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15 topicsGS-1: 5GS-2: 1GS-3: 9
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GS-2Polity

1.UK Court Defines Woman Biologically (Gender Definition)

The Hindu

What & Where

UK Supreme Court clarified Equality Act 2010; term “woman” tied to biological sex, not gender identity

Definition now legally binary; Gender Recognition Certificate cannot shift a person into female category for Act protections

Applies across UK, influencing women-only shelters, prisons, changing rooms, pay-equity litigation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Ruling enables service providers to apply sex-segregation citing Equality Act exceptions
  • Biological sex becomes comparator in equal-pay, employment discrimination suits
  • Trans community still covered by harassment, victimisation bans under Act

Indian Jurisprudence

  • NALSA recognised self-identified gender; mandated third-gender option in documents
  • Puttaswamy upheld sexual-orientation privacy under Article 21
  • Navtej struck down IPC 377 part; affirmed dignity, non-discrimination for LGBT+ persons

International Examples

  • Malta GIGESC Act allows self-determination without medical preconditions
  • Istanbul Convention treats gender as socially constructed, separate from sex characteristics
  • Yogyakarta Principles guide UN bodies on orientation, identity rights

Social Services Impact

  • Shelters, prisons, changing rooms may exclude trans women to protect biological-female privacy/safety claims
  • Policy likely to shape funding, staffing and training for single-sex facilities
  • Potential rise in legal challenges alleging indirect discrimination against trans individuals

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Interpreted lawEquality Act 2010 (UK)
Key ruling year2024* (*judgment referenced Apr 2025 report)
Sex definitionBinary, biology-based
Trans women protectionAs “gender reassignment” class, not as “women”
Women-only services impactLawful exclusion of trans women permitted
Indian case on self-IDNALSA v UoI 2014
Privacy & orientation casePuttaswamy 2017
Section 377 decriminalisedNavtej Singh Johar 2018
Global soft law citedYogyakarta Principles 2006
GS-3Economy

2.WTO Global Trade Outlook 2025 (Global Trade Outlook)

The Hindu
Illustration for WTO Global Trade Outlook 2025 (Global Trade Outlook)

What & Where

Institution: World Trade Organization; HQ Geneva; 166 members regulating 98 % of global trade

Report: Global Trade Outlook & Statistics 2025 assesses merchandise, services trade and tariff-scenario impacts

Geography: Projections cover all regions; sharpest 2025 hit in North America, modest growth in Asia & Europe

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Slowdown: UNCTAD warns possible recession as fragmentation rises
  • Services drag: Transport, travel, investment services weaken with goods slump
  • Vulnerability: LDCs exposed due to narrow commodity baskets

Tariff Impact

  • Penalty: US reciprocal duties alone cut world trade growth 0.6 pp
  • Escalation: Added US-China measures slice another 0.8 pp in 2025
  • Diversion: Falling US-China flows shift market share to alternate suppliers, incl. LDCs

India Position

  • Merchandise: Rank slips yet share steady, signalling peer gains faster
  • Imports: Seventh largest buyer; unchanged 3.4 % slice
  • Services: Slight share dip but still sixth globally

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
WTO birth1995, Marrakesh Agreement 1994
PrecursorGATT 1948
Key pactsTRIMS, TRIPS, AoA
Merchandise trade 2024+2.9 %
Merchandise trade 2025 forecast−0.2 % (baseline)
Worst-case 2025 decline−1.5 % with fresh tariffs
Services trade 2025 forecast+4.0 %
US reciprocal tariffs impact−0.6 percentage-point on growth
Extra US-China escalation−0.8 percentage-point
North America export outlook−12.6 %
Asia export outlook+1.6 %
Europe export outlook+1.0 %
Chinese exports outside N. America+4-9 % diversion
UNCTAD 2025 GDP call2.3 % growth
India exporter rank 202414th; share 2.2 %
India importer rank 20247th; share 3.4 %
India services exporter rank6th; share 5.3 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2010PYQ 2

In the context of the affairs of which of the following is the phrase “Special Safeguard Mechanisms” mentioned in the news frequently ?

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

3.Shinkansen Trains for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor (Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR)

Business Standard
Illustration for Shinkansen Trains for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor (Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR)

What & Where

Japan to gift India two Shinkansen sets (E5, E3) in 2026

Sets meant for 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, western India

Corridor executed by NHSRCL under National Rail Plan 2030

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Specs

  • E5 operational since 2011; 320 km/h; chosen for India bullet corridor
  • E3 older, slower mini-shinkansen; retains identical safety systems
  • Aerodynamic nose & ATC ensure low noise, smooth ride

Funding & Economics

  • JICA soft loan finances ~80 % project expenditure
  • Japan’s free train sets cut procurement outlay
  • Inclusion in National Rail Plan 2030 secures long-term budget focus

Timeline & Implementation

  • NHSRCL leads design & construction using Japanese expertise
  • Completion deadline shifted from 2022 to 2028
  • Train sets arrive 2026 for pre-commissioning trials

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Donor countryJapan
Train sets gifted2 (E5 & E3)
Delivery year2026
E5 top speed320 km/h
E3 characteristicOlder, mini-shinkansen model
Technology usedJapanese Shinkansen
Funding agencyJICA
JICA funding share≈ 80 % of cost
ImplementerNHSRCL
Corridor length508 km
Initial completion target2022
Revised deadline2028
National plan linkNRP 2030
GS-1History

4.Gita, Natyashastra join UNESCO Register (UNESCO Documents)

Times of India
Illustration for Gita, Natyashastra join UNESCO Register (UNESCO Documents)

What & Where

Memory of the World Register: UNESCO-led list (est. 1992) safeguarding globally valuable documentary heritage.

Newly inscribed Indian manuscripts: Bhagavad Gita & Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra.

Scope: International register; Asia-Pacific managed by MOWCAP regional arm.

Quick Facts for MCQs

UNESCO Initiative

  • Register-listing confers global recognition; no legal protection but boosts conservation funding and digitisation.
  • MOWCAP acts as regional gatekeeper for Asia-Pacific nominations.

Indian Presence

  • India’s 14 inscriptions span scriptures, scientific treatises, archival records, films.
  • Recent surge reflects National Mission for Manuscripts nomination strategy.

Classical Texts

  • Bhagavad Gita shapes Vedanta, Bhakti, modern freedom-movement ethics.
  • Natyashastra underpins eight classical dance forms; cited in Sangeet Natak Akademi syllabi.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Register established1992
Administering bodyUNESCO
Core aimPreserve, digitise, widen access to documentary heritage
Key inclusion criteriaOutstanding universal value, authenticity, rarity, integrity
India: total register entries (global)14
Indian works added 2024 (global list)Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra
Indian works added 2024 (MOWCAP)Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahrdayāloka-Locana
Bhagavad Gita verses≈ 700
Gita attributed toSage Vyasa
Gita contentDialogue Krishna-Arjuna on dharma, ethics, philosophy
Natyashastra authorBharat Muni
Natyashastra focusDance, drama, music, stagecraft
Key concept in NatyashastraRasa (aesthetic flavour)
Register protection toolsListing, advocacy, capacity-building, funding links

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2008PYQ 1

Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO's Memory of World Register?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Which dance form of India has been inscribed into UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?

GS-1History

5.India’s UNESCO World Heritage Portfolio (UNESCO World Heritage)

PIB

What & Where

UNESCO World Heritage Site: location of outstanding universal value, classified Cultural, Natural or Mixed

India: 43 sites (2024) across 22 States; first four listed 1983—Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ajanta, Ellora

World Heritage Day: 18 April; 2025 theme on disaster-conflict threats, marking 60 years of ICOMOS

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural Significance

  • Identity: Sites preserve architecture, faiths, art; Ajanta murals date to 2nd cent BCE
  • Diplomacy: Global recognition advances Indian soft power, showcased during 46th UNESCO Committee
  • Continuity: Living traditions around monuments keep cultural memory vibrant

Economic Angle

  • Tourism: UNESCO tag sharply ups arrivals; Taj Mahal exemplar
  • Employment: Guides, hospitality, craft sectors gain sustained livelihoods
  • Revenue: Ticketing and allied spending fuel local development funds

Threats & Risks

  • Urbanisation: Encroachment jeopardises Hampi core and buffer zones
  • Climate: Coral bleaching threatens Lakshadweep Biosphere Reserve ecosystems
  • Pollution: Air particulates yellow Taj Mahal marble, weakening façade

Management Measures

  • Planning: Disaster-resilient, community-led integrated site plans mandated
  • Funding: CSR, PPP via Adopt-a-Heritage bridge manpower and budget gaps
  • Tourism control: Ticket caps, virtual tours, eco-sensitive zoning reduce load

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
World Heritage Day date18 April
2025 themeHeritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts
India total UNESCO sites (2024)43
Year India joined list1983
First four Indian sitesAgra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ajanta, Ellora
Only Mixed site in IndiaKhangchendzonga NP
Tourist footfall Taj Mahal≈ 6 million/yr
UNESCO Committee hosted by India46th session, 2024

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

यूनेस्को (UNESCO) द्वारा जारी विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल की गई निम्नलिखित संपदाओं पर विचार कीजिए :

GS1 2005PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-1History

6.Banarasi Shehnai Receives GI Tag (GI Instrument)

The Hindu
Illustration for Banarasi Shehnai Receives GI Tag (GI Instrument)

What & Where

Banarasi Shehnai – double-reed wind instrument, lineage of Banaras Gharana, newly awarded Geographical Indication tag

GI tag – intellectual-property mark linking a product’s qualities/reputation to a specific place

Core geography – Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural Significance

  • Auspicious instrument; integral to weddings, temple rituals, religious ceremonies
  • Ustad Bismillah Khan earned Bharat Ratna 2001 for elevating Shehnai
  • Red Fort performance made Shehnai emblematic of Independence celebrations

Legal & Policy

  • GI confers exclusive usage to authorised Varanasi residents or entities
  • Protects against imitation or misleading use of the name “Banarasi Shehnai”
  • Registration and enforcement handled under GI Act 1999 aligned with TRIPS

GI Mechanics

  • Registration tenure 10 years; unlimited renewals on application
  • DPIIT oversees examination, approval, territorial delimitation
  • GI ensures collective IP right rather than individual patent or trademark

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
New GI recipientBanarasi Shehnai
Cultural schoolBanaras Gharana
Iconic maestroUstad Bismillah Khan
Historic spotlightRed Fort, 15 Aug 1947 performance
National music boost1937 Calcutta All-India Music Conference
GI validity10 years, renewable
Administering bodyDPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Indian statuteGI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999
Global agreementWTO TRIPS
Ritual statusAuspicious; played at weddings, temples
GS-1Mapping

7.Majuli Island, Sivasagar UNESCO Nomination (UNESCO Nominees)

Times of India
Illustration for Majuli Island, Sivasagar UNESCO Nomination (UNESCO Nominees)

What & Where

Majuli Island – world’s largest river island in mid-Brahmaputra, ~40 km from Jorhat, Assam

Sivasagar town – former Ahom capital Rangpur in Upper Assam, famed for 17–18 C monuments

Both sites proposed for UNESCO World Heritage listing after 2024 inscription of Charaideo Maidams

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Biodiversity

  • Monsoon inundation enriches Majuli soils, sustaining paddy, wetlands, migratory birds
  • Continuous bank erosion threatening island landmass and settlements
  • Fluvial dynamics make Majuli a textbook example of river-island geomorphology

Historical Significance

  • Ahom dynasty ruled Assam six centuries, with Sivasagar as administrative nerve-centre
  • Treaty of Yandaboo 1826 ended Ahom rule, ushered British control over Upper Assam
  • Charaideo Maidams UNESCO tag 2024 strengthens claim for other Ahom heritage clusters

Cultural Assets

  • Satras preserve Sankardeva’s Ekasarana Vaishnavism through Sattriya dance, mask-making, manuscripts
  • Festivals like Ali-Ai-Ligang and Raas add intangible heritage value for Majuli nomination
  • Restoration uses lime-surkhi plaster, maintaining authenticity of medieval Ahom architecture

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Majuli original area≈ 880 sq km, now shrinking
Formation agentBrahmaputra channel migration
District status of MajuliNotified 2016
Proposed UNESCO categoryMixed – cultural & natural
Major tribes in MajuliMising, Deori, ethnic Assamese
Key institutionsNeo-Vaishnavite Satras
Old name of SivasagarRangpur
Ahom capital period1699 – 1788
Signature monumentsRang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Sivasagar Tank
Historic battle siteDhai Ali
Post-Ahom takeoverBritish annexation 1826
Current economic baseTea and oil industries hub
GS-3Environment

8.Flue Gas Desulphurisation Policy Review (Emission Control)

The Hindu
Illustration for Flue Gas Desulphurisation Policy Review (Emission Control)

What & Where

Definition FGD scrubs SO₂ from coal-plant flue gases using sorbents like limestone slurry.

Types Once-through (non-regenerable) and regenerable systems dominate global and Indian practice.

India MoEF 2015 order mandates nationwide FGD; deadlines now staggered till 2027-29.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Recommendation PSA-commissioned study seeks rollback of blanket 2015 FGD mandate.
  • Exemption Suggests FGD only for units burning imported or high-S domestic coal.
  • Compliance Current deadlines already postponed twice for 600+ GW capacity.

Environmental Impact

  • Dispersion Tall stacks plus tropical winds dilute SO₂, limiting local air-quality harm.
  • Acid rain IIT Delhi 2024 finds issue minor across India.
  • Trade-off FGD adds CO₂ and water stress while marginally cutting SO₂.

Economic Angle

  • Cost burden Nationwide retrofits would raise tariffs via high capex and 1-2 % efficiency loss.
  • Water footprint FGD elevates freshwater demand, challenging stressed regions.
  • By-product Gypsum revenue partially offsets O&M but disposal logistics complex.

Technology & Operations

  • Process Flue gas contacts limestone slurry; SO₂ converts to gypsum for potential cement use.
  • Pre-cleanup Electrostatic precipitator and De-NOx units reduce ash and NOx before FGD.
  • System choice Once-through dominates Indian tenders due to lower complexity.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
SO₂ removal efficiencyUp to 95 %
Indian coal sulphur0.3 – 0.5 % in 92 % of supply
Imported coal cut-off>0.5 % S triggers FGD in new study
Extra CO₂ if full rollout69 million t by 2030
Freshwater needSignificant; no precise figure in report
Capex estimate≈ ₹1.2 crore / MW
Notification year2015 (MoEF)
Revised compliance window2027-29 phase-wise
GS-3Environment

9.DPS Wetland Flamingo Conservation Reserve (Flamingo Reserve)

FPJ
Illustration for DPS Wetland Flamingo Conservation Reserve (Flamingo Reserve)

What & Where

DPS Wetland (DPS Lake) — 30-acre tidal lagoon at Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, abutting Thane Creek Ramsar Site.

Notified by Maharashtra State Wildlife Board as Flamingo Conservation Reserve, a category under Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Critical stop-over on the Central Asian Flyway, hosting large flocks of migratory Greater Flamingos.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Notification confers WPA 1972 Sec 36-A Conservation Reserve safeguards with community participation.
  • Management authority — State Forest Department; activities regulated to ensure habitat integrity.

Ecological Role

  • Wetland supplies algae, crustaceans, diatoms sustaining thousands of flamingos each winter.
  • Acts as ecological buffer enhancing urban climate resilience against floods and storm surges.

Species Traits

  • Carotenoid-rich diet renders the species’ signature pink plumage.
  • Highly gregarious; displays synchronous courtship and mass nesting behaviour.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
StateMaharashtra
City/SuburbSeawoods, Navi Mumbai
Wetland area≈ 30 acres
HydrologyTidal waterbody within Thane Creek ecosystem
Adjacent protected siteThane Creek Ramsar Site
New legal tagFlamingo Conservation Reserve
Keystone speciesGreater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
FlywayCentral Asian Flyway
Flamingo height90 – 150 cm
Feeding styleFilter-feeding via lamellae in bill
Nest typeConical mud mound
Eco-servicesFlood buffer, sea-water intrusion barrier
Key revival stepsRestored tidal flow, algae removal
GS-3S&T

10.James Webb detects exoplanet biosignatures (Space Telescope)

Business Standard

What & Where

Exoplanet K2-18 b; orbits red-dwarf K2-18 in Leo, ~120 light-years from Earth

Hycean world; hydrogen-rich atmosphere over possibly global ocean, intermediate size between Earth and Neptune

JWST spectroscopy hints dimethyl sulfide & dimethyl disulfide—biosignature gases on Earth—within its atmosphere

Quick Facts for MCQs

Astrobiology Significance

  • Biosignature; DMS on Earth almost exclusively from marine phytoplankton, raising microbial–life probability
  • Observation; strongest yet outside Solar System but remains unconfirmed pending repeat spectra
  • Era-marker; shifts exoplanet research from detection to atmospheric composition & life-sign scouting

Planet Characteristics

  • Size; radius ~2.6 R⊕, mass ~8.6 M⊕, placing it in sub-Neptune category
  • Temperature; estimated 0–30 °C in habitable cloud layers due to greenhouse H₂ blanket
  • Composition; models suggest deep liquid water layer above high-pressure ice or rocky core

Tech & Schemes

  • Deployment; origami-fold design fits Ariane-5 fairing, unfurls to tennis-court sunshield in space
  • Sensitivity; infrared vision penetrates dust, detects ppm-level atmospheric gases via transit spectroscopy
  • Collaboration; international time-allocation committees schedule planet-follow-up under General Observers programme

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Telescope usedJames Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
JWST launch date25 Dec 2021
JWST developersNASA + ESA + CSA
JWST mirror segments18 gold-coated hexagons
Primary bandNear & mid-infrared
JWST sunshield temp gap≈ 600 °F (≈ 330 °C)
Planet typeHycean (water-rich, H₂-dominated)
Host starK2-18 (M-dwarf)
Planet–Earth distance~120 light-years
Detected gasesDMS, DMDS
GS-3S&T

11.Google Ironwood Seventh-Gen AI TPU (AI Hardware)

Indian Express

What & Where

Ironwood TPU – Google’s 7th-gen ASIC for AI, unveiled 2025, deployed in US Google Cloud datacentres

Processing units types – CPU, GPU, TPU; serve general, graphics-parallel, and AI-tensor workloads respectively

Core task – accelerate Large Language Models & Mixture-of-Experts inside Google Cloud Hypercomputer

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hardware Specs

  • Generation-7 design tuned for LLMs and MoEs
  • Scalability up to 9 216-chip pods yielding 42.5 Exaflops
  • Hypercomputer fabric enables unified high-bandwidth interconnect

Energy & Cooling

  • Efficiency delivers double performance per watt over predecessor
  • Liquid-cooling removes dense heat for sustained throughput
  • Sustainability improved flops-per-watt lowers datacentre carbon load

Processing Units

  • CPU sequential versatile, GPU parallel graphics, TPU tensor-centric AI
  • TPU ASIC offers low-latency matrix multiplication for deep learning
  • Google services Search, YouTube, DeepMind already powered by TPUs

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Generation7th-generation TPU
LaunchApril 2025 by Google
Chips per pod9 216
Peak compute42.5 Exaflops
El Capitan comparison≈24 × higher compute
Efficiency gain2 × performance-per-watt vs TPU v6
CoolingAdvanced liquid cooling
Circuit typeASIC optimised for tensor ops
GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot in Kerala (Vehicle-to-Grid)

The Hindu
Illustration for Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot in Kerala (Vehicle-to-Grid)

What & Where

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): bidirectional tech letting parked EV batteries supply electricity back to the grid

Two processes: Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) charging; Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) discharging

Pilot site: Kerala, run with IIT Bombay to test grid support for renewables

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Bidirectional chargers modulate flow based on grid demand signals
  • EV fleet viewed as distributed storage delivering emergency backup power

International Examples

  • USA, UK, Netherlands offer monetary incentives for peak-time power return
  • European pilots show V2G aids frequency regulation and demand response earnings

Legal & Policy

  • CEA panel assessing tariff, metering, safety norms for nationwide reverse charging
  • India prioritising expansion of basic EV charging infra before mass V2G rollout

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Pilot stateKerala
Technical partnerIIT Bombay
Operational modesG2V & V2G
Key benefitGrid stability plus renewable integration
Indian nodal bodyCEA reverse-charging committee
Global frontrunnersUSA, UK, Netherlands
GS-3Security

13.Taurus Long-Range Cruise Missile (Cruise Missile)

Economic Times
Illustration for Taurus Long-Range Cruise Missile (Cruise Missile)

What & Where

Taurus KEPD-350: long-range, air-launched cruise missile for precision, deep-penetration strikes.

Joint German-Swedish development (MBDA Deutschland & Saab Bofors Dynamics).

Operational aim: neutralise bunkers, bridges, command centres up to 500 km away.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Warning: Russia labels any Ukrainian Taurus strike as German direct participation.
  • Escalation: Cruise-missile reach can threaten rear Russian assets, raising conflict-widening fears.

Technical Specs

  • Survivability: Terrain-hugging flight plus stealth minimise detection by ground radar.
  • Guidance: Quad navigation ensures accuracy even under GPS jamming.

International Relations

  • Supply debate: Berlin faces pressure to transfer Taurus to Kyiv amid allied cruise-missile precedents.
  • Collaboration: Program exemplifies EU-Nordic defence co-development for export customers.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch speed~1 ,170 km/h (near sonic)
Maximum range≈500 km
Navigation suites4 independent, incl. jam-resistant GPS
Typical flight altitude≈35 m for radar evasion
Stealth traitLow radar cross-section
Warhead actionPenetrates multiple concrete layers before detonation
Primary targetsFortified, high-value structures
DevelopersMBDA Deutschland + Saab Bofors Dynamics
GS-3Security

14.Digital Threat Report on BFSI Cybersecurity (BFSI Cybersecurity)

PIB
Illustration for Digital Threat Report on BFSI Cybersecurity (BFSI Cybersecurity)

What & Where

Digital Threat Report 2024 = first national assessment of cyber-risks in BFSI; jointly by SISA, CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin

Focus on India’s banking–financial infrastructure; benchmarks global & domestic breach trends, malware, credential theft

Covers threat vectors: phishing, BEC, crypto-wallet malware, cloud misconfigurations, MFA bypass, AI-enabled deepfakes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Threat Landscape

  • Surge attacks: credential theft, session hijack, brute-force, BOLA target SaaS email/VPN
  • Crypto focus: new malware extracts wallet private keys; exchanges increasingly probed
  • Cloud risk: public buckets, weak IAM primary entry; misconfig a leading exploit

Technologies Used

  • AI-phishing: LLMs WormGPT/FraudGPT craft brand-mimic mails, chatbot scams harvest KYC data
  • Deepfake video/audio impersonates C-suite, authorises fraudulent fund transfers
  • MFA-bypass: stolen cookies, deepfake biometrics undermine traditional two-factor defences

Mitigation Measures

  • Leadership-driven cyber-culture + continuous staff drills against phishing & social engineering
  • Defence-in-depth: firewalls, EDR, Zero-Trust, automated vulnerability scans, real-time intel feeds
  • Enforcement: timely patching, AI-based anomaly detection, mandatory MFA for all privileged access

Legal & Policy

  • Statute base: IT Act 2000, Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 cover offences & data rights
  • Institutions: CERT-In, NCIIPC, I4C, Cyber Swachhta Kendra coordinate response & hygiene tools
  • Strategy: National Cyber Security Policy 2013, Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2024 hone resilience

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Release year2024
Lead agenciesSISA + CERT-In + CSIRT-Fin
Avg global data-breach cost 2024USD 4.88 million
Avg Indian breach cost 2024USD 2.18 million
Phishing rise (India, Jun 24 vs 23)175 %
Cloud-vulnerability attacks jump180 %
Projected digital payments by 2028USD 3.1 trillion
BEC cases involving pretexting54 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 1

भारतीय कंप्यूटर आपातकालीन प्रतिक्रिया दल (CERT-In) द्वारा जारी किए गए नवीनतम दिशानिर्देशों के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020PYQ 2

भारत में, किसी व्यक्ति के साइबर बीमा पॉलिसी पर, निजी क्षति की भरपाई हेतु अन्य लोगों के अतिरिक्त, सामान्यतः निम्नलिखित में से कौन-से लाभ दिए जाते हैं?

GS-1Editorial

15.Strengthening India’s Primary Healthcare System (Primary Healthcare)

The Hindu

What & Where

Primary healthcare: Ayushman Bharat network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres) delivering preventive-promotive care.

Key processes: NCD screening, basic diagnostics, referral, community outreach under National Quality Assurance Standards.

Geography: Tribal, hilly, remote belts face 18 % PHC shortfall and limited diagnostics access.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Imperatives

  • Early-detection: routine diabetes-hypertension screening reduces tertiary burden and disability.
  • OOPE-cut: timely primary care averts costly hospitalisation, supports Universal Health Coverage goals.
  • Resilience: PHCs, CHCs served as frontline COVID-19 vaccination hubs, proving community preparedness value.

Systemic Challenges

  • Trust-deficit: perceived poor quality drives patients to private sector despite free public services.
  • Awareness-lapse: limited knowledge of Ayushman schemes curbs utilisation, especially rural women.
  • Infrastructure-gap: diagnostics, staff, and facility shortages persist in remote and tribal regions.

Policy Way Forward

  • Visibility: village health committees, public feedback dashboards to build confidence.
  • Accessibility: mobile clinics and e-Sanjeevani telemedicine to reach last-mile habitations.
  • Affordability: expand PM-JAY eligibility; scale Janaushadhi outlets for low-cost generics.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs1.75 lakh facilities
Consultations handled350 crore (MoHFW 2024)
Private share in total health spend68 %
OOPE share: 2014-15 → 2021-2262.6 % → 39.4 %
PHC shortfall in hilly areas18 %
Quality frameworkNational Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 1

Ayushman Bharat – the centrally sponsored scheme takes care of which of the following?

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

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