Monday, 17 March 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

The correct answer is (a) NITI Aayog. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2024.

Q: Web Ratna Awards were re-named as:

The correct answer is (a) Digital India Awards. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2021.

Q: In the context of CO₂ emission and Global Warming, what is the name of a market-driven device under the UNFCCC that allows developing countries to get funds/incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions ?

The correct answer is (a) Carbon Footprint. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

The correct answer is (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: Stiglitz Commission established by the President of the United Nations General Assembly was in the international news. The commission was supposed to deal with

The correct answer is (a) The challenges posed by the impending global climate change and prepare a road map. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

Q: NAMA-11 (Nama-11) group of countries frequently appears in the news in the context of the affairs of which one of the following?

The correct answer is (a) Nuclear Suppliers Group. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

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 CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026.

Q: 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 ?

The correct answer is (a) स्वच्छ ऊर्जा, विकलन और आधारभूत संरचना. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022.

Q: The joint multinational maritime exercise named IBSAMAR is conducted by the Navies of which of the following countries?

The correct answer is (c) India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2023.

Q: ‘CARAT Bangladesh 2020’ was a joint naval exercise between Bangladesh and

The correct answer is (d) Thailand. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

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

0/15 done

GS-2Editorial

1.India’s Misinformation Challenge (Misinformation Regulation)

New Indian ExpressDeepfakes · ECI · UNESCO Survey

What & Where

Infodemic = fast, large-scale spread of online fake news, hate speech, deepfakes undermining public trust

Key types : AI-generated video-audio, verified-handle misinformation, algorithm-driven echo chambers on social platforms

Core geography : India with 95.04 crore netizens; contributes 1 in 6 fake news items worldwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

Unregulated-platforms enable unchecked forwards; WhatsApp COVID cures caused panic
AI-tools craft deepfake videos, audios deceiving even educated users
Political-campaigns weaponise misinformation to polarise voters during elections

Challenges

Legal-vacuum; BNS, IT Act 2000, DPDP 2023 address issues only partially
Platform-delay; Meta, X, YouTube slow in removing flagged content
Low-digital-literacy; WhatsApp rumours triggered mob lynchings, illustrating detection failure

Regulatory Models

Singapore POFMA imposes corrections, fines on deliberate falsehoods
Germany NetzDG mandates 24-hour takedown with hefty penalties
EU AI Act requires watermarking of AI-generated media to prevent deception

Election Impact

Deepfakes of speeches, leaders swayed 2024 voter sentiment, reinforcing biases
38 % fake news stems from verified pages, boosting perceived authenticity during campaigns
Election Commission resource-constraints hamper real-time fact-checking against AI propaganda

Digital Literacy

Finland-style nationwide media-literacy programme suggested to train users in source-verification
UNESCO-Ipsos survey shows majority Indians struggle to spot misinformation cues
Awareness campaigns crucial to balance fake-news control with free-speech protections

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Internet users (India)	95.04 crore
COVID-era misinformation spike	214 %
India share in global fake news	1 in 6 pieces
Urban Indians seeing hate speech	85 %+
Attribution of hate speech to social media	64 %
Fake news from verified pages	38 %
Misinformation via ≥1 verified handle	70 %
Primary vectors	WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, X
Deepfakes targeted election	Lok Sabha 2024
Key legal gap	No comprehensive anti-fake-news law

GS-3Economy

2.RBI Wins Digital Transformation Award (RBI Digital Initiatives)

Times of IndiaDigital Transformation Award 2025 · Central Banking London · Saarathi

Illustration for RBI Wins Digital Transformation Award (RBI Digital Initiatives)

What & Where

Digital Transformation Award 2025 – annual honour for tech-driven governance in monetary sector

Presented in London by Central Banking, a global policy platform

2025 recipient: Reserve Bank of India for ‘Saarathi’ (internal) & ‘Pravaah’ (external) portals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Saarathi replaces manual files, automates task tracking, unifies RBI departments
Pravaah boosts transparency, cybersecurity, and applicant turnaround times
Integration ensures seamless data flow from external submissions to internal approval loops

Institutional Impact

Workflow digitisation cut paperwork backlog, sped decision cycles across policy, supervision, currency wings
Data tracking now real-time, aiding evidence-based regulation and audit trails

Governance Angle

Award signals global recognition of India’s push for tech-centric central-bank operations
Sets benchmark for other regulators adopting end-to-end digital compliance systems

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Award focus	Excellence in digital innovation & governance
Presenter	Central Banking, London
Eligibility	Central banks, regulators, monetary institutions
2025 winner	Reserve Bank of India
Key RBI tools	Saarathi, Pravaah
Saarathi nature	Internal workflow digitisation system
Saarathi aim	Record management, secure submissions, collaboration
Pravaah nature	Digital regulatory application platform for external users
Pravaah scope	>70 regulatory applications digitised
Saarathi-Pravaah link	Direct integration for end-to-end paperless processing

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Web Ratna Awards were re-named as:

GS-1History

3.Megalithic Menhirs Significance (Megalithic Structures)

Indian ExpressMudumal Menhirs · UNESCO Tentative List · Beaker Culture

Illustration for Megalithic Menhirs Significance (Megalithic Structures)

What & Where

Definition — Menhir: large, human-placed upright stone, usually tapering toward the top

Context — Typical of Neolithic–Bronze Age megalithic complexes; serve ritual, burial, astronomical roles

Geography — Key Indian site: Mudumal, Narayanpet (Telangana); now on UNESCO Tentative List 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Heritage & Recognition

UNESCO listing: Mudumal menhirs proposed for 2025 World Heritage inscription
Significance: Largest megalithic observatory identified in India
Living-culture: Select stones revered as Yellamma deity

Chronology & Cultures

Europe: 7 k BP structures tied to Beaker culture settlements
India: Mudumal menhirs pre-Iron Age, among subcontinent’s earliest stone monuments
Spread: Concentrations in Deccan, Central India, Northeastern hills

Physical Features & Functions

Construction: Man-carved, erected individually or in alignments; tapering, sometimes sculpted
Scale: Heights vary metres to 20 m+; arranged for solar, funerary, ritual purposes
Orientation: Specific stones mark solstice points, indicating prehistoric sky-watching

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Etymology	Brittonic “maen” = stone, “hîr” = long
Term usage first	18th c. by Théophile Corret de la Tour d’Auvergne
Oldest European age	≈ 7,000 BP (Beaker culture)
Oldest Indian age	Mudumal: 3,500–4,000 BP
Tallest recorded	Grand Menhir Brisé, Brittany: 20.6 m
UNESCO status	Mudumal in 2025 Tentative List
Indian states with menhirs	Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Northeast
Mudumal speciality	India’s largest megalithic observatory
Astronomical trait	Stones align with solstice sunrise/sunset
Sacred aspect	Local worship as Goddess Yellamma

GS-1History

4.Jalanatheswarar Temple Heritage (Dravidian Architecture)

The HinduPallava King Aparajita · Vijayanagara Era · Paadal Petra Sthalam

Illustration for Jalanatheswarar Temple Heritage (Dravidian Architecture)

What & Where

Jalanatheswarar Temple, 9th-century Shiva shrine at Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.

Stands on Kosasthalai river bank; 1.5-acre Dravidian architectural complex with 3-tier Rajagopuram.

Among 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in Tevaram hymns by 7th-century saint Sambandar.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Patronage

Pallava Aparajitha Varman founded temple, documented in 9th-century inscription.
Chola Aditya I grants of land, gold, goats recorded on site.
Vijayanagara ruler Sadasiva Maharayar added three-tier Rajagopuram in 1543.

Architecture & Features

Granite enclosure walls, sand-based Lingam enabling touch worship (Theenda Thirumeni).
Dravidian motifs mirror monumental Brihadeeswarar, Meenakshi precedents.
Compact 1.5-acre layout integrates shrine, gopuram, temple tank.

Conservation Issues

Structural neglect evident: collapsed boundary wall, vegetation-filled tank.
Kumbabishekam overdue; last held more than fifteen years back.
Urgent restoration needed to safeguard epigraphs and heritage fabric.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State & district	Tamil Nadu, Ranipet
Nearby river	Kosasthalai
Original construction	876 AD, Pallava King Aparajitha Varman
Rajagopuram built	1543 AD, Vijayanagara King Veera Prathaba Sadasiva Maharayar
Gopuram tiers	3
Complex area	~1.5 acre
Main deity	Sand-based Prithvi Lingam (Theenda Thirumeni) of Shiva
Architectural style	Classic Dravidian; parallels Brihadeeswarar & Meenakshi
Key inscriptions	Pallava Aparajita & Chola Aditya I land-grant records
Paadal Petra Sthalam serial	1 of 275
Tevaram composer	Sambandar; 383/384 hymns extant
Last kumbabishekam	>15 years ago
Present condition	Neglected; wall collapsed, tank overgrown

GS-1Mapping

5.Zambia Geographical Features (African Geography)

Unknown

Illustration for Zambia Geographical Features (African Geography)

What & Where

Tailings-dam collapse at Chinese-owned copper mine released acidic effluent into Zambia’s Kafue River.

Kafue River: major Zambezi tributary, arises near Zambia–DRC border, curves south-east through central Zambia to Chirundu.

Zambia: land-locked, south-central Africa; capital Lusaka; shares borders with 8 countries.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Acid spill contaminates Kafue, threatening potable water and aquatic life.
Incident highlights mining-related river pollution risk in Southern Africa.

Physical Geography

Zambia flanked by eight neighbours, enhancing transboundary river significance.
Terrain includes Nyika Plateau and Luangwa Rift Valley besides Mafinga Hills.
Multiple river systems drain into Zambezi basin, shaping national hydrology.

Hydrology

Lukanga Swamp buffers Kafue floods, Lunga River augments discharge downstream.
Kafue joins Zambezi below Kariba Dam, influencing downstream flow to Mozambique Channel.
River corridor supports agriculture, hydropower and urban water supply.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Country location	South-Central Africa, landlocked
Capital	Lusaka
Bordering nations	Angola, DRC, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia
Highest point	Mafinga Hills ≈ 2,300 m
Major rivers	Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa, Luapula
Deep shared lake	Lake Tanganyika
Kafue origin	Near Zambia–DRC border
Kafue mouth	Confluence with Zambezi at Chirundu
Key Kafue tributary	Lukanga Swamp (flow regulator)
Cities along Kafue	Kitwe, Lusaka, Kafue Town, Mazabuka, Chirundu

GS-1Mapping

6.Yemen Strategic Geography (Middle East Geography)

Times of IndiaRed Sea · Gulf of Aden · Hadhramaut Mountains

Illustration for Yemen Strategic Geography (Middle East Geography)

What & Where

Yemen: country at SW Arabian Peninsula controlling Bab-el-Mandeb entrance to Red Sea

Capital: Sana'a; neighbours Saudi Arabia north, Oman east; coasts on Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea

Houthis: Zaidi Shia rebel movement from northern Yemen, emerged 1990s opposing Saudi-backed Sunni influence

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Topography

Mountains: Hadhramaut, Haraz, Sarawat dominate interior, rising over 3000 m
Wadis: Hadhramaut, Zabid provide seasonal water flow, influence settlement
Coastal plain: Tihama stretches along Red Sea, hot and humid

Security Dimension

Airstrikes: ordered by US President Trump, targeted Houthi-held zones, killed 31 including civilians
Strategic chokepoint: Bab-el-Mandeb vital for global shipping, heightens international involvement
Conflict: part of broader Yemen civil war featuring regional Saudi-Iran proxy dynamics

Rebel Profile

Origin: Northern Yemen, Sa'dah stronghold, emerged 1990s under Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi
Ideology: Zaidi Shia, opposes Saudi-supported Sunni Wahhabi influence
Alias: Ansar Allah controls large swathes including capital since 2014

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Region	Southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Capital city	Sana'a
Northern neighbour	Saudi Arabia
Eastern neighbour	Oman
Adjacent water bodies	Red Sea; Gulf of Aden; Arabian Sea
Strategic chokepoint	Bab-el-Mandeb
Key mountain ranges	Hadhramaut; Haraz; Sarawat
Major wadis	Hadhramaut; Zabid
Coastal plain	Tihama
Rebel group name	Ansar Allah (Houthis)
Rebel sect	Zaidi Shia
US airstrikes deaths	31

GS-3Scheme

7.Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023 (Indian Carbon Market)

Financial ExpressCCTS 2023 · Energy Conservation Act · Carbon Credit Certificates

Illustration for Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023 (Indian Carbon Market)

What & Where

Scheme – Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023; market tool pricing and trading emissions within Indian Carbon Market

Transition – replaces PAT; issues Carbon Credit Certificates equal to 1 tCO2e via compliance and offset pathways

Geography – nationwide application; initial focus on energy-intensive industries; overseen by BEE & National Steering Committee

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Statute – Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 empowers CCTS; rules notified July 2023
Oversight – Bureau of Energy Efficiency manages MRV; National Steering Committee sets caps and sector coverage

Mechanisms & Scope

Compliance mechanism mandates sectoral GHG intensity targets; surplus earn CCC, deficit must buy
Offset route allows non-covered entities generate tradable credits via verified emission reductions
Coverage – Iron & Steel, Aluminium, Cement, Fertiliser, Refineries, Pulp-Paper, Textiles; power sector slated later

Implementation Challenges

Enforcement weak; under PAT 50 % ESCerts unsold, no penalties recorded
Crediting delays since 2021 eroded participant confidence
Data opacity risks double counting and inaccurate reporting

Reinforcement Measures

Cap tightening and price-stability reserve modelled on EU ETS
Digital registry with blockchain-style tracking for fraud prevention
Incentives – tax benefits and concessional finance for early over-achievers

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Notification year	2023
Parent legislation	Energy Conservation (Amend.) Act 2022
Replaced scheme	Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT)
Unit per CCC	1 tCO2e
Initial sectors’ emission share	16 % of national GHG
Power sector emission share	40 %
India target – emission intensity cut	45 % by 2030 vs 2005
Global carbon pricing coverage	12.8 Gt CO₂ (25 % emissions)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

In the context of CO₂ emission and Global Warming, what is the name of a market-driven device under the UNFCCC that allows developing countries to get funds/incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions ?

GS1 2011PYQ 2

Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

GS-3S&T

8.Hyperloop Development in India (Hyperloop Transport)

New Indian ExpressMagnetic Levitation · Vacuum Tube · IIT Madras

Illustration for Hyperloop Development in India (Hyperloop Transport)

What & Where

Hyperloop: maglev pods in near-vacuum tubes; target speed ≈1,220 km/h.

India’s R&D: IIT-Madras 425 m test track (Asia’s longest) + production at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.

Ministry of Railways steering indigenous system to position India as futuristic-transport leader.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Propulsion uses linear electric motors; vacuum drops air pressure to ~0.001 atm reducing drag.
Energy need estimated 2-3 kWh per passenger per 100 km, lower than aviation.
Ministry exploring PPP & Make-in-India route for scalable deployment.

Institutional Setup

IIT-Madras handles design, simulations, prototype pods, control systems.
ICF to fabricate tubes, propulsion hardware, electronic subsystems under Railway R&D budget.
Collaboration targets indigenous IP, avoiding foreign licensing costs.

Global Context

International pilots: Virgin Hyperloop (USA), Zeleros (Spain), TransPod (Canada) at ≤500 m tracks.
Indian track now Asia’s longest, positioning country for first large-scale commercial rollout.
Open-source model encourages cross-border research, yet nations race for proprietary patents.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Concept year & author	2013; Elon Musk’s Hyperloop Alpha paper
Propulsion	Electromagnetic motor inside low-pressure tube
Levitation method	Magnetic levitation; no wheel-rail contact
Indian test track length	≈425 m at IIT-Madras
Manufacturing hub	Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
Lead academic team	Avishkar Hyperloop, IIT-Madras
Claimed top speed	1,220 km/h
Key benefits	Energy-efficient, low emissions, cuts road congestion & noise

GS-2Editorial

9.Need for Global Governance Reform (UN Reform)

Business StandardUN Security Council · Bretton Woods · Global South

Illustration for Need for Global Governance Reform (UN Reform)

What & Where

Global governance = UN + Bretton Woods (IMF, World Bank) + WTO + regional blocs managing cross-border issues

Key processes = peacekeeping, economic stabilisation loans, trade rule-setting, pandemic & climate coordination

Geography hubs = UN-NYC, IMF/World Bank-Washington DC, WTO-Geneva; influence spans Global North & South

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structural Gaps

Representation deficit = India, Africa, Latin America lack UNSC permanency
Voting weight skew = IMF, World Bank favour developed economies
Enforcement weakness = UN resolutions on DPRK, Myanmar largely ignored

Reform Proposals

Security Council expansion including Global South heavyweights
Multilateral transparency via tech tools AI, blockchain, open data dashboards
Planetary governance vision combining supranational oversight with robust local bodies

Challenges

Sovereignty concerns = China, Russia resist intrusive mandates
Geopolitical rivalries = US-China trade war, Russia sanctions stall consensus
Public distrust rising populism erodes support for global compacts

Illustrative Cases

COVID-19 vaccine hoarding spotlighted WHO limits
Rohingya crisis delayed UN action shows bureaucratic drag
Fridays for Future youth movement nudged climate agenda globally

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
UN establishment year	1945
IMF & World Bank birth	Bretton Woods 1944
WTO criticism	Slow dispute panels, Global South bias claims
UNSC permanent seats	USA, UK, France, Russia, China
G4 reform seekers	India, Germany, Japan, Brazil
Vaccine inequity example	Africa doses lagged months behind West during COVID-19
US IMF veto power	>15 % votes, blocking 85 % threshold moves
Regional blocs cited	EU, ASEAN, BRICS, G20

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

Stiglitz Commission established by the President of the United Nations General Assembly was in the international news. The commission was supposed to deal with

GS1 2009PYQ 2

NAMA-11 (Nama-11) group of countries frequently appears in the news in the context of the affairs of which one of the following?

GS-2Misc

10.Raisina Dialogue 2025 Overview (Global Conference)

The HinduObserver Research Foundation · MEA · Kalachakra Theme

What & Where

Raisina Dialogue – India’s annual flagship conference on geopolitics & geo-economics, held in New Delhi.

Jointly organised by MEA & Observer Research Foundation since 2016.

Serves as global platform for leaders, diplomats, academics to debate security, diplomacy, economy.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Emphasis on global security challenges, defence cooperation, multilateral stability.
High-level participation from heads of state, ministers, strategists ensures policy impact.
Sessions evaluate threats from technology, terrorism, maritime domains.

Tech & Schemes

Panels assess emerging tech governance, cyber norms, AI regulation for strategic advantage.
Dialogue feeds into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure outreach & tech-led diplomacy.

Economic Angle

Geo-economics discussions cover resilient supply chains, trade reforms, climate finance.
Platform bolsters India’s role in shaping Indo-Pacific economic architecture.

International Examples

Presence of 100+ countries provides comparative policies on security, tech, economy.
New Zealand keynote highlights small-state perspectives within Indo-Pacific calculus.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inception year	2016
Founder bodies	Ministry of External Affairs + ORF
Usual venue	New Delhi, India
10th edition dates	17-19 March 2025
2025 theme	“Kalachakra” (Wheel of Time)
2025 chief guest	NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
Focus areas	Global security, diplomacy, emerging geopolitical trends
Core format	Keynotes, panel discussions, networking

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 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-3Security

11.Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise (India-Bangladesh Exercise)

Indian ExpressINS Ranvir · BNS Abu Ubaidah · SAGAR

Illustration for Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise (India-Bangladesh Exercise)

What & Where

Bongosagar 2025: bilateral Indian–Bangladesh naval drill in Bay of Bengal under SAGAR vision.

Participants: Indian Navy’s INS Ranvir and Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Abu Ubaidah.

Core area: Bay of Bengal, eastern Indian Ocean strategic corridor.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Objective: boost interoperability, maritime domain awareness, regional stability in Bay of Bengal.
Scope: surface manoeuvres, weapon firing, tactical communication.
Strategic fit: operationalises India’s SAGAR vision for Indo-Bangla maritime security.

Policy & Initiatives

SAGAR 2015: doctrine for cooperative maritime security and growth across Indian Ocean littorals.
MAHASAGAR 2025: extends SAGAR toward Global South security, trade, development.
Rajput-class specifics: five Guided Missile Destroyers; INS Ranvir is fourth, commissioned July 1986.

Bilateral Engagements

Exercise Sampriti: biennial India-Bangladesh army training on counter-insurgency and disaster response.
Naval touchpoints: Bongosagar exercise plus India-Bangladesh CORPAT along maritime boundary.
Defence ties: regular high-level visits, connectivity, capacity-building projects augment partnership.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Exercise	Bongosagar 2025
Location	Bay of Bengal
Indian ship	INS Ranvir (Rajput-class)
Bangladeshi ship	BNS Abu Ubaidah
INS Ranvir commissioned	1986
SAGAR launched	2015
Successor initiative	MAHASAGAR (2025)
Other bilateral drills	Sampriti (Army), CORPAT (Navy)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

The joint multinational maritime exercise named IBSAMAR is conducted by the Navies of which of the following countries?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

‘CARAT Bangladesh 2020’ was a joint naval exercise between Bangladesh and

GS-3Security

12.Maritime Security Belt 2025 Drills (China-Iran-Russia Drills)

Times of IndiaGulf of Oman · Strait of Hormuz · Oil Trade Route

Illustration for Maritime Security Belt 2025 Drills (China-Iran-Russia Drills)

What & Where

Gulf of Oman western extension of Arabian Sea linking to Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf

Strait of Hormuz narrow chokepoint between Iran UAE Oman controlling access from Persian Gulf to open seas

Maritime Security Belt 2025 trilateral naval drill conducted in Gulf of Oman near the strait amid Iran nuclear tensions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Exercise aims joint maritime security, anti-piracy coordination, search-and-rescue interoperability
Location chosen amid heightened scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program and regional naval posturing
Strait historically sensitive with tanker incidents reinforcing need for multilateral patrols

Energy & Trade

Chokepoint status ensures about one-fifth of world oil trade transits daily influencing global price stability
Gulf provides Iran its sole maritime gateway to open seas facilitating export and import logistics

Physical Geography

Waterway links Arabian Sea, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf forming core Indian Ocean corridor
Northern, western, southern shores respectively touch Iran, UAE, Oman shaping distinct coastal ecosystems

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Bordering countries	Iran, UAE, Oman
Key islands	Sheytan, Al Fahal, Dimaniyat, Sawadi
Daily global oil flow	~20 % through Strait of Hormuz
Naval drill	Maritime Security Belt 2025
Participant navies	China, Iran, Russia
Water body type	Arabian Sea extension
Iran’s sea outlet	Gulf of Oman via Strait

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Naseem-Al-Bahr, held in October 2024, was a joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 2

'Naseem-Al-Bahr' is a bilateral naval exercise between India and

GS-2Scheme

13.Mission Saffron Expansion Northeast (Mission Saffron)

PIBSaffron Bowl Project · NECTAR · Crocus sativus

Illustration for Mission Saffron Expansion Northeast (Mission Saffron)

What & Where

Saffron; high-value spice from Crocus sativus stigmas, historically grown in Pampore, J&K

Mission Saffron; centrally funded project (2010-11) now steering Northeast saffron via Saffron Bowl

NECTAR; DST autonomous body, Shillong campus to anchor technology support

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Mission Saffron centrally funded; started J&K focus, expanded 2021
Saffron Bowl Project executed by NECTAR, supplies corms and agronomy training

Agricultural Requirements

Altitude around 2000 m; loamy, sandy, calcareous soils work
Soil pH 6-8; low-moderate moisture preferred
Temperature window summer <40 °C, winter down to –20 °C

Institutional Bodies

NECTAR established 2014; permanent campus coming up Shillong
Mandate technology solutions for agriculture, infrastructure, economy of Northeast
Acts as nodal agency for Northeast saffron cultivation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Spice source plant	Crocus sativus
Optimum altitude	~2000 m
Soil pH range	6–8
Preferred climate	Dry–moderate
Summer temp limit	<40 °C
Winter tolerance	–20 °C
Mission launch year	2010-11
NE expansion year	2021
States in Saffron Bowl	Sikkim, Arunachal, Meghalaya
NECTAR set up	2014

GS-2Scheme

14.ASHA Workers Roles and Issues (ASHA Programme)

Indian ExpressNational Rural Health Mission · Task-based Incentives · Community Health

What & Where

ASHA workers – community health volunteers launched 2005 under National Rural Health Mission

Merged into National Health Mission 2013; deployment norm one per 1 000 population across rural-urban India

Ongoing wage-pension protests in Kerala spotlight service conditions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Roles & Services

Maternal care: antenatal, postnatal, breastfeeding, infant nutrition counselling
Immunisation & disease control: vaccine outreach, TB DOTS support, malaria screening, health education
Primary care: basic drugs, first aid, birth-death reporting, community referrals

Pay & Employment Issues

Low pay: irregular incentives, centre-state fund delays
No security: lacks pension, PF, gratuity, medical insurance; not treated as government staff
Recognition gap: global award yet persistent domestic precarity and gender bias

Reform Suggestions

Formalisation: classify under Code on Social Security 2020 for labour rights
Fixed salary: combine assured wage with DBT-routed incentives to end delays
Upskilling: train for progression to Auxiliary Nurse Midwife and higher health cadres

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2005 (NRHM)
Current umbrella	National Health Mission (NHM)
NRHM–NUHM merger	2013
Worker–population norm	1 : 1 000
Total ASHAs (2022-23)	9.2 lakh rural; 79 900 urban
Age eligibility	25 – 45 years
Minimum education	Class 10
Employment tag	Volunteer, incentive-based
Typical pay range	₹5 000 – 15 000 per month
WHO honour	World Health Leaders Award 2022

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker?

GS-1Editorial

15.Public Health Education Crisis (Public Health Education)

The HinduArticle 47 · National Health Mission · MPH Curriculum

What & Where

Definition: multi-disciplinary training in prevention, epidemiology, health policy, management

Mandate: Article 47 directs State to improve public health

Geography: MPH colleges sparse in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand

Quick Facts for MCQs

Government Schemes

NHM offers workforce skilling and introduced non-medical public-health posts
PMSSY increases teaching seats via new AIIMS network
IDSP strengthens disease surveillance competence across states

Key Challenges

Jobs: thousands vie for single program assistant opening
Curriculum: MPH courses lack common standards and practical modules
Funding: research and regulatory allocation remains minimal, e.g., ₹ 2 crore to Data Protection Board

Reform Agenda

Cadres: create State Public Health Cadres for assured recruitment
Regulation: propose Public Health Education Council under UGC/NMC for uniform syllabus and faculty norms
Training: mandate field internships in NHM, WHO, IDSP projects

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional article	Article 47
NRHM launch year	2005
PMSSY deliverable	AIIMS-like institutes
FPHM focus	Public-health leadership
IDSP role	Epidemiology training
Data Protection Board grant	₹ 2 crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से, प्रधानमंत्री स्वास्थ्य सुरक्षा योजना (PMSSY) का/के उद्देश्य है/हैं?

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