Monday, 17 February 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: यह मुद्दा, कि क्या भारतीय दंड संहिता की धारा 377 भारत के संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21, 14 और 15 का उल्लंघन करती है, निम्नलिखित में से किस एक वाद में निर्णय किया गया था?

The correct answer is (c) शायरा बानो बनाम भारत संघ. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: Consider the following:

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

Q: शिक्षा मंत्रालय द्वारा वर्ष 2020-2021 के लिए प्रकाशित प्रदर्शन ग्रेडिंग सूचकांक (PGI) में, निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य/संघ राज्य-क्षेत्र का स्थान शीर्ष दस में शामिल नहीं है?

The correct answer is (a) केरल. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2023.

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

The correct answer is (a) 2022-23. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025.

Q: भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के संदर्भ में, 'मुद्रास्फीति-संलग्न बांड (Inflation-Indexed Bonds — IIBs)' के क्या लाभ हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1 और 2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022.

Q: दक्षिण भारत के निम्नलिखित किस राजवंश ने अपने दस्तावेज पहले प्राकृत में और बाद में संस्कृत में जारी किए ?

The correct answer is (b) उत्तर संगम काल के पाण्ड्य. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2023.

Q: In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in India, is

The correct answer is (d) a protein subunit vaccine. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से भारत की G20 प्राथमिकताएँ क्या हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1 और 2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023.

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

0/13 done

GS-2Polity

1.Legal Debate on Marital Rape (Criminal Law Exemption)

Indian ExpressSection 375 · Section 377 · Chhattisgarh HC

What & Where

Marital rape — non-consensual intercourse by husband, still immune under Indian criminal law

Chhattisgarh High Court — 2023 ruling extended marital-rape exception to Section 377 IPC within state jurisdiction

Core statutes — Exception 2, Section 375 IPC & Section 63 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita confer immunity nationwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Ruling holds Section 377 cannot override marital exception; only civil remedies like Domestic Violence Act remain
Centre claims criminalisation policy matter for Parliament, cites risk of misuse, societal norms
Reform demand: delete Exception 2 IPC & BNS 63, introduce safeguards against false cases

Fundamental Rights

Critics cite Article 14 equality and Article 21 dignity violations by differential treatment of married women
SC privacy jurisprudence affirms bodily autonomy; consent cannot be presumed post-marriage

International Examples

UK removed marital exemption 1991; Nepal criminalised 2002; global human-rights standard favours criminalisation
India among few democracies retaining blanket marital-rape immunity

Social Concerns

NFHS data reveals high underreported spousal violence, lack of criminal recourse deters complaints
Misuse fears statistically low; sexual offences largely underreported per NCRB and academic studies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IPC clause exempting husbands	Exception 2, Section 375
BNS corresponding clause	Section 63
Age above which immunity applies	Wife ≥ 18 yrs
Chhattisgarh HC decision year	2023
Section barred by ruling	377 (unnatural sex)
Countries criminalising marital rape	100 + (UK, USA, France, Nepal, etc.)
Karnataka HC stand	2022 termed marital rape offence
NFHS-5 finding	~33 % married women face sexual/physical spousal violence
Key SC judgments cited	Puttaswamy 2017, Joseph Shine 2018
Govt argument against change	Threat to institution of marriage

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

यह मुद्दा, कि क्या भारतीय दंड संहिता की धारा 377 भारत के संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21, 14 और 15 का उल्लंघन करती है, निम्नलिखित में से किस एक वाद में निर्णय किया गया था?

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-2Polity

2.Panchayat Devolution Index 2024 (Local Governance)

PIBArticle 243G · Framework-Functions-Finances · Karnataka ranking

What & Where

Panchayat Devolution Index 2024: evidence-based ranking of PRI empowerment across all States & UTs.

Issued by Ministry of Panchayati Raj; benchmarks devolution under Article 243G.

Measures six pillars: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity-building, Accountability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Index Highlights

Increase: 4-point jump in overall devolution between 2013-14 and 2021-22.
Digitalisation: e-gram swaraj & staffing drives boosted Functionaries pillar.
RGSA: flagship scheme credited for 10-point surge in Capacity scores.

State Rankings

Leadership: Karnataka tops overall; also best in Finances & Accountability.
Niche strength: Kerala excels in Framework; Tamil Nadu in Functions; Gujarat in Functionaries; Telangana in Capacity.
Laggards: Puducherry, Ladakh, DNH & DD occupy bottom slots.

Fiscal Picture

Dependence: 95 % PRI income sourced from Union + State grants.
Variation: Kerala, West Bengal exceed ₹57 lakh average revenue; Andhra Pradesh, Punjab under ₹6 lakh.
Expenditure: PRI revenue spending <0.6 % of state GSDP everywhere; Bihar merely 0.001 %.

Institutional Gaps

Function transfer: 29 Eleventh-Schedule subjects only partially devolved by most states.
Finance Commissions: Irregular SFC reports and delayed implementation erode fiscal autonomy.
Oversight: Low Gram Sabha turnout and scarce social audits weaken transparency.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Overall devolution 2013-14	39.9 %
Overall devolution 2021-22	43.9 %
Top ranked state	Karnataka
Second ranked state	Kerala
Lowest UT score	DNH & DD – 13.62
Functionaries index rise	39.6 % → 50.9 %
Capacity index post-RGSA	44 % → 54.6 %
PRI own-tax share	1 % of revenue
Central grant share	80 % of revenue
Avg central grant/Panchayat	₹17 lakh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following:

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

शिक्षा मंत्रालय द्वारा वर्ष 2020-2021 के लिए प्रकाशित प्रदर्शन ग्रेडिंग सूचकांक (PGI) में, निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य/संघ राज्य-क्षेत्र का स्थान शीर्ष दस में शामिल नहीं है?

GS-3Economy

3.India Sovereign Green Bonds (Green Finance)

Indian Expressgreenium · Ministry of Finance · climate projects

What & Where

Sovereign Green Bonds: Rupee sovereign debt raised solely for pre-approved green projects.

Implementing hub: Ministry of Finance; operational oversight by Dept. of Economic Affairs (DEA).

Geography: India; instrument supports national Net-Zero 2070 pathway.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Demand: Recent auctions undersubscribed; weak appetite curbs price advantage.
Greenium: Yield gap with normal gilts nearly flat, limiting cheaper borrowing.
Liquidity: Sparse secondary trade deters large institutional investors.

Tech & Schemes

Rail: Financing three-phase electric locomotives, metro expansions for cleaner mobility.
Renewable: Supports solar, wind parks plus National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Forestry: Funds National Mission for a Green India afforestation targets.

Environmental Impact

Carbon-cut: Projects collectively lower transport & power-sector emissions.
Resilience: Green-tagged infrastructure designed to withstand climate stresses.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Issuer	Government of India
Instrument Type	Sovereign green bond (SGrB)
Supervising Wing	Department of Economic Affairs
Use-of-Proceeds	Energy, transport, afforestation, hydrogen
Sample Projects	Electric locomotives, metro rail, solar/wind, Green India Mission
Investor Base	Domestic & foreign climate-focused funds
Interest Advantage	“Greenium” small / almost absent currently
Secondary Liquidity	Low; mostly held to maturity
Policy Anchor	Indian Green Finance Framework
Net-Zero Link	Aids 2070 carbon neutrality pledge

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 2

भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के संदर्भ में, 'मुद्रास्फीति-संलग्न बांड (Inflation-Indexed Bonds — IIBs)' के क्या लाभ हैं?

GS-1History

4.Early Iron Age Tamil Civilization (Tamil Archaeology)

The HinduSivagalai · Keeladi · Adichanallur

Illustration for Early Iron Age Tamil Civilization (Tamil Archaeology)

What & Where

Tamil Civilization — continuous riverine culture along Thamirabarani, Vaigai, Noyyal in present-day Tamil Nadu.

Recent radiometric dates push regional Iron Age start to early 4th millennium BCE, among world’s earliest.

Sites show urban planning, metallurgy, long-distance trade well before classical Sangam Age.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chronology

Pre-Iron activity Pallavaram Paleolithic > Adichanallur Neolithic-Chalcolithic > early Iron Age Mayiladumparai.
Continuous habitation evidenced through Sangam and medieval Chola layers.
Radiometric advances revise South Asian metallurgy timeline by ~1000 years.

Archaeological Finds

Artefacts: iron tools, gold diadems, microliths, copper bracelets, glass beads, terracotta sarcophagi.
Epigraphy: Tamil-Brahmi potsherds at Keeladi, Adichanallur, Mayiladumparai.
Bio-remains: paddy grains at Sivagalai, human skeletons in urn burials.

Trade & Urbanism

Industry: weaving at Keeladi, shell-bangles at Korkai, carnelian beads Kodumanal.
Maritime links: Korkai port connecting to Gangetic plains and possibly overseas.
Urban layout: streets, brick structures, fortifications traceable from Keeladi to Porpanaikottai.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report cited	“Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu”
Earliest iron evidence	c. 3200 BCE (first quarter 4th millennium BCE)
Key rivers	Thamirabarani, Vaigai, Noyyal
Sivagalai C-14 range	3345 – 2953 BCE; paddy 1155 BCE
Mayiladumparai iron artefacts	c. 4200 years old
Adichanallur burials	3rd millennium BCE; gold diadems
Keeladi phase	6th cent BCE; Tamil-Brahmi script
Korkai status	Pandya capital; shell-bangle industry, Gangetic trade (c. 785 BCE)
Kodumanal specialty	Carnelian bead production; 2000 yrs BP
Pallavaram record	Paleolithic hand-axes found 1863

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

दक्षिण भारत के निम्नलिखित किस राजवंश ने अपने दस्तावेज पहले प्राकृत में और बाद में संस्कृत में जारी किए ?

GS-1Mapping

5.Gulf of Eilat Geography (Places in News)

The HinduGulf of Aqaba · Red Sea · Sinai Peninsula

What & Where

Gulf of Eilat / Aqaba: northern arm of Red Sea, east of Sinai Peninsula, west of Arabian Peninsula.

Linear, 1,850 m-deep rift basin forming southern end of Dead Sea Transform fault.

Hosts world’s northernmost coral reefs along Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia coasts.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Coral hiatus: Growth ceased ~3 millennia during late Holocene global cooling.
Recovery: Reefs recolonised naturally from deeper refugia after temperature rebound.
Resilience: High-latitude corals show greater thermal tolerance than many tropical reefs.

Tectonic Context

Dead Sea Transform: Left-lateral strike-slip fault dictates gulf’s narrow, elongated morphology.
Fault dynamics create steep submarine slopes and abrupt depth near coastline.
Region’s seismicity periodically reshapes coastal and benthic landscapes.

Border Geography

Four-nation coastline causes overlapping EEZ claims within 24 km-wide mouth.
Northern tip houses critical ports: Israel’s Eilat, Jordan’s Aqaba.
Egypt accesses gulf via Taba; Saudi Arabia via Haql on eastern shore.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alternate name	Gulf of Aqaba
Coastal countries	Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
Maximum depth	~1,850 m
Depth v/s Gulf of Suez	Significantly deeper
Key northern cities	Taba, Eilat, Aqaba
Geological setting	Dead Sea Transform (strike-slip)
Coral event	3,000-yr growth shutdown, later recovery

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

6.Konda Veduru Bamboo Godavari (Bamboo Species)

The HinduDendrocalamus strictus · Green Gold · Konda Reddi

What & Where

Konda Veduru bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), nicknamed “Green Gold”, is a fast-growing, multipurpose bamboo variety.

Native to Eastern Ghats; densest in Godavari river valley across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh.

Bamboo shoots form staple diet of Konda Reddi PVTG women-harvest and process them.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Nutritional Value

Rich-profile bamboo shoots supply essential proteins, amino acids, vitamins, iron.
Seasonal harvest ensures micronutrient security for remote hill households.

Cultural Practices

Folk Hinduism worship of village and household deities integrates bamboo rituals.
Love and exchange marriages socially sanctioned by Kula Panchayat.

Socio-Economic Structure

Patriarchal lineage dictates inheritance; residence remains patrilocal.
Shifting cultivation plus bamboo trade underpin subsistence economy of Konda Reddis.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Dendrocalamus strictus
Local name	Konda Veduru bamboo / Green Gold
Native range	Eastern Ghats, Godavari valley
Consuming tribe	Konda Reddi (PVTG), Andhra Pradesh
Key nutrients	Proteins, amino acids, vitamins, iron
Primary harvesters	Women of the tribe
Family type	Patriarchal, patrilocal
Local governance	Kula Panchayat, hereditary headman
Accepted marriages	Love, exchange
Main livelihood	Shifting cultivation

GS-3S&T

7.mRNA Cancer Vaccine Technology (Cancer Vaccine)

The HindumRNA · tumor antigens · personalized medicine

Illustration for mRNA Cancer Vaccine Technology (Cancer Vaccine)

What & Where

Definition: mRNA cancer vaccine delivers genetic code, makes cells express tumour antigens, triggers immune attack on cancer

Geography: First national rollout announced by Russia; free to patients from early 2025

Nature: Therapeutic, personalised per patient’s tumour profile; not a preventive shot

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mechanism

Instruction: mRNA codes for tumour-specific proteins; host ribosomes translate, present antigens via MHC
Immunity: Activates cytotoxic T-cells to seek and destroy malignant cells
Flexibility: mRNA sequence easily tweaked to new cancer mutations

Comparative Advantage

Precision: Targets only cancer cells, limiting collateral tissue damage
Speed: Lab synthesis of mRNA faster than developing protein or cell-based therapies
Multi-antigen: Can package several tumour signals in one formulation

International Examples

United Kingdom: NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad accelerating personalised trials since 2023
United States: CureVac CVGBM showed potent response in glioblastoma study 2023
Wider horizon: Platform adaptable to numerous cancer types across jurisdictions

Significance

Breakthrough: Marks new era in immuno-oncology moving towards precision medicine
Versatility: Same platform may extend to infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions
Policy: Free Russian access positions mRNA oncology within public-health coverage

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Technology base	Messenger-RNA platform
Developer country	Russia
Planned cost to patient	Free of charge
Availability target	Early 2025
Action type	Treats existing cancers
Antigen range	Multiple tumour markers possible
Side-effect profile	Spares healthy tissue; lower than chemotherapy
Personalisation	Tailored to individual tumour neo-antigens
Comparable COVID-19 difference	COVID shot targets single antigen
Global peers	UK Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad; CureVac CVGBM (USA)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements :

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in India, is

GS-3S&T

8.DNA Nanorafts Artificial Cells (Synthetic Biology)

BLNature Materials · GUVs · membrane reshaping

Illustration for DNA Nanorafts Artificial Cells (Synthetic Biology)

What & Where

DNA Nanorafts = flat, self-assembled DNA tiles programmable to reshape lipid membranes

Operate on Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) serving as bottom-up artificial cell models

Technique reported in Nature Materials, Feb 2025 by an international synthetic-biology team

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mechanism

Attachment: cholesterol-tagged nanorafts dock on GUV lipid bilayer
Actuation: unlocking strands increase raft area, bending or porating membrane
Reset: locking strands zip tiles, restoring original geometry

Functions & Applications

Cell-shaping: enables mimicking of motility, division, communication cues
Gatekeeping: temporary channels permit controlled cargo inflow or efflux
Medicine: programmable vesicles envisioned for on-site drug release, biosensing

Synthetic Cell Approaches

Top-down: genome-minimised cells eg JCVI-syn3.0 retain essential life genes
Bottom-up: chemical assembly of lipid vesicles plus functional modules eg DNA nanorafts
Goal: decipher life principles and craft therapeutic bio-machines

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Building block	DNA strands arranged as nano-rafts
Model membrane	Giant Unilamellar Vesicle (GUV)
Expansion trigger	“Unlocking” complementary DNA strand
Reversal agent	“Locking” strand with higher affinity
Stabiliser	Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) bracing
Key actions	Cell shaping; gated molecular transport
Channel nature	Reversible, non-protein nanopores
Creation route	Bottom-up synthetic biology
Potential fields	Drug delivery, biosensors, artificial organs

GS-2Editorial

9.India Mediates Global North-South (Global Governance)

The HinduUNSC reform · Global Development Compact · IMF reforms

Illustration for India Mediates Global North-South (Global Governance)

What & Where

Global South – developing Asia, Africa, Latin America; seeks fair finance, tech and representation.

Global North – industrialised West plus Japan, Australia; dominates capital, supply chains, multilateral rules.

India acting bridge via Global Development Compact, Voice of Global South Summit, AU entry into G20.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Foreign Policy Tools

Vaccine Maitri shipped millions of doses to 100+ partners.
WIPO treaty advocacy protects traditional knowledge from biopiracy.
UNSC, IMF, World Bank reform demands amplify developing-country voice.

Development Initiatives

Global Development Compact offers non-conditional financing model.
AAGC planned as sustainable BRI alternative with Japan.
Mission LiFE promotes low-carbon lifestyle across Global South.

Challenges

Chinese BRI loans outscale Indian credit lines, influencing elites.
Project execution lags; bureaucratic clearances prolong timelines.
Big-Brother perception surfaces in neighbourhood; “India Out” Maldives case.

Reform Proposals

Create India International Development Agency to coordinate grants, LoCs.
Launch Global South Development Fund for green, digital infrastructure.
Use RuPay & UPI export to deepen financial connectivity in partner states.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Non-Aligned Movement launch	1961, Belgrade
G-77 establishment	1964, UN headquarters
Stockholm Conference climate principle	CBDR idea backed by India, 1972
Voice of Global South Summit	Virtual, Jan 2023, 125 nations
African Union joins G20	New Delhi Summit, Sept 2023
International Solar Alliance birth	Paris COP-21, 2015
Loss & Damage Fund agreed	COP-27, 2022; India supporter
Quad members	India, US, Japan, Australia
Kaladan project delay	~20 years, Myanmar
Asia-Africa Growth Corridor status	Slow progress versus BRI

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से भारत की G20 प्राथमिकताएँ क्या हैं?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

समृद्धि के लिए हिंद-प्रशांत आर्थिक ढाँचा (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity) का गठन करते समय, सदस्य देशों ने चार स्तंभों पर भावी समझौता-वार्ता के लिए सामूहिक परिचर्चा शुरू की है। उन स्तंभों में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा नहीं है ?

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

10.Anti-Migrant Backlash in Tunisia (Migration Issues)

The HinduKais Saied · sub-Saharan migrants · UNHCR

What & Where

Tunisia – northernmost African state, Mediterranean frontage; sandwiched between Algeria (W) and Libya (SE).

2023: President Kais Saied termed sub-Saharan migrants a “demographic threat”, fuelling anti-migrant violence.

UNHCR, under Tunisian pressure, suspended new asylum claims, heightening migrant vulnerability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Social Concerns

Attacks: Surge in racially motivated assaults after 2023 presidential statement.
Migrant status: Asylum pathway blocked; sub-Saharans face detention, eviction, wage theft.
Demography narrative: Political use of “replacement” fear to rally domestic support.

Security Dimension

Extremism: ISIS affiliate active, exploiting social tensions for recruitment.
Border monitoring: Mediterranean route now shifts pressure onto EU-Tunisia cooperation.

Economic Angle

Employment: Chronic joblessness worsens public hostility toward perceived labour competitors.
Fiscal strain: Limited welfare budget hampers support for both citizens and migrants.

International Relations

Multilateral ties: Despite AU membership, Tunisian stance strains relations with sub-Saharan states.
UNHCR friction: Agency forced to pause asylum processing, citing governmental obstruction.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Tunis
Coastline	Mediterranean Sea
Land neighbours	Algeria, Libya
Dominant ethnicity	Arab 98 %
Income group (World Bank)	Lower-middle-income
Labour issue	High youth & women unemployment
Terror outfit alias	ISIS branch: Ajnad al-Khilafah
Key memberships	UN, OIC, AU, NAM, G-77

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT a Mediterranean country ?

GS-3Security

11.Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 (Military Exercise)

DD NewsIndia-Japan · Mount Fuji · counter-terrorism

Illustration for Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 (Military Exercise)

What & Where

Exercise Dharma Guardian: biennial India-Japan army drill, 6th edition slated at Mount Fuji, Honshu.

Core training: joint urban-warfare & counter-terror operations conducted under UN peacekeeping guidelines.

Mount Fuji: 3,776 m active stratovolcano ~100 km SW of Tokyo; UNESCO World Heritage cultural site.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Training: live-fire, room-intervention, hostage-rescue modules for dense urban terrain.
Objective: improve interoperability, tactical synergy, joint mission planning.
Result: greater readiness for UN peace support & humanitarian tasks.

Geographical Highlight

Mount Fuji: snow-capped about five months annually, iconic symmetrical cone.
Location: southern Honshu between Yamanashi & Shizuoka prefectures, near Pacific coast.
Sacred heritage: among Japan’s Three Holy Mountains (Tate, Haku, Fuji).

Bilateral Relations

Exercise reinforces Special Strategic & Global Partnership and 2+2 defence dialogue.
Complements ACSA allowing logistics support, joint maritime patrols, info-sharing.
Adds to series with Shinyuu Maitri (air), JIMEX (naval) for tri-service engagement.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition (2024)	6th
Exercise type	Bilateral army drill
Frequency	Biennial
Host location	Mount Fuji, Japan
Participating forces	Indian Army & JGSDF
Primary focus	Urban warfare & counter-terrorism
Mount Fuji height	3,776.24 m
Volcano status	Active stratovolcano
UNESCO listing year	2013

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event between the Indian Army and the army of:

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 2

The eighth edition of the Exercise Garuda Shakti, a bilateral military-to-military exercise, was conducted recently between the special forces of India and

GS-3Security

12.Aero India 2025 Airshow (Defense Exhibition)

The HinduYelahanka · Make in India · HAL

Illustration for Aero India 2025 Airshow (Defense Exhibition)

What & Where

Aero India = Asia’s largest biennial aerospace & defence exhibition-cum-airshow, public + B2B.

Hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, since 1996 rebrand (1993 debut as Avia India).

Showcases fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, radars; platform for global defence partnerships.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Origins & Evolution

Genesis: Began 1993 promoting Indian aerospace potential, gained global stature post-1996 rebrand.
Continuity: Conducted every odd-numbered year barring force-majeure interruptions.
Growth: Visitor, exhibitor counts multiplied, positioning Bengaluru as aerospace hub.

Organisers & Partners

Lead: Defence Exhibition Organisation under MoD oversees planning, marketing, protocols.
Support: HAL provides static displays, logistics; DRDO showcases R&D; IAF manages flight safety.
State role: Karnataka facilitates infrastructure, security, tourism tie-ins.

Economic & Industrial Angle

Investment: MoUs and JV announcements often exceed USD 5 billion per edition.
Supply-chain: MSME vendor meets bridge Tier-1 OEMs with Indian component makers.
Tourism: Hotel, transport, hospitality revenues spike across Bengaluru metropolitan area.

Technologies Showcased

Indigenous: Tejas Mk-1A, Light Combat Helicopter, Astra BVR missile highlight self-reliance.
Emerging: AI-driven ISR drones, unmanned wingman concepts, quantum-secure comms exhibited.
Demonstration: Surya Kiran & Sarang teams perform precision aerobatics, brandishing IAF prowess.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First edition name	Avia India (1993)
Rebranded year	1996 as Aero India
Event frequency	Biennial (every two years)
2025 edition theme	“The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”
Permanent venue	IAF Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Defence
Key Indian supporters	HAL, DRDO, Indian Air Force
Region rank	Asia’s largest airshow
Core aims	Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat push
Typical displays	Live aerial demos, defence tech exhibitions
Past deal focus	MMRCA procurement platform
Foreign participation	Global defence ministers, OEM CEOs

GS-2Scheme

13.PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (Agriculture Scheme)

Indian Expresscrop diversification · irrigation · storage infrastructure

What & Where

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: centrally sponsored agri-development mission, Union Budget 2025

Coverage: 100 low-productivity districts across India, identified via DFS & NABARD data

Scope: crop productivity, diversification, irrigation, storage, credit access

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Centrally sponsored scheme, execution via state action plans
Relies on convergence; no separate Act or standalone budget line
DFS-NABARD datasets form official basis for district notification

Economic Angle

Productivity boost aims higher land utilisation, income uplift
Expanded credit flow expected to reduce informal borrowing
Improved post-harvest storage to cut wastage, stabilise prices

Tech & Schemes

Irrigation push emphasises micro-irrigation and energy-efficient pumps
Diversification component links with National Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses
Storage infra dovetails with Agri-Infra Fund subsidies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2025-26 (Budget 2025)
Nodal ministry	Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
Core implementers	Centre + States with NABARD, FIs
Districts covered	100 identified low-productivity
Target farmers	1.7 crore small & marginal
Fund flow model	Convergence of existing agri/allied schemes
Key pillars	Productivity, diversification, irrigation, storage, credit
Storage scale	Panchayat & block-level godowns
Credit focus	Both short-term & long-term loans
Selection metrics	Cropping intensity, credit flow weakness

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following Yojanas replaces two schemes – National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), 1999 as well as the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS), 2010 – by incorporating the best features of all these schemes while removing the previous shortcomings and weaknesses?

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 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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