Saturday, 15 February 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: aquaculture nation in the world and P

The correct answer is (a) S R P Q. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Which institution released the report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”?

The correct answer is (a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026.

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

The correct answer is (a) Indo-Danish Economic Forum. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2026.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2, 4 और 5. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Which among the following events happened earliest?

The correct answer is (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2018.

Q: Swami Dayanand Saraswati

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी शीत महासागरीय धारा/धाराएं है/हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Consider the following countries:

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2014.

Q: Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

The correct answer is (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a platform for conducting joint naval exercises under QUAD. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024.

15 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 5GS-3: 9

0/15 done

GS-3Economy

1.US Reciprocal Tariffs Policy (Trade Policy)

Times of IndiaReciprocal Tariff · Import Tax · WTO Norms

What & Where

Concept: US “Reciprocal Tariff” taxes imports at the same rate foreign nations levy on US exports

Scope: Applied by USA on all partners, allies included; removes WTO-style developing-nation concessions

Timeline: Full tariff schedule to be finalised by US Trade Department by April 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

WTO-norm shift; eliminates “special & differential” treatment for developing countries
Tariff matching includes calculation of partner’s explicit and implicit subsidies
Policy announced by US President; intends uniform global tariff environment

Economic Angle

Export-cost surge for subsidy-heavy economies raises landed price, cuts competitiveness
Import rise from US (oil, defence kits) expected to narrow partner surplus
Currency pressure: higher import bill may weaken partner currencies, raising inflation

India-Specific Effects

Competitiveness hit: textile, pharma, auto-component exports face tariff spikes
Trade-balance realignment: India may boost US purchases to offset duty hike
FDI prospect: US firms likely to localise production in India to bypass new tariffs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Tariff basis	Mirror of partner’s duty plus subsidy offsets
Assessing body	US Trade Department
Subsidy elements counted	Tax breaks, export incentives, indirect support
Key Indian sectors hit	Textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto parts
Deadline for rates	April 2025
India–US trade surplus (FY23)	≈ US $38 billion
Possible rupee effect	Depreciation via higher dollar demand

GS-3Economy

2.Asian Fisheries Aquaculture Forum 2025 (Fisheries Sector)

PIBAFAF · Asian Fisheries Society · New Delhi Host

What & Where

AFAF — tri-annual global conference on fisheries & aquaculture by Asian Fisheries Society (AFS)

HQ Kuala Lumpur; 14th edition hosted in New Delhi, India (second time after 2007 Kochi)

Focus geography — Asia-Pacific fisheries, with India 3rd largest producer, 2nd in aquaculture

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Details

Asian Fisheries Society — non-profit scientific body fostering R&D cooperation
AFAF platform unites scientists, industry, policymakers for technology, sustainability discourse
HQ location Malaysia ensures neutral Asia-centric coordination

Indian Rankings

Output 3rd worldwide underscores large domestic demand and export competitiveness
Aquaculture 2nd rank reflects intensive inland pond, shrimp farming expansion
Export 4th place aided by marine product processing hubs on east & west coasts

Government Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana targets value-chain gaps, doubling exports
FIDF finances fishing harbours, cold chains, brood banks
Kisan Credit Card extended to fishers for working capital

Sector Statistics

Inland fisheries >75 % shows river, reservoir, pond dominance over marine sector
Andhra Pradesh leads via carp & shrimp ponds; West Bengal strong in riverine catch
7.7 % global share positions India pivotal for world food security

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
AFS genesis	1984, Kuala Lumpur
AFAF periodicity	Every 3 years
14th AFAF theme	Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific
Indian host count	2 (2007, 2025)
Core organisers	AFS + ICAR + Dept Fisheries GoI + AFSIB
India fish production rank	3rd globally
India aquaculture rank	2nd after China
Export rank	4th; 7.7 % of global output
Inland share	> 75 % of total Indian catch
Top producing states	Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

aquaculture nation in the world and P

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026PYQ 2

Which institution released the report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”?

GS-3Economy

3.India Energy Week 2025 Agreements (Energy Sector)

PIBIndia Energy Week · BPCL-Petrobras · Wave Energy Pilot

What & Where

Event: India Energy Week 2025, flagship exhibition-conference of global energy sector, staged in New Delhi, India.

Organisers: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (patron) with Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) as industry interface.

Focus: energy access, security, sustainability, decarbonisation; 700-plus exhibitors and multiple cross-border MoUs signed.

Quick Facts for MCQs

International Deals

Agreement: BPCL diversifies oil imports via Petrobras, Brazil.
Contract: IOCL secures long-term LNG from ADNOC, UAE.
Collaboration: Israel’s Eco Wave Power brings wave-energy tech to India.

Renewables & Tech

Pilot: Wave-energy plant planned off Mumbai coastline.
Transition: LNG push aligns with gas-based economy goal.
Emphasis: Decarbonisation highlighted across exhibition sessions.

Institutional Setup

Ministry: Petroleum & Natural Gas provides policy patronage.
FIPI: Apex hydrocarbon society acts as government-industry bridge.
Platform: Event used for strategic energy security announcements.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year/Edition	2025
Host city	New Delhi
Exhibitors count	700+
Apex industry body	FIPI
BPCL–Petrobras crude	Up to 6 million barrels
BPCL–Eco Wave pilot	India’s 1st wave energy project, Mumbai
IOCL–ADNOC LNG deal	1.2 MMTPA for 14 yrs
LNG contract value	USD 7 billion
LNG supply start	2026
Wave-energy partner country	Israel

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

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

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-1History

4.Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary (Social Reformers)

PIBDayanand Saraswati · Arya Samaj · Vedic Revival

Illustration for Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary (Social Reformers)

What & Where

Arya Samaj: 1875 Hindu reform society stressing sole Vedic authority, founded by Dayanand Saraswati at Bombay.

Core processes: Shuddhi reconversion, daily havan-yajna, Veda-centred education through DAV schools and gurukulas.

Geography: Leader born Tankara (Gujarat); movement radiated across North India; first DAV school opened Lahore 1886.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Personal Milestones

Renunciation: abandoned home aged 19; roamed 15 years (1845-60) in ascetic quest.
Training: pledged before Virjanand to combat superstition, propagate Vedic dharma.
Demise: fatally injured via poisoning conspiracy; died Ajmer 1883, age 59.

Social Reforms

Campaign: attacked idol-worship, untouchability, child marriage, polygamy, sati, dowry, female infanticide.
Equality: advocated merit-based varna, women’s schooling, widow remarriage, inter-caste unions.
Animal welfare: promoted gau-raksha, rejected animal sacrifice.

Educational Impact

Model: blended modern science with Vedic texts; opposed exclusively colonial syllabi.
Network: DAV, girls’ gurukulas, orphanages multiplied across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan.
Influence: inspired Lajpat Rai, Hansraj, later Gandhi on vernacular, value education.

Nationalist Edge

Slogan: earliest “Swaraj” usage 1876; echoed by Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Gandhi.
Swadeshi: urged indigenous industries, boycott of British goods, Hindi as national tongue.
Mobilisation: Arya Samaj branches became bases for extremist politics and revolutionary fundraising.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth name	Mool Shankar Tiwari
Birth date	12 Feb 1824
Birthplace	Tankara, Morbi, Gujarat
Guru & centre	Swami Virjanand, Mathura
Seminal work	Satyarth Prakash (1875)
Arya Samaj founded	1875, Bombay
First “Swaraj” call	1876 by Dayanand
Education trust	DAV College Trust, 1886
First DAV school	Lahore, Principal Mahatma Hansraj
Death	30 Oct 1883, Ajmer
Core slogan	“Back to the Vedas”

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2018PYQ 1

Which among the following events happened earliest?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

GS-3Environment

5.Rapid Arctic Warming Trends (Climate Change)

Indian ExpressArctic Amplification · Albedo Effect · Jet Streams

Illustration for Rapid Arctic Warming Trends (Climate Change)

What & Where

Arctic Amplification: accelerated warming of ocean-ice-land area north of 66.5° N latitude

February 2025 North Pole temperatures jumped >20 °C above 30-yr mean

Region spans eight circumpolar nations: Canada, Russia, USA-Alaska, Denmark-Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland

Quick Facts for MCQs

Causes

Icelandic deep low pulls warm mid-latitude air into Arctic winter
Elevated North-East Atlantic SSTs enhance poleward heat transport via winds
Reduced ice albedo and weak surface convection trap greenhouse heat

Environmental Impact

Amplified ice-melt heightens global sea-level, coastal flooding susceptibility
Jet-stream distortion alters rainfall belts, intensifies storms worldwide
Ice-dependent megafauna polar bears, seals lose critical habitat

India Engagement

Arctic research programme launched 2007, national policy unveiled 2022 outlining science, climate, resource goals
Himadri base supports studies on atmosphere, cryosphere, geology
Observer role strengthens science diplomacy, upholds UNCLOS norms within Arctic Council

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Arctic warming rate (1979-2023)	~4 × global average
Feb 2025 anomaly	> 20 °C above norm
Arctic Circle latitude	66.5° N
Main heat source region	Icelandic low, N-E Atlantic SSTs
India signed Svalbard Treaty	1920
Himadri base operational	Svalbard, 2008
India in Arctic Council	Observer since 2013
Nodal Arctic agency	NCPOR, Goa

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी शीत महासागरीय धारा/धाराएं है/हैं?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2014PYQ 2

Consider the following countries:

GS-3Species

6.Hangul Deer Conservation Concerns (Endangered Species)

The HinduHangul · Kashmir Stag · Critically Endangered

Illustration for Hangul Deer Conservation Concerns (Endangered Species)

What & Where

Hangul deer: Cervus hanglu hanglu, sole Asiatic red-deer subspecies, state animal of J&K

Core range: Dachigam National Park and adjoining riverine forests, valleys, mountains of Kashmir & N. Himachal Pradesh

Life cycle: rut Oct-Dec, calving Apr-May; peak disturbance raises stress, lowering reproduction

Quick Facts for MCQs

Population Trend

Decline from ~5,000 (1940s) to <300 (2023) triggers CR Red-List status
Small, isolated population heightens inbreeding and extinction risk

Threat Factors

Habitat destruction: deforestation, land encroachment shrink riverine forest cover
Overgrazing: livestock competition reduces forage, tramples regeneration
Poaching & meat hunting persist despite legal bans and armed patrols

Research Insights

CCMB study: cortisol spike when humans enter rutting or fawning zones
Elevated stress correlates with fewer conceptions, weakened neonate survival

Conservation Sites

Dachigam NP: 141 km² core breeding refuge with strict protection zones
Tral WLS: southern buffer aiding genetic flow and additional guard presence

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IUCN category	Critically Endangered
2023 population	289 individuals
Historical count (1940s)	3,000 – 5,000
Main habitat	Dachigam National Park, J&K
Additional PA	Tral Wildlife Sanctuary
Antler tines (males)	11 – 16 points
Mating season	October – December
Birthing season	April – May
Diet type	Herbivore, grasses & browse
Legal status	State animal, Jammu & Kashmir

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

GS-3S&T

7.PARAS-2 Exoplanet Spectrograph (Astronomy Instrument)

ISROPARAS-2 · Radial Velocity · PRL Ahmedabad

Illustration for PARAS-2 Exoplanet Spectrograph (Astronomy Instrument)

What & Where

Dense sub-Saturn exoplanet TOI-6038A b spotted in a wide binary system around F-type star TOI-6038A.

Found with PARAS-2 high-resolution radial-velocity spectrograph on 2.5 m telescope, Mt Abu Observatory, Rajasthan.

Work led by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad—India’s 2nd exoplanet confirmation via indigenous instrument.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Instrument Specs

Stabilised high-resolution (R~67 000) RV spectrograph; detects stellar wobbles ≤1 m s⁻¹.
Integrated speckle-imaging channel for high-resolution validation of planetary systems.
Built entirely by PRL; mounted on temperature-controlled platform for sub-m s⁻¹ precision.

Planet Characteristics

Intermediate between Neptune and Saturn, yet unusually massive for its size.
Low density indicates substantial gaseous envelope despite dominant rocky core.
One of only five known sub-Saturns inside confirmed binary stellar setups.

Scientific Significance

Offers test-bed against high-eccentricity tidal versus disk-driven migration models.
Fills sparse data on sub-Saturn formation pathways and core accretion efficiency.
Binary context enables study of companion-induced orbital evolution.

Indian Capability

Validates indigenous exoplanet discovery chain: photometry (TESS) + RV follow-up (PARAS-2).
Elevates Mt Abu facility to global network of precision RV observatories.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Planet name	TOI-6038A b
Radius	6.41 R⊕
Mass	78.5 M⊕
Mean density	1.62 g cm⁻³
Core fraction	≈75 % rocky; rest H/He envelope
Host star type	F-type; visual companion K-type
Binary separation	3 217 AU
Orbital classification	Dense sub-Saturn (transition zone)
Discovery tool	PARAS-2 RV spectrograph
Spectrograph site	Mt Abu Observatory, Rajasthan
Spectrograph tag	Asia’s highest-resolution RV instrument
Indian milestone	2nd exoplanet detected with PARAS-2

GS-3S&T

8.Sudan Virus Recent Outbreak (Viral Disease)

Down to EarthSudan Virus · Orthoebolavirus · Fatality 40-60%

Illustration for Sudan Virus Recent Outbreak (Viral Disease)

What & Where

Sudan virus: filovirus (Orthoebolavirus genus) producing Sudan Virus Disease, a severe hemorrhagic fever akin to Ebola.

Transmission: human-to-human via blood, vomit, saliva, contaminated surfaces; zoonotic spillover also recorded.

Geography: documented only in sub-Saharan Africa—notably Sudan, Uganda; latest WHO-confirmed cluster around Kampala.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Virology & Transmission

Reservoir suspicion: fruit bats hypothesised, yet unconfirmed.
Nosocomial amplification: hospital clusters frequently noted due to inadequate PPE.
Fomite risk: virus survives on contaminated surfaces for hours to days.

Clinical Features

Early stage: fever, chills, muscle pain, headache within 2-21 days incubation.
Progression: vomiting, diarrhea, rash, multiorgan failure, internal/external bleeding.
Mortality drivers: hypovolemic shock and organ dysfunction.

Containment & Diagnostics

Isolation essential: immediate patient separation and dedicated care teams mandated.
Contact tracing: 21-day active monitoring of all high-risk contacts.
Lab safety: testing requires BSL-4 or equivalent high-containment facilities.

Vaccine & Treatment Status

Candidate vaccines: cAd3-Sudan, ChAdOx1 under early trials; none licensed.
Therapeutics: monoclonal antibodies effective for Ebola show limited data for Sudan strain.
Supportive care: rehydration, electrolyte balance, symptomatic management improve survival odds.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Virus family	Filoviridae
Genus	Orthoebolavirus
First detected	1976, southern Sudan (now South Sudan)
Case-fatality range	40 % – 60 %
2022 Uganda CFR	47 %
Approved vaccine	None (unlike Zaire Ebola)
Antiviral treatment	None specific; only supportive care
Primary spread mode	Direct contact with infected body fluids
Symptom onset	Fever, myalgia, fatigue
Confirmatory test	Laboratory RT-PCR or antigen assays

GS-3S&T

9.International Unani Medicine Conference (Traditional Medicine)

PIBUnani Medicine · CCRUM · Ministry of Ayush

What & Where

Unani Medicine – Greco-Arab traditional healing system centred on four-humour equilibrium for diagnosis and therapy.

CCRUM – autonomous apex research body (1978) under Ministry of Ayush, headquartered New Delhi.

International Unani conference inaugurated by President on Unani Day, 11 February, India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Setup

CCRUM functions autonomous yet government-funded; guides nationwide Unani research network.
Ministry of Ayush oversees CCRUM policy, budget, and global outreach programmes.
Presidential inauguration signals high-level support for integrative medicine initiatives.

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Basis

Humoral imbalance considered root of disease; therapy targets restoration of equilibrium.
Treatments employ regimens, diet, pharmacotherapy, surgery per classical Unani texts.
Integrative health agenda aims synergy with modern diagnostics and public health.

Commemorative Events

Unani Day marks birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan; chosen for annual outreach.
2025 conference gathers researchers, practitioners, policymakers for innovation exchange.
Theme underscores modernization without abandoning traditional epistemology.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Unani Day	11 February
Conference host	Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine
CCRUM established	1978
Parent ministry	Ministry of Ayush
Conference theme	“Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward”
System origin	Ancient Greece
Core theory	Balance of blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile

GS-2Economy

10.India-US TRUST Technology Initiative (Critical Minerals)

Economic TimesTRUST Initiative · Minerals Security Partnership · Supply-Chain Diversification

What & Where

TRUST Initiative, Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology, is an India-US pact for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials cooperation

Builds on Minerals Security Partnership and Minerals Security Finance Network to create diversified, resilient supply chains

Operates between India & United States, influencing global defence, semiconductor, EV-battery and clean-energy value chains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Supply-Chain Strategy

Diversification: Counters China’s ≈70 % REE dominance by securing alternate mineral sources
Prioritisation: Targets lithium, REE, cobalt for EV batteries, semiconductors, energy storage
Pharmaceuticals: Establishes alternative API raw-material routes reducing Indian dependence on Chinese inputs

Tech & Schemes

Export-control Ease: Seeks reduced US restrictions on high-tech materials and components
Mission Link: Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and National Critical Minerals Mission 2024-31 goals
Platform Synergy: Utilises MSP and MSFN for financing, exploration and processing support

Economic Angle

Investment: Attracts US capital and know-how into Indian mining, refining, recycling infrastructure
Manufacturing: Strengthens domestic defence, clean-energy and semiconductor value chains
R&D Boost: Spurs joint research in AI, quantum computing, space and advanced materials sectors

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch partners	India & United States
Launch year	2024
Primary sectors	Critical minerals, pharma APIs, advanced materials
Key minerals	Lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt
China’s REE market share	≈70 %
Indian policy link	National Critical Minerals Mission 2024-31
Supporting platforms	MSP & MSFN
Core objective	Supply-chain diversification & tech transfer

GS-2Security

11.India Engagement in Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean)

Indian ExpressIndian Ocean Conference · IOR · SAGAR

Illustration for India Engagement in Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean)

What & Where

Ocean Indian Ocean Region, third-largest, 70.56 mn sq km, linking Asia-Africa-Australia

Corridor Historical maritime highway with 26 coastal and several reliant land-locked states

Chokepoints Strait of Malacca, Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb vital for global energy flow

Quick Facts for MCQs

Strategic Importance

Trade Handles bulk oil, LNG, container flows connecting East-West supply chains
Resources Abundant fisheries, offshore oil, gas, polymetallic nodules power Blue Economy
Powerplay Competing deployments by US, China, India shape Indo-Pacific balance

India’s Initiatives

Doctrine SAGAR ensures Security and Growth for All, aligns with Act East, Neighbourhood First
Exercises MILAN, Malabar, Varuna, AUSINDEX enhance interoperability and deterrence
Infrastructure Sagarmala port upgrades, deep-sea cable projects bolster regional connectivity

Security Challenges

Expansion Chinese String of Pearls network from Djibouti to Hambantota limits Indian strategic space
Illicit Piracy, illegal fishing, arms, narcotics trafficking threaten sea-lane safety
Cyber Undersea cable control enables potential data interception, communication disruption

Climate & HADR

Vulnerability Small Island States risk inundation, coastal erosion, livelihood loss
Preparedness India provides early warnings, cyclone, tsunami, pandemic relief via Mission SAGAR
Sustainability Push for renewable ocean energy, regulated deep-sea mining, coral conservation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IOC 2024 venue	Muscat, 8th edition
Co-hosts	India, Singapore, Oman
Coastal nations	26
Area	70.56 mn sq km
Global container traffic	≈70 %
India’s seaborne energy	≈90 %
SAGAR launch	2015
Key straits	Malacca, Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb
Outside naval bases	US, UK, China, France

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2015PYQ 2

‘क्षेत्रीय सहयोग के लिए हिन्द महासागर रिम संघ (Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation – IOR-ARC)’ के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3Security

12.Free Movement Regime Revision (Border Management)

The HinduFree Movement Regime · India-Myanmar Border · QR-Code Pass

Illustration for Free Movement Regime Revision (Border Management)

What & Where

Free Movement Regime (FMR) permits visa-free, short-stay travel for border residents along the 1,643 km India–Myanmar boundary.

Revised FMR (2025) uses QR-based biometric passes; 22 of 43 border gates now operational.

Border traverses Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram; 1,472 km already demarcated.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Genesis 1968 regime enables cross-border ethnic ties without visa within notified distance
Amendments 2004 cut limit to 16 km; latest revision fixes 10 km plus biometric pass
Stay duration capped seven days; violations invoke FMR penalties

Tech & Schemes

QR-code pass stores fingerprints and photo, auto-checks central negative list
Central FMR portal shares traveller data with MHA, state police in real time
Assam Rifles man gate kiosks, issue digital passes via handheld devices

Security Dimension

Assam Rifles oldest paramilitary (1835); admin control MHA, operational control Army
Deployed along entire Indo-Myanmar border as lead agency for FMR enforcement
Nicknamed Sentinel of the North East; earned laurels in 1962 Sino-India War

Border Infrastructure

22 functional gates; remaining 21 under phased implementation
Gates located across Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram border villages
1,472 km boundary pillars jointly surveyed and accepted by both nations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total India–Myanmar border	1,643 km
Demarcated stretch	1,472 km
Arunachal share	520 km
Nagaland share	215 km
Manipur share	398 km
Mizoram share	510 km
FMR launch year	1968
Original free-travel radius	40 km
Radius after 2004 cut	16 km
Current free-travel radius	10 km
Operational gates (Feb 2025)	22
Planned crossing points	43
Border-pass validity	Up to 7 days
Pass type	QR-coded, biometric
Issuing agency	Assam Rifles
Assam Rifles founding	1835
Assam Rifles HQ	Shillong

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

In February 2024, Government of India has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and:

GS-2Scheme

13.J. C. Bose Research Grant (Research Funding)

DSTJ. C. Bose Grant · ANRF · ₹25 lakh per year

Illustration for J. C. Bose Research Grant (Research Funding)

What & Where

Grant: Competitive extramural funding instituted by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Govt. of India.

Target: Senior Indian scientists/engineers in recognised institutions to pursue frontier R&D across disciplines.

Tenure: Five-year support; may continue after PI’s retirement if host institution retains them.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility

Age-cap 68; applicant must be active, India-based, Professor or equivalent.
Merit demonstrated via high-impact publications, granted patents, technology transfers, recognised awards.

Funding Structure

Research component: fixed ₹25 lakh annually for consumables, manpower, equipment, travel.
Host institution receives additional ₹1 lakh each year for administrative and infrastructure support.

Operational Clauses

Superannuation flexibility ensures continuity of long-term projects post-retirement.
Multidisciplinary coverage encourages cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Administering body	Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Namesake	Jagadish Chandra Bose
Annual research grant	₹25 lakh
Grant tenure	5 years
Institutional overhead	₹1 lakh per year
Maximum PI age	68 years
Required position	Professor-level or equivalent
Eligibility proof	Publications, patents, tech transfers, awards
Disciplinary scope	Science, tech, agriculture, medicine, humanities, social sciences (S&T interface)
Superannuation clause	Project continues if institution retains PI

GS-2Scheme

14.National Skill Development Corporation Update (Skill Development)

New Indian ExpressNSDC · MSDE · Public-Private Partnership

What & Where

NSDC – not-for-profit public limited company under MSDE, PPP vehicle for nationwide vocational skilling

Incorporated 31 July 2008 under Companies Act Sec 25 (now Sec 8), headquartered New Delhi, India

Plans 50 Future Skills Centres and 10 International Academies to train workforce in emerging technologies

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance & Structure

PPP equity split 49:51 secures industry skin in game with government oversight
Registered as Sec 8 company ensuring non-profit mandate and limited liability
Functions align with National Skill Development Policy under MSDE

Skilling Initiatives

Future Skills Centres target AI, robotics, green tech; International Academies focus global certification
NAPS facilitates on-the-job learning for 5 million apprentices, incentivising employers
Concessional loans and equity funding provided to training partners, start-ups, MSMEs

Digital & Remote Learning

Skill India Digital Hub offers 7,100 multilingual courses accessible across devices
Platform claims 30 crore learners, expanding outreach beyond physical centres
JobX portal supports 4 million users with CV building, career coaching, employer linkage

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year founded	2008
Statute base	Companies Act Sec 8 (earlier Sec 25)
Administrative ministry	Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Govt stake	49 %
Private stake	51 %
Future Skills Centres planned	50
International Academies planned	10
Apprentices under NAPS	5 million
NAPS funds disbursed	₹100,250 million
SIDH course count	7,100
SIDH language support	23
SIDH candidate reach	30 crore
JobX beneficiaries	4 million

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Which of the following is/are the sub-mission/sub-missions of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM)?

CDS_GK, GS1 2018PYQ 2

प्रधान मंत्री कौशल विकास योजना के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

15.Revised Market Intervention Scheme Guidelines (Agricultural Marketing)

PIBMarket Intervention Scheme · PM-AASHA · Perishable Crops

What & Where

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): GoI-State mechanism stabilising prices of perishable agri-produce outside MSP.

Revised Guidelines 2025: now a PM-AASHA component, activated on ≥10 % price fall versus previous normal year.

Pan-India voluntary adoption; operations executed through State agencies, FPOs/FPCs, NAFED, NCCF.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Integration ensures budgetary backing under PM-AASHA umbrella.
States must notify scheme activation; GoI shares loss on 50:50 formula as per MIS norms.

Operational Changes

Shift from physical lifting to direct benefit transfer cuts handling losses.
FPOs, FPCs, State-nominated agencies manage procurement, storage, transport, market releases.

Economic Angle

Higher 25 % ceiling allows larger offtake, reducing glut-led distress sales.
Reimbursement for tomato, onion, potato logistics narrows producer-consumer state price gaps.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Coverage crops	Fruits, vegetables, spices, other perishables
Trigger price fall	≥10 % below previous normal year average
Procurement ceiling	25 % of total production (was 20 %)
Payment mode	DBT of MIP-market price gap to farmers
Central umbrella	Integrated into PM-AASHA
Logistics support	NAFED/NCCF reimburse TOP storage & transport

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2021PYQ 1

किसानों को प्रोत्साहन देने के लिए प्रत्येक वर्ष विभिन्न फसलों के लिए सरकार द्वारा घोषित की जाने वाली कीमत को क्या कहते हैं?

CAPF_GAI 2025PYQ 2

Which one among the following schemes focuses on developing modern infrastructure and optimizing supply chain from farm to retail in Indian agriculture sector?

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