus	Defence-grade cybersecurity

GS-3S&T

9.Sṛjanam Waste Treatment Rig (Biomedical Waste)

PIBNon-incineration · CSIR-NIIST · AIIMS

Illustration for Sṛjanam Waste Treatment Rig (Biomedical Waste)

What & Where

Definition: Sṛjanam — automated rig disinfecting biomedical waste through non-incineration antimicrobial technology.

Process: Converts blood, urine, lab disposables into safe organic material via pathogen-neutralising agents.

Geography: Commissioned at AIIMS New Delhi; devised by CSIR-NIIST, Ministry of Science & Technology.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Automation eliminates manual handling, curbing spill or exposure risks.
Rig aligns with Central Pollution Control Board biomedical waste rules.
Prototype launch showcases indigenous waste-management R&D under CSIR programs.

Environmental Impact

Incineration avoidance slashes toxic gaseous emissions and carbon footprint.
Safer-than-fertiliser residue allows potential secondary uses, minimizing landfill load.
Scalable model aids hospitals in meeting zero-emission waste targets.

Institutional Setup

Collaboration: AIIMS hosts, CSIR-NIIST designs, MoS&T funds.
Unveiled by Union Science & Technology Minister at AIIMS premises.
Demonstrates public-sector capability in healthcare sustainability solutions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Daily treatment capacity	400 kg biomedical waste
Degradable medical waste share	10 kg/day
Key technology	Incineration-free antimicrobial process
Main emission avoided	Dioxins & furans
Output residue	Fragrance-infused, non-toxic organic matter
Developer	CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram
Implementer	AIIMS with CSIR
Supervising ministry	Science & Technology
National BW generation (CPCB)	743 tonnes/day
Validation status	Antimicrobial efficacy confirmed

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2021PYQ 1

Scientists at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from the Water Technology Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, have recently developed a novel hybrid technology to bring safe and healthy drinking water. What is the name of the hybrid technology?

GS-3S&T

10.Rare Bombay Blood Group (Blood Typing)

Indian Expresshh antigen · Karl Landsteiner · ABO system

What & Where

Definition: Bombay blood group (hh phenotype) lacks H antigen on RBC surface, unlike ABO groups.

Geography: Highest prevalence in South Asia; first detected Mumbai, 1952 by Dr Y M Bhende.

Types: hh individuals form anti-H antibodies, thus behave distinctly from O group despite similar absence of A/B antigens.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Medical Basics

Antibodies: hh plasma contains anti-A, anti-B and potent anti-H; rejects A, B, AB, O blood.
Identification: Standard ABO typing followed by H-antigen confirmation with anti-H lectin.

Genetic Prevalence

Inheritance: Autosomal recessive; both parents must supply h allele.
Population clusters: Notably higher among certain South Indian, Maharashtrian, Gujarati communities.

Transfusion Implications

Emergency risk: Severe haemolytic reaction if transfused non-hh blood.
Logistics: Donor registries critical due to rarity and short storage window.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific symbol	hh phenotype
Key absent antigen	H (fucosylated)
Discovery	Mumbai, 1952, Dr Y M Bhende
Global incidence	≈ 1 / 4 million
Indian incidence	1 / 7,600–10,000
Compatible donor	Only another hh individual
Recipient range	Can donate to any ABO type
Shelf-life of stored blood	35–42 days; rarely banked
Usual misclassification	Often mistaken for O group
Cause for higher South Asian frequency	Inbreeding & close-community marriages

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2001PYQ 1

A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.International Epilepsy Day Awareness (Neurological Disorders)

Indian ExpressEpilepsy · Seizures · IBE-ILAE

What & Where

International Epilepsy Day (IED): global awareness day held every 2nd Monday of February since 2015.

Epilepsy: central-nervous-system disorder marked by ≥2 unprovoked seizures; prevalent in children and elderly.

Organisers: International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) & International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE); observed worldwide including India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Burden

Epilepsy among world’s oldest recorded disorders; documentation dating to 4000 BCE.
High global prevalence positions epilepsy as one of the commonest neurological diseases.

Institutional Actors

IBE represents patient/community interests; ILAE focuses on clinical/research fraternity.
WHO steers normative guidance via 2019 global report and mhGAP service-expansion framework.

Policy & Care

IED aims: awareness, destigmatisation, treatment improvement, research funding enhancement.
Management primarily pharmacological; early access reduces morbidity and social exclusion.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
2022 IED date	14 February 2022
Fixed timing	2nd Monday of February
First IED year	2015
Global epilepsy cases	~50 million
Indian epilepsy cases	~6 million
Lead organisers	IBE & ILAE
WHO global report title	“Epilepsy, a Public Health Imperative”
WHO report year	2019
WHO scaling-up programme	Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)
Curative status	No cure; controllable with medication & other strategies

GS-2Editorial

12.USAID Funding Freeze 2025 (USAID Freeze)

The HinduForeign assistance · 90-day freeze · Executive order

Illustration for USAID Funding Freeze 2025 (USAID Freeze)

What & Where

USAID: independent US agency (1961) delivering civilian foreign aid and development assistance worldwide

Freeze: 90-day suspension of new obligations ordered 20 Jan 2023 to reassess programme efficiency with U.S. foreign-policy goals

Footprint: works in >100 countries; major recipients—Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen; India today <0.4 % of agency outlay

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Executive-Order: mandates whole-of-government review of foreign assistance alignment to “America First” strategy
Political-motive: critics link move to rollback of Biden-era initiatives, partisan score-settling claims
Restructure-signal: Secretary Marco Rubio calls for aid serving “clear national interests”

Global Impact

Funding-gap: abrupt stop risks HIV, food, disaster programmes affecting millions in 70+ low-income states
Recipient-shock: Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen face halted development, humanitarian pipelines
UN-alarm: large-scale HIV treatment attrition forecasted within months

India Angle

Reduced-dependency: Indian projects receive marginal USAID share, easing immediate shock
Sector-hit: HIV/TB health grants, WASH, clean-energy pilots most exposed
Self-reliance: domestic schemes, CSR, multilateral loans positioned to backfill gaps

Alternatives

Domestic-funding: central & state budgets instructed to prioritise at-risk social programmes
Multilateral-tie-ups: World Bank, WHO, UNDP eyed for co-financing displaced aid lines
Private-sector: CSR mandates and PPP frameworks encouraged to plug resource shortfalls

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishing law	1961 Foreign Assistance Act
Parent reporting line	Independent, coordinates through U.S. Secretary of State
Executive Order date	20 January 2023
Freeze length	90 days
Share of USAID budget to India	0.2 %–0.4 %
Top flagged programmes	PEPFAR, Feed the Future, Power Africa
Key sectors funded	Health, food security, education, governance, climate
Critic quoted	Elon Musk termed agency “criminal organization”
UN warning on HIV/AIDS halt	Potential 6 million deaths in 4 years
Current India status	USAID field operations suspended

GS-2Security

13.India-UK Defence Agreements 2025 (India-UK Defence)

Business StandardDP-I · STARStreak MANPADS · ASRAAM facility

What & Where

Bilateral focus: India–UK defence manufacturing and clean energy cooperation formalised Feb 2025 at Aero India and 4th Energy Dialogue

Key processes: technology transfer, joint R&D, supply-chain integration under Defence Partnership-India and ASPIRE-2 programmes

Core geography: facilities in Hyderabad, Indian Ocean Littoral presence, UK expertise in offshore wind

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

STARStreak: LBR MANPADS contract supplies high-velocity missiles and launchers to Indian forces
LMM: co-production embeds Indian companies within UK global missile supply chains
IFEP: integrated full electric propulsion to power next-generation Landing Platform Docks

Tech & Schemes

ASPIRE-2: UK-India programme enables 24×7 power, efficiency gains, industrial decarbonisation
Offshore-Wind Taskforce: targets ecosystem, supply chain and finance for 30 GW by 2030
UKPACT: finances ongoing Indian power-sector reforms supporting low-carbon transition

Economic Angle

JETCO: 2005 platform strengthens bilateral commerce alongside prospective free trade agreement
MMP: 2021 migration pact facilitates professional mobility; YPS grants two-year visas to 18-30 graduates
Education: 2022 mutual recognition of academic qualifications boosts Indian enrolment to 185 000

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Agreement launch year	2025
Defence partnership label	DP-I
ASRAAM assembly site	Hyderabad
LPD electric propulsion target	2030
Bilateral trade 2024	£42 billion
India rank in UK trade 2024	11th
UK FDI into India 2000-23	USD 33.88 bn (6th)
Indian students in UK 2022-23	185 000

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 2022PYQ 2

P-75 I (या P-75 भारत) परियोजना किनके निर्माण से संबंधित है?

GS-3Security

14.Su-57 Joint Production Offer (Fifth-Gen Fighter)

NDTVStealth design · AESA radar · Supercruise

Illustration for Su-57 Joint Production Offer (Fifth-Gen Fighter)

What & Where

Su-57 FELON: fifth-generation stealth fighter by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation for air-superiority & strike roles

India plan: joint production line at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under proposed FGFA partnership with Russia

Core theatre: Russian Air Force service; offer targets Indian Air Force capability gap

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Offer: Russia seeks Make-in-India co-development, transferring stealth materials, radar modules, Saturn AL-41 engine assembly
Localisation goal: majority airframe, avionics, weapons integration to be indigenised at HAL Bengaluru & Nasik lines
Alignment: Complements AMCA timeline, advances Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace manufacturing

Security Dimension

Deterrence: Supercruise plus high-altitude agility optimised for Ladakh–Arunachal border interceptions
Payload: Larger bays accommodate BrahMos-NG, K-77M, Kh-59MK2 hypersonic/precision weapons
Sustainment: Lower maintenance burden than F-35 due to simpler stealth coating and modular avionics

Comparative Insight

Stealth: Su-57 front-aspect moderate all-round; F-35 full-spectrum ultra-low RCS
Maneuverability: Su-57 thrust-vectoring enables post-stall tricks; F-35 prioritises stealth penetration over dogfights
Economics: Su-57 flyaway ≈ USD 70 m vs F-35 A ≈ USD 100-110 m

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Generation	5th
Nation of origin	Russia
Developer	United Aircraft Corporation
Indian partner	HAL
Primary role	Air superiority + ground attack
Stealth design	Low-RCS composites & radar-absorbent coating
Radar type	Multi-band AESA + L-band arrays
Max speed	~Mach 2
Supercruise	Yes, no afterburner
Thrust vectoring	3-D nozzles
Unit cost	≈ USD 70 million

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following aircraft:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Scheme

15.Nari Adalat Grassroots Justice Scheme (Mission Shakti)

Indian ExpressNyaya Sakhis · Gram panchayat · Sambal sub-scheme

What & Where

Nari Adalat – community-based, alternative grievance redressal forum for women at gram panchayat level

Operates under Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, Ministry of Women & Child Development

Piloted 2023 in 50 gram panchayats each in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir; expansion proposals invited nationwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Alternative forum complements formal judiciary; resolves civil matrimonial disputes without litigation
Anchored in Mission Shakti guidelines; no separate statutory act yet

Scheme Architecture

Sambal covers safety tools: OSC, WHL, BBBP, Nari Adalat; Samarthya covers empowerment tools: PMMVY, Palna, Shakti Sadan
Funding pattern follows Centrally Sponsored Scheme norms; state share applicable

Implementation Status

Training of Nyaya Sakhis coordinated by National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
Monitoring via Poshan Tracker-like MIS proposed for real-time case disposal

Social Concerns

Grass-root female participation increases access to justice, reduces travel and cost barriers
Community mediation expected to de-escalate domestic conflicts and enhance gender trust

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent mission	Mission Shakti (MWCD)
Sub-scheme	Sambal – Safety & Security
Launch year	2023 pilot
Pilot coverage	100 gram panchayats; Assam + J&K
Forum size	7–11 Nyaya Sakhis
Selection	Nominated by gram panchayat
Core methods	Negotiation, mediation, reconciliation
Disputes handled	Domestic violence, dowry, child custody, other minor issues
Parallel women schemes	OSC, WHL, BBBP, PMMVY, Palna
Next step	States/UTs invited to send proposals for scale-up

GS-1Misc

16.State Higher Education Spending Report (Higher Education)

The HinduNITI Aayog report · Per-youth spending · University density

Illustration for State Higher Education Spending Report (Higher Education)

What & Where

NITI Aayog’s “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States & SPUs” — first policy note dedicated to State Public Universities.

Maps state-wise spend, university density, gender parity for 18-23-year cohort.

Highlights Indian outliers: Sikkim (density), J&K (spend), Kerala (gender), Bihar & Telangana (low spend).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Fiscal Numbers

J&K tops spend 8.11 %; Delhi lags 1.67 %.
Bihar allocates 1.56 % to higher-ed; Telangana mere 0.18 %.
National education outlay grew 12 % CAGR, touching ₹9.2 lakh cr FY25.

Access & Equity

University density: Sikkim 10.3 vs national 0.8; Bihar bottom 0.2.
Female enrollment exceeds male in Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal.
GER 28.4 %; needs 50 % by 2035.

Digital Divide

Internet penetration: rural 55 %, urban 69 %.
Connectivity gap hampers e-learning rollout in SPUs.

Targets & Reforms

Report urges per-youth spend hike; Kerala, TN already front-runners.
Recommends performance-linked funding, governance overhaul for SPUs.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Top overall education spend	J&K 8.11 % of budget
Second overall spender	Manipur 7.25 %
Lowest overall spender	Delhi 1.67 %
Top higher-ed spend	Bihar 1.56 %
Lowest higher-ed spend	Telangana 0.18 %
University density-India	0.8 per 1 lakh youth
Highest density state	Sikkim 10.3
Lowest density state	Bihar 0.2
Female-majority enrolment	Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal
Balanced enrolment UTs	Chandigarh, Mizoram, A&N Islands
National edu outlay FY25	₹9.2 lakh cr
Primary dropout rate	1.9 %
Secondary dropout rate	14.1 %
Enrolment growth 2014-22	26.5 %
Current GER	28.4 %
GER target 2035	50 %
Rural internet access	55 %
Urban internet access	69 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements in the context of social sector spending in India during 2014–19 (both States and the Union Government together) is true?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the National Education Policy 2020 in India ?

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