Tuesday, 25 March 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to

The correct answer is (a) the writ jurisdiction of any of the other judges of the High Court. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: अवासी इकाइयों द्वारा दी जा रही ऑनलाइन विज्ञापन सेवाओं पर भारत द्वारा 6% ‘समतुल्य कर’ (Equalisation Levy) लगाए जाने के निर्णय के सन्दर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

The correct answer is (d) न तो 1, न ही 2. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

Q: हड़प्पाई मुहरों (Seals) के निर्माण में, निम्नलिखित में से किस सामग्री का उपयोग किया गया था?

The correct answer is (a) बलुआ पत्थर (Sandstone). This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

The correct answer is (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: "India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

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

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the aim of Jal Jeevan Mission to provide every rural household of the country with adequate tap water of prescribed quality on regular basis:

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2023.

Q: जल जीवन मिशन के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही नहीं है?

The correct answer is (a) इसकी स्थापना वर्ष 2016 में की गई थी।. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2025.

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

The correct answer is (a) Indonesia. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2025.

Q: Which one of the following countries did the Indian Navy participate in the U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise, to demonstrate its maritime manoeuvres?

The correct answer is (a) Malaysia. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2022.

14 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 3GS-3: 8

0/14 done

GS-2Editorial

1.High Court Judge Transfer Process (Judicial Transfers)

The HinduArticle 222 · Supreme Court Collegium · in-house inquiry

What & Where

Article 222; President may transfer any High Court judge on CJI recommendation; judge consent unnecessary

In-house inquiry; 1999 SC-devised process to examine misconduct below impeachment bar within judiciary

Case spot; Justice Yashwant Varma moved Delhi HC → Allahabad HC after alleged sacks-of-burnt-currency episode

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

TransferWorkflow; CJI initiates, Law Minister forwards, PM advises, President signs, Gazette notifies
CollegiumConsultation; for ordinary judge CJI seeks views of both affected High Courts and familiar SC judges
PersonalFactors; health, family convenience and courtroom workload weigh in decision

Transparency & Accountability

InHouseCommittee; ensures natural justice, lets judge respond, reports substantiation to CJI
OutcomeRange; warning, advice, request to resign or retire, else impeachment recommendation
ConfidentialNature; findings kept internal to uphold judicial dignity unlike public parliamentary removal

Separation of Powers

ImpeachmentRoute; needs 100 LS or 50 RS MPs notice and two-thirds support in both Houses
JudiciarySelf-discipline; in-house mechanism excludes legislature, preserves independence yet enforces ethics
ExecutiveTouchpoint; President acts post PM advice, providing constitutional check on collegium decisions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional article for transfer	Article 222
Consent of judge needed	No
Collegium for Chief Justice transfer	CJI + 4 senior-most SC judges
Inquiry panel composition	2 Chief Justices + 1 HC judge
Year in-house procedure adopted	1999
Final transfer order issuer	President of India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to

GS1 2012PYQ 2

What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

GS-2Polity

2.National e-Vidhan Application Expansion (e-Vidhan Application)

News on AirNeVA · MoPA · One Nation One Application

What & Where

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) – pan-India digital platform for paperless legislative work.

Covers state/UT legislatures; Delhi joined as 28th member via MoU with MoPA & GNCTD.

Hosted on Government cloud MeghRaj 2.0; accessible on multiple devices anywhere.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Device-neutral design enables seamless sync across personal and in-house hardware.
Real-time repository holds multilingual bills, questions, committee reports.
Continuous updates delivered via mNeVA; manuals, videos aid quick onboarding.

Environmental Impact

Paperless workflow drastically lowers stationery demand, landfill load.
Supports Swachh Bharat mission, sustainable public procurement.
Digital signatures replace hard-copy circulation during sessions.

Governance & Transparency

Instant public portal release boosts citizen oversight of legislative business.
Uniform application standardises procedures across houses, easing inter-house data sharing.
Audit trails ensure accountability for edits, submissions, votes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing ministry	Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Guiding vision	One Nation, One Application
Cloud host	MeghRaj 2.0 (NIC)
Latest entrant (May 2024)	Delhi Legislative Assembly
Total legislatures onboard	28
Key function	Real-time access to bills, agendas, reports
Device support	Smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop
Green objective	Cuts paper use; aligns with Swachh Bharat & SDG12
Security layer	End-to-end encryption, NIC infrastructure
Mobile version	mNeVA app on Android & iOS

GS-3Economy

3.Equalisation Levy Abolition Proposal (Digital Taxation)

Business StandardEqualisation Levy · Finance Act 2016 · Finance Act 2020

What & Where

Equalisation Levy: India-specific direct tax on non-resident digital services lacking a permanent establishment.

Covers online advertisement payments (since 1 Jun 2016) & e-commerce supply/services (since 1 Apr 2020).

Finance Bill 2025 proposes abolishing the 6 % ad levy from 1 Apr 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Origin: Finance Act 2016 (ads); Finance Act 2020 inserted Sec 165A for e-commerce.
Abolition move aligns with OECD Pillar-I digital tax consensus discussions.
Amendments routed via forthcoming Finance Bill 2025.

Compliance & Penalties

Quarterly Form-1 statement; delay invites ₹1,000/day up to levy amount.
Appeal chain: CIT(A) via Form-3 → ITAT via Form-4.
Interest clock starts next day after due date till actual payment.

Exemptions & Carve-outs

Services attributable to Indian permanent establishment kept outside levy.
Personal consumption payments by Indian users excluded.
Threshold breaches judged financial year-wise, not transaction-wise.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Levy rate – Online ads	6 %
Levy rate – E-commerce	2 %
Threshold – Ads	₹1 lakh per payer per year
Threshold – E-commerce	₹2 crore gross turnover
Geography trigger	Indian resident or Indian IP address targeted
Compliance – Ads	Indian payer/PE deducts & deposits
Compliance – E-commerce	Non-resident operator pays directly
Penalty	100 % of unpaid levy + 1 % p.m. interest
Income-tax treatment	Exempt under Sec 10(50) IT Act
Proposed abolition date	1 Apr 2025 (only 6 % category)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

अवासी इकाइयों द्वारा दी जा रही ऑनलाइन विज्ञापन सेवाओं पर भारत द्वारा 6% ‘समतुल्य कर’ (Equalisation Levy) लगाए जाने के निर्णय के सन्दर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-3Economy

4.BAANKNET NPA E-Auction Portal (NPA E-Auctions)

PIBBAANKNET · e-BKray · PSU banks

What & Where

BAANKNET Portal – integrated e-auction system for PSBs/financial institutions to sell NPA-backed properties across India.

e-BKray Platform – centralized digital marketplace for PSU-bank recovery auctions.

Both under Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, Government of India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration – BAANKNET revamp embeds smart auctions, real-time updates, verified titles.
Digitisation – e-BKray offers single window tracking of recovery auctions.
Security – Built-in KYC plus payment gateways minimise fraud.

Economic Angle

Value-Maximisation – Competitive bidding targets higher realisation from stressed assets.
NPA-Recovery – Faster disposal aids bank balance-sheet clean-up.
Cost-Saving – Standardised platform lowers administrative overheads for PSBs.

Governance & Transparency

Verification – Bank-certified titles build bidder confidence.
Monitoring – Real-time auction data enables oversight by regulators.
Adoption – Mandatory use by all PSBs ensures uniform transparency norms.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
BAANKNET launch body	Ministry of Finance (DFS)
e-BKray launch date	28 Feb 2019
Coverage	All 12 Public Sector Banks + IBBI
Core aim	Transparent, efficient NPA asset value realisation
Key tool	Automated KYC with secure payment gateways
Auction reach	All-India property listings
Bidding style	Real-time, intelligent, competitive
Administrative impact	Standardised procedures, reduced bank workload

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

5.Lapis Lazuli Historical Significance (Lapis Lazuli)

The HinduBadakhshan · ultramarine · Mohenjo-daro

Illustration for Lapis Lazuli Historical Significance (Lapis Lazuli)

What & Where

Metamorphic gemstone; intense deep-blue; named from Latin lapis (stone) + Persian lazuli (blue)

Core geography; finest grade from Badakhshan province, Afghanistan; also Chile, Russia, USA deposits

Key minerals; lazurite 25-40 %, calcite whitens, pyrite gives golden flecks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Composition

Lazurite proportion 25-40 % decides blueness
Increased calcite dilutes colour; pyrite inclusions produce metallic lustre

Historical Trade

Indus Valley traders imported Afghan lapis by 1000 BC
Gem symbolised wealth, power across Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greco-Roman cultures

Global Artistic Usage

Egyptian artisans carved amulets, inlaid coffins with lapis
Renaissance painters valued ultramarine made from powdered lapis for premium artworks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Rock type	Metamorphic, semi-precious
Colour agent	Sulphur-rich lazurite
Golden shimmer mineral	Pyrite
Main historic mine	Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Mining antiquity	≥6,000 years
Indian import start	~1000 BC
IVC artefact sites	Mohenjo-daro, Harappa
Renaissance use	Ground into ultramarine pigment
Egyptian use	Jewellery, cosmetics
Name origin	Latin + Persian blend

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

हड़प्पाई मुहरों (Seals) के निर्माण में, निम्नलिखित में से किस सामग्री का उपयोग किया गया था?

GS-1Mapping

6.Türkiye Physical Geography (Turkey Mapping)

The HinduAnkara · Mount Ararat · Pontic Mountains

What & Where

Türkiye: trans-continental republic straddling southeastern Europe & western Asia, capital Ankara, largest city Istanbul.

Lies between Black, Aegean, Mediterranean seas; dominated by Pontic & Taurus ranges flanking central Anatolian Plateau.

Mount Ararat (5,165 m) highest; Euphrates-Tigris rise in east before flowing to Syria-Iraq.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Pontic range parallels Black Sea, Kaçkar section tops 3,900 m.
Taurus range aligns Mediterranean coast, peaks above 11,000 ft.
Anatolian Plateau gently tilted, peppered with extinct volcanoes.

Hydrology

Euphrates & Tigris headwaters originate in eastern Türkiye, crucial for West Asia irrigation.
Sakarya, Kızıl, Yeşil drain to Black/Aegean seas, support northern agriculture.
Rivers enable multipurpose GAP dams on Upper Euphrates-Tigris.

Political Unrest

1,100+ detainees after arrest of opposition figure, Istanbul Mayor.
Demonstrations span 55 of 81 provinces, reflecting nationwide discontent.
Security sweep underscores tense pre-election climate.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Ankara
Largest city/port	Istanbul
Continents spanned	Europe & Asia
Highest peak	Mt Ararat – 5,165 m
Key mountain belts	Pontic (N), Taurus (S)
Central plateau	Anatolian Plateau
Notable volcanic peak	Mt Erciyes – 3,916 m
Major river system	Euphrates & Tigris
Other rivers	Sakarya, Kızıl, Yeşil
Coastline seas	Black, Aegean, Mediterranean
Provinces with recent protests	55
Immediate neighbours	Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan), Iran, Iraq, Syria

GS-3Environment

7.FAO Commission on Genetic Resources (FAO CGRFA)

Down to EarthCGRFA · FAO · 1983

Illustration for FAO Commission on Genetic Resources (FAO CGRFA)

What & Where

CGRFA; Rome-based FAO body conserving genetic resources vital to food and agriculture.

Covers plants, animals, forests, aquatic, micro-organisms since 1995 expansion.

Holds biennial global meetings; 20th session underway in Rome, 2024.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Global-policy: formulates strategies guiding national laws on agrobiodiversity conservation.
Treaties: facilitated negotiation, adoption, monitoring of Plant Genetic Resources Treaty.
Benefit-sharing: promotes equity aligned with Convention on Biological Diversity principles.

Institutional Setup

Monitoring: reviews state-of-world reports, tracks member implementation progress.
Data systems: supports global databases for seeds, animal breeds, forest germplasm.
Coordination: acts as focal forum linking FAO, CBD, other UN bodies.

Functions & Tools

Assessment: commissions periodic global status reports on sector-wise genetic resources.
Guidance: issues voluntary codes, genebank standards, action plans to members.
Capacity-building: channels technical assistance, North-South cooperation projects.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment year	1983 (as Commission on Plant Genetic Resources)
Scope expansion	1995 to all food-agriculture genetic resources
Headquarters	Rome, Italy
Parent organisation	UN-FAO
Meeting frequency	Biennial; special sessions ad-hoc
Flagship treaties steered	International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture
Key deliverables 2024	Global reports on plant & forest genetic resources
Core aims	Sustainable use, conservation, equitable benefit sharing
Current session	CGRFA-20

GS-3Environment

8.Species-Specific Global Conservation Success (Species Conservation)

Down to EarthPLOS Biology · IUCN Red List · Iberian Lynx

What & Where

Targeted conservation = species‐specific actions (breeding, reintroduction, predator control) to avert extinctions.

Global study (PLOS Biology 2025) links 99.3 % IUCN status improvements since 1980 to such actions.

India’s umbrella is Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH 2008; FC-XV cycle 2021-26) covering 22 priority species.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Findings

Study: 78 % rising species benefitted from breeding, habitat management, invasive control.
Cases: Kākāpō revival via predator removal; bison success via rewilding networks.

Indian Schemes

Subprojects: Tiger 1973, Elephant 1992, Dolphin-Lion-Cheetah under Wildlife Habitat component.
Project Crocodile (post-1972 Act) boosted three croc species through ranching centres.
Maharashtra drafting first dedicated Pangolin Action Plan; species in WLPA Sch I.

Species Outcomes

Rhino: translocation plus anti-poaching yielded >70 % of world population in Assam.
Vultures: Pinjore VCBC key node for captive breeding and field release.
Cheetah: Namibia-South Africa imports to Kuno NP revive extinct predator line.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Species improved via interventions	99.3 % of uplisted taxa since 1980
Rising-population species analysed	969; 78.3 % had active measures
Iberian Lynx trend	few hundred → several thousand
European Bison status	Wild reintroduced after 20th-c extinction
Saltwater crocs Bhitarkanika	95 (1975) → 1,811
Olive Ridley IUCN	Vulnerable; WLPA Sch I; CITES App I
IDWH priority list	22 species (16 terrestrial, 6 aquatic)
Vulture Action Plan	2020-25; bans Diclofenac use
Indian Rhino Vision 2020	>2,600 rhinos in Kaziranga (2022)
Project Cheetah	2022 reintroduction; first wild cubs 2023

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

GS1 1999PYQ 2

"India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

9.World Water Day 2025 Highlights (World Water Day)

PIBJal Shakti Abhiyan · Catch the Rain · Glacier Preservation

What & Where

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025, 6th edition, nationwide water-conservation drive.

Unveiled 22 Mar 2025 (World Water Day) by Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Targets 148 districts for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, community engagement.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Government & Policy

Principle asserted Every Drop Counts guides 2025 activities.
Jal-Jangal-Jan Abhiyan restores forest-river-spring ecological links.
Central schemes JSA, AMRUT 2.0, Atal Bhujal back implementation.

International Day

World Water Day originated Rio Summit 1992, formalised UNGA 1993.
2025 theme Glacier Preservation spotlights cryosphere loss.
Observance aligns with SDG-6 2030 targets on water and sanitation.

Conservation Approach

Measures include rooftop harvesting, check-dams, soil-moisture recharge across 148 districts.
Community participation stressed via theme People’s Action for Water Conservation.
Forest-water connectivity emphasised through Jal-Jangal-Jan framework.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Campaign edition	6th
Launch date	22 Mar 2025
Observance day	World Water Day
2025 campaign theme	People’s Action for Water Conservation
Governing ministry	Jal Shakti
Districts covered	148
Core slogan	Every Drop Counts
Linked initiative	Jal-Jangal-Jan Abhiyan
WWD conceived	1992 Rio Summit
UNGA adoption	1993
2025 WWD theme	Glacier Preservation
Aligned SDG	SDG-6 Water & Sanitation
Support schemes	JSA, AMRUT 2.0, Atal Bhujal Yojana

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding the aim of Jal Jeevan Mission to provide every rural household of the country with adequate tap water of prescribed quality on regular basis:

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

जल जीवन मिशन के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही नहीं है?

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

10.WEF UpLink Impact Report 2025 (WEF UpLink)

Down to EarthUpLink · carbon emissions · hazardous wastewater

What & Where

UpLink = WEF-Deloitte-Salesforce open-innovation platform (launched Davos 2020) sourcing start-ups for UN-SDG solutions.

Annual Impact Report 2025 covers venture outcomes during 2023-24 across climate, water, waste, food.

Core operations global; Indian success stories include Indra Water & S4S.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Carbon-cutting: ventures collectively equal annual CO₂ of ~30,000 Indian cars.
Biodiversity: 140 million ha safeguarded ≈ 20 % Amazon rainforest extent.
Pollution-control: 2.5 billion L toxic effluent neutralised, 28 million t waste digitally tracked.

Social Impact

WASH-access: 2.7 million citizens now receive safer water & sanitation services.
Food-security: S4S saves produce sufficient for 81 million person-days of nutrition.
Job-creation: report notes scalable venture models fostering local employment (figures not specified).

Indian Start-ups

Indra Water: electro-coagulation tech scaling; 1.2 billion L treated in 2024 alone.
S4S: solar dehydration of surplus crops slashes 60 kt waste, monetises farmer returns.
India emerging as key UpLink geography for water-food nexus innovations.

Tech & Schemes

Open-innovation: challenges posted online; winners receive funding, mentorship, WEF networking.
SDG-aligned lenses: climate, nature, food, water categories dominate 2025 cycle.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Carbon emissions avoided (2023-24)	142,400 t
Ecosystems protected	140 million ha
Hazardous wastewater treated	2.5 billion L
Waste tracked	28 million t
People with better WASH access	2.7 million
Indra Water wastewater processed (2024)	1.2 billion L
Indra Water growth vs 2022	+243 %
S4S food waste cut	60,000 t
Equivalent people fed (S4S)	2.7 million /month
UpLink launch year	2020

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.Human Evolution Dual-Ancestry Study (Human Evolution)

CambridgeUniHomo sapiens · 1000 Genomes Project · admixture

Illustration for Human Evolution Dual-Ancestry Study (Human Evolution)

What & Where

Homo sapiens arose via admixture of two ancestral populations, overturning single-origin model.

Lineages split ~1.5 million yr ago, re-united ~300 kyr ago, probably within Africa.

Evidence from worldwide 1000 Genomes Project modern‐DNA dataset, not fossil remains.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Genetic Evidence

Admixture inference drawn from linkage patterns, not ancient DNA fragments.
Minority-origin alleles show enriched neurological pathways, hinting adaptive advantage.

Timeline

Divergence 1.5 mya predates earliest accepted Homo sapiens fossils (~300 kya).
Gene flow 300 kya coincides with Moroccan Jebel Irhoud fossil horizon.

Population Dynamics

Majority lineage endured population crash, suggesting climatic or ecological stress.
Recovery coupled with minority introgression shaped present human diversity.

Comparative Interbreeding

Neanderthal-Denisovan introgression later (~50 kya) far smaller in magnitude.
Modern human core genome thus chiefly forged before Out-of-Africa dispersals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ancestral populations	Two; one majority 80 %, one minority 20 %
Initial split	≈ 1.5 million years ago
Re-admixture event	≈ 300 000 years ago
Majority bottleneck	Severe decline then recovery
Minority gene focus	Brain function & cognition loci
Selection type seen	Purifying (removal of deleterious alleles)
Genomic contribution	~10 × Neanderthal-Denisovan input
Neanderthal-Denisovan share	≈ 2 % of non-African DNA
Dataset used	1000 Genomes Project (Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas)

GS-3Security

12.Africa-India Maritime Exercise AIKEYME (Naval Exercise)

DD NewsAIKEYME · Indian Ocean · Tanzania

What & Where

Exercise AIKEYME – multilateral naval drill enhancing India-Africa maritime interoperability

Co-hosted by India & Tanzania; first edition April 2025, Dar-es-Salaam

Focus on Indian Ocean security against piracy, trafficking, IUU fishing

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Objective strengthen regional maritime domain awareness and coordinated response
Targets piracy, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, IUU fishing in IOR
Information-sharing networks emphasised among participating navies

Operational Elements

Harbour phase includes tabletop exercises, boarding procedure rehearsals
Sea phase integrates SAR, helicopter cross-deck operations, live firing
Emphasis on interoperability in Visit-Board-Search-Seizure tactics

India’s Maritime Outreach

Exercise realises SAGAR vision of security and growth for all in region
MAHASAGAR initiative 2025 extends Indian training, maintenance, logistics support to African navies
INS Sunayna conducts month-long IOS Sagar surveillance with port calls in five littoral states

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full name	Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement
First edition	April 2025
Host nations	India, Tanzania
Venue city	Dar-es-Salaam
Total participants	11 countries
African countries	Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania
Indian ship deployed	INS Sunayna
Major phases	Harbour, Sea
Harbour focus	Tabletop piracy drills, seamanship, VBSS training
Sea focus	SAR, small-arms firing, helicopter ops, VBSS
Alignment	SAGAR vision, MAHASAGAR initiative (2025)
Related patrol	IOS Sagar joint surveillance in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

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

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following countries did the Indian Navy participate in the U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise, to demonstrate its maritime manoeuvres?

GS-2Scheme

13.Unified Pension Scheme Guidelines (Unified Pension)

Times of IndiaPFRDA · April 2025 · central employees

What & Where

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) — contributory, guaranteed-payout pension option for Central Govt employees, regulated by PFRDA.

Covers serving, retired and future recruits of Union Government opting within stipulated window, all India.

Effective 1 Apr 2025; co-exists with National Pension System (NPS).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility

Serving NPS subscribers on 1 Apr 2025 may migrate to UPS within three-month window.
Central Govt recruits post-1 Apr 2025 allowed one-time UPS option within 30 days of appointment.
NPS retirees/voluntary retirees till 31 Mar 2025 and their legally-wedded spouses may join.

Contribution & Payout

Employee pays 10 % of Basic + DA; Govt deposits 18.5 % total (10 % match + 8.5 % guarantee buffer).
Pension floor ₹10,000 after qualifying service; higher amount equals 50 % of last-year basic with 25-year service.
Contributions invested through chosen PFRDA fund; returns supplement guarantee.

Flexibility & Portability

Existing PRAN continues; no new account needed when shifting from NPS.
Annual flexibility: one fund manager change plus two asset-allocation switches.
On exit/retirement, subscriber may withdraw 60 % lump-sum; balance funds lifelong annuity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Government notification	Jan 2025
Go-live date	1 Apr 2025
Implementing agency	PFRDA
Option window length	3 months (from 1 Apr 2025)
Reversibility	Irrevocable once chosen
Eligible new recruits	Must opt within 30 days of joining
Employee contribution	10 % of Basic Pay + DA
Govt contribution	10 % match + 8.5 % extra
Minimum service for pension	10 years
Assured minimum pension	₹10,000 / month
Full pension formula	50 % of last 12-month avg. basic (≥25 y service)
PRAN status	Same number as under NPS
Fund manager choice	Any PFRDA-registered
Fund switch	1 per FY
Asset-mix switch	2 per FY
Partial withdrawal	Up to 60 % corpus on exit
Eligible family	Legally-wedded spouse of deceased retiree

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 1

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)?

GS-1Editorial

14.Post-Covid Indian Migration Patterns (Post-Covid Migration)

Indian Expressreverse migration · MGNREGA · Smart Cities Mission

Illustration for Post-Covid Indian Migration Patterns (Post-Covid Migration)

What & Where

Migration = people’s spatial mobility for work/study/survival; two main streams: internal (rural↔urban, inter-state) & international.

Post-Covid India: large urban→rural reverse flow in 2020, now renewed rural→urban plus rising climate-led moves from coastal/agrarian belts.

Major external corridors: Gulf (low-skill), North America, EU, Australia (high-skill), new forays into Africa, Europe via EU Blue Card.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Post-Covid Internal Trends

Rebound: MGNREGA low wages + Smart Cities pull sending workers back to metros.
Climate push: Odisha, other agrarian states see distress moves due to floods, droughts.
Entitlement loss: weak ONORC portability hampers food security.

International Emigration

Shift: skilled Indians choosing Canada Express Entry, Australia, EU Blue Card over Gulf.
Healthcare demand: global spike kept remittances buoyant despite pandemic layoffs.
Student surge: post-pandemic outbound education a key remittance driver.

Governance Gaps

Data void: delayed Census 2021, under-counted donkey-route emigrants hinder planning.
Scheme lag: Four Labour Codes 2020 await rules; Inter-State Migrant Act poorly enforced.
Panchayat limits: minimal funds/capacity to track or aid migrants.

Schemes & Tech

e-Shram: voluntary unorganised worker e-registry, hampered by digital divide.
ONORC: ration portability across states, coverage still patchy.
PDOT: MEA-run pre-departure orientation expanding via India Centre for Migration.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Reverse migrants 1st lockdown	44.13 million
Reverse migrants 2nd lockdown	26.3 million
Urban share projected 2030	>40 % (Econ Survey 23-24)
PLFS migration rate 2020-21	28.9 %
Total remittances 2020	USD 83.15 bn
Total remittances 2023-24	USD 118.7 bn
Education remittances 2021	USD 3,171 mn
Kerala student emigrants 2023	2.5 lakh (↑94 % vs 2018)
Smart Cities to be built	100
e-Shram launch year	2021

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements with regard to the World Immigration Report, 2020 prepared by the United Nations is NOT correct?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 2

2011 की जनगणना के अनुसार, भारत में ऐसे लोग, जिन्हें प्रवासी (आंतरिक) माना जा सकता है अर्थात् जो अपने पिछले निवास से हट कर किसी अन्य स्थान पर बस गए हैं, की प्रतिशतता (लगभग) कितनी है?

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