UPSC Current Affairs 10 April 2025

Q: The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to

The correct answer is (a) More liquidity in the market. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

The correct answer is (c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut their lending rates. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

The correct answer is (a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: पर्यावरण में निष्क्रिय हो जाने वाली ‘सूक्ष्ममणिकाएँ’ (Micro-beads) के विषय में अत्यधिक चिंता क्यों है?

The correct answer is (a) वे समुद्री पारितंत्रों के लिए हानिकारक मानी जाती हैं।. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2019.

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

The correct answer is (b) National Cadet Corps (NCC). This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, published by environmental think tank Germanwatch, in the year 2018 India’s rank in the list of top most climate affected nations is:

The correct answer is (c) 5th. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2020.

Q: The United Nations has recently warned that 'famine-like conditions have been created by climate change' in which one of the following countries?

The correct answer is (b) Mongolia. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2022.

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: "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: 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.

GS-3Economy

1.RBI Accommodative Monetary Stance (Monetary Policy)

DHRBI · Monetary Policy Committee · Low Interest Rates

Illustration for RBI Accommodative Monetary Stance (Monetary Policy)

What & Where

Policy Accommodative stance is an RBI monetary approach to spur activity via low rates and high liquidity

Process Maintains easy credit through repo cuts, OMOs, LTROs, CRR tweaks and guidance to banks

Geography Applied across India during weak growth phases with inflation inside 2-6 % target band

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives

Credit Aim to boost loan availability for private investment
Borrowing Lower cost of capital to trigger spending by firms and households
Demand Support aggregate demand revival across stressed sectors

Tools

Repo Cutting policy repo reduces banks’ funding cost
Liquidity OMOs and LTROs inject durable and long-term funds
Reserves CRR reduction frees bank resources for lending

Economic Impact

Growth Higher consumption and CAPEX lift GDP trajectory
Assets Excess liquidity can inflate equities and real estate prices
Inflation Extended accommodation risks price pressures and external value erosion

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Definition	Expansionary monetary stance with low interest and ample liquidity
Adopted when	GDP below potential, inflation subdued or within target
Primary authority	RBI Monetary Policy Committee
Key rate lever	Repo rate reductions
Liquidity levers	OMOs, LTROs, temporary CRR cuts
Additional measure	Moral suasion for banks to raise lending
Short-term gain	Higher consumption, investment, employment
Key risk	Prolonged ease may fuel inflation and rupee weakness

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to

GS1 2015PYQ 2

When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

GS-1History

2.Daulatabad Fort Historical Significance (Medieval Fort)

The HinduDevgiri · Muhammad bin Tughlaq · Chand Minar

Illustration for Daulatabad Fort Historical Significance (Medieval Fort)

What & Where

Hill-fort in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra; called Devgiri until Muhammad bin Tughlaq renamed it Daulatabad, 14th century.

Capital for Yadavas, Tughlaqs, Bahmanis, Nizam Shahis, Mughals, brief Marathas, later Nizams of Hyderabad.

UNESCO-nominated heritage noted for tri-layer defences, Indo-Islamic monuments, strategic ecology on basalt hill.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Administrative & Safety

ASI initiating damage assessment, drafting fort-specific disaster-management plan post-2025 fire.
UNESCO tentative listing heightens conservation priority, mandates periodic reporting.

Architectural Layout

Fortification triple-ring with moats, bastions, iron-spiked gates deterring elephants and siege towers.
Andheri tunnel zig-zag, dark, perforated for hot-oil ambushes.
Hill-top accessed via serpentine ascent limiting cavalry charge.

Monument Highlights

Chand Minar 30-storey red-sandstone shaft, Indo-Islamic mouldings modelled on Qutub Minar.
Bharat Mata Mandir retains 106 pillars from original mosque hypostyle hall.
Chini Mahal showcases blue-tile fragments, later Aurangzeb’s high-value prison.

Military Assets

Cannon network covers 360° ranges; Mendha reputed to breach enemy ramparts.
Bastions sited at angular intervals ensuring interlocking fields of fire.
Stores for water, grain enable long-duration resistance against sieges.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
District	Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra
Original name	Devgiri (Hill of Gods)
Renamed by	Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Fortification layers	Ambarkot, Mahakot, Kalakot
Defensive tunnel	Andheri
Victory tower	Chand Minar
Chand Minar year	1435 CE
Former Jama Masjid	Now Bharat Mata Mandir
Masjid built	1318 CE under Qutub-ud-din Mubarak
Palace prison	Chini Mahal by Aurangzeb
Cannon tally	≈ 288 pieces
Famous cannon	Mendha / Qila Shikan
Managing body	Archaeological Survey of India
Recent incident	2025 fire; ASI damage assessment

GS-1Mapping

3.Taiwan Strait Strategic Significance (Strategic Strait)

WIONSouth China Sea · East China Sea · Fujian Province

Illustration for Taiwan Strait Strategic Significance (Strategic Strait)

What & Where

Strait: narrow sea passage between Taiwan Island and China’s Fujian coast.

Linkage: connects South China Sea (south) to East China Sea (north) within Western Pacific.

Geopolitics: perennial flashpoint amid PRC-Taiwan tensions and heavy international naval presence.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Shelf: shallow continental shelf facilitates rich fisheries, complex currents.
Underwater bank: prominent feature just north of Penghu Islands.
Rivers: Min & Jiulong deposit sediment and nutrients into western strait.

Strategic Significance

Trade-lane: busy route for East Asian shipping and energy imports.
Flashpoint: core of US-China-Taiwan security calculus; frequent overflights & transits.
Surveillance: regular US freedom-of-navigation operations challenge PRC claims.

Recent Developments

Exercise: August 2024 saw PLA’s largest drills encompassing entire strait.
Carrier: Shandong operated east of Taiwan, simulating encirclement tactics.
Response: heightened alerts by Taipei; regional allies monitor via ISR assets.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Connecting seas	South China Sea ↔ East China Sea
Bordering landmasses	Fujian Province (PRC) & Taiwan Island
Shelf type	Part of Asian continental shelf
Main Chinese rivers draining	Min River, Jiulong River
Nearby island group	Penghu (Pescadores) Islands to the north-west
Key military user (2024 drill)	PLA Navy’s Shandong aircraft carrier

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

GS-3Environment

4.Marine Litter Environmental Threat (Ocean Plastic)

Down to EarthMarine Debris · Microplastics · Ghost Gear

Illustration for Marine Litter Environmental Threat (Ocean Plastic)

What & Where

Definition: Human-generated waste, mainly plastic, reaching oceans via rivers, drains, coastal activities

Key types: Single-use plastics, microplastics, ghost fishing gear; plastics constitute >80 % of debris

Core geography: Detected from Arctic ice to deep-sea trenches; India’s 7,500 km coast heavily exposed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Bioaccumulation: Microplastics enter food web, threaten biodiversity and human health
Navigation loss: Fouled propellers, damaged nets, tourism decline raise economic costs
Species mortality: Turtles, seabirds ingest plastic; entanglement leading global non-fish fatalities

International Instruments

Honolulu Commitment 2011: Multistakeholder pledge to curb land-sea waste inputs
UNEP Clean Seas 2017: Urges national bans on single-use plastics, promotes citizen pledges
GESAMP & GPML: UN scientific platforms aiding microplastic research and best practices

Indian Gaps

Policy vacuum: No standalone Marine Litter Act; action plan still in draft
Sector bias: Enforcement focuses on shipping, ignores riverine solid waste inflows
Land-sea disconnect: Urban drains funnel untreated trash, largely unchecked

Way Forward

National law: Model after Japan, EU Marine Strategy for land-sea continuum coverage
Community action: Replicate Kerala Suchitwa Sagaram fisherfolk clean-ups nationwide
Circular economy: Strengthen EPR traceability, incentivise coastal recycling & biodegradable substitutes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Plastic share in marine debris	>80 %
Global plastic output last decade	Exceeded entire 20th-century production
Annual deaths, marine mammals (ghost gear)	≈ 650,000
Annual deaths, all marine animals	>1 million
2050 forecast	More plastic by weight than fish
MARPOL Annex V	1983, bans ship plastic dumping
UNCLOS pollution mandate	Art-194, 1994 entry
SDG 14.1 deadline	2025 for pollution reduction
India marine-specific law	None; relies on Plastic Waste Rules 2016
EPR status in India	Patchy, state-wise inconsistency

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2019PYQ 1

पर्यावरण में निष्क्रिय हो जाने वाली ‘सूक्ष्ममणिकाएँ’ (Micro-beads) के विषय में अत्यधिक चिंता क्यों है?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

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

GS-3Environment

5.Climate Losses in Asia-Pacific (Climate Losses)

Down to EarthUNESCAP Survey · Average Annual Loss · GDP Impact

What & Where

UNESCAP Economic and Social Survey 2025 measures climate-linked macroeconomic losses across 30 Asia-Pacific economies

Average Annual Loss (AAL) expresses expected yearly disaster damage as % of GDP via hazard–exposure–vulnerability modelling

Geography: Afghanistan to Fiji; region delivered 60 % of 2024 global growth yet remains climate-vulnerable

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Losses: one-third of surveyed states already exceed 6 % GDP annual climate damage
Vulnerable list: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Urbanisation: rapid coastal growth plus weak infrastructure heightens fiscal and credit risks

Sectoral Risks

Agriculture: rice yields may drop 14 % by 2050 across region
Energy: coal-centric Indonesia, India, China face revenue and employment shocks from renewable transition
Fisheries: tropical stocks could decline 30 % by 2050

India Impact

GDP: 24.7 % potential output loss by 2070 under current warming trajectory
Labour: 34 million jobs at risk by 2030; 4.5 % GDP from lost labour hours
Coastline: 32 % eroded; Mumbai, Kolkata, Sundarbans highly exposed to sea-level rise

Policy & Schemes

Circular economy: promote zero-waste cities and Waste-to-Wealth initiatives
Innovation: Atal Innovation Mission, Start-up India, GCF funds for carbon capture and renewables
Infrastructure finance: align Smart Cities with NAPCC; green SEZs; develop national green taxonomy; utilise Loss & Damage Fund

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Survey edition	2025
Countries analysed	30
Region-wide AAL	4.8 % of GDP
Cambodia AAL	≈11 % of GDP
≥7 % AAL nations	Fiji, Myanmar, Pakistan
Asia-Pac share of 2024 world growth	60 %
India GDP loss forecast 2070	24.7 % (ADB)
India heat-linked job loss 2030	34 million (WB)
Indian coastline eroded 1990-2018	32 %
India extreme-event loss 1993-2023	USD 180 bn; 80 000 deaths

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, published by environmental think tank Germanwatch, in the year 2018 India’s rank in the list of top most climate affected nations is:

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

The United Nations has recently warned that 'famine-like conditions have been created by climate change' in which one of the following countries?

GS-3Species

6.One-Horned Rhinoceros Conservation Plan (Rhino Translocation)

DHRhinoceros unicornis · IUCN Vulnerable · Kaziranga

Illustration for One-Horned Rhinoceros Conservation Plan (Rhino Translocation)

What & Where

Definition One-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis translocation plan aims to ease habitat pressure in Assam

Process Move rhinos from Kaziranga and Pobitora to seven protected areas across five states during 13-year span

Geography Proposed sites include Dibru-Saikhowa Assam, D’Ering Arunachal, Valmiki Bihar, Dudhwa–Pilibhit–Katarniaghat UP, Surai Range Uttarakhand

Quick Facts for MCQs

Translocation Sites

Assam Dibru-Saikhowa NP slated to receive five rhinos reintroduced over 13-year timeframe
West Bengal Gorumara and Jaldapara to exchange five rhinos every three years with Kaziranga or Pobitora
Expansion D’Ering Arunachal, Valmiki Bihar, Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Katarniaghat UP, Surai Range Uttarakhand earmarked for fresh introductions

Biological Features

Size Largest Asian rhino species, thick armour-plated skin folds aid predator defence
Diet Solitary grazers preferring tall grass, aquatic plants, shrubs, seasonal fruits across swampy terrain
Horn Keratin single horn used for display and turf defence, not medically attached to skull bone

Conservation & Policy

Goal Reduce overcrowding in Kaziranga and Pobitora ensuring genetic dispersal and risk mitigation from disease or disaster
Agency Wildlife Institute of India drafted national action plan serving as roadmap for state forest departments translocations
Monitoring Plan calls for periodic health checks, satellite telemetry and community engagement near release landscapes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Rhinoceros unicornis
IUCN status	Vulnerable
Typical height	5.75–6.5 ft
Typical weight	Up to 6,000 lb
Horn length	8–25 inches
Largest population site	Kaziranga NP Assam ~2,613 (2022)
Highest density site	Pobitora WLS Assam 107 rhinos/16 sq km
Main habitat type	Terai grasslands & alluvial floodplains
Action plan horizon	13 years
States in new plan	Assam WB Arunachal Bihar UP Uttarakhand

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

"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-3Species

7.Nilgiri Tahr Census Initiative (Endemic Ungulate)

The HinduNilgiritragus hylocrius · IUCN Endangered · Eravikulam National Park

Illustration for Nilgiri Tahr Census Initiative (Endemic Ungulate)

What & Where

Endemic mountain ungulate Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), state animal of Tamil Nadu

Restricted to southern Western Ghats, mainly Eravikulam & Mukurthi landscapes at 1,200–2,600 m

Kerala–TN joint census April 2024, 265 blocks, marks 50 years of Eravikulam National Park

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Schedule I tagging grants highest WPA protection, bans hunting and trade
State governments coordinate under Project Nilgiri Tahr for surveys, telemetry, reintroductions
50-year Eravikulam NP jubilee used as legal-policy focal point for joint census

Population Stats

Combined recent estimate ≈2,056 individuals across Kerala–TN
Eravikulam NP holds single largest herd; Mukurthi NP second stronghold
Fragmented sub-populations demand metapopulation management approach

Habitat & Ecology

Species prefers steep rocky grasslands abutting shola forests for forage and predator escape
Climatic adaptation to wet tropical montane zones; sure-footed morphology suits escarpments
Keystone grazer; maintains grassland structure aiding other endemics

Scheme & Research

Radio-telemetry planned to map dispersal corridors and human-wildlife interfaces
Reintroduction targets historic sites like Grass Hills, Silent Valley, Agasthyamalai
Census uses block counts, double-observer photographic capture-recapture methods

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IUCN status	Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act slot	Schedule I
Activity cycle	Diurnal
Sexual dimorphism	Males larger, darker
Preferred habitat	Montane grassland–shola mosaics
Historic range length	~400 km Western Ghats
Present TN population	~1,229 animals
Present Kerala population	~827 animals
Altitudinal band	1,200–2,600 m
State animal of	Tamil Nadu
Project Nilgiri Tahr	2022–2027
April 2024 census blocks	265

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

"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

GS1 2017PYQ 2

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

GS-2Economy

8.India Withdraws Bangladesh Transshipment Facility (Transshipment Policy)

New Indian ExpressNeighbourhood First · Land Customs Stations · Apparel Exports

What & Where

2020 facility: India’s LCSs & ports allowed Bangladeshi cargo to transit for exports to Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, beyond.

Core routes: Benapole–Petrapole LCS, Kolkata Port, Delhi Airport; leveraged India’s multimodal network for quicker third-country access.

Geography stakes: Siliguri Corridor proximity, Northeast connectivity, BBIN sub-region.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Impact

Cost spike: Bangladesh loses cheapest land-sea route, raising freight & lead time for Europe/US shipments.
India gain: Relieved port/airport congestion, cushions domestic textile exporters from price undercutting.
Investor sentiment: Bangladesh’s transit-hub narrative weakened, may deter FDI in logistics.

Domestic Industry

AEPC lobbying: Cited unfair advantage to duty-free Bangladeshi RMG entering same freight channels.
Market share: Indian apparel sector eyes reclaimed slice of EU/US demand.
Political economy: Decision signals prioritising domestic MSME textiles before elections.

Security Dimension

China factor: Dhaka courting Chinese infra near Siliguri raised strategic alarm in Delhi.
Control lever: Facility withdrawal reasserts India’s logistic chokepoint influence over Bangladesh.
Spill-over risk: Action could push Dhaka to deepen Chinese port/rail alternatives.

Diplomacy & Regionalism

Message: Calibrated reminder against “geopolitical drift” under Neighbourhood First.
Platforms available: BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, BIMSTEC connectivity master-plan for renegotiated access.
Negotiation ask: Possible conditional reinstatement tied to security audits, reciprocity and capacity-sharing.

Logistics & Infrastructure

Bottlenecks: Delhi IGI cargo congestion, rising inland haulage costs flagged by Indian exporters.
Alternatives lacking: Bangladesh yet to operationalise high-capacity ports/dry ports to offset Indian corridor loss.
Joint builds: Proposed shared dry ports, rail ICDs to decouple security from commerce.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2020
Withdrawn	April 2024 (post-AEPC plea)
Key Bangladeshi export	Readymade garments (≈ US $50 bn, 2024)
Major Indian nodes used	Kolkata Port, Delhi IGI Airport
Policy tag line	Neighbourhood First
Stakeholder opposing	Apparel Export Promotion Council, India
Landlocked beneficiaries	Nepal, Bhutan, parts of NE India
Security flashpoint	Chinese-funded Lalmonirhat airbase near Siliguri Corridor

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

In February 2024, Government of India has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and:

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

9.150th IPU Assembly Tashkent (Inter-Parliamentary Union)

PIBIPU · Geneva Headquarters · 182 Parliaments

What & Where

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): global body of national parliaments advancing peace, rights, democracy via diplomacy.

Founded 1889; headquarters Geneva; network spans 182 Members + 15 Associates (2025).

Core forum: IPU Assembly meets twice yearly; 150ᵗʰ session convened at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mandate & Structure

Objective: promote democratic governance, dialogue, capacity-building among legislatures.
Agenda areas: democracy, human rights, peace, sustainable development resolutions.
Funding: assessed member contributions underpin core programmes.

150th Assembly

Focus themes: inclusive democracy, gender representation, inter-parliamentary cooperation.
India highlighted Nari Shakti Vandan Act and ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Tribute paid to former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Tashkent memorial.

India’s Role

Delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker; proposed regular exchanges with Uzbekistan, Israel, Kazakhstan.
Showcased constitutional amendments enhancing women’s representation.
Reiterated commitment to parliamentary diplomacy within Central Asian outreach.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Founded	1889
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Members (2025)	182 National Parliaments
Associate Members	15
Principal Body	IPU Assembly
Assembly Frequency	Twice a year
150ᵗʰ Assembly Venue	Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Primary Funding	Member contributions
Slogan	“For democracy. For everyone.”

GS-3Security

10.Ottawa Landmine Convention Withdrawals (Landmine Treaty)

Indian Express1997 Ottawa Convention · Anti-Personnel Mines · Poland Withdrawal

What & Where

Ottawa Convention 1997 — global ban on use, production, stockpiling, transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Current hotspot — Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania plan withdrawal amid Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Scope limited to personnel mines; anti-vehicle mines outside ambit.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Withdrawal right provided under Article 20 of Ottawa Convention with six-month notice.
Treaty allows retention of minimal mines strictly for training in detection/removal.

Security Dimension

States cite rearming threat if a ceasefire leaves Russia with mine stockpiles.
NATO eastern flank seeks rapid deployment options including mine use for border defence.

Membership Changes

First mass pull-out by EU/NATO members since convention inception.
Potential precedent for other frontline countries questioning humanitarian disarmament norms.

Related Treaties

Cluster Munitions Convention bans weapons releasing multiple bomblets; hinges on similar humanitarian logic.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Treaty nickname	Mine Ban / Ottawa Convention
Adoption & venue	18 Sep 1997, Oslo Diplomatic Conference
Entry into force	1 Mar 1999
Signatory duties	Destroy stockpiles ≤ 4 yrs; clear mined areas; assist victims
Membership tally	164 States (Apr 2025)
Non-parties	US, Russia, India, China, Ukraine, Israel
Weapon covered	Anti-personnel landmines only
Parallel ban treaty	2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions
Cluster treaty parties	112 States; India not signatory
Recent withdrawals	Lithuania (cluster treaty); Poland, Finland, Baltics (Ottawa)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1998PYQ 1

The recent Land Mines Conference to sign the historic treaty was held in the Capital city of

GS-3Security

11.INDRA-2025 India-Russia Naval Exercise (India-Russia Exercise)

PIBBay of Bengal · Harbour Phase · Sea Phase

What & Where

INDRA 2025: 14th bilateral India–Russia naval exercise, continuing INDRA series begun 2003

Two-phase format: Harbour Phase at Chennai port; Sea Phase in adjoining Bay of Bengal waters

Focus: joint maritime threat response, interoperability, rules-based order in Indian Ocean Region

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Drills: tactical manoeuvres, anti-air warfare, cross-deck helicopter landings
Outcome: improved real-time data-sharing and coordinated multithreat engagement capability
Area choice: Bay of Bengal allows blue-water, high-tempo scenarios near busy SLOCs

Defence Diplomacy

Exercise reaffirms long-standing India–Russia defence partnership beyond arms trade
Builds trust through crew exchanges, ship visits, sports interactions during Harbour Phase
Signals commitment to multipolar, rules-based Indo-Pacific security architecture

Comparable Exercises

Multilateral: Malabar (Quad), La Perouse (6 nations), KOMODO (36 nations)
Bilateral: Varuna (France), AUSINDEX (Australia), SLINEX (Sri Lanka)
Theme overlap: all aim at interoperability, maritime domain awareness, freedom of navigation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Partner navies	India & Russia
Edition & Year	14th edition, 2025
Harbour Phase venue	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sea Phase area	Bay of Bengal
Indian assets	INS Rana, INS Kuthar, P-8I LRMR aircraft
Russian assets	Pechanga, Rezkiy, Aldar Tsydenzhapov
Launch year of series	2003
Core aims	Counter maritime threats; enhance joint ops; uphold maritime order

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 2021PYQ 2

The maiden Indian Navy – European Union Naval Force (IN-EUNAVFOR) Exercise (2021) was conducted in

GS-2Scheme

12.Panchayat Advancement Index Highlights (Panchayat Performance)

DD NewsMinistry of Panchayati Raj · SDG Indicators · Composite Index

Illustration for Panchayat Advancement Index Highlights (Panchayat Performance)

What & Where

Composite index benchmarking 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats on nine SDG themes across rural India

First Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) report released for 2022-23 by Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Gujarat and Telangana house the largest clusters of high-scoring panchayats

Quick Facts for MCQs

Metrics & Scope

Indicators 435 map to 566 data points ensuring granular SDG tracking
Data collection leverages Panchayat Enterprise Suite for real-time validation
Coverage spans nine themes: poverty, hunger, health, education, gender, water-sanitation, energy, economy, institutions

Performance Tiers

Front Runners 699 panchayats scored 75–90 indicating strong multi-sector delivery
Performers 77,298 panchayats in 60–75 band show above-average progress
Aspirants 1,32,392 panchayats in 40–60 band need focused assistance

State Rankings

Gujarat tops both Front Runner and Performer counts demonstrating consistent rural governance
Telangana secures second place with 270 Front Runners and 10,099 Performers
Eastern and central states dominate Aspirant category signaling regional development gaps

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching ministry	Ministry of Panchayati Raj
First report year	2022-23 cycle, released 2024
Gram Panchayats assessed	2,16,285 validated; 11,712 pending
Total indicators	435 (331 mandatory + 104 optional)
Unique data points	566 aligned with National Indicator Framework
SDG themes covered	Nine
Front Runner score band	75–90
Achiever score band	90 + ; none yet
States with most Front Runners	Gujarat 346, Telangana 270
Largest Aspirant counts	Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

Based on the scoring on SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) India Index, the NITI Aayog has classified various States into certain categories. Which one of the following is not one of the categories?

CAPF_GAI 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following States ranked first on Sustainable Development Goal India Index, 2020-21 released by NITI Aayog?

GS-2Scheme

13.Modernized Command Area Scheme (Irrigation Modernisation)

PIBM-CADWM · PMKSY · Har Khet Ko Pani

What & Where

PMKSY; national umbrella irrigation mission; pan-India, launched 2015

M-CADWM; modernisation sub-scheme under PMKSY; approved for FY 2025-26

Focus zones; command areas of major, medium, extension, renovation & modernisation (ERM) projects across states

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Convergence; combines AIBP, IWMP, OFWM for single funding window
Digital layer; SCADA-IoT enables real-time water accounting, remote sluice control
Pressure network; underground PVC/HDPE pipes replace open channels, reduce seepage losses

Institutional Set-up

State Level Sanctioning Committee vets district plans, monitors execution
National Steering Committee ensures inter-ministerial coordination, policy tweaks
Asset O&M transferred to Water User Societies, can partner FPOs or PACS

Financials

Centre allocation; ₹1,600 crore earmarked FY 2025-26, cost-sharing as per PMKSY norms
Modernisation aims to utilise idle potential of earlier AIBP canals, improving ROI
Expected to attract private agri-tech investment via assured water supply infrastructure

Objectives

Utilisation; bridge gap between created and utilised irrigation potential
Efficiency; maximise water use efficiency, promote micro-irrigation through pressure systems
Sustainability; conserve water, reuse treated waste-water in peri-urban belts

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
PMKSY launch year	2015
Ministries involved	Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Rural Development
Core slogans	Har Khet Ko Pani; Per Drop More Crop
M-CADWM approval	Union Cabinet, April 2025
M-CADWM outlay	₹1,600 crore for FY 2025-26
Original programme	Command Area Development, 1974-75
Key tech	Pressurised piped network, SCADA, IoT monitoring
Water delivery design	Up to 1 ha farm outlets
Asset hand-over	Water User Societies
Convergence	AIBP, IWMP, OFWM merged into PMKSY

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements about PDMC scheme (Per Drop More Crop) is not correct?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which one among the following schemes focuses on developing modern infrastructure and optimizing supply chain from farm to retail in Indian agriculture sector?