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13 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 6GS-3: 5
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GS-2Polity

1.Kokborok Language Constitutional Recognition Demand (Eighth Schedule)

NDTV
Illustration for Kokborok Language Constitutional Recognition Demand (Eighth Schedule)

What & Where

Indigenous Tibeto-Burmese language of Borok (Tripuri) people, termed Kokborok

Core geography Tripura; minor speech pockets in Assam and Mizoram

Recognised state language 1979, TTAADC official 1999; demand for Eighth Schedule entry

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

  • 19 Jan 1979 Tripura Gazette declared Kokborok state language
  • 20 Apr 1999 TTAADC adopted Kokborok for autonomous district governance
  • 2024 Tripura literary body urged state to seek constitutional listing

Constitutional Provisions

  • Eighth Schedule empowers language promotion under Articles 344(1) & 351
  • Amendments in 1967, 1992, 2004 raised list from 14 to 22 languages
  • Inclusion allows UPSC optional use, central grants, official communication

Script Debate

  • Historically Bengali script employed in schooling and administration
  • Activists advocate Roman script citing digital ease and global reach
  • Script choice yet unresolved, affecting textbooks and literature standardisation

Benefits of 8th Schedule

  • National recognition enhances cultural pride among Tripuri tribes
  • Unlocks Union funding for dictionaries, academies, teacher training
  • Enables Kokborok medium in competitive exams and parliamentary proceedings

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Linguistic familyTibeto-Burmese
Native communityBorok (Tripuri)
Primary StateTripura
Other spreadAssam, Mizoram
State language since19 Jan 1979
TTAADC status20 Apr 1999
Scripts in useBengali; Roman proposed
Current 8th-Schedule count22 languages
Original count 195014 languages
Latest inclusion year2004
Added in 2004Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali
Relevant Articles344(1), 351

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

Which, amongst the following, is the latest language to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India?

GS-3Economy

2.Khadi and Village Industries Commission Milestone (KVIC)

PIB

What & Where

KVIC – statutory body driving Khadi & village‐industry promotion and development in rural India.

Constituted April 1957 via KVIC Act 1956; HQ Mumbai; under Ministry of MSME.

Operates through raw-material supply, artisan training, marketing, R&D and financial support.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Turnover surge demonstrates compound annual growth driven by branding, market tie-ups, e-commerce penetration.
  • Production expansion reflects optimised looms, solar-charkha introduction and cluster-based manufacturing.

Employment & Skills

  • Job creation mainly via PMEGP micro-units and traditional charkha-based livelihoods.
  • Skill programmes emphasise weaving, natural dyeing, design upgrades, with women majority participation.

Legal & Governance

  • KVIC derives mandate from KVIC Act 1956; enjoys statutory autonomy for funding, quality norms and certification.
  • Supervises implementation of PMEGP, Bee-keeping Mission, Solar Charkha Scheme through state directorates.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
FY 2024-25 turnover₹1.7 lakh crore (record)
Sales growth vs 2013-14447 %
Production growth vs 2013-14347 %
Rural jobs created (11 yrs)1.94 crore
Employment rise %49.23 %
Artisans trained7.43 lakh
Women among trainees57.45 %
PMEGP units so far10.18 lakh
Year of establishment1957
Administrative ministryMSME
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra
GS-3Economy

3.Trade Growth and Environmental Costs in India (Pollution-Intensive Trade)

DH

What & Where

Pollution-intensive exports: petroleum & coal products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, cement, steel

India: projected 6 % share in global trade growth by 2025 (DHL Trade Atlas)

Geography of impact: major industrial belts—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Chhattisgarh

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Merchandise exports from pollution-heavy sectors USD 231.48 bn 2023, fastest-growing export category
  • Petroleum & coal dominate with 38 %; four sectors jointly 84 % of pollution-linked exports
  • USD 149.26 bn FDI inflow 2000-24 equals 21 % of all FDI, boosting GDP, jobs, forex

Environmental Impact

  • Industrial-energy emissions jumped nearly 5× between 1991 and 2021
  • Pharma & chemical waste contaminates water, air, soil, endangering biodiversity corridors
  • Rising hazardous waste volume directly tracks export-oriented production surge

Legal & Policy

  • Environmental Protection Act 1986 weakly enforced; frequent industry exemptions
  • Draft EIA 2020 dilution flagged for undermining assessment rigour amid export push
  • Limited audits and opaque disclosures hinder regulatory compliance

Way Forward

  • Incentivise low-carbon, energy-efficient tech via subsidies and green certification linked to export benefits
  • Mandate third-party environmental audits, public disclosure, stiffer penalties for violators
  • Diversify into renewables, green tech; leverage global climate finance and technology transfer for cleaner trade

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Pollution-intensive export value (2023)USD 231.48 bn
Export growth rate vs overall (FY23)12.5 % vs 11 %
Petroleum & coal share in such exports38 %
Combined share: petroleum, chemicals, pharma, autos84 %
FDI into pollution-heavy sectors (2000-24)USD 149.26 bn
Share of total FDI~21 %
CO₂e from industry & energy 1991699 Mt
CO₂e 20212606 Mt
Hazardous-waste contributor sectorsPharma, chemicals
Key law citedEnvironmental Protection Act 1986

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

The changing composition of the export trade is indicative of structural transformation of Indian economy in favour of modernisation. The best indicator of the trend is the

GS1 2020PYQ 2

With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-1History

4.Guru Tegh Bahadur Birth Anniversary (Guru Tegh Bahadur)

PIB
Illustration for Guru Tegh Bahadur Birth Anniversary (Guru Tegh Bahadur)

What & Where

Prakash Purab = Sikh celebration of Gurus’ birth days, viewed as “light-days” spreading spiritual knowledge.

Guru Tegh Bahadur = 9th Sikh Guru; born 21 Apr 1621 Amritsar, martyred 1675 Delhi for defending faith.

Core sites = Amritsar (birth), Chak-Nanki/Anandpur Sahib (town founded), Chandni Chowk Delhi (execution).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biographical Details

  • Ascetic nature earned name Tyag Mal; later proclaimed Guru Tegh Bahadur by Guru Hargobind.
  • Displayed bravery early; noted for swordsmanship and horse-riding under Baba Buddha.

Religious Contributions

  • Added 116 shabads to Guru Granth Sahib emphasising righteousness, fearlessness, universality.
  • Extensive udasis across Bengal, Assam, Bihar spreading egalitarian Sikh tenets.

Historical Context

  • Opposed Aurangzeb’s forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits; refused Islam, accepted martyrdom.
  • Beheading at Chandni Chowk catalysed Sikh resistance; Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks site.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Guru numberNinth
Birth nameTyag Mal
FatherGuru Hargobind (6th Guru)
MotherMata Nanki
Birth date21 Apr 1621
Birth placeAmritsar, Punjab
Martial mentorBaba Buddha
Scriptural tutorBhai Gurdas
Age first battle13 years
Hymns in Guru Granth116
Town foundedChak-Nanki → Anandpur Sahib
Execution year1675
Execution order byAurangzeb
Honorific title“Hind di Chadar”
PM tribute date18 Apr 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2004PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about Sikh Gurus:

GS1 1996PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

GS-1Mapping

5.Botswana Geography and Mineral Highlights (Southern Africa)

Times of India

What & Where

Jwaneng Diamond Mine, titled “Prince of Mines,” largest revenue-generating open-pit diamond mine in Botswana’s Kalahari

Botswana, landlocked in Southern Africa; borders Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa; capital Gaborone

Terrain split into sand-dominated Sandveld west/centre and rocky Hardveld east; Okavango Delta forms world-famous inland wetland

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mining Expansion

  • Cut-9 invests to access deeper kimberlite pipe, securing employment and export revenue till 2035
  • Project aims to keep Jwaneng annual production above 10 million carats despite declining surface ore

Tech & Schemes

  • CARP enables fully automated diamond recovery, reducing human error and theft risk
  • FISH integrates real-time data, streamlining valuation, sorting, dispatch operations

Physical Geography

  • Sandveld covers ~80 % land, creating porous basin with few surface waters
  • Hardveld eastern strip hosts most population, agriculture, mining infrastructure

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
2023 Jwaneng output13.3 million carats
Expansion nameCut-9 Project
Extra carats expected53 million
Mine life extensionUp to 2035
Key tech systemsCARP & FISH plants
Sorting methodsX-ray fluorescence, laser sorting
Botswana capitalGaborone
Neighbouring countriesNamibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Highest pointHills N of Lobatse – 1,490 m
Major riversOkavango, Chobe, Limpopo
UNESCO siteOkavango Delta
Vast salt flatsMakgadikgadi Pans
Dominant terrainsSandveld, Hardveld
Prime mineralsDiamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, coal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2023PYQ 1

About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

GS-3Environment

6.World Earth Day 2025 Theme (World Earth Day)

News on Air

What & Where

Earth Day – yearly global mobilisation for environmental protection and sustainability awareness

Observed every 22 April across 192 countries; coordinated by EarthDay.org and partners

2025 focus: accelerating shift from fossil fuels to renewable power sources worldwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Tree-planting, water-saving, clean-ups promoted for ecosystem health
  • Theme urges biodiversity preservation through fossil-fuel phase-out
  • Renewable expansion expected to cut greenhouse-gas emissions sharply

Tech & Schemes

  • Emphasis on scaling solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal installations
  • Calls for investment redirection from coal, oil, gas to green grids
  • Aligns with global RE100, Mission Innovation programmes

Policy Dimension

  • Earth Day events often seed debates on climate legislation and incentives
  • 2025 messaging supports COP28 pledge to triple renewables by 2030
  • Governments urged to craft subsidies, carbon pricing favouring clean power

Social Participation

  • Community drives foster shared stewardship ethos and volunteerism
  • Corporate campaigns highlight sustainable business models and ESG goals
  • Educational outreach increases public literacy on climate solutions

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
First celebration22 April 1970
Origin proposalUNESCO Conference 1969
2025 theme“Our Power, Our Planet”
Core 2025 targetTriple global renewable energy by 2030
Key renewables citedSolar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal
Annual participation≈1 billion people in 192 nations

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 1

सूची-I को सूची-II के साथ सुमेलित कीजिए, और सूचियों के नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए :

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following was the theme of the One Planet Summit, 2021?

GS-3S&T

7.Moonlight Solar Panel Innovation (Solar Innovation)

The Telegraph
Illustration for Moonlight Solar Panel Innovation (Solar Innovation)

What & Where

Moonlight solar panels: modified PV modules with thermoelectric units harnessing radiative cooling for night-time electricity

Developed at Stanford University, California; usable worldwide under night, rain or overcast conditions

Retrofit on existing arrays, aimed at continuous micro-loads in off-grid or cloudy regions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Aspects

  • Radiative-cooling: panel surface loses heat to space, drops below ambient creating temperature gradient
  • Thermoelectric-generator: converts gradient directly to DC power, integrated beneath PV backsheet
  • All-weather: system works at night, during rain or thick clouds extending PV duty cycle

Environmental Impact

  • Battery-reduction: direct night power cuts lithium battery production and disposal pollution
  • Land-neutral: piggybacks on existing PV footprint avoiding additional land or habitat pressure
  • Decarbonisation: enables near 24 h renewable supply assisting net-zero targets

Deployment & Economics

  • Retrofit-design: add-on module avoids expensive panel replacement lowering CAPEX
  • Storage-saving: diminishes need for large battery banks in microgrids and IoT deployments
  • Scale-challenge: current 50 mW/m² output needs up-scaling for mainstream residential impact

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Night-time power density~50 mW per m²
Typical day PV output~200 W per m²
Working principleRadiative cooling temperature differential
Main componentsThermoelectric generator + modified PV panel
Retrofit abilityAdd-on, no full panel replacement
Target loadsLEDs, environmental sensors, IoT devices
Sustainability gainCuts battery production and disposal pollution
GS-3S&T

8.Aryabhata Satellite Golden Jubilee (Aryabhata Satellite)

FP
Illustration for Aryabhata Satellite Golden Jubilee (Aryabhata Satellite)

What & Where

Aryabhata — first indigenously built Indian experimental satellite for space science studies

Launched 19 Apr 1975 by Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar, Russia into low-Earth orbit

Operated five days before power failure; stayed in orbit several years, marking India’s spacefaring debut

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Context

  • Cold-War reliance on USSR launchers due to absent Indian LV capability
  • Leadership by Vikram Sarabhai, U.R. Rao guiding lean 25-member ISRO team
  • Project negotiated alongside 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty enhancing tech cooperation

Technical Specs

  • Structure aluminium honeycomb panels carrying solar cells and instruments
  • Passive thermal control using surface coatings and louvres
  • Telemetry, tracking, command links in VHF band for real-time health data

Significance & Legacy

  • Entry gatekeeper to elite spacefaring club boosting national morale
  • Training ground for satellite design, systems integration, mission planning
  • Continues inspiring STEM education and policy support for ambitious ISRO ventures

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Naming inspiration5th-century mathematician–astronomer Aryabhata
Launch vehicleSoviet Kosmos-3M
Launch siteKapustin Yar, Russia
Project agencyISRO (≈ 25 engineers)
ShapeQuasi-spherical, 26 flat faces
Size1.59 m diameter × 1.19 m height
Solar array area36,800 cm²
Power generation~46 W
Scientific focusX-ray astronomy, solar physics, ionosphere
Communication lossAfter 5 days in orbit
Currency honourPrinted on ₹2 note
Legacy missionsChandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS1 2006PYQ 2

Consider the following statements in respect of India's advanced satellite INSAT–4A :

GS-2Misc

9.Evolving India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership (India-Saudi Ties)

Indian Express

What & Where

India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership spans diplomacy, energy, defence, investment; formal ties since 1947

Strategic Partnership Council (2019) is apex mechanism; meetings alternate New Delhi–Riyadh

Geopolitical bridge between West Asia and South Asia, now linked to IMEEC and INSTC corridors

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Trade volume USD 42.98 bn FY24; scope beyond hydrocarbons into fintech, agritech, digital
  • PIF pledges USD 10 bn; Indian firms eye NEOM, Red Sea tourism projects
  • Vision 2030–Viksit Bharat 2047 alignment on infrastructure, startups, skilling

Energy & Investments

  • Saudi 3rd largest crude supplier; collaboration widening to green hydrogen, solar via ISA
  • India pursuing supply diversification yet seeks long-term offtake agreements with Aramco
  • Joint exploration of food security, fertiliser, strategic petroleum reserves

Defence & Security

  • Regular naval drill Al Mohed Al Hindi and land Ex-Sada Tanseeq-I deepen inter-operability
  • Agenda covers defence manufacturing, cyber security, counter-terrorism training under SPC
  • Maritime security coordination critical for Red Sea, Arabian Sea chokepoints

Challenges & Risks

  • Regional flashpoints Yemen, Iran-Saudi friction could disrupt energy lines, diaspora safety
  • China outreach and entry into BRICS+ gives Riyadh balancing leverage vis-à-vis India
  • High oil dependence exposes India to price shocks; urgent need for renewable pivot

Social Linkages

  • Diaspora of 7 million acts as remittance channel and cultural bridge
  • Cultural MoUs include Yoga, films, sports events boosting tourism flows
  • Labour welfare still sensitive; reforms under Vision 2030 improving grievance redressal

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bilateral trade FY 2023-24USD 42.98 billion
Saudi rank in India’s trade5th largest partner
Crude oil supplier rank3rd; 14.3 % of imports
Indian diaspora size~7 million
Delhi Declaration year2006
Riyadh Declaration year2010
Strategic Partnership Council launch2019
PIF committed investmentUSD 10 billion
Naval exercise nameAl Mohed Al Hindi
First joint land drillEx-Sada Tanseeq-I (2024)

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-2Infrastructure

10.BharatNet Rural Broadband Project Update (Rural Broadband)

Indian Express

What & Where

BharatNet: nationwide fibre backbone targeting 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with ≥100 Mbps broadband connectivity.

Executed by SPV Bharat Broadband Network Ltd. (BBNL) under Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.

June 2020: DPIIT scrapped ₹1,950 cr Tamil Nadu tender citing revised “Make-in-India” procurement norms.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Implementation Phases

  • Phase-I: underground OFC to 1 lakh GPs; deadline Dec 2017.
  • Phase-II: mix of underground, aerial fibre, radio, satellite; all remaining GPs; target Mar 2019.
  • Phase-III: 2019-23, district-block ring topology for redundancy, future-proofing.

Funding & Ownership

  • Funding: 100 % via USOF; no direct state expenditure on fibre.
  • State role: grant free Right of Way; critical for aerial OFC over electric poles.
  • BBNL incorporated under Companies Act 1956; SPV model ensures focused execution.

Technical Aspects

  • Backbone utilises existing dark fibre of BSNL, RailTel, Power Grid; incremental fibre laid where absent.
  • Aerial OFC: lower cost, faster roll-out, easier maintenance than underground trenching.
  • Access policy: non-discriminatory leasing to TSPs, cable & content operators for rural service delivery.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Original scheme nameNational Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), Oct 2011
Renamed as BharatNet2015
Implementing SPVBBNL, authorised capital ₹1,000 cr
Parent ministryCommunications (Department of Telecommunications)
Funding sourceUniversal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)
Ultimate coverage target2,50,000 Gram Panchayats
Target bandwidth100 Mbps at each GP
Tender cancelled₹1,950 cr Tamil Nadu package, Jun 2020
Rights-of-Way costFree, provided by states
Dark-fibre providersBSNL, RailTel, Power Grid

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project was recently launched by which organization?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

डिजिटल कॉमर्स के लिए ओपन नेटवर्क (ONDC) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

11.HEALD Initiative for Liver Health (Liver Health)

Business Standard
Illustration for HEALD Initiative for Liver Health (Liver Health)

What & Where

Initiative HEALD = Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention; first national multi-sectoral liver-health movement

Processes cover awareness, free screening, de-addiction, rehabilitation, policy reform to curb alcohol-linked liver failure

Geography nationwide; launched at ILBS, Delhi under Union Home Ministry aegis

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Mass campaigns employ multimedia, community kiosks, mobile clinics for early detection
  • Integrated Liver Habilitation Centre offers diagnostics, transplantation rehab, tele-consults
  • Organ-donor promotion integrated into scheme deliverables

Social Concerns

  • Stigma reduction via counselling, peer groups, public narratives on alcohol abuse
  • Priority for vulnerable, low-income populations to access free screening and treatment
  • Mental-health modules aligned with de-addiction pathways

Health Infrastructure

  • Strengthened tertiary centres for liver disease management across states
  • Training modules for primary-care staff to detect early fibrosis and cirrhosis
  • Rehab protocols include nutrition, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching

Policy Push

  • Seeks multi-sector convergence: health, education, excise, social justice
  • Data dashboards planned for monitoring alcohol-related morbidity trends
  • Advocacy targets inclusion of liver indicators in existing NCD programs

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Full formHealthy Liver Education & Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention
Parent ministryMinistry of Home Affairs
Implementing bodyInstitute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi
Launch venueIntegrated Liver Habilitation Centre, ILBS Delhi
Screening costFree nationwide liver check-ups promised
Focus diseasesAlcohol Use Disorder & liver failure
Outreach priorityUnder-privileged communities & organ donation culture
Allied mental serviceDe-addiction & psychological support
Infrastructure add-onIndia’s first Integrated Liver Habilitation Centre inaugurated alongside
Policy aimEmbed liver health into national health policies
GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

12.Jal Jeevan Mission Funding Shortfall (Rural Tap Water)

Indian Express
Illustration for Jal Jeevan Mission Funding Shortfall (Rural Tap Water)

What & Where

Nationwide flagship rural drinking water scheme Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) under Jal Shakti Ministry

Provides functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to all 16 crore rural households

Coverage currently 75%; timeline extended to Dec 2028

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding & Fiscal

  • EFC trimmed requested central funds from ₹2.79 lakh cr to ₹1.51 lakh cr for 2024-28
  • Revised mission outlay now ₹8.68 lakh cr, down ₹0.42 lakh cr
  • Funding gap likely to pressure state budgets amid cost inflation

Centre–State Dynamics

  • Cost-sharing: 90:10 NE/Himalayan, 50:50 other states, 100 % Centre for UTs
  • Shortfall burdens large states like UP, Rajasthan, MP with extra ₹1.25 lakh cr
  • EFC flagged possible state cost overestimation, stressed fiscal prudence

Progress Metrics

  • 12 crore households connected; nearly 4 crore yet to receive taps
  • Rising input prices cited for escalated per-connection cost estimates
  • Deadline extended to December 2028 aiming universal rural tap coverage

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2019
Implementing ministryJal Shakti
Target households16 crore rural HHs
Current coverage≈75 %
Original deadlineDec 2024
Proposed new deadlineDec 2028
Centre:State share (NE/Himalayan)90:10
Centre:State share (UTs)100:0
Centre:State share (others)50:50
Initial outlay (2019-28)₹9.10 lakh cr
Revised outlay₹8.68 lakh cr
Central share sought (2024-28)₹2.79 lakh cr
Central share approved₹1.51 lakh cr
Funding gap for states~₹1.25 lakh cr
States most impactedUP, Rajasthan, MP

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-2Misc

13.Daily Current Affairs Compilation 22 April 2025 (Daily Compilation)

Indian Express

What & Where

India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership: formalised by Delhi Declaration-2006, upgraded by Riyadh Declaration-2010.

Council Framework: two pillars—(i) Political, Security, Culture & Society; (ii) Economy & Investments.

Core geography: India (South Asia) ↔ Saudi Arabia (West Asia); link via Arabian Sea sea-lanes and Gulf energy corridor.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Diversification scope: fintech, food security, hydrogen, digital economy beyond hydrocarbons.
  • Vision 2030–Viksit Bharat 2047 alignment boosts NEOM, smart-cities, logistics investments.
  • Pollution-intensive export rise (petroleum 38 %) demands green tech shift.

Security & Defence

  • Growing interoperability: naval ‘Al Mohed Al Hindi’, land ‘Ex-Sada Tanseeq-I (2024)’.
  • Convergence on counter-terrorism, cyber-security, defence co-production possibilities.

People & Culture

  • 7 million-strong diaspora remits, soft power through yoga MoU, tourism, sports exchanges.
  • Consular focus on labour rights amid KSA social reforms.

Environmental Impact

  • Trade boom raises CO₂e from 699 Mt (1991) to 2606 Mt (2021); calls for cleaner tech, strict EIA.
  • Moonlight solar panels, ISA tie-ups offer night-time renewable option.

Challenges & Policy

  • Geopolitical flux: Yemen conflict, Iran-Saudi dynamics, China’s parallel outreach.
  • Oil dependence vulnerability; need policy coherence linking export incentives to sustainability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bilateral trade FY 2023-24USD 42.98 billion
Saudi rank in India’s crude supply3rd (≈14 % share)
Indian diaspora in KSA~7 million persons
Key naval exercise‘Al Mohed Al Hindi’
Saudi sovereign fund (PIF) pledgeUSD 10 billion investment in India
Shared multilateral foraG20, ISA, BRICS+

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 ?

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