Tuesday, 4 March 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: The use of ‘Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)’ by the Election Commission of India was started in which one of the following years ?

The correct answer is (a) 1992. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2022.

Q: Which one of the following is correct with respect to the Industrial Relations Bill?

The correct answer is (a) Workers can raise objection to retrenchment within five years. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2025.

Q: ‘Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’ is a:

The correct answer is (c) Miniratna I CPSE. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2023.

Q: किस प्रधानमंत्री के कार्यकाल के दौरान भारत के संविधान में 44वाँ संशोधन पारित किया गया था?

The correct answer is (a) जवाहरलाल नेहरू. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: Which of the following movies won the 96th Academy Award 2024 in the Best Picture category?

The correct answer is (a) Anatomy of a Fall. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: In which one of the following areas in the given map was there a recent discovery of copper deposits by the Atomic Minerals Division of Department of Atomic Energy?

The correct answer is (a) 1. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

The correct answer is (a) Argentina. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: ‘नीलगिरि’, ‘सूट्र’ और ‘वायशार्क’ के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही है?

The correct answer is (a) ये गुजरात राज्य में स्थित बाघ अभयारण्य (टाइगर रिजर्व) हैं।. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: वन्यजीव (सुरक्षा) अधिनियम, 1972 के अनुसार, किसी व्यक्ति द्वारा, यदि द्वारा किए गए वन्यजीव अपराध के अभियुक्त होने के विचार में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से प्राणी का शिकार नहीं किया जा सकता?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 और 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2017.

Q: Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

The correct answer is (c) Gangetic dolphin. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

15 topicsGS-1: 7GS-2: 3GS-3: 5

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.EPIC Number Clarification (Voter Identification)

Indian ExpressEPIC number · Election Commission · ERONET

What & Where

EPIC Number – alphanumeric identifier uniquely tagging every Indian elector to curb impersonation

Generated centrally through ERONET; legacy manual issue caused a few cross-state duplicates

Valid country-wide; number persists even if voter shifts or card reprinted

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

ERONET centralises new registrations, migrations, deletions ensuring near-real-time database integrity
ERONET 2.0 introduces nationwide uniqueness checks and auto duplicate alerts
Digital linkage facilitates online voter services and future e-governance modules

Legal & Policy

ECI powers derive from Representation of the People Act and Registration Rules provisions
Detection of duplication triggers administrative reassignment without altering polling station or eligibility
Voting right flows from electoral-roll inclusion, not mere possession of EPIC card

Security Dimension

Unique numbering deters impersonation and bogus voting attempts
Central database enables inter-state verification and quick anomaly tracking
Physical card carries photo, age, constituency aiding on-ground booth authentication

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	1993
Legal basis	Registration of Electors Rules 1960
Format	3 letters + 7 digits
Issuing authority	Election Commission of India
Allocation system	ERONET portal (since 2017)
Constituency tag	Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN)
Duplicate scope	Only across states in pre-ERONET era
Ongoing clean-up	EPIC Rectification under ERONET 2.0
Card vs Number	Card is physical ID; number is registry code
Change on reissue	Card reprinted; number unchanged

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

The use of ‘Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)’ by the Election Commission of India was started in which one of the following years ?

GS-2Polity

2.Tribunal Reforms Act Review (Tribunal Reforms)

Hindustan TimesTribunal Reforms Act 2021 · Supreme Court · Quasi-judicial bodies

Illustration for Tribunal Reforms Act Review (Tribunal Reforms)

What & Where

Tribunal Reforms Act 2021: central law rationalising appellate tribunals, reallocating jurisdiction mainly to High Courts across India.

Selection mechanism: Search-cum-Selection Committees headed by CJI/HC-CJ for Central/State tribunals respectively.

Core processes: dissolution, fixed tenure-age norms, government-removal power via the Committee’s recommendation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Abolition move: multiple subject-specific appellate tribunals (e.g., film, IP) merged into ordinary courts for uniformity.
SC scrutiny: examining Act’s constitutional validity, especially tenure clause & executive dominance concerns.
Articles 323-A/B enable sector-wise tribunals but silent on tenure, letting Parliament legislate specifics.

Administrative Challenges

Vacancy backlog: delayed appointments causing high pendency, e.g., 67 % IBC cases exceed 330-day limit.
Infrastructure gaps: limited courtrooms, digital tools—National Green Tribunal lacks rural outreach.
Procedural drag: frequent adjournments, weak enforcement push litigants toward High Courts/Supreme Court.

Reform Measures

Accelerated appointments with structured induction to boost domain expertise and decision quality.
Tech infusion: e-filing, case-tracking, regional benches proposed for accessibility & speed.
Autonomy push: demand for financial, administrative independence plus oversight to curb executive interference.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enactment year	2021
Trigger case	Madras Bar Association v. Union (2021)
Minimum appointment age	50 years
Tenure length	4 years
Max age – Member	67 years
Max age – Chairperson	70 years
Committee casting vote (Central)	CJI / SC judge nominated by CJI
Non-voting Committee member	Secretary of concerned Union Ministry
Constitutional basis for tribunals	Articles 323-A & 323-B
Removal authority	Central Government on Committee’s advice

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following is correct with respect to the Industrial Relations Bill?

GS-3Economy

3.Navratna Status for IRCTC IRFC (CPSE Navratna)

LiveMintNavratna status · IRCTC · IRFC

What & Where

Navratna; CPSE tag signalling high financial-operational performance in India

Granted by Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance

Latest additions; IRCTC & IRFC, rail-linked PSUs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility & Criteria

Ratings; MoU grade Excellent/Very Good in 3 of last 5 years
Metrics; net profit, net worth, manpower cost form scoring matrix
Status review & upgrade handled solely by DPE

Autonomy & Benefits

Capital; can form JVs, subsidiaries, overseas alliances sans nod
Credibility; tag improves market perception, eases fundraising
Strategic; faster diversification, modernisation initiatives possible

Company Profiles

IRCTC; handles e-ticketing, onboard catering, tourism trains like Maharajas’ Express
IRFC; finances locomotives, coaches, wagons, electrification & station upgrades
Both contribute majorly to Indian Railways capex pipeline

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Navratna count after additions	26
Minimum status prerequisite	Miniratna-I with positive net worth
Financial score needed	≥ 60 on DPE matrix
Board requirement	≥ 4 independent directors
Investment freedom ceiling	₹1,000 cr or 15 % net worth, whichever lower
Year IRCTC set up	1999
Year IRFC set up	12 Dec 1986
Administrative ministry for both firms	Ministry of Railways
IRCTC flagship product	Rail Neer packaged water
IRFC core role	Low-cost market borrowings for rolling stock & projects

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 1

‘Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’ is a:

GS-3Economy

4.Tax Regime for Virtual Digital Assets (Crypto Taxation)

The HinduVirtual Digital Assets · 30% tax · 1% TDS

What & Where

Definition: Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) are blockchain-based, cryptographically secured digital property under Section 2(111), Income Tax Bill 2025

Key types: cryptocurrencies, NFTs, stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets

Geography: India proposes uniform capital-gains regime for VDAs via Income Tax Bill 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Alignment: Mirrors UK, US, Australia where crypto taxed as property or securities
Oversight: TDS plus reporting obligations create audit trail to curb black money
Enforcement: Strengthened AML-KYC norms recommended for exchanges and wallets

Economic Angle

Revenue: High trading volumes provide new tax stream without raising conventional taxes
Deterrence: 30 % flat rate may push investors to lower-tax jurisdictions
Start-ups: High burden plus no deductions could stifle domestic crypto innovation

Implementation Challenges

Regulation gap: Market conduct, investor protection rules still absent despite tax provisions
Compliance load: Exchanges, traders must file frequent TDS statements, increasing costs
Mobility risk: Crypto easily portable, enabling offshore migration of capital

International Examples

Comparative: US treats crypto as property; UK imposes Capital Gains Tax; Australia, New Zealand similar
Global push: G20 & FATF urge harmonised standards for crypto taxation and AML controls

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Governing statute	Income Tax Bill 2025
Legal status of VDA	Treated as property & capital asset
Flat tax on transfer	30 % of gains
TDS on each transaction	1 %
Deductions allowed	None for fees, mining, commissions
Mandatory reporting	Exchange & payer required
Section defining VDA	2(111)
Major objective	Revenue, transparency, AML compliance

GS-1History

5.Morarji Desai Birth Anniversary (Morarji Desai)

PIB4th Prime Minister · Janata Party · 44th Amendment

Illustration for Morarji Desai Birth Anniversary (Morarji Desai)

What & Where

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai — 4th Prime Minister of India, tenure 1977-79, 6th Lok Sabha.

Born 29 Feb 1896, Bhadeli (Gujarat); resigned colonial post 1930 to join freedom struggle.

First non-Congress PM; headed Janata Party government post-Emergency.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Struggle

Resigned Deputy Collector post after 12 years; joined Civil Disobedience.
Detained during Individual Satyagraha 1941.
Arrested in Quit India, 1942.

Government Roles

Held Commerce & Industry portfolio 1956; Finance in 1958.
Quit cabinet via Kamaraj Plan to bolster Congress organisation.
Chaired 1st ARC 1966, recommending administrative overhaul.

Political Reforms

Led Janata Party’s 1977 landslide, ending Emergency regime.
44th Amendment Act 1978 curtailed Emergency powers; reinforced civil liberties.
First full-term non-Congress PM, setting precedent for coalition politics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	29 February 1896
Birth place	Bhadeli, Bombay Presidency (Gujarat)
Freedom-struggle exit from service	Deputy Collector resignation, 1930
Detained	Individual Satyagraha, 1941
Arrested	Quit India Movement, 1942
Commerce & Industry Minister	1956
Finance Minister	1958
Resigned under	Kamaraj Plan, 1963
Chairman	1st Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966
Prime Minister term	March 1977 – July 1979
Lok Sabha number	6th
Key constitutional change	44th Amendment Act, 1978
Party led	Janata Party
Contemporary tribute	Lok Sabha Speaker, 4 Mar 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

किस प्रधानमंत्री के कार्यकाल के दौरान भारत के संविधान में 44वाँ संशोधन पारित किया गया था?

GS-1MiscQuick Bite

6.97th Academy Awards Winners (Oscar Awards)

Indian ExpressAnora · Sean Baker · Best Film

What & Where

Oscars; annual global film awards, instituted 1929, recognise cinematic excellence

Presented by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; HQ Los Angeles, USA

Ceremony generally hosted late February–early March, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Details

AMPAS formed 1927; oversees nominations, voting, ceremony logistics
Voting eligibility restricted to AMPAS members within specific industry branches
Statuette officially named “Academy Award of Merit”; 34 cm tall, gold-plated britannium

2025 Highlights

‘Anora’ swept major categories, becoming top winner of 97th edition
Sean Baker secured both Best Director and shared Original Screenplay honors
Ceremony upheld traditional February–March scheduling despite prior pandemic disruptions

Historical Context

Oscars first awarded 1929, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; only 12 categories then
Transitioned to televised broadcast 1953, boosting global cultural impact
Expansion now 23 competitive categories reflecting evolving film crafts

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Current edition	97th Oscars (2025)
Venue city	Los Angeles
Presenter body	AMPAS
AMPAS membership	≈ 9,000 professionals
Instituted	1929
Dominant film 2025	‘Anora’ by Sean Baker
Oscars won by ‘Anora’	5
Key awards clinched	Best Film, Director, Actress, Original Screenplay, Film Editing

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following movies won the 96th Academy Award 2024 in the Best Picture category?

GS-1Mapping

7.Zambia Copper Block Acquisition (Country Mapping)

Indian ExpressZambia · Copper · Northwestern Province

Illustration for Zambia Copper Block Acquisition (Country Mapping)

What & Where

India’s GSI obtains 9,000 sq km copper-cobalt exploration block in Northwestern Province, Zambia.

Zambia: land-locked Southern African nation; capital Lusaka; rich Copperbelt straddling DR C border.

Copper & cobalt: key for EV batteries, clean-energy hardware, projected global shortfall by 2035.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Neighbours

Zambia borders Angola, DR C, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.
Key highlands: Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills enabling headwaters.
Mineral belt concentrated along Copperbelt & Northwestern geological zones.

Mineral Demand Trend

EVs, renewables, advanced electronics rapidly escalating copper intensity per MW or vehicle.
Studies flag supply deficit by 2035, sparking overseas asset races.
Cobalt co-production critical for lithium-ion battery cathodes.

Indian Mining Scene

Post-2018 Sterlite closure pushed import dependence; refining capacity under-utilised.
Core domestic belts: Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Khetri (Rajasthan), Malanjkhand (MP).
GOI exploring FDI & overseas blocks to plug raw-ore shortage.

Global Production Snapshot

Chile > Peru > DR C lead global copper league; Zambia holds ~4 % share.
African copper often associated with cobalt, enhancing strategic allure.
Price volatility influenced by infrastructure stimulus, green policies, and supply chain disruptions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Block size	9,000 sq km
Block holder	Geological Survey of India
Zambian province	Northwestern Province
Zambia copper rank	7th largest producer
World’s top copper producer	Chile
Zambia capital	Lusaka
Major Zambian rivers	Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa
Indian copper output drop	−8 % since 2018-19
Only GoI copper PSU	Hindustan Copper Ltd
Largest Indian open-pit mine	Malanjkhand, Madhya Pradesh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

In which one of the following areas in the given map was there a recent discovery of copper deposits by the Atomic Minerals Division of Department of Atomic Energy?

GS1 2023PYQ 2

About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

GS-3Environment

8.NBWL Wildlife Conservation Initiatives (NBWL Initiatives)

Indian ExpressNational Board for Wildlife · Great Indian Bustard · Gharial

What & Where

World Wildlife Day: 3 March observance, set by UNGA 2013, marks 1973 adoption of CITES treaty.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): statutory apex wildlife body under Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972, chaired by Prime Minister.

7th NBWL meeting convened at Gir National Park, Junagadh (Gujarat) on World Wildlife Day 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Initiatives

Great Indian Bustard: national conservation plan plus dedicated task force to revive shrinking populations.
Gharial: separate conservation initiative and task force launched for riverine population recovery.
Project Cheetah & Lion: cheetahs introduced to two new sites; lion project prolonged, census-16 slated May 2024.

Technology & Research

Centre-Excellence (WII Coimbatore): rapid-response teams, AI/ML, geospatial tools for human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
WII–BISAG-N partnership: remote-sensing, predictive mapping for conflict zones and forest-fire alerts.
Riverine Dolphin Report: first nationwide survey across Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus basins counts 6,327 dolphins.

Legal & Governance

NBWL clearance compulsory before any diversion of tiger reserves; advice taken from NTCA.
Statutory authority derived from Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 to frame national wildlife policy directives.
Leadership: PM chair; Environment Minister vice; includes COAS, Defence & Expenditure Secretaries, ten nominated experts.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
World Wildlife Day 2025 theme	Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet
Treaty commemorated	CITES 1973
NBWL meeting number	7th
NBWL total members	47
NBWL vice-chair	Environment Minister
First Riverine Dolphin count	6,327 individuals
Project Cheetah new sites	Gandhi Sagar WLS (MP); Banni Grasslands (Guj)
Project Lion extension	10 years; Saurashtra range expansion
New conflict-management centre	WII Coimbatore campus
National Referral Centre site	Junagadh, Gujarat
Critically endangered focus bird	Great Indian Bustard

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

‘नीलगिरि’, ‘सूट्र’ और ‘वायशार्क’ के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही है?

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 2

वन्यजीव (सुरक्षा) अधिनियम, 1972 के अनुसार, किसी व्यक्ति द्वारा, यदि द्वारा किए गए वन्यजीव अपराध के अभियुक्त होने के विचार में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से प्राणी का शिकार नहीं किया जा सकता?

GS-3Species

9.Gangetic Dolphin Population Survey (Gangetic Dolphin)

Down to EarthProject Dolphin · MoEFCC · Wildlife Institute

Illustration for Gangetic Dolphin Population Survey (Gangetic Dolphin)

What & Where

Gangetic dolphin (“Susu”): freshwater river cetacean of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli-Sangu systems in India-Nepal-Bangladesh

2020 Project Dolphin survey: first systematic Indian river-dolphin census; 28 rivers, 8,507 km across eight states

Counted 6,327 dolphins in India: 6,324 Gangetic + 3 Indus, mainly within Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus basins

Quick Facts for MCQs

Survey Design

Implementers: MoEFCC, Wildlife Institute of India, eight state forest departments under Project Dolphin
Coverage: 28 rivers, 8,507 km; basins—Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus
Output: 6,327 individuals; establishes baseline for future monitoring

Biological Traits

Navigation: echolocation compensates for lensless eyes
Respiration: must surface every 30–120 s; obligate air-breather
Habitat: favors counter-current main-channel zones; diet primarily fish

Legal & Policy

Protection: Endangered on IUCN Red List; Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Symbolism: National Aquatic Animal since 2009; flagship for river conservation
Threats addressed: habitat alteration, pollution, fishing gear entanglement, flow regulation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Survey year	2020
Implementing agency	MoEFCC + WII + state FDs
Rivers covered	28
Length surveyed	8,507 km
Major basins	Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus
Total dolphins	6,327
Gangetic : Indus split	6,324 : 3
IUCN status	Endangered
WPA, 1972 listing	Schedule I
National Aquatic Animal	Declared 2009
Local name	“Susu”
Vision	Lensless; blind
Breathing interval	30–120 s

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

GS1 2014PYQ 2

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

GS-3S&T

10.Bose Metal Quantum State (Quantum Materials)

The HinduBose metal · Niobium diselenide · Cooper pairs

What & Where

Quantum metallic state where Cooper pairs exist without long-range superconducting order

Strong evidence found in niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) by China–Japan team

Shows finite conductivity near absolute zero under applied magnetic field

Quick Facts for MCQs

Quantum Characteristics

Cooper-pair formation through net attractive electron interaction
Lack of phase coherence prevents superconductivity
Conductivity intermediate, neither divergent nor vanishing

Experimental Demands

Milli-Kelvin temperature control essential
Atomic-scale thickness tuning in 2D NbSe₂ samples
Precisely varied magnetic fields probe metallic phase

Current Limitations

No device-level applications to date
Definition debated as distinct state versus crossover regime
Reproducibility difficult across separate laboratories

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constituent material	Niobium diselenide (NbSe₂)
Charge carriers	Electron Cooper pairs
0 K conductivity	Finite; between superconductor ∞ and insulator 0
Magnetic field role	Tunes formation & transport of Bose metal
Industrial use	None established yet

GS-2Scheme

11.National Green Hydrogen Mission Updates (Green Hydrogen)

PIBGreen Hydrogen Mission · MNRE · Pilot projects

Illustration for National Green Hydrogen Mission Updates (Green Hydrogen)

What & Where

Green Hydrogen Mission: Indian flagship to make nation global hub for renewable-based H₂ production, use, export.

Core process: water electrolysis powered by solar/wind; displaces fossil fuel in industry and heavy transport.

Geography: nationwide roll-out; first 10 inter-city routes for hydrogen buses / trucks.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

SIGHT: output-linked incentives lower cost of electrolyser manufacture and green H₂ generation.
SHIP R&D window enables public-private collaboration on storage, safety & fuel-cell tech.
Mandatory consumption norms push steel, refinery, fertiliser sectors to early adoption.

Financials

Mission outlay ₹19,744 cr includes ₹208 cr transport pilots; bulk funds reserved for manufacturing incentives.
Goal: cut fossil-fuel import bill, open export revenue via green-ammonia, green-methanol pathways.

Implementation & Infrastructure

Two hydrogen hubs to integrate production, storage, pipelines, refuelling for industry and mobility.
Support envisaged for dedicated pipelines, cryogenic tankers, high-pressure cylinder networks.
MNRE-industry skill programs to train operators on electrolyser O&M and H₂ safety protocols.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Mission launch	4 Jan 2023
Nodal ministry	MNRE
Total outlay	₹19,744 crore (2023-30)
Pilot projects	5 sanctioned (buses & trucks)
Vehicles deployed	37 hydrogen-powered
Routes covered	10 major corridors
Pilot funding	₹208 crore
Incentive scheme	SIGHT for electrolysers & H₂ production
Planned H₂ hubs	2 large-scale units
Grid policy	Interstate RE transmission charges waived for H₂ makers

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which of the statements given below is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 2

US-based Ohmium International has started India's first green hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturing unit at

GS-1Editorial

12.Rural India Protein Deficit (Rural Protein Hunger)

Down to EarthHidden hunger · ICRISAT study · Cereal-based diets

What & Where

Definition Hidden hunger: calorie-adequate yet micronutrient / protein-deficient malnutrition seen widely in rural India.

Institution ICRISAT: 1972 UN-recognised international body, HQ Patancheru (Telangana); researches dryland-tropics food-nutrition resilience.

Region Focus: Semi-arid tropics of Asia & sub-Saharan Africa housing large cereal-dependent populations.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Dietary Findings

Cereal dominance: Rice + wheat supply bulk protein yet lack essential amino acids.
Protein sources underused: Pulses, dairy, meat limited by culture, awareness, cost.
Regional variance: State-specific drivers; even affluent families can show deficits.

Health Impact

Muscle loss: Chronic deficit causes atrophy, weakness, frailty.
Immunity dip: Reduced antibody production elevates infection risk.
Child damage: Stunting, cognitive delay, delayed puberty become irreversible.

Policy Prescriptions

PDS reform: Pulse, millet, fortified staple inclusion for protein security.
Farm incentives: MSP, extension support for protein-rich crops; sustainable models.
Nutrition literacy: Curriculum integration & community campaigns on balanced diets.

Gender Dimension

Women education: Direct lever for household dietary diversification.
Self-help groups: Proposed channels for affordable protein access, behaviour change.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ICRISAT founding year	1972
Legal status in India	Specified “International Organisation” under UN Privileges & Immunities Act 1947
Rural diet cereal share	60–75 % of daily protein
Core cereals consumed	Rice, wheat
PDS present focus	Calorie assurance via cereals; minimal proteins
Key deficiency	Essential amino acids (e.g., lysine, methionine)
Women education effect	Higher schooling → more diversified household diet

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

The nutritional deficiency condition that needs to be given top priority for remedial action in India today is

GS-1Editorial

13.India’s Escalating Obesity Crisis (Childhood Obesity)

The HinduBMI · NFHS-5 · WHO definition

What & Where

Definition: WHO flags obesity as abnormal fat; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², overweight 25-29.9 kg/m²

India: NFHS-5 shows 24 % women, 22.9 % men overweight/obese; under-5 rate 3.4 %

Global: 5-19 obesity surged 2 → 8 % during 1990-2022; adult share 7 → 16 %

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Risks

Cardiovascular: Indians face heart attacks 10 years earlier than global average
Diabetes: 101 mn national cases; obesity triggers insulin resistance raising Type-2 load
Cancer: Cases expected 14.6 lakh → 15.7 lakh between 2022-25 due to obesity linkage

Economic Angle

Cost2019: USD 28.95 bn, 1.02 % GDP, Rs 1,800 per capita
Cost2030: Forecast Rs 4,700 per capita, 1.57 % GDP if trends persist
Survey2024-25: Proposes higher ultra-processed food taxes to curb fiscal drag

Causes

Diet: HFSS and ultra-processed consumption rising sharply
Inactivity: Nearly 50 % Indians insufficiently active per Lancet study
Environment: Shrinking green space, pollution, pricey produce restrict healthy living

Government Initiatives

NP-NCD: Nationwide screening and counselling for lifestyle disorders including obesity
POSHAN 2.0: Integrated strategy combating mal- and over-nutrition in women and children
Fit India & Eat Right: Mass campaigns promoting exercise and safe, nutritious foods

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
BMI overweight cutoff	25 kg/m²
BMI obese cutoff	30 kg/m²
NFHS-5 women overweight/obese	24 %
NFHS-5 men overweight/obese	22.9 %
Under-5 overweight NFHS-5	3.4 %
Global 5-19 obesity 1990→2022	2 % → 8 %
India obesity cost 2019	USD 28.95 bn (1.02 % GDP)
Projected per-capita cost 2030	Rs 4,700

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से किसमें, राष्ट्रीय परिवार स्वास्थ्य सर्वेक्षण-4 से लेकर राष्ट्रीय परिवार स्वास्थ्य सर्वेक्षण-5 तक ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में कोई सुधार प्रदर्शित नहीं होता है?

GS-1Editorial

14.UNESCO Report on Multilingual Education (Multilingual Education)

The HinduUNESCO report · Language barrier · International Mother Language Day

What & Where

UNESCO report “Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education” released worldwide on 25th Intl Mother Language Day anniversary.

Addresses language-of-instruction barriers; urges multilingual, context-specific schooling policies.

Hotspots: 40 % global learners affected, rising to 90 % in low-/middle-income states; includes 31 mn displaced youth, India referenced.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Key Statistics

250 mn students globally excluded by language mismatch; colonial legacies sustain non-native instruction.
High-income states see immigration-driven classroom multilingualism needing support.

Policy Recommendations

Frame location-specific language policies; integrate local tongues in curricula, assessment.
Provide teacher upskilling, multilingual textbooks, inclusive classroom environments.
Foster inclusion via proactive school leadership and community engagement.

Indian Context

Post-colonial English prominence curtailed Persian, limited Sanskrit to religious use.
22 Eighth-Schedule languages expanding; many Austro-Asiatic & Tibeto-Burman Adivasi tongues near extinction.
Print & digital growth aid regional scripts but urban English surge threatens linguistic diversity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Issuing agency	UNESCO
Report title	“Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education”
Global learners without familiar-language schooling	40 %
Share in low & middle-income countries	90 %
Displaced youth facing language barriers	31 million
Intl Mother Language Day	21 Feb; first observed 2000
Day proposed by	Bangladesh; approved UNESCO-1999
NEP 2020 medium recommendation	Home language till Grade 5 (preferably 8)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2021PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS-1Economy

15.Women’s Growing Credit Participation (Women Credit Access)

Niti AayogTransUnion CIBIL · Financial inclusion · Women borrowers

Illustration for Women’s Growing Credit Participation (Women Credit Access)

What & Where

Report “From Borrowers to Builders” by NITI Aayog-TransUnion CIBIL-WEP-MSC on women’s financial inclusion, released Dec 2024.

Assesses 2019-24 trends in credit participation, monitoring, schemes impact across urban, semi-urban, rural India.

Maps regional patterns: southern dominance (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana) & fastest growth in UP, Rajasthan, MP.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Credit Trends

Tripling of women borrowers signals deepening formal credit access.
Business loan share rise 14 ppt; gold loan share up 6 ppt since 2019.
62 % women monitors in prime credit strengthen portfolio quality.

Regional Spread

Southern states top absolute women borrowers; Tamil Nadu leads.
UP, Rajasthan, MP register fastest five-year growth in live women borrowers.
Non-metro credit monitoring 48 %, outpacing metro 30 %.

Schemes & Platforms

WEP offers mentorship, market linkage, literacy; houses Financing Women Collaborative.
PMMY sanctioned ₹2.22 lakh crore to women in FY24, largest programme.
PM SVANidhi, Udyam Registration boost street-vendor and MSME formalisation.

Barriers

Credit aversion driven by repayment fear, income volatility.
79 % women businesses self-financed due to collateral, guarantor gaps.
30 % entrepreneurs lack documentation, hindering credit readiness.

Way Forward

AI-based alternative risk models proposed to cut gender bias.
Gender-intelligent products: flexible tenure, no collateral, advisory support.
Expanding WEP/FWC networks, raise women leadership in finance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Women borrowers growth 2019-24	3 ×
Borrowers from semi-urban & rural	60 %
Women monitoring credit 2024	27 million
YoY rise in monitoring 2023-24	42 %
Business-loan share change	+14 ppt since 2019
Gold-loan share change	+6 ppt since 2019
Self-monitors in prime credit bands	62 %
PMMY FY24 disbursal to women	₹2.22 lakh crore; 4.24 crore accounts
PM SVANidhi to women till Dec 2024	₹5,939.7 crore; 30.6 lakh vendors
Women-owned MSME share (Udyam)	40 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

नवीनी सहकार योजना के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements with reference to a Report titled 'The Paths to Equal', published in 2023, prepared by 'UN Women' and 'UNDP' (United Nations Development Programme):

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