UPSC Current Affairs 11 March 2025

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) fiscal deficit only. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: Which one of the following was NOT stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003?

The correct answer is (a) Elimination of revenue deficit by the end of the fiscal year 2007-08. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

Q: हाल के वर्षों में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था में, अवरोही क्रम में, माँग का स्रोत रहा है?

The correct answer is (a) निजी उपभोग, सरकारी उपभोग, निवल (Net) निर्यात, सकल स्थिर पूँजी निर्माण. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

Q: The computation of poverty in terms of Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) based on the Mixed Reference Period was recommended by the

The correct answer is (a) Lakdawala Committee. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023.

Q: What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

The correct answer is (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2019.

Q: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats are associated with

The correct answer is (a) gene-editing method. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2025.

Q: If India enters into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations, then the growth of exports of India would depend upon which of the following?

The correct answer is (b) 1, 2 and 4 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

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

Q: Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the ‘Legion of Merit’ award?

The correct answer is (a) This award is conferred by the President of the United States of America. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a fast attack craft commissioned by the Indian Navy.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

GS-2Polity

1.Bills of Lading Bill 2025 (Shipping Legislation)

The HinduBills of Lading · 1856 Act repeal · maritime trade law

Illustration for Bills of Lading Bill 2025 (Shipping Legislation)

What & Where

Bill of Lading – legal shipping receipt confirming cargo loaded, carriage terms fixed, transferable to consignee.

Bills of Lading Bill 2025 passed in Lok Sabha, replaces Indian Bills of Lading Act 1856 (169 yrs old).

Applies across Indian maritime trade; overseen by Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Repeal of 1856 Act modernises terminology, structure, dispute-handling.
Saving clause ensures old rights, liabilities persist post-repeal.
Central Government empowered for rules, easing future amendments.

Economic Angle

Streamlined paperwork cuts litigation, port dwell time, transaction costs.
Global-standard framework bolsters India’s maritime hub ambition.
Supports national Ease-of-Doing-Business metrics in logistics.

International Alignment

Provisions mirror UNCITRAL, BIMCO best practices in carriage of goods.
Clear carrier-shipper-consignee obligations ease cross-border trust.
Harmonised regime expected to boost foreign shipping lines’ confidence.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year of new Act	2025
House that cleared Bill	Lok Sabha
Colonial Act repealed	Indian Bills of Lading Act 1856
Implementing ministry	Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Core document role	Proof of loading + transport contract
Govt power added	Central Govt may issue implementation directions
Continuity tool	Standard repeal & saving clause
Key beneficiaries	Carriers, shippers, consignees

GS-3Editorial

2.Flexible Fiscal Deficit Strategy (Fiscal Deficit Rule)

New Indian ExpressFRBM Act · 3% cap · capital expenditure

Illustration for Flexible Fiscal Deficit Strategy (Fiscal Deficit Rule)

What & Where

FRBM Act, 2003: Indian law capping Centre’s fiscal deficit at 3 % of GDP.

Applies uniformly to Union & states, governing overall borrowing and deficit targets.

Geography: All-India; states undertake ≈60 % of public expenditure.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Rigid cap skews budgets toward revenue expenditure, crowding out capital creation.
Limits counter-cyclical stimulus during slowdowns, unlike OECD flexibility.
Capital shortfall delays transport, energy, urban projects, hampering growth targets for 2047.

State-Level Impact

Uniform rule ignores diverse fiscal capacities; welfare-heavy states hit hardest.
High-growth states need larger capex leeway to sustain infrastructure momentum.
Revenue-deficit states rely on costly market loans, worsening debt ratios.

International Examples

Germany suspends “debt brake” in crises to preserve investment.
Australia leverages PPPs to fund infrastructure, lowering sovereign debt load.
Japan continues tech and public-service spends despite elevated debt.

Policy Recommendations

Introduce zero-based budgeting to justify every rupee annually.
Create sovereign wealth fund by channeling part of forex chest into infra & tech.
Expand National Monetisation Pipeline to raise non-debt resources transparently.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statutory deficit cap	3 % of GDP
States’ share in public spend	≈60 %
Debt-to-GSDP in Punjab/Kerala	>40 %
Proposed flexible band	3.5 – 4.5 %
India’s forex reserves (Apr 2024)	≈ US$ 615 bn
Global example: US average deficit	5-6 % of GDP
Japan’s debt-to-GDP	≈200 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2006PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct?

GS1 2010PYQ 2

Which one of the following was NOT stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003?

GS-3Economy

3.Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 (Consumption Survey)

PIBHCES 2023-24 · NSO · CAPI method

Illustration for Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 (Consumption Survey)

What & Where

Nationwide Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 maps rural-urban spending on 405 goods/services.

Executed by National Statistics Office, MoSPI, using digital CAPI interviews Aug 2023–Jul 2024.

Sampling split: rural – land possession; urban – car ownership; captures food versus non-food consumption.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology

Sampling; land or car criteria ensure socio-economic segmentation.
Digital capture; real-time validation reduces recall and transcription errors.
Separate diaries for food (7-day) and non-food (30-day) periods retained.

New Items

Food; almonds, breakfast cereals, cup noodles, nachos, mayonnaise.
Personal care; handwash, deodorant, aftershave balm, body oil.
Electronics; Bluetooth speakers, air purifiers, food processors, geysers.

Policy Angle

Data; recalibrate poverty lines, refine nutrient subsidy allocation.
Inflation; item weight update for CPI-IW, CPI-Rural/Urban basket.
GDP; private final consumption estimate alignment with contemporary spending.

NSO

Origin; 2019 merger of CSO and NSSO.
Head; Secretary, MoSPI; divisions for Survey, Economic, Field Operations.
Outputs; GDP, CPI, IIP, PLFS, NSS rounds, HCES.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Survey window	Aug 2023 – Jul 2024
Implementing agency	NSO under MoSPI
Digital tool	CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview)
Total items tracked	405
Rural stratifier	Size of land possessed
Urban stratifier	Ownership of car
Key food groups	Cereals, pulses, dairy, veggies, fruits, meat, oil, beverages
Key non-food groups	Fuel, health, education, rent, clothing, services
Core policy uses	Poverty estimation, CPI/GDP revision, welfare targeting
Latest release	February 2024 (PIB)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

हाल के वर्षों में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था में, अवरोही क्रम में, माँग का स्रोत रहा है?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 2

The computation of poverty in terms of Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) based on the Mixed Reference Period was recommended by the

GS-1Mapping

4.North Sea Geography (European Sea)

Times of IndiaNorth Sea · bordering countries · oil & gas reserves

What & Where

Definition: Marginal sea of the Atlantic separating Great Britain from Scandinavia and north-western Europe

Extent: ≈570,000 sq km from English Channel in south to Norwegian Sea in north

Linkages: Connects to Norwegian Sea, Baltic Sea, major European rivers and trade routes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Shipping: One of the globe’s busiest sea lanes, central to European trade logistics
Ports: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, London consistently rank among world cargo leaders
Fishing: Highly productive grounds sustaining Norway, Denmark, UK seafood industries

Energy Resources

Hydrocarbons: Significant oil-gas reserves underpinning regional economies and EU energy security
Fields: Brent, Ekofisk, Forties pivotal to offshore output since 1970s
Renewables: Massive wind farms align with Europe’s net-zero roadmap

Maritime Trade

Traffic density: Continuous tanker, cargo, passenger movement requires advanced Vessel Traffic Services
Infrastructure: Dense pipeline and subsea cable network supports energy and data flows
Environmental regulations: Stringent IMO sulphur caps, ECA norms enforced to curb emissions

Security Dimension

Historic wars: Strategic theatre in both World Wars for blockade and convoy operations
NATO drills: Regular joint naval exercises ensure readiness and asset protection
Critical assets: Oil platforms, wind farms demand constant maritime surveillance

Recent Incident

Collision: Oil tanker struck cargo ship, igniting large fire in North Sea waters
Casualties: 32 injured, prompting multi-agency UK Coastguard rescue mission
Containment: Firefighting vessels, emergency teams deployed to secure ships and mitigate spill risk

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Area	~570,000 km²
Average depth	95 m
Maximum depth	700 m (Norwegian Trench)
Connected water bodies	Norwegian Sea, English Channel, Baltic Sea
Bordering countries	UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France
Major rivers	Rhine, Elbe, Thames, Seine, Ems, Meuse
Key ports	Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, London
Offshore oil fields	Brent, Ekofisk, Forties
Leading energy suppliers	Norway, United Kingdom
Dominant renewables	World’s largest offshore wind-farm cluster

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

5.Smooth-Coated Otter Status (Vulnerable Otter)

Hindustan TimesSmooth-coated Otter · IUCN Vulnerable · WPA Schedule I

Illustration for Smooth-Coated Otter Status (Vulnerable Otter)

What & Where

Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): semi-aquatic carnivore of freshwater systems across South & Southeast Asia

Reintroduced to National Zoological Park, Delhi, March 2025, after ≈20-year absence

Indian strongholds: Corbett & Dudhwa TRs, Katerniaghat WLS, Kaziranga NP, Periyar TR, Nagarhole NP

Quick Facts for MCQs

Morphology

Pelage: smooth, velvety fur lowers drag
Tail & feet: flattened tail, full webbing boost propulsion
Head: rounded shape, naked nose enhances tactile foraging

Behaviour & Ecology

Sociality: lives in family groups; cooperative fish hunting
Habitat: rivers, wetlands, mangroves with rich fish stocks
Diet: chiefly fish; supplements with crustaceans, amphibians

Legal & Policy

WPA 1972: Schedule I confers highest national protection
CITES: Appendix I bans commercial international trade
IUCN 2022: Vulnerable tag due to habitat loss, pollution, hunting

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Lutrogale perspicillata
Common name	Smooth-coated Otter
IUCN status	Vulnerable
WPA 1972 listing	Schedule I
CITES listing	Appendix I
Indian habitats	Corbett, Dudhwa, Katerniaghat, Kaziranga, Periyar, Nagarhole
Latest event	Two otters shifted to Delhi Zoo, Mar 2025

GS-3S&T

6.Gene-Edited Bananas Innovation (Gene Editing)

Indian ExpressCRISPR-Cas9 · Prime Editing · non-browning banana

Illustration for Gene-Edited Bananas Innovation (Gene Editing)

What & Where

Definition: Precise DNA editing to add, delete or tweak traits, avoiding broad cross-breeding

Key tools: CRISPR-Cas9, Base Editing, Prime Editing, ZFNs, TALENs enable targeted cut-or-write changes

Core geography: UK firm Tropic’s non-browning banana; Indian CRISPR crop research led by ICAR

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Tools

CRISPR-Cas9: RNA-guided nuclease makes site-specific double-strand breaks for insertions or knockouts
Base Editing: Catalytic conversion swaps single nucleotide without cutting DNA, lowering off-target risk
Prime Editing: Reverse-transcriptase Cas9 nickase writes new code with higher precision and safety

Agricultural Applications

Shelf-life: Non-browning banana and Arctic apple curb enzymatic browning, reducing post-harvest waste
Resilience: Drought-proof wheat, pest-tolerant rice, vitamin-rich tomato in advanced trials
India: ICAR developing CRISPR rice, wheat, banana; field release pending regulatory nod

Regulatory Oversight

Approvals: GEAC clears environmental release; FSSAI monitors food safety for GM and gene-edited produce
Status: GM mustard green-lit; no CRISPR crop commercially released in India yet
ICAR: Conducts gene-editing within national biosafety norms to boost climate resilience and pest resistance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Tool most used	CRISPR-Cas9
Prime Editing trait	Writes new sequence without double-strand cut
New banana trait	Stays yellow & fresh 12 h after peeling
Developer company	Tropic, United Kingdom
Indian approving body	GEAC under MoEFCC
Food regulator	FSSAI
India GM status	GM mustard cleared; CRISPR crops not yet commercial
Other gene-edited crops	Arctic apple, drought wheat, vit-enriched tomato
Therapeutic example	CAR-T cell therapy for cancer
Target diseases	Sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis trials

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2019PYQ 1

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats are associated with

GS-2Editorial

7.India-US Trade Agreement WTO Test (India-US BTA)

The HinduBilateral Trade Agreement · WTO Article XXIV · MFN principle

What & Where

Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA): proposed India-U.S. pact cutting tariffs, easing market access across multiple sectors.

Process: Must satisfy GATT Art XXIV; can enter as interim deal with roadmap to a full FTA.

Geography: Partners – India and United States; subject to global WTO disciplines.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

WTO-rule: bilateral tariff cuts must extend MFN benefits unless covered by Art XXIV FTA exception.
MFN-risk: India’s selective duty reductions on U.S. goods breach nondiscrimination.
Interim-route: allowed if timeline, product list, liberalisation schedule are filed with WTO.

Economic Angle

Market-access: Indian tech, pharma, agro may gain entry to large U.S. consumer base.
Import-surge: cheaper U.S. goods could widen trade gap, strain domestic output.
Investment: expected U.S. inflows into digital, energy, manufacturing via improved certainty.

Domestic Concerns

MSME-pressure: heightened competition threatens sales, employment in small-scale units.
Policy-space: U.S. demand for reciprocal bound tariffs curtails India’s S&DT latitude.
Credibility: abusing interim label without real FTA intent may invite WTO disputes.

Way Forward

Coverage: include broad product spectrum to satisfy “substantially all trade” benchmark.
Negotiation: resist one-sided concessions; adhere to existing bound tariff ceilings.
Competitiveness: scale PLI, logistics, export promotion to cushion sectors from import shocks.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Partner countries	India & United States
WTO clause for FTA coverage	GATT Article XXIV.8(b)
WTO clause for interim pact	GATT Article XXIV.5
Compliance yardstick	“Substantially all trade”
Usual interim‐to-FTA deadline	≤ 10 years

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

If India enters into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations, then the growth of exports of India would depend upon which of the following?

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

8.Honorary Order of Freedom Award (Barbados Honor)

PIBOrder of Freedom of Barbados · PM Modi · India-CARICOM Summit

Illustration for Honorary Order of Freedom Award (Barbados Honor)

What & Where

Award: Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados, highest national honour, can be given honorary to non-nationals

Place: Barbados, Caribbean island in North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela; capital Bridgetown

Summit: Announcement made at India-CARICOM Summit, Guyana, Nov 2024

Quick Facts for MCQs

Bilateral Ties

Cooperation: Barbados acknowledged India’s Covid-19 vaccine support and strategic leadership during pandemic
Timeline: Formal diplomatic relations established immediately after Barbados independence in 1966
Forum: Engagement strengthened through India-CARICOM summits and ITEC training programmes

Republic Transition

Constitutional change: Barbados removed British monarch as head of state on 30 Nov 2021
Leadership: Dame Sandra Mason sworn as first President after parliamentary election
Commonwealth: Barbados remains a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations

Honours to PM

Recognition: Honorary Order of Freedom joins list of 19 international accolades to PM Modi
Variety: Awards span continents—Russia, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Bahrain among others
Significance: Reflects India’s elevated global standing and bilateral goodwill generation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Award conferred on	PM of India (2025)
Awarding country	Barbados
Occasion	India-CARICOM Summit, Guyana, Nov 2024
India-Barbados ties since	1966
Barbados independence	30 Nov 1966
Became republic	30 Nov 2021
First President	Dame Sandra Mason
PM Modi foreign honours	19 total
Other cited awards	Russia Order of St. Andrew; US Legion of Merit
Island location	Caribbean, N Atlantic, NE of Venezuela

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the ‘Legion of Merit’ award?

GS-3Security

9.INS Imphal Stealth Destroyer (Stealth Destroyer)

ANIINS Imphal · Visakhapatnam class · BrahMos missile

Illustration for INS Imphal Stealth Destroyer (Stealth Destroyer)

What & Where

INS Imphal – third indigenous Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) guided-missile destroyer of Indian Navy

Currently docked Port Louis, Mauritius, for 57th National Day celebrations on 12 Mar 2025

Visit aligns with Neighbourhood First and SAGAR maritime-security vision

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Deployment affirms Indian Navy presence in Southwest Indian Ocean enhancing cooperative maritime domain awareness
BrahMos and Barak-8 equip ship for blue-water deterrence and fleet air defence

Tech & Systems

Stealth shaping ensures low radar cross-section improving survivability
Electronic-warfare suite plus towed-array sonar enable layered anti-submarine capability

India–Mauritius Ties

Port visit strengthens long-standing defence cooperation under 1974 maritime security pact
Mauritius central to SAGAR outreach and regional Hydrographic cooperation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Shipyard	Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai
Commissioning	December 2023
Class/Project	Visakhapatnam-class / 15B
Displacement	~7,400 tonnes
Propulsion	4 gas turbines; >30 knots
Range	≈4,000 nautical miles
Main AShM	BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
Air-defence SAM	Barak-8
Guns	76 mm SRGM; AK-630 CIWS
Radar	MF-STAR AESA multifunction radar
Helicopter deck	2 multirole helicopters (incl. MH-60R)
UAV ops	Supported

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships does NOT come under Indian Navy's eight ASW Shallow Water Craft project?

GS-3Security

10.SIPRI Arms Trade Report 2020-24 (Arms Import Trends)

THE HINDUSIPRI 2020-24 · India arms imports · Russia share decline

What & Where

SIPRI: independent conflict-research institute, Stockholm HQ, founded 1966

Report: “Trends in International Arms Transfers 2020-24” analyses global import-export flows

Geography: Ukraine tops import list, India 2nd; key suppliers USA, Russia, France, China

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Patterns

Ukraine imports rose 100-fold after 2022 war
Europe recorded 155% import spike amid security tensions
China exited top-10 importers; first time since 1990-94

India Angle

Overall Indian imports contracted 9.3% yet remain 2nd globally
Russia share slid from 55% (2015-19) to 36% in 2020-24
French pipeline: 36 Rafales, six Scorpenes delivered; 26 Rafale-M, three subs pending

Exporter Dynamics

USA widened lead with 43% world export share
Russia exports down 64%, now third behind France’s 9.6% share
Italy climbed to 6th exporter, holding 4.8% of market

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Period analysed	2020-24
Largest arms importer	Ukraine
India’s import position	2nd
India import fall vs 2015-19	‑9.3%
Russia share in India imports	36%
US share of global exports	43%
Russia share of global exports	7.8%
European import growth	155%

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

भारत ने निम्नलिखित में से किस देश से S-400 ट्रायम्फ एयर डिफेंस मिसाइल सिस्टम प्राप्त किया है ?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

India signed a deal with which one of the following countries to supply MH-60R helicopters to the Indian Navy?

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

11.Exercise KHANJAR-XII Highlights (India-Kyrgyzstan Exercise)

PIBKHANJAR-XII · Parachute Regiment · Scorpion Brigade

Illustration for Exercise KHANJAR-XII Highlights (India-Kyrgyzstan Exercise)

What & Where

Exercise KHANJAR-XII – 12th India-Kyrgyzstan joint Special Forces drill

Held 2025 in Kyrgyzstan; annual, alternate hosting since 2011

Focus urban & high-altitude counter-terror ops in Central Asia’s Fergana neighbourhood

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence Cooperation

Partnership strengthens India-Kyrgyz security against terrorism, extremism, regional instability
Exercise underpins broader Central Asian outreach within India’s “Connect Central Asia” policy
Energy-rich Kyrgyz hydrocarbon prospects align with India’s long-term energy security goals

Training Modules

Sniping drills refine precision engagement in thin-air highlands
Building-intervention practice hones room-to-room urban clearance tactics
Mountain-warfare sessions prepare troops for sub-zero, rugged theatre deployments

Regional Geography

Kyrgyzstan landlocked, shares Fergana Valley with Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
Valley noted for fertile land plus untapped oil, gas reserves
Location offers India logistical foothold near Afghanistan and Xinjiang

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Current edition	12th (2025)
Host country 2025	Kyrgyzstan
Launch year	2011
Periodicity	Annual, alternate venues
Indian contingent	Parachute Regiment (SF)
Kyrgyz contingent	Scorpion Brigade
Core objective	Counter-terror & special ops interoperability
Terrain emphasis	Urban, mountain, high altitude
Skill sets	Sniping, building intervention, mountain warfare
Cultural linkage	Nowruz festivities
Strategic valley	Fergana Valley
Resource highlight	Hydrocarbon deposits

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal annual joint training exercise in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations was held in December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi. What is the name of this exercise?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 2

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

GS-2Scheme

12.Global Engagement Cultural Scheme (Cultural Outreach)

PIBGlobal Engagement Scheme · Ministry of Culture · Festival of India

Illustration for Global Engagement Cultural Scheme (Cultural Outreach)

What & Where

Centrally-run Global Engagement Scheme promotes India’s cultural heritage abroad via Ministry of Culture

Core processes: Festival of India events, empanelment of artists, Grant-in-Aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Societies

Geography: Executed worldwide through Indian Missions; artists sent from all Indian states including Maharashtra

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scheme Components

Festival-of-India: Indian Missions curate multi-genre cultural festivals with empanelled artists
Grant-in-Aid: Financial backing to societies enhancing Indo-foreign cultural exchange
Empanelment: Ministry shortlists artists across states, disciplines for overseas tours

Financial Provisions

Government funding covers airfare, logistics, performance honorarium
Grants channelled under Budget head of Ministry of Culture
No mandatory cost-sharing by host country, though venues often provided free

Institutional Linkages

Indian Missions abroad act as implementing nodal points
Collaboration sought with foreign governments, cultural bodies for scheduling festivals
Indo-Foreign Friendship Societies serve as local cultural partners

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Primary objective	Showcase Indian cultural diversity on global stage
Major component	Festival of India (FOI) abroad
Art forms covered	Folk, classical, puppetry, theatre, experimental dance, etc.
Funding coverage	Govt bears international travel & performance costs
Support mechanism	Grant-in-Aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Societies

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 1

The Government of India programme regarding ‘Stay in India and Study in India’ is initiated by

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Which Ministry has initiated the “Dhara”, a special initiative dedicated to Indian Knowledge System (IKS)?

GS-2Scheme

13.POSHAN Abhiyaan Nutrition Mission (Nutrition Mission)

PIBPOSHAN Abhiyaan · Poshan Maah · Poshan Vatikas

What & Where

Poshan Vatika: household/Anganwadi nutrition garden growing organic vegetables & fruits to curb mal-nutrition in women and children.

Nationwide roll-out: ≈4.37 lakh Anganwadi Centres, plus school & gram-panchayat land, under Rashtriya Poshan Maah drives.

1.10 lakh medicinal saplings planted across six states during Poshan Maah 2022.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scheme Components

Convergence: MWCD schemes, ICDS-CAS digital tracking, call-centre grievance redressal integrated.
Incentives: performance pay for frontline workers; one Swasth Bharat Prerak per district.
Training: Incremental Learning Approach; 21 modules taught via master trainers.

Nutrition Targets & Data

NFHS-5: stunting 35.5%, underweight 32.1% among under-5 children.
Anaemia 6-59 months: 67.1% (up from 58.6%); wasting >17% (GNR 2021).
Human Capital Index 2020: India ranks 116/180.

Behaviour Change Initiatives

SBCC focus: antenatal care, breastfeeding, diet diversity, hygiene during Poshan Maah.
Jan Andolan: monthly community events mobilise households for nutrition messaging.
Diversification: gardens paired with backyard poultry/fishery units for protein.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Responsible ministries	MWCD + Ayush
Annual observance	Poshan Maah, September
Poshan Abhiyaan launch	8 Mar 2018
Mission Poshan 2.0	SNP + Abhiyaan merged
Annual reduction targets	Stunting 2%; Undernutrition 2%; Anaemia 3%; LBW 2%
Stunting goal (0-6 yrs)	38.4% → 25% by 2022
Vatika coverage	≈4.37 lakh Anganwadi Centres
Medicinal saplings	1.10 lakh in 6 states
NFHS-5 child stunting	35.5% (<5 yrs)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Which of the following strategies is/are adopted for implementing the POSHAN Abhiyaan?

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

‘पोषण मुक्त भारत अभियान’ के अंतर्गत की जा रही व्यवस्थाओं के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Scheme

14.Namami Gange River Mission (River Rejuvenation)

PIBNamami Gange · NMCG · sewage treatment

Illustration for Namami Gange River Mission (River Rejuvenation)

What & Where

Namami Gange: 2014 flagship Integrated Conservation Mission for pollution abatement and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

Latest step: 35 MLD sewage-treatment plant at Maheshtala, West Bengal, via Hybrid Annuity PPP.

Ganga forms at Bhagirathi-Alaknanda confluence (Devprayag), enters plains at Haridwar, skirts Maheshtala on east bank.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Setup

NMCG acts as executive arm, State Programme Management Groups support at state level.
National Ganga Council chaired by Prime Minister, provides policy direction.
NGRBA dissolved 2016, powers transferred to new council.

Finance & PPP

Hybrid Annuity splits capital: government pays 40% during construction, remainder via annuities linked to performance.
Central corpus non-lapsable, ensuring multi-year funding stability.
Private players incentivised through 15-year O&M revenue stream.

Action Pillars

Sewage-Treatment infrastructure largest allocation, targets zero untreated discharge into Ganga by 2025.
River-front development modernises ghats, crematoria to reduce direct pollution load.
Ganga Gram converts riverside villages to ODF+, solid-liquid waste managed models.

River Geography

Source glacier: Gangotri feeding Bhagirathi; main Himalayan tributaries Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi.
Ganga basin spans Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
Haridwar marks physiographic shift from mountains to Gangetic plains.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Programme launch	Union Cabinet, Jun 2014
Nodal ministry	Jal Shakti (Dept. of Water Resources, RD & GR)
Implementing body	National Mission for Clean Ganga
Apex council	National Ganga Council, 2016 (replaced NGRBA)
Financial corpus	₹20,000 crore, centrally funded, non-lapsable
Total projects	~288 sanctioned
Latest STP capacity	35 MLD
Project mode	Hybrid Annuity Public-Private Partnership
City/State	Maheshtala, West Bengal
Main river pillars	8 (Sewage, River-front, Surface clean, Biodiversity, Afforestation, Awareness, Effluent monitor, Ganga Gram)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2016PYQ 1

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

Which among the following has initiated a nationwide flagship campaign ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ to clean seashores/beaches and other water bodies of plastic and other waste materials?

GS-2Scheme

15.KVIC Honey Mission (Beekeeping Promotion)

PIBHoney Mission · KVIC · World Bee Day

What & Where

World Bee Day – UN-proclaimed awareness day, observed 20 May worldwide since 2018.

Honey Mission – KVIC’s 2017-18 beekeeping scheme boosting rural livelihoods across India.

2025 celebration theme – “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Honey Mission: bee boxes, colonies, toolkits, 7-day training for self-employment.
SFURTI: cluster approach, modern machinery for traditional beekeepers.
NBHM: pollination, honey production push under Atmanirbhar Bharat Sweet Revolution.

Economic Angle

Output: 20,000 MT honey yielded ₹325 crore rural income.
Exports: KVIC registered ₹25 crore honey exports in FY 2024-25.
Assets: 2.29 lakh bee boxes distributed creating sustained micro-enterprises.

Environmental Impact

Bees: key pollinators ensuring ecosystem balance and crop yields.
UN day: amplifies global pollinator conservation urgency.
2025 theme stresses nature-inspired nourishment via sustainable beekeeping.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Observance date	20 May
UN adoption year	2018
2025 theme	Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all
Implementing agency	KVIC
Parent ministry	MSME
Honey Mission launch	2017-18
Bee boxes distributed	2.29 lakh
Honey produced	20,000 MT
Beekeeper income	₹325 crore
FY 24-25 KVIC honey exports	₹25 crore
Support schemes	SFURTI; NBHM
NBHM goal	Sweet Revolution

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which organization is responsible for implementing the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)?