Thursday, 13 February 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following Acts mandates schools and libraries in India to use some form of technological protection to block computer access to obscene material, pornography, and anything else considered harmful to minors?

The correct answer is (a) Telecommunications Act. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2024.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (d) न तो 1, न ही 2. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

Q: Consider the following statements about the recent amendments to the Election Law by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1996:

The correct answer is (a) I and III. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: भारत के उच्चतम न्यायालय ने निजता के अधिकार को भारत के संविधान के निम्नलिखित में से किस अनुच्छेद के अंतर्गत रखा है ?

The correct answer is (d) अनुच्छेद 21. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

Q: भारत में, विधिक सेवा प्रदान करने वाले प्राधिकरण (Legal Services Authorities), निम्नलिखित में से किस प्रकार के नागरिकों को निःशुल्क विधिक सेवाएँ प्रदान करते हैं ?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1 और 2. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

Q: The Ninth Schedule to the Indian Constitution was added by

The correct answer is (a) First Amendment. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

The correct answer is (a) 1st Amendment. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से किसे मीरा बाई का गुरु माना जाता था ?

The correct answer is (a) वल्लभ. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: The celebrated group of poets in medieval Mathura and Vrindavana called the Ashta-Chhapa were the successors of which one of the following medieval Bhakti Saints?

The correct answer is (c) Guru Nanak of Punjab. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2023.

Q: Consider the following phenomena:

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

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

0/17 done

GS-2Polity

1.India's Obscenity Law Framework (Obscenity Legislation)

Indian ExpressSection 294 BNS · Section 67 IT Act · Indecent Representation Act

What & Where

Obscenity laws: regulate content “appealing to prurient interest” across print, broadcast, electronic media in India.

Principal statutes: §294 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, §67 Information Technology Act 2000, Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986.

Geography: Applicable country-wide; enforcement now centres on digital platforms like YouTube.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita retains IPC obscenity offence, explicitly covering electronic displays.
IT Act §67 targets online publication/transmission; offences cognisable, non-bailable.
1986 Act supplements by safeguarding women’s representation.

Judicial Evolution

1964: Hicklin Test—effect on susceptible minds decides obscenity.
2014: Community Standards—nudity alone not obscene sans sexual depravity.
2024: SC says vulgar speech alone insufficient; must evoke lustful thoughts.

Enforcement Trend

Rise in creator probes; police invoke BNS §294 + IT §67 for digital content.
Complaints often filed by viewers citing “public morality” breaches.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
BNS §294 first-time penalty	≤2 years jail + ₹5,000 fine
IT Act §67 first-time penalty	≤3 years jail + ₹5 lakh fine
BNS §294 definition	Material that depraves/corrupts or appeals to prurient interest
1986 Act focus	Bars indecent portrayal of women in any media
1964 Ranjit Udeshi test	Hicklin Test adopted
2014 Aveek Sarkar test	Community Standards Test adopted
2024 SC on ‘College Romance’	Profanity ≠ obscenity unless it arouses sexual lust
Current investigation	YouTube show “India’s Got Latent”
Investigated creators	Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina
Probe agency	Mumbai Police Cyber Cell

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following Acts mandates schools and libraries in India to use some form of technological protection to block computer access to obscene material, pornography, and anything else considered harmful to minors?

GS-2Polity

2.Lifetime Ban for Convicted Politicians (Electoral Disqualification)

The HinduRPA Act 1951 · Section 8(3) · Supreme Court

What & Where

Petition seeks lifetime election bar on convicted persons; Supreme Court examining under Representation of People Act 1951

Key disqualification triggers located in RPA Sections 8(1), 8(3), 62(5) with waiver power in Section 11

Applies across India for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and State Legislature polls

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Section8(1) automatic ban irrespective of sentence length for heinous offences
EC discretion under Section11 raises neutrality concerns during post-conviction relief
Lifetime ban proponents cite moral turpitude doctrine and public trust mandate

Crime Statistics

Rising share of lawmakers with criminal records signals deepening political capture by crime networks
Serious offences include murder, attempt to murder, rape, kidnapping, corruption
Data show electorate tolerance partly driven by money-muscle advantages of tainted candidates

Reform Path

Law Commission proposal disqualify once court frames charges for offences punishable ≥5 years
Supreme Court urges dedicated special courts to finish trials within one year wherever possible
Suggested measures include curbing EC waiver power, voter awareness drives, cross-party consensus on amendments

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sec 8(3) threshold	Conviction with ≥2 years jail
Sec 8(3) bar period	Sentence duration + 6 years after release
Sec 8(1) crimes	Rape, corruption, UAPA, narcotics etc
Sec 62(5) rule	Prisoners no vote; undertrials may contest
Sec 11 power-holder	Election Commission may reduce or remove disqualification
ADR 2024 MPs with cases	46 percent
ADR serious cases share	31 percent of MPs
Win rate tainted vs clean	15.4 percent vs 4.4 percent
Law Commission years	1999 & 2014 reports
SC fast-track order	2023 directive for MP/MLA trials

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2020PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS1 1999PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about the recent amendments to the Election Law by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1996:

GS-2Polity

3.Limits to Accessing Justice (Access to Justice)

LiveLawArticle 21 · Forum shopping · Supreme Court fine

What & Where

Forum-shopping: litigant files identical pleas in multiple courts to obtain favourable order.

Right-to-Access-Justice: SC treats it as Article 21 facet yet “not absolute”; abuse invites cost/penalty.

Geography: Case travelled Industrial Tribunal → HC → Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Constitution: Art 39A mandates state to ensure free legal aid for economic/other handicaps.
NALSA: Sections 12–13 list eligible groups—women, SC/ST, children, disabled, low-income.
PIL doctrine: Relaxed locus standi enables public-spirited entities to enforce collective rights.

Judicial Precedents

Anita Khushwa: SC explicitly anchored access-justice under Arts 14 & 21.
Buddhi Kota Subbarao: Upheld finality; higher-court verdicts can’t be relitigated sans new evidence.
Present case: SC reiterates courts may impose costs to deter time-wasting litigation.

Access Mechanisms

Lok Adalat: Statutory, conciliatory; awards hold civil-court decree status.
Tele-Law: CSC-based video advice reaching rural, marginalised litigants.
E-Courts: Digital filing, VC hearings cut distance barrier, aiding speedy adjudication.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Current SC action	₹ fine + dismissal for frivolous service-dismissal petitions
Key constitutional hooks	Arts 14, 21, 32, 226, 39A
Landmark access-justice case	Anita Khushwa v. Pushpa Sadan (2016)
Four access pillars (2016 ruling)	Effective forum, reasonable distance, speedy disposal, affordability
Earlier misuse precedent	Buddhi Kota Subbarao (1996) rejecting endless challenges
Free legal-aid statute	Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 (NALSA)
ADR avenues under Act	Lok Adalat, E-Lok Adalat, Tele-Law
First environmental PIL	MC Mehta v. Union of India (1987)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

भारत के उच्चतम न्यायालय ने निजता के अधिकार को भारत के संविधान के निम्नलिखित में से किस अनुच्छेद के अंतर्गत रखा है ?

GS1 2020PYQ 2

भारत में, विधिक सेवा प्रदान करने वाले प्राधिकरण (Legal Services Authorities), निम्नलिखित में से किस प्रकार के नागरिकों को निःशुल्क विधिक सेवाएँ प्रदान करते हैं ?

GS-2Polity

4.Shankari Prasad and First Amendment (First Amendment)

Indian ExpressShankari Prasad case · First Amendment 1951 · Ninth Schedule

What & Where

First Constitutional Amendment 1951, India; created Ninth Schedule and Articles 31A-31B to insulate land-reform statutes.

Shankari Prasad case 1951; Supreme Court upheld Amendment, saying constitutional changes are outside Article 13(2) embargo.

Context: Nationwide Zamindari abolition and equitable land redistribution campaigns post-Independence.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment: Empowered legislatures to pass land-reform laws immune to Fundamental Rights scrutiny via Ninth Schedule.
Protection: Articles 31A/31B validated past and future estate-acquisition laws despite Fundamental Rights conflict.
Speech & Reservation: Added “public order” curb to Art 19(1)(a); enabled Art 15(4) for caste-based uplift laws.

Judicial Landmarks

Shankari Prasad 1951: Amendments ≠ “law”, hence can modify Fundamental Rights.
Golaknath 1967: Reversed view; Parliament barred from curtailing Fundamental Rights.
Kesavananda 1973: Basic Structure doctrine; property right excluded, land reforms survived.

Socio-Economic Impact

Zamindari abolition: Tackled feudal land concentration, guided by DPSP 39(b)(c).
Implementation: Benami loopholes blunted success; notable gains in West Bengal, Kerala.
Redistribution: Smaller holdings aimed to lift peasant welfare and farm productivity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Amendment number	1st Constitutional Amendment
Enactment year	1951
Schedule added	Ninth Schedule
Initial laws protected	13
New Articles	31A, 31B
Fundamental Right curtailed	Property (Art 19(1)(f), 31)
Shankari Prasad judgement year	1951
SC Bench strength	5 judges
Article 13(2) status	Inapplicable to amendments (1951 view)
Right to Property after 44th AA	Legal right under Art 300A

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

The Ninth Schedule to the Indian Constitution was added by

GS1 2023PYQ 2

In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

GS-3Economy

5.Tobin Tax on Currency Trades (Currency Transaction Tax)

The HinduTobin Tax · Forex transactions · James Tobin

What & Where

Definition; 0.1–0.5 % levy on foreign-exchange conversions to deter very short-term speculation

Process; collected each time one currency is exchanged for another, revenue to public coffers

Geography; conceived 1972 by James Tobin, now eyed by U.S. administration, not yet adopted in India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Rationale

Volatility; acts as sand in wheels of hot-money flows stabilising exchange rates
Alignment; penalises speed not volume, sparing long-term investment decisions
Fiscal; taps huge forex turnover for non-distortionary revenue

Advantages

Stability; mitigates speculative attacks on fragile currencies
Revenue; micro-rate on USD 7 trn daily forex could yield billions
Equity; reins in hedge funds and high-frequency traders’ outsized influence

Drawbacks

Liquidity; higher costs may thin genuine hedging and trade finance activity
Migration; trades could shift to offshore tax-free havens undermining collection
Coordination; requires near-global adoption for effectiveness and avoidance control

India Angle

Status; no direct Tobin Tax on currency dealings
Proxy; Securities Transaction Tax and FPI levies partially mimic deterrent effect on capital churn
Debate; proposals resurface during crises but concerns over export competitiveness stall adoption

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposer	James Tobin (Nobel, 1981)
Proposal year	1972
Typical rate band	0.1 % – 0.5 % of transaction value
Target market	Spot and derivative foreign-exchange trades
Core objective	Reduce volatility by discouraging rapid round-trip capital
Potential use of proceeds	Public welfare / development financing
India’s nearest instrument	Securities Transaction Tax, 2004

GS-3Economy

6.'Tax Year' Direct Tax Reform (Direct Tax Reform)

New Indian ExpressTax Year · Income-Tax Bill 2025 · Assessment Year

What & Where

Tax Year - 12-month period from 1 April, income assessed and taxed in same year

Supersedes Assessment Year, embedded in draft Income-Tax Bill 2025

Jurisdiction – entire Indian direct-tax domain from FY 2025-26 onward

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Alignment – mirrors global same-year taxation standards, boosting treaty coherence
Litigation dip – clearer timelines cut assessment disputes and appeals
Transparent deductions – mandatory tabular presentation of rates, exemptions

Economic Angle

Revenue uptick – faster collection, curbs deferral-based tax evasion
Business ease – single-year books lessen cash-flow uncertainty
Individual benefit – no dual-year cross-referencing while filing returns

Administrative Efficiency

Real-time processing – enables quicker refunds, data analytics during the year
Compliance simplicity – eliminates FY/AY confusion in TDS, advance-tax schedules
Digital synergy – dovetails with e-filing platforms for automated assessments

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statute	Income-Tax Bill, 2025
Replaces	Assessment Year regime
Coverage span	1 Apr – 31 Mar (12 months)
First applicable FY	2025-26 (Tax Year 2025)
Core change	Real-time income assessment
Key aim	Simplify compliance, cut evasion

GS-1History

7.Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape Attempt (Freedom Struggle Event)

Financial ExpressVeer Savarkar · Marseille incident · SS Morea

Illustration for Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape Attempt (Freedom Struggle Event)

What & Where

Marseille Escape: Savarkar leapt from British ship SS Morea at Marseille port, France, July 1910

Aim: Flee British custody while being deported from London to Bombay for murder-abetment trial

Sparked first France-UK dispute at Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague, over extradition legality

Quick Facts for MCQs

Arrest & Charges

Arrest London March 1910 under Fugitive Offenders Act for revolutionary activities
Charge abetment in Jackson murder plus conspiracy to wage war against Crown
Deportation ordered; boarded SS Morea 1 July 1910 toward Bombay High Court jurisdiction

International Legal Dispute

France claimed landing conferred right to local asylum; Britain insisted prior hand-back consent
PCA Case No. 24 France v UK upheld British custody, creating early extradition precedent
Incident highlighted gaps in 19th-century extradition treaties, spurring later bilateral clarifications

Punishment & Imprisonment

Bombay High Court sentenced 4 July 1911 to dual life imprisonments totalling 50 years
Detention Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): hard labour, solitary confinement, fetters
Conditional release 1924; subsequent internment Ratnagiri under stringent restrictions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Escape attempt month	July 1910
Ship name	SS Morea
Ship’s route	London → Bombay (via Marseille)
Escape method	Exit through porthole, swim to quay
Recapturing authority	French Police, Marseille
Arbitration forum	Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague
PCA award date	February 1911 (verdict favoured Britain)
Primary charge in India	Abetment of Nashik Magistrate A M T Jackson’s murder
Sentence awarded	Two life terms = 50 years
Place of incarceration	Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Imprisonment began	4 July 1911
Release year	1924

GS-1History

8.Dokra Metal Craft Tradition (Dokra Art)

Times of IndiaDokra · Lost-wax casting · Adilabad GI tag

Illustration for Dokra Metal Craft Tradition (Dokra Art)

What & Where

Craft Dokra non-ferrous metal art using lost-wax casting, joint-free handcrafted figures

Casting types Solid (single-wax) in South; Hollow (clay core + wax) in Central & East India

Geography Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, MP, Rajasthan, TN; Adilabad Dokra GI-tag 2018

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Roots

IndusValley bronze heritage links craft lineage to protohistoric era
DhokraDamar tribes migrated from Odisha Bengal spreading technique nationwide
Continuity Four-millennia tribal metalcraft still survives in rural clusters

Casting Technology

Lost-wax process forms single-use clay or wax moulds ensuring unique artefacts
Non-ferrous alloy poured after wax burnout creating joint-free sculptures
Methods Solid casting in South; Hollow core casting prevalent Central East

Geographical Tag & Spread

Adilabad Dokra GI-tag 2018 grants intellectual property protection, branding
Major clusters Bastar, Bankura, Purulia, Jharkhand plateau, Salem etc
Government ODOP, Handicrafts schemes promote cluster training, export linkages

International Diplomacy

Cultural soft-power Dokra gift showcased Indian handicraft at Paris 2023 AI Summit
Handicraft gifts routine in high-level visits highlighting regional GI products
Rising global demand for eco-friendly brass décor boosts artisan livelihoods

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Core alloy	Brass, copper-based non-ferrous mix
Age of practice	≈4,000 years
Earliest example	Mohenjo-daro Dancing Girl figurine
Practitioner tribe	Dhokra Damar
Uniqueness	Each mould destroyed; no replicas
Two casting modes	Solid (South), Hollow (Central-East)
Key motifs	Elephants, horses, deities, lamps, jewellery
Recent diplomatic gift	PM Modi to President Macron, Paris AI Summit
GI tag holder	Adilabad Dokra, Telangana, 2018

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

9.Sant Guru Ravidas Birth Anniversary (Bhakti Saint)

PIBSant Ravidas · Bhakti movement · Guru Granth Sahib

What & Where

Sant Guru Ravidas — Bhakti-era saint, poet, reformer from Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi

648th birth anniversary observed on Magha Purnima, 12 Feb 2025, nationwide events led by PM

Strong devotional base in Punjab’s Doaba; followers called Ravidassia Dalits

Quick Facts for MCQs

Personal Biography

Birthplace now hosts Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir attracting global pilgrims
Composed padas, shabads emphasising nirguna bhakti and social justice
Travelled across North India engaging with contemporary saints like Kabir

Bhakti Movement

Movement rejected orthodox Brahmanical rituals, promoted one-to-one divine link
Northern stream included Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravidas, Meera Bai
Southern stream had Alvars, Nayanars, Ramanuja, Basava

Social Reform

Advocated Egalitarian society, dignity of labour, universal human rights
Critiqued caste hierarchy; his verses urge recognition of inner purity over birth
Teachings inspired later Dalit assertion and Ravidassia identity

Regional Significance

Doaba houses large diaspora-funded Ravidassia deras and annual Holla Mohalla-like processions
Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh declare local holidays for Jayanti
Ravidassia diaspora prominent in UK, Canada, facilitating transnational pilgrimages

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth year & place	1377 CE, Seer Goverdhanpur (UP)
Community background	Marginalised leather-working caste
Alternate names	Raidas, Rohidas, Ruhidas
Scripture presence	Verses included in Guru Granth Sahib
Spiritual disciple	Meera Bai considered him Guru
2025 celebration	648th Jayanti on 12 Feb (Magha Purnima)
Core follower belt	Doaba region, Punjab
Bhakti span	7th–17th centuries CE
Bhakti focus	Personal devotion, anti-ritualism, caste equality

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से किसे मीरा बाई का गुरु माना जाता था ?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 2

The celebrated group of poets in medieval Mathura and Vrindavana called the Ashta-Chhapa were the successors of which one of the following medieval Bhakti Saints?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

10.Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Death Anniversary (Political Ideologue)

PIBDeendayal Upadhyaya · Integral Humanism · Antyodaya

Illustration for Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Death Anniversary (Political Ideologue)

What & Where

Identity: Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya—politician, philosopher, RSS–Bharatiya Jana Sangh ideologue

Timeline: Born 25 Sep 1916 Nagla Chandrabhan (UP); died 11 Feb 1968 Mughalsarai

Core-idea: Propounded Integral Humanism & Antyodaya—priority to uplift the last, most disadvantaged person

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ideological Contributions

Integral Humanism blends Indian culture, decentralised economy, social justice, self-reliance
Antyodaya slogan steers welfare discourse toward poorest sections

Policy & Schemes

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM (2015) anchors rural livelihoods via self-help groups
Antyodaya Diwas occasions ministries to launch inclusion-oriented initiatives

Memorialisation

Antyodaya Diwas observed nationwide each 25 September since 2014
2018 renaming of Mughalsarai station immortalises his legacy
PM leads tributes annually on 11 February (Punya Tithi)

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	25 September 1916
Death date	11 February 1968
Affiliation	RSS; Bharatiya Jana Sangh (forerunner of BJP)
Key philosophy	Integral Humanism
Social focus term	Antyodaya
Antyodaya Diwas start	25 Sep 2014
NRLM renamed year	2015 (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM)
Railway junction renamed	2018 (Mughalsarai → Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn)

GS-1Mapping

11.Lake Sapanca Environmental Threats (Places in News)

Down to EarthLake Sapanca · Türkiye · Eutrophication

Illustration for Lake Sapanca Environmental Threats (Places in News)

What & Where

Freshwater tectonic Lake Sapanca lies NW Türkiye, in depression parallel to Iznik Lake, between Gulf of İzmit & Adapazarı Meadow

Catchment 251 km²; mountains border south, low hills north; fed by many short mountain streams

Acts as major domestic & industrial water source for Sakarya Province

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hydrological Setting

Depression: North Anatolian fault system creates elongated basin
Inflow pattern: Short, steep streams increase flash-runoff nutrient delivery
Water retention: Deforestation decreases infiltration, quickens pollutant transport

Environmental Impact

Eutrophication: Excess N,P trigger algal blooms, oxygen depletion, habitat loss
Seasonal stress: Summer low inflow concentrates contaminants, raising toxicity risk
Biodiversity decline: Aquatic flora-fauna stressed by turbidity and oxygen sag

Anthropogenic Drivers

Urbanisation: Expanding Sakarya settlements encroach shoreline, add sewage load
Industry: Nearby plants abstract water, discharge effluents, alter lake chemistry
Agriculture: Fertiliser runoff primary nutrient source, compounded by soil erosion

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Country/Province	Türkiye / Sakarya
Lake type	Freshwater, tectonic depression
Parallel waterbody	Iznik Lake
Catchment area	251 km²
Main inflow	Numerous small mountain streams
Surrounding relief	Mountains (S), low hills (N)
Key pollutants	Nitrogen & Phosphorus
Peak pollution season	Summer (low flow)
Dominant pressures	Urbanisation, industry, agriculture
Core ecological issue	Eutrophication

GS-3Environment

12.Vishwamitri River Mugger Census (Mugger Crocodile)

Down to EarthVishwamitri river · Mugger crocodile · Crocodylus palustris

What & Where

Mugger census: Gujarat govt surveyed Vishwamitri River, Vadodara, to enumerate marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) population

Vishwamitri River: rises Pavagadh hills, crosses Vadodara city, joins Gulf of Khambhat; tributaries Dhadhar, Khanpur

Habitat belt: urban river hosts mugger crocodile, freshwater turtles, monitor lizards—rare ecological assemblage in city limits

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Protection: Schedule I confers highest national legal safeguard prohibiting hunting and trade
International: Appendix I export ban complements domestic law strengthening enforcement
Conservation status: Vulnerable tag signals high risk yet recoverable with targeted management

Ecology & Biology

Apex-predator: maintains freshwater trophic balance controlling fish and scavenger populations
Reproduction: dry-season nesting synchronises hatchling emergence with monsoon prey abundance
Urban-adapted: Vishwamitri population tolerates dense human presence illustrating species plasticity

Threats & Conflict

Habitat-destruction: river pollution, encroachment, sand mining shrink basking and nesting sites
Human-crocodile encounters: rising incidents in Vadodara demand mitigation fencing, awareness drives
Poaching-pressure: skin and body parts valued in illegal wildlife trade despite legal protection

Historical Context

Archaeology: Ankotakka settlement (now Akota) on riverbank dates to 1000 BCE, flourishing under Guptas, Vallabhi rule
Cultural-link: long coexistence shaped local folklore and temple iconography featuring crocodile motifs

Conservation Actions

Census-baseline: current enumeration guides future habitat restoration and conflict-reduction plans
Community-involvement: citizen reporting apps, school outreach enhance surveillance and stewardship
Possible-replication: methodology can scale to other urban rivers harbouring freshwater megafauna

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Crocodylus palustris
Common name	Mugger / Marsh crocodile
IUCN status	Vulnerable
CITES listing	Appendix I
Wildlife Act slot	Schedule I
Geographic range	India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, eastern Iran
Indian strongholds	Ganga basin, Chambal, Gujarat
Preferred habitat	Freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes
Nest type	Hole nesting
Eggs per clutch	25–30
Incubation	55–75 days
Diet	Fish, reptiles, birds, mammals
Major threats	Habitat loss, poaching, conflict
River origin	Pavagadh hills, Gujarat
River mouth	Gulf of Khambhat

GS-3Species

13.Ongole Cattle Breed Traits (Ongole Cattle)

Times of IndiaOngole breed · Bos indicus · Heat tolerance

Illustration for Ongole Cattle Breed Traits (Ongole Cattle)

What & Where

Definition : Ongole is a Bos indicus (zebu) cattle breed valued for strength, disease resistance and heat tolerance.

Native belt : Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh; villages around Guntur, Vinukonda, Narasaraopet, Ongole, Kandukur, Gundlakamma & Alluru rivers.

Global spread : Exported for breeding to Brazil, USA, Australia; Brazilian line produced record-priced cow Viatina-19.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Traits

Build : Large muscular frame, long limbs, short neck, prominent male hump.
Skin : Loose dewlap reaching navel aids thermoregulation.
Temperament : Docile, easing farm handling.

Economic Angle

Record sale : Viatina-19 now world’s costliest cow, surpassing Wagyu & Brahman valuations.
Crossbreeding demand : Brazilian, US, Australian ranches pay premium for drought-fit genetics.
Livelihood impact : Draft power lowers machinery costs in Smallholder Indian farms.

Historical & Global Reach

Antiquity : Zebu remains traced to Indus Valley (c. 3000 BC); Vedic texts praise cattle wealth.
Export timeline : Ongole bulls shipped to Brazil in late-19th century, forming base of Nelore herd.
Recognition : FAO lists Ongole among world’s distinct zebu breeds.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific group	Bos indicus (zebu)
Alternate name	Nellore breed
Record-price animal	Viatina-19
Sale amount	USD 4.82 million (≈ ₹41 crore)
Sale year	2025
Coat colour	White/grey, dark patches on head / hump / knees
Horn shape	Short, stumpy, thick base
Native district	Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh
Key traits	High heat & disease tolerance
Primary utility	Heavy plough, transport; cows moderate milk

GS-3S&T

14.Einstein Ring Gravitational Phenomenon (Gravitational Lensing)

Indian ExpressEinstein ring · Euclid telescope · NGC 6505

What & Where

Einstein ring – circular image from gravitational lensing of background galaxy by massive foreground object, predicted by GR 1915

New ring spotted by ESA’s Euclid telescope around galaxy NGC 6505, ~590 million ly from Earth

Visibility only via high-powered space telescopes; alignment observer-lens-source must be near-perfect

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physics Basis

Light-bending proportional to foreground mass per GR curvature
Perfect symmetry produces full ring; slight offset yields arcs or multiple images

Scientific Importance

Dark-matter tracing via mass distribution reconstruction without reliance on emitted light
Cosmic-expansion rate derivation using time delays in multiple lensed images

Observation & Instruments

Euclid telescope 1.2 m mirror, wide-field visible–NIR survey launched 2023
Space platforms avoid atmospheric distortion, enhancing detection of faint, high-redshift lenses

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fundamental cause	Gravitational lensing by massive foreground galaxy
Predicted by	Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, 1915
Rarity	< 1 % of all galaxies exhibit complete rings
Alignment condition	Observer, lens, background source almost colinear
Telescope detection	ESA Euclid; also possible with NASA Hubble
Newly found ring host	Galaxy NGC 6505 (spiral), 590 million ly away
Key utilities	Dark-matter mapping, distant-galaxy magnification, cosmic-expansion measurement

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Consider the following phenomena:

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Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

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15.India-France Strategic Partnership (India-France Ties)

Times of IndiaSMR-AMR cooperation · Jaitapur project · Scorpene submarines

What & Where

India-France strategic partnership; origin 1998, elevated to “Strategic” & now “Comprehensive Strategic”.

February 2025 summit in France; focus: nuclear, defence, AI, Indo-Pacific.

Key geography: Jaitapur (Maharashtra), Indo-Pacific third-country projects.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence & Security

Scorpene submarines indigenisation plus DRDO AIP to extend underwater endurance.
France eyeing Pinaka MBRL; talks on co-making helicopter & fighter jet engines.
India observer in Eurodrone MALE programme, widening interoperability.

Nuclear & Clean Energy

SMR/AMR collaboration leverages French tech, Indian manufacturing cost-efficiency.
Jaitapur 9.6 GW project critical for India’s clean-energy targets.
Summit agreed task forces to fast-track regulatory clearances.

Tech & Innovation

Bilateral AI Roadmap stresses safe, trustworthy algorithms aligning democratic values.
India to host next AI Action Summit; 2026 themed Innovation Year.
UPI rollout in France deepens fintech ties.

Indo-Pacific Outreach

Triangular development projects target climate & SDG goals in third countries.
Cooperation counters coercion, enhances regional stability without naming China.
Regular high-level dialogues institutionalised under Indo-Pacific framework.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Summit month & venue	Feb 2025, France
Nuclear pact	Letter of Intent on SMRs & AMRs
Jaitapur status	Progress review for 6-reactor project
Defence highlight	Scorpene AIP, joint heli/jet engines
Year tagged for innovation	2026 India-France Year of Innovation
Indian startups at Station F	10

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

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India and Poland have agreed to implement the 'India-Poland Strategic Partnership' in terms of a Five-Year Action Plan. Identify the current Five-Year Action Plan.

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16.India-EFTA Desk for Investments (India-EFTA TEPA)

The HinduIndia-EFTA Desk · TEPA · Invest India

What & Where

India-EFTA Desk: Invest India single-window to channel investments from EFTA nations into India under TEPA.

Geographies linked: India plus EFTA’s four members—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.

Embedded in India-EFTA Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement (signed March 2024).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Provision: Desk facilitates IPR commitments embedded in TEPA chapters.
Mandate: Aligns incoming investments with Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat policies.
Function: Acts as single-window for clearances, guidance and grievance redressal.

Economic Angle

Projection: USD 100 billion FDI expected to catalyse manufacturing and services expansion.
Employment: Over 1 million direct jobs envisaged over 15 years.
Trade gap: Balance currently favours EFTA, signalling scope for Indian export push.

International Trade

Context: India is EFTA’s 5th-largest partner, ahead only of mid-tier economies.
Growth: Bilateral trade jumped ~29 % from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
Comparison: TEPA complements India’s FTAs with UAE, Australia, ASEAN etc.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing body	Invest India
TEPA signature	March 2024
Target FDI via TEPA	USD 100 billion in 15 years
Direct jobs aimed	>1 million in India
EFTA members	Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
EFTA formation	Stockholm Convention, 1960
India’s rank among EFTA partners	5th after EU, US, UK, China
India-EFTA trade 2023-24	USD 24 billion
Previous year trade	USD 18.65 billion
Largest EFTA trade partner for India	Switzerland (followed by Norway)

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17.Rising Online Child Sexual Abuse (Online Child Safety)

Hindustan TimesOnline sexual abuse · Lancet study · Image sharing

What & Where

Online child sexual abuse: exploitation of minors through internet chats, images, videos, extortion.

Core subtypes: solicitation, non-consensual image sharing, sexual exploitation, sextortion.

Global scope: Lancet review of 123 studies shows 1 in 12 children abused online in last decade.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Abuse

Internet penetration: 1⁄3 users children, unsupervised access boosts vulnerability
Covid-19 surge: prolonged screen-time enabled offender outreach and CSAM creation
AI tools: easier fabrication, rapid distribution, hampering tracing by agencies

Health Impact

Victims face severe mental distress, self-harm tendencies, PTSD
Physical sequelae include sleep disorders, somatic complaints, substance misuse
Long-term fallout: lower life expectancy and diminished employment prospects

Indian Legal & Policy

Statutes: POCSO 2012, IT Act 2000, JJ Act 2015 cover online exploitation offences
Portals: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal allows citizen complaints, auto-routes FIRs
Coordination: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) assists state cyber cells, traces CSAM

Proposed Actions

Legislation: stricter penalties, mandatory reporting by platforms, age-verification protocols
International cooperation: data-sharing with INTERPOL, FBI to dismantle cross-border rings
Awareness: digital-literacy drives in schools, safe-search defaults, parental-control promotion

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global prevalence	8.3 % (≈1 in 12)
Studies analysed	123
Solicitation rate	12.5 % of children
Non-consensual image sharing	12.6 %
Online sexual exploitation	4.7 %
Sextortion incidence	3.5 %
Children’s share of internet users	One-third
Rise in sextortion post-Mar 2020	Threefold
Digitally literate Indian households	38 %

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