Tuesday, 18 March 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: As per the Constitution of India, which one among the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is appointed by the President of India and remains in office during the pleasure of the President of India.. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2024.

Q: In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

The correct answer is (c) 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2012.

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, GEO_GS 2022.

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of India is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (d) The concept of multiple-member Election Commission has been in operation since 1980. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021.

Q: His ‘principal forte was social and religious reform. He relied upon legislation to do away with social ills and worked unceasingly for the eradication of child marriage, the purdah system …… To encourage consideration of social problems on a national scale, he inaugurated the Indian National Social Conference, which for many years met for its annual sessions alongside the Indian National Congress.’ The reference in this passage is to

The correct answer is (a) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 1996.

Q: The Self-Respect Movement was initiated by

The correct answer is (a) B. R. Ambedkar. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

The correct answer is (b) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2026.

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

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

15 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 6GS-3: 7

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Comptroller and Auditor General Appointment Reform (CAG Appointment)

The HinduCAG · Article 148-151 · Audit Authority

What & Where

Constitutional apex audit authority under Articles 148-151; HQ New Delhi.

Audits Union & State finances; reports to Parliament/Legislatures; “watchdog of the public purse”.

Appointment presently executive-controlled; SC PIL demands non-partisan selection panel.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Petition seeks collegium-style, bipartisan, judicially-involved appointment mechanism.
Supreme Court issued notice to Union Government on constitutional validity of current practice.
Independence ensured constitutionally via fixed tenure, protected pay, removal safeguards.

Powers & Functions

Audits compliance, financial, performance, propriety of all govt expenditures.
Certifies net tax proceeds; reviews debts, advances, suspense accounts.
Submits audit reports to President/Governors for legislative laying.

Accountability Mechanisms

Functions as Parliament agent ensuring legality, economy, efficiency in spending.
Administrative expenses non-votable, guaranteeing financial autonomy.
PAC examination converts audit findings into enforceable legislative oversight.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional Part	Part V, Arts 148-151
Appointing authority	President by warrant
Proposed selector mix	PM + LoP + CJI
Tenure	6 yrs / age 65
Post-office bar	No future Govt posts
Removal mode	SC-judge procedure, special majority
Salary parity	Supreme Court judge
Expense charge	Consolidated Fund of India
Audit ambit	Consolidated, Contingency, Public Account, PSUs, aided bodies
Report scrutiny	Public Accounts Committee

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 1

As per the Constitution of India, which one among the following statements is correct?

GEO_GS, GS1 2012PYQ 2

In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

GS-2Polity

2.ADR Report on Political Criminalization (Criminal Politics)

ADRADR 2025 · MLA Data · Serious Criminal Cases

What & Where

ADR 2025 study on criminalisation among sitting MLAs across India

Covers 4,092 MLAs from 28 States + 3 UTs

Maps prevalence of criminal, serious criminal, wealth & education indicators

Quick Facts for MCQs

State Rankings

Andhra Pradesh: 79 % criminal, 56 % serious; Kerala & Telangana 69 % criminal each
Bihar 66 %, Maharashtra 65 %, Tamil Nadu 59 % criminal MLAs indicate regional clustering

Causes

Strongmen perception: weak governance lets muscle-money figures fill service gaps
Judicial delay: slow trials permit accused to contest repeatedly
Party calculus: winnability outweighs integrity; voter affidavit awareness remains low

Consequences

Democratic trust erosion; turnout dips where crime-tainted leaders dominate
Policy paralysis and higher impunity foster rising crime-corruption nexus

Reform Proposals

Disqualify heinous-charge candidates; special courts per SC 2014 directive
State election funding (Indrajit Gupta) plus digital & grassroots voter disclosures
Penalise parties repeatedly fielding tainted nominees per SC 2020 order

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
MLAs analysed	4,092
MLAs with criminal cases	45 % (1,861)
MLAs with serious cases	29 % (1,205)
Highest criminal-case state	Andhra Pradesh 79 %
Highest serious-case state	Andhra Pradesh 56 %
Women MLAs with cases	23 % (of 282)
MLAs charged with murder	54
MLAs charged with attempt to murder	226
Crimes against women cases	127 (13 rape)
Top educated MLAs	Delhi 100 % graduates
Highest billionaire share	Andhra Pradesh 36 %

GS-2Polity

3.Key Electoral Reforms in India (Electoral Reforms)

The HinduElection Commission · 61st Amendment · Electronic Voting Machines

What & Where

India’s electoral reforms: changes in laws, technology, institutions since 1950, overseen by Election Commission of India (ECI).

Geography: nationwide; EVM-VVPAT, indelible ink, electoral roll processes used in all 36 States/UTs.

Core processes: voter eligibility, polling, counting, appointment of CEC/ECs, Model Code enforcement.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Evolution

Deputation clause 1985: roll staff under ECI control during duty.
2023 Act replaces 1991 law; Selection Committee: PM, Cabinet Minister, LoP.
ECI allocation of cable/e-media time added 2003.

Technological Upgrades

Coloured ballot boxes replaced by paper ballots, then EVMs, then EVM-VVPAT combo.
EVMs, VVPATs indigenously built by BEL & ECIL under ECI tech panel.
Online electoral-roll enrolment enabled via 2013 Rules.

Legal & Policy

Exit polls restricted 2009; ban from polling start till last phase end.
MCC strengthened under CEC T.N. Seshan; EPIC launched 1993.
Provision to adjourn polls on booth capture inserted 1989.

Voter Facilitation

Voting age lowered to 18 brought 6 cr+ youths into electorate.
NOTA ensures secret right to reject all candidates.
Indelible ink exported to 25+ countries by Mysore Paints & Varnish.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ECI establishment	25 Jan 1950; Sukumar Sen first CEC
1st General Election	Oct 1951–Feb 1952; 17.5 cr voters
Voting age cut	61st Amendment, 1989: 21 → 18 yrs
Multi-member ECI finalised	1 Oct 1993; CEC + 2 ECs
Booth-capturing countermand rule	Added 1989
First EVM experimental use	1998 polls: Rajasthan, MP, Delhi
First full-state EVM use	1999 Goa Assembly election
VVPAT rule notified	Aug 2013; first used 2013 Noksen by-poll, Nagaland
NOTA introduction	SC directive; used from 2013
Indelible ink content	Silver nitrate; visible ≥ 72 hrs
New appointment law	CEC & Other ECs Act 2023; PM-led committee

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 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 ?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of India is NOT correct?

GS-1History

4.Philosophical Legacy of Dr Ambedkar (Ambedkar Philosophy)

The HinduPragmatism · Navayana Buddhism · Annihilation of Caste

What & Where

Ambedkarian philosophy = pragmatic pathway to eradicate caste and institute liberty-equality-fraternity across India

Core strands : caste annihilation, constitutional morality, state-steered economy, gender justice, Buddhist reform (Navayana)

Spatial anchors : colonial–post-colonial India; mass Dalit conversion at Nagpur on 14 Oct 1956

Quick Facts for MCQs

Social Justice

Reservation policy for SC ST OBC mirrors Ambedkar affirmative-action blueprint
Caste labelled division of labourers demanding complete legal abolition
Slogan “Educate Agitate Organize” frames Dalit empowerment strategy

Constitutional Vision

Drafted Constitution embedding Fundamental Rights, rule of law, affirmative action
Advocated constitutional morality to restrain majoritarian impulses and protect minorities
Warned liberty minus equality breeds domination, equality without liberty breeds oppression

Economic Thought

Rejected laissez-faire and extreme socialism, favoured state-led industrialisation and land reforms
Linked economic justice to dismantling caste hierarchy
Ideas anticipated later Five-Year Plan approach

Gender Reforms

Piloted Hindu Code Bill modernising marriage, inheritance, divorce for women
Connected caste oppression with patriarchy, urged universal female education
Positioned gender equality as integral to egalitarian Constitution

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth–Death	1891 – 1956
Intellectual mentor	John Dewey’s pragmatism
Landmark work 1936	The Annihilation of Caste
Buddhism variant	Navayana, launched 1956
Navayana rejects	Karma, rebirth, Four Noble Truths, monasticism
Conversion day	14 Oct 1956 → Dhammachakra Pravartan Day
Constitutional triad	Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 1996PYQ 1

His ‘principal forte was social and religious reform. He relied upon legislation to do away with social ills and worked unceasingly for the eradication of child marriage, the purdah system …… To encourage consideration of social problems on a national scale, he inaugurated the Indian National Social Conference, which for many years met for its annual sessions alongside the Indian National Congress.’ The reference in this passage is to

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

The Self-Respect Movement was initiated by

GS-1Mapping

5.Ana Sagar Lake in Rajasthan (Indian Lakes)

Times of IndiaAna Sagar · Ajmer · Artificial Lake

Illustration for Ana Sagar Lake in Rajasthan (Indian Lakes)

What & Where

Ana Sagar Lake; 13 km² man-made waterbody in Ajmer district, central Rajasthan

Excavated 1135-1150 AD by Chauhan king Arnoraja (“Ana”), grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan

Present site of Supreme Court–flagged Seven Wonders Park encroachment near designated wetland zone

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SupremeCourt ordered Rajasthan to demolish illegal Seven Wonders Park within six months
Court cited Wetlands Rules 2017 and excessive concretisation around buffer zone
State must restore lake ecology post-demolition, submit compliance reports

Historical Heritage

ChauhanDynasty built lake, showcasing 12th-century hydro-engineering
MughalEmperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan enhanced landscape with garden and five marble pavilions

Environmental Impact

EncroachmentReduced wetland area, hampered natural recharge and migrant bird habitat
DemolitionPlan expected to revive catchment, improve water quality, prevent urban flooding
Lake absence from Ramsar list weakens formal international protection status

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Location	Ajmer district, Rajasthan
Type	Artificial lake (man-made)
Creator	King Arnoraja (Ana)
Construction period	1135–1150 AD
Surface area	~13 km²
Mughal additions	Jahangir’s Daulat Bagh; Shah Jahan’s five marble Baradaris
Ramsar status	Not designated
SC demolition deadline	Six months to raze Seven Wonders Park

GS-3Environment

6.Water Circularity via Wastewater Reuse (Wastewater Reuse)

Down to EarthWater Circularity · CSE Study · Per Capita Availability

Illustration for Water Circularity via Wastewater Reuse (Wastewater Reuse)

What & Where

Water circularity = closed-loop recycling of treated sewage, resource recovery, minimal freshwater draw.

Target stream: 72,368 MLD urban sewage from Class I & II cities.

Hotspots: metros importing Cauvery, Krishna-Godavari, Narmada, Bisalpur waters.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Water Scarcity Metrics

Per-capita availability already below 1,700 m³; may dip under 1,000 m³ without action.
Irrigation canals like Narmada, Bisalpur diverted to cities, shrinking farm water.

Wastewater Gap

Projection: sewage volume +75-80 % by 2050, hitting 48 BCM annually.
Reality: 72 % effluent currently discharged untreated, polluting rivers.

Circular Economy Gains

Savings: thermal plant reuse 10 MCM/yr, worth USD 300 mn.
Potential: 317 km³ sewage irrigates 40 Mha; 2,500 t nutrients daily recovered.

Policy & Governance

Compliance: Jal Shakti 20 % reuse mandate weak; informal raw-sewage farming widespread.
Index: 16 states score <50/100 on Composite Water Management Index.

Proposed Instruments

Market-based: water-reuse credits, extraction charges for industries using freshwater despite reuse option.
Decentralisation: AMRUT 2.0 local STPs, IoT sensors, canal repurposing, low-interest ZLD finance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Per-capita water 1951	5,200 m³
Per-capita water 2021	1,486 m³
Per-capita projection 2031	1,367 m³
Global rank (availability)	132nd
Sewage generated 2020-21	72,368 MLD
Installed treatment capacity	31,841 MLD (44%)
Operational capacity	26,869 MLD
Share actually treated	28 %
Untreated discharge	72 %
Sewage rise by 2050	48 BCM / yr; 3.5 × capacity
Govt reuse mandate	≥20 % treated water
States <50 on CWMI	16
India land : population	2 % : 18 %
Potential irrigable area	40 Mha (10 % total)
Daily nutrients recoverable	2,500 t worth ₹19.5 mn

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

7.Uniyala keralensis New Endemic Plant (Endemic Plant)

The HinduUniyala keralensis · Agasthyamala Biosphere · Asteraceae

Illustration for Uniyala keralensis New Endemic Plant (Endemic Plant)

What & Where

Uniyala keralensis: newly confirmed Asteraceae shrub, endemic to Southern Western Ghats.

Found 700–1 400 m inside Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (Kerala-TN).

Current wild count ≈5 000 plants in four scattered sites.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxonomy

Family Asteraceae; third recorded Uniyala species after U. comorinensis, U. salviifolia.
Morphology Dense shrub; purple capitula; larger foliar characters than congeners.
Discovery confirms genus’ diversification within Western Ghats hotspot.

Habitat & Distribution

Range Strictly inside Southern Western Ghats moist evergreen forests.
Prefers mid-elevation slopes, 700–1 400 m, high rainfall regime.
Four fragmented sites increase vulnerability to stochastic events.

Conservation Angle

IUCN Data Deficient due to limited surveys; potential risk inferred from small range.
Biosphere-reserve zoning plus WLS/TR affords legal shield against habitat loss.
Kani tribal knowledge could aid future participatory monitoring.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Genus	Uniyala
Family	Asteraceae
Plant height	1–3 m
Flower colour	Light purple
Flowering–fruiting	Aug–Apr
Key diagnostic	Larger leaves, longer petiole, fewer lateral veins
Elevation band	700–1 400 m
Wild population	~5 000 individuals
Subpopulations	4 over 250 km²
IUCN tag	Data Deficient
Endemism zone	Southwest India
Biosphere Reserve	Agasthyamala
UNESCO-MAB year	2016
Protected areas inside	Shendurney, Peppara, Neyyar WLS; Kalakad-Mundanthurai TR
Higher plant diversity	2 254 spp; 405 endemic
Flagship fauna	Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant
Indigenous tribe	Kani

GS-3S&T

8.Chandrayaan-5 Mission and Second Spaceport (Lunar Mission)

Times of IndiaChandrayaan-5 · ISRO · Kulasekarapattinam

What & Where

Chandrayaan-5: Indo-Japan lunar mission to land 350 kg rover for expanded science and tech demo.

Second spaceport: Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu; dedicated to SSLV south-bound launches.

First SSLV from new site targeted 2027, reducing load on Sriharikota.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Demonstration focus safe precision landing, sample return readiness, larger rover operations.
Builds sequentially on Chandrayaan-3 success and planned Chandrayaan-4 sample collection.
SSLV platform tailored for booming small-satellite commercial market.

Infrastructure

Spaceport includes dedicated launchpad, rocket integration, ground range, checkout complexes.
Strategic coastal site shortens flight path, cuts fuel, avoids land overflight.
MLS enables rapid roll-out, quick turnaround between missions.

International Collaboration

Joint India–Japan effort strengthens lunar science synergy and shared technology development.
Enhances bilateral space ties beyond existing radar and navigation projects.
Positions both nations within emerging lunar resource and habitation discourse.

Strategic Rationale

New spaceport diversifies launch nodes, boosting resiliency of Indian access to space.
Larger lander tech advances pave path for eventual crewed Indian lunar landing.
Capacity expansion targets greater share of global small-satellite launch revenues.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Rover mass	350 kg
Partner nation	Japan
Lander type	High-capacity, crew-mission capable
Human-landing tech goal	By 2040
Spaceport land area	2,350 acres
Major facilities planned	35
Annual SSLV capacity	24 satellites
First SSLV launch year	2027
Launch azimuth advantage	Direct southward over Indian Ocean
Mobile Launch Structure	Integrated with advanced checkout

GS-3S&T

9.Autopen Signature Replication Device (Signature Automation)

Business StandardAutopen · Polygraph 1803 · Robot Pen

Illustration for Autopen Signature Replication Device (Signature Automation)

What & Where

Autopen – mechanical/digital device that automatically reproduces a stored human signature on documents

Process – signature path recorded once; motorised arm later guides real pen for replication

Usage – common in US executive offices, corporate high-volume signing, remote authorisations

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

1803 Polygraph used pantograph mechanics to mirror handwriting simultaneously
1930s Robot Pen commercialised signature templates on record-like discs
1942 De Shazo device achieved mass governmental adoption in the United States

Technology & Operation

Recording phase captures complete signature trajectory onto metal drum or digital memory
Activation sequence drives motor linkages that trace ink pen along stored coordinates
Modern units allow remote triggering for rapid bulk signing of proclamations and letters

Security Dimension

Early models featured detachable signature cassettes limiting unauthorised activations
Contemporary debate questions authenticity and legal validity of autopen-signed state documents

Political Context

Trump claims Biden pardons void due to autopen usage, injecting constitutionality debate into 2024 campaign

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Earliest duplication device	Polygraph
Polygraph inventor	John Isaac Hawkins
Year Polygraph invented	1803
First commercial autopen	Robot Pen
Robot Pen era	1930s
Inventor of first successful autopen	Robert M. De Shazo Jr.
Year De Shazo model released	1942
Core working principle	Stored template guides pen path
Noted early security	Removable signature segments
Current controversy	Biden pardons allegedly autopen-signed

GS-3S&T

10.Supersolid Light Quantum State (Quantum Physics)

TNSupersolid Light · Polaritons · Gallium Arsenide

What & Where

Supersolid light: quantum state showing solid-like lattice yet superfluid, friction-free flow of photons/polaritons.

Realised by Italian researchers inside cryogenic gallium-arsenide micro-ridge semiconductor platform.

Appears when laser-driven polaritons form satellite condensates with equal energy, opposite wavenumbers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physics Basis

Symmetry breaking: simultaneous phase and translational symmetry loss yields rigid yet coherent state.
Maintains long-range quantum coherence despite spatial modulation.

Experimental Setup

Micro-ridge waveguide confines photons, enhancing light–matter coupling.
Increasing polariton density via laser drives transition to supersolid phase.
Cryogenic environment prevents decoherence of delicate condensate.

Tech Significance

Stabilised photonic qubits may lower error rates in quantum computers.
Supports low-loss, tunable on-chip photonic circuitry for next-gen optics.
Serves test-bed for studying exotic quantum phase transitions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Discovering team	Italian scientists (2024)
Underlying particle	Polaritons (light + matter hybrid)
Host material	Gallium arsenide semiconductor
Key geometry	Microscopic ridges guide light
Temperature regime	Near absolute zero
Trigger mechanism	Continuous laser pumping
Supersolidity marker	Satellite condensates, ±k symmetry
Dual property	Lattice order + frictionless flow
Earlier supersolids	Bose-Einstein condensates of atoms
Promised sectors	Quantum computing, photonic circuits

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

GS-3S&T

11.Neuroscience Behind Addiction (Addiction Neuroscience)

The HinduBasal Ganglia · Extended Amygdala · Prefrontal Cortex

Illustration for Neuroscience Behind Addiction (Addiction Neuroscience)

What & Where

Addiction = chronic brain disorder driven by basal ganglia, extended amygdala, prefrontal cortex circuitry

Processes = reward reinforcement, withdrawal stress, impaired decision-making mediated by dopamine & serotonin

Geography = Brain Awareness Week held worldwide each third March week, led from New York-based Dana Foundation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Neuroscience Basis

Reward loop reinforces substance cues via dopamine spikes in basal ganglia
Extended amygdala triggers anxiety, irritability during abstinence, driving relapse
Prefrontal cortex hypoactivity weakens impulse control, sustaining compulsive use

Adolescent Vulnerability

Ongoing cortical pruning renders teens impulsive, heightening experiment risk
Early exposure correlates with higher lifelong dependency probability

Risk Factors

Genetics, trauma, mental disorders amplify addiction predisposition
Peer pressure, low socioeconomic status, family history act as potent environmental levers

Treatment & Tech

CBT reshapes maladaptive thoughts improving self-control circuitry
Neurofeedback trains patients to modulate cortical activity patterns seen on real-time EEG/fMRI

Awareness Initiative

Brain Awareness Week educates on brain health, disorders, research breakthroughs
Activities span lectures, lab visits, school outreach across >100 countries

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Key reward hub	Basal ganglia
Withdrawal centre	Extended amygdala
Executive control seat	Prefrontal cortex
Main neurotransmitter	Dopamine (plus serotonin)
Highest risk life-stage	Adolescence
Last brain area to mature	Prefrontal cortex
Genetic influence	Up to 50 % susceptibility
Imaging tool cited	MRI
Core therapy types	CBT, neurofeedback
BAW founding body	Dana Foundation, New York

GS-2Editorial

12.India-New Zealand Bilateral Relations Update (Bilateral Ties)

MEATrade USD 1.8 bn · Indo-Pacific · Indian Diaspora

What & Where

India–New Zealand bilateral ties: two Commonwealth democracies bridging South Asia & South-West Pacific in the Indo-Pacific matrix.

Diplomatic channel: 1950 Indian Trade Commission in Wellington, now High Commission; latest PM-level visit 16–20 Mar 2025.

Cooperation pillars: trade, defence, technology, climate, multilateralism (ISA, CDRI, IPOI).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Trade skew: Indian imports largely primary wood products; diversification & value-addition urged.
FTA negotiations termed “priority”; aim—comprehensive tariff & services liberalisation.
Direct flights, tourism, agri-tech and edu-services targeted for rapid growth.

Security Dimension

Convergent Indo-Pacific outlook; uphold UNCLOS, oppose coercive maritime actions.
Defence ties modest; roadmap: bilateral naval drills, staff talks, coast-guard cooperation.
NZ membership in CDRI complements disaster-response and resilience collaboration.

Climate & Tech Cooperation

NZ supports India-led International Solar Alliance; joint R&D on renewables, green hydrogen mooted.
Focus sectors: horticulture tech, climate-smart agriculture, disaster-mitigation systems.
2025 visit agreed to scale funding for bilateral climate projects.

Diaspora & Mobility

2.5 lakh PIOs concentrated in Auckland, Wellington; strong socio-economic bridge.
Issues: student visa delays, skills-mobility bottlenecks, irregular migration monitoring.
Call for vibrant cultural diplomacy: film festivals, academic chairs, Hindi-Māori exchanges.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NZ PM India visit	16–20 March 2025
India’s rank in NZ trade	11th largest partner
Bilateral trade (2020)	USD 1.80 billion
Indian diaspora in NZ	≈ 2,50,000
Indian tourists to NZ (2018)	67,953
Main Indian import	Logs & wood pulp
Shared groups	Commonwealth, ISA, CDRI
Maritime stance	Freedom of navigation under UNCLOS

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-2Security

13.Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Framework (Maritime Initiative)

DD NewsIPOI · Indo-Pacific · East Asia Summit 2019

What & Where

Voluntary, non-treaty maritime framework launched 2019 at East Asia Summit, Bangkok.

Promotes free, open, rules-based order across the entire Indo-Pacific oceanic expanse.

Open to all like-minded Indo-Pacific states; pillars currently steered by Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, France, UK, India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Strategic Goals

Security: uphold rule-based maritime order, ensure safe sea lanes.
Growth: boost blue-economy trade, infrastructure, connectivity.
Sustainability: protect marine environment, enable climate-resilient development.

Functional Areas

Resource-management: coordinate fisheries, seabed minerals, energy exploration.
Disaster-response: share early-warning, risk-reduction, HADR capacities.
Knowledge-exchange: foster academic, tech collaboration for sustainable oceans.

Membership & Leadership

Openness: any like-minded Indo-Pacific nation may join without legal bindings.
Pillar-leaders: Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, France, UK drive specific workstreams.
India-role: founding architect leveraging IPOI to operationalise SAGAR vision.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2019
Launch platform	East Asia Summit, Bangkok
Nature	Non-treaty, voluntary cooperation
Proposer	India
Vision alignment	SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Potential membership	All Indo-Pacific countries
Current pillar leads	Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, France, UK, India
Core focus	Maritime security, sustainability, growth

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2015PYQ 2

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

GS-2Security

14.Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Agreement Progress (Nagorno-Karabakh)

Indian ExpressArmenia · Azerbaijan · Peace Agreement 2025

Illustration for Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Agreement Progress (Nagorno-Karabakh)

What & Where

Nagorno-Karabakh : landlocked, mountainous enclave in South Caucasus, inside internationally recognised Azerbaijan.

Ethno-religious mix : Armenian Christian majority amid Muslim-majority Azerbaijan.

Strategic corridor : lies near routes linking Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conflict Timeline

1988-94 : Armenia captured enclave plus adjacent Azerbaijani districts.
2020 : Azerbaijan retook large swathes using drones, Turkish support.
Sep 2023 : Baku’s lightning operation dissolved de-facto republic.

Human Impact

Displacement : 2023 exodus emptied almost entire Karabakh Armenian population.
Casualties : Thousands across both wars; exact verified numbers remain contested.
Cultural loss : Heritage sites, churches, mosques damaged during cyclical offensives.

India’s Diplomacy

Stance : Neutral; urges peaceful settlement under Minsk Group principles.
Balance : Maintains defence ties with Armenia, energy links with Azerbaijan.
Interest : Stability critical for INSTC viability and access to Eurasian markets.

Regional Geostrategy

Turkey : Strong Azerbaijani ally, supplies drones, training.
Russia : Traditional Armenian partner, peacekeepers deployed post-2020 deal.
Iran : Opposes border changes; seeks corridor access circumventing sanctions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First Nagorno-Karabakh War	1988 – 1994
Ceasefire brokered	1994, Russia-led
Second War	Sep-Nov 2020
2023 Offensive duration	One day
Population exodus 2023	≈1 lakh moved to Armenia
Mediating forum backed by India	OSCE Minsk Group
Both states on INSTC	Yes
Religious demography	Armenia-Christian; Azerbaijan-Muslim

GS-3Security

15.Global Intelligence and Security Chiefs Conference (Intelligence Summit)

The HinduR&AW · NSA India · Five Eyes

Illustration for Global Intelligence and Security Chiefs Conference (Intelligence Summit)

What & Where

Conference of Global Intelligence & Security Chiefs – annual high-level security dialogue under Raisina Dialogue framework.

4th edition, Mar 2025, New Delhi; hosted by India’s NSA, organised by R&AW and NSCS.

>20 participating nations, incl. Five Eyes members: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Counterterrorism, terror-financing and narcotics trade listed as “immediate threats”.
Immigration, extradition processes discussed for seamless law-enforcement cooperation.
Indo-Pacific security cooperation stressed to deter grey-zone activities.

Institutional Framework

Raisina Dialogue provides Track-1.5 platform; conference functions as its security enclave.
Inspired by Munich Security & Shangri-La Dialogues, enabling frank intelligence exchange.
R&AW-NSCS partnership ensures both operational and policy perspectives.

Historical Context

Annual meet uninterrupted since 2022, signalling institutionalisation of intel networking.
Five Eyes traces to WWII code-breaking collaboration between UK-US.
1946 UKUSA pact formalised integrated global signals-intelligence architecture.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First held	2022
2025 edition	4th
Indian host-body	National Security Advisor
Organisers	R&AW + NSCS
Umbrella forum	Raisina Dialogue (MEA + ORF)
2025 agenda	Counter-terror, transnational crime, Indo-Pacific, terror finance, narcotics
Five Eyes members	AUS, CAN, NZ, UK, US
Five Eyes founding pact	UKUSA Agreement 1946

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

वर्ष 2025 में निम्नलिखित में से किसके तत्वावधान में आयोजित की गई बैठक का विषय 'दुश्मान युग के लिए सहयोग (Collaboration for the Intelligent Age)' था?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following is NOT a member country of the Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC)?

Ready to practice?

Test your knowledge with our UPSC test series.

Start Free Trial