Friday, 2 May 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: राष्ट्रीय मानव अधिकार आयोग का गठन किस कानून के अधीन किया गया था ?

The correct answer is (d) मानव अधिकार आयोग अधिनियम, 1993. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2023.

Q: What is the term of office of the Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission?

The correct answer is (d) 3 years or up to 65 years of age. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2022.

Q: With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (b) 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: भारत की संसद के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (d) न तो 1, न ही 2. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

The correct answer is (a) States Reorganization Act : Andhra Pradesh. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: During 2020-21, when India was passing through the adverse effects of COVID-19, which one of the following sectors witnessed positive growth?

The correct answer is (d) Public administration, defence and other services. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022.

Q: वर्ष 2009–10 से 2018–19 के लिए सकल स्थिर पूँजी निर्माण (जी.एफ.सी.एफ.) के सेक्टर-वार हिस्से पर आधारित है कि भारत में इन वर्षों में जी.एफ.सी.एफ. में सेवा सेक्टर के हिस्से में वृद्धि हुई है। निम्नलिखित में से किनमें अधिकतम वृद्धि हुई है?

The correct answer is (a) विद्युत, गैस, जलापूर्ति और अन्य उपयोगिता सेवाएँ. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021.

Q: Bharatamala Pariyojana is related to

The correct answer is (c) interlinking of all cities of India through Railways.. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (a) केवल I और II. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2020.

17 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 4GS-3: 9

0/17 done

GS-2Polity

1.National Human Rights Commission Mandate (Statutory Body)

FPJPHRA 1993 · UN Paris Principles · Chairperson CJI

Illustration for National Human Rights Commission Mandate (Statutory Body)

What & Where

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) — statutory watchdog for rights under Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Jurisdiction: all Union & state authorities; limited oversight on armed forces.

Founded 12 Oct 1993; complies with 1991 UN Paris Principles.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Act amendment 2006 refined composition, tenure, compliance with Paris Principles.
Recommendations advisory; non-implementation to be reported in Parliament annually.
Can review constitutional safeguards, recommend treaty ratification or law changes.

Institutional Design

Selection panel includes LS Speaker, RS Dy-Chair, LoPs, Home Minister; CJI consulted for judicial picks.
Secretariat headed by Secretary-General; specialised divisions: Law, Investigation, Research, Training.
Prison & detention inspections mandated; reports sent to concerned governments.

Powers & Limitations

May summon witnesses, demand documents, recommend compensation/interim relief.
Armed forces cases: can only seek report, issue advisory to Defence Ministry.
No power to enforce orders; success relies on moral and political pressure.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statute	Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (amended 2006)
Establishment date	12 October 1993
Chairperson eligibility	Retired CJI or Supreme Court Judge
Other full-time members	1 SC/HC Judge + 3 human-rights experts (incl. 1 woman)
Ex-officio members	Heads of 7 national commissions (Women, SC, ST, BC, Minorities, Child Rights, Disabilities)
Appointment authority	President of India
Selection committee head	Prime Minister
Tenure	3 years or till 70 years, whichever earlier
Reappointment	Permitted once tenure ends
Post-tenure job bar	No further government employment allowed
Investigation time-bar	Cannot probe cases after 1 year of violation
Court-like powers	Civil court powers under CrPC during inquiries

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 1

राष्ट्रीय मानव अधिकार आयोग का गठन किस कानून के अधीन किया गया था ?

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 2

What is the term of office of the Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission?

GS-2Polity

2.Private Member’s Bills Decline (Parliamentary Procedure)

The HinduFriday introduction · 17th Lok Sabha · 14 bills passed

Illustration for Private Member’s Bills Decline (Parliamentary Procedure)

What & Where

Private Member’s Bill (PMB): draft law moved by any non-minister MP; not part of official government business.

Permitted introduction only on Fridays in both Houses; slot decided by ballot under Lok Sabha Rule 66 / Rajya Sabha Rule 67.

Must clear all reading stages in both Houses and obtain Presidential assent to enter statute book.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legislative Procedure

Friday business begins post-Question Hour; government business can supersede via motion.
Speaking time capped; mover closes debate; no whip binding but party discipline influences voting.
Speaker/Chair can defer, club or drop listed PMBs without stated reasons.

Trends & Data

Zero PMBs discussed yet in 18th Lok Sabha; only 64 introduced.
Tiruchi Siva’s 2014 Transgender Rights PMB first to pass one House in 45 years.
Average annual PMB deliberation 1952-70: ~11 hours; 17th Lok Sabha: <1 hour.

Significance

Democratic expression: MPs like Supriya Sule pushed “Right to Disconnect” labor-rights agenda.
Policy incubator: Many government bills mirror earlier PMBs, e.g., Transgender Persons Act 2019.
Intra-party ventilation: Ruling-party MPs file constituency-specific reforms without cabinet nod.

Causes of Decline

Government business expansion—budgets, urgent bills—eats into fixed Friday window.
Frequent adjournments and early Friday departures shrink quorum and debate time.
Anti-defection fear, plus uncertain scheduling, dampens member enthusiasm to pilot sensitive ideas.

Reform Proposals

Make Friday PMB slot non-disruptable except national emergency; enforce through amended Rules.
Mid-week PMB hour or extended sittings to counter low Friday attendance.
Create cross-party committee to shortlist high-impact PMBs for guaranteed discussion and vote.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
PMBs that became Acts since 1952	14
Last PMB clearing both Houses	1970 (Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Act)
PMBs introduced, 17th Lok Sabha	729
PMBs discussed, 17th Lok Sabha	2
Time on PMBs, Winter 2024 Lok Sabha	0.15 hours
Time on PMBs, Winter 2024 Rajya Sabha	0.62 hours

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :

GS1 2017PYQ 2

भारत की संसद के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2HistoryQuick Bite

3.Maharashtra-Gujarat 65th Statehood Day (State Reorganization)

Economic TimesBombay State · Samyukta Maharashtra · Mahagujarat

What & Where

Bombay State split on 1 May 1960 into Marathi-speaking Maharashtra and Gujarati-speaking Gujarat

Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (1956) sought state with Mumbai + Vidarbha for Marathi speakers

Mahagujarat Movement (1928-50s) demanded Gujarati state including Saurashtra + Kutch

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Movements

Samyukta Maharashtra 1956 mass agitation pivotal for Marathi-majority statehood
Mahagujarat 1928-50s mobilised Gujarati speakers for separate identity
Dual campaigns culminated in Bombay Reorganisation 1960

Federal Cooperation

1960 linguistic reorganisation showcased coexistence of identity assertion and Centre–state cooperation
Maharashtra–Gujarat cited as stable partners within Indian federal structure

Economic Angle

Maharashtra & Gujarat now labelled national economic powerhouses
Mumbai, Ahmedabad-Surat corridors significantly boost India’s GDP and trade

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Formation date	1 May 1960
Anniversary marked	65 years on 1 May 2025
Parent entity	Bombay State
Linguistic basis	Marathi vs Gujarati
Key Marathi movement	Samyukta Maharashtra, 1956
Key Gujarati movement	Mahagujarat, 1928-50s
Regions sought (MH)	Mumbai, Vidarbha
Regions sought (GJ)	Saurashtra, Kutch

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2006PYQ 1

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

GS-3Economy

4.Annual Services Sector Survey Findings (Services Sector Data)

PIBMoSPI · GVA 55% · Private Ltd 82.4%

What & Where

Pilot Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises by MoSPI; maps incorporated firms under Companies Act & LLP Act

Entity mix: Private-Ltd 82.4 %, Public-Ltd 8 %, LLP 8 %

Pan-India coverage; gap-filler as unincorporated units already captured by separate survey

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Contribution 55 % GVA yet only 16 % of cumulative FDI, highlighting investment gap
Exports USD 280.94 bn; telecom–computer–IT slice gives India 10.2 % world market
Servicification boosts manufacturing value via design, logistics, after-sales integration

Employment & Skills

Sector engages ≈30 % workforce but 78 % positions informal, high precarity
Only 51.25 % youth employable; merely 5 % workforce formally skilled per WEF
Gig workers Swiggy/Ola/Uber lack insurance, pension, paid leave, magnifying social risk

Policy Prescriptions

Upskilling via Skill India Digital, PMKVY 4.0, PM Internship Scheme targeting AI, cloud, cybersecurity
Negotiate FTAs with EU, UK, Australia; promote Global Capability Centers to counter visa curbs
Invest in cybersecurity, cloud adoption; bolster Tier-2/3 city digital infra per NITI Aayog

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Services share in GVA FY25	55 %
Sector growth FY24	7.6 %
Workforce share	≈30 %
Services exports Apr–Dec 2024	USD 280.94 bn
Global export rank in telecom/computer/info	2nd; 10.2 % share
FDI into services Apr 2000–Dec 2024	USD 116.72 bn (16 % of total)
Informal jobs in services 2017-18	78 %
Youth employability (Econ Survey 24)	51.25 %
Formally skilled workforce (WEF)	5 %
Foreign tourist arrivals H1-2024	90 % of 2019 baseline

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

During 2020-21, when India was passing through the adverse effects of COVID-19, which one of the following sectors witnessed positive growth?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

वर्ष 2009–10 से 2018–19 के लिए सकल स्थिर पूँजी निर्माण (जी.एफ.सी.एफ.) के सेक्टर-वार हिस्से पर आधारित है कि भारत में इन वर्षों में जी.एफ.सी.एफ. में सेवा सेक्टर के हिस्से में वृद्धि हुई है। निम्नलिखित में से किनमें अधिकतम वृद्धि हुई है?

GS-3Infrastructure

5.Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Rail (Regional Rail)

News on AirNCRTC · 160 km/h · Delhi-Meerut corridor

What & Where

Namo Bharat = regional rapid rail system for 100–250 km fast inter-city travel inside National Capital Region

Current trial: final Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS corridor segment

Implemented by NCRTC, a GoI–States SPV under Housing & Urban Affairs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

High-speed aluminium EMUs, six-car sets with upgradeable nine-car configuration
ETCS Level-2 signalling enables 5–10 min headway, automated train-control
Station assets planned for seamless last-mile: e-buses, bicycle-sharing, park-and-ride

Institutional Setup

NCRTC equity: GoI 50 %, Delhi 12.5 %, Haryana 12.5 %, Rajasthan 12.5 %, UP 12.5 %
Mandate covers planning, financing, O&M of eight identified RRTS corridors
Board chaired by MoHUA secretary, includes chief secretaries of four partner states

Environmental Impact

Regenerative braking expected energy saving ~30 % versus conventional EMUs
Modal shift from road to rail projected to cut 250,000 t CO₂ annually on first corridor
Stations designed as green buildings with rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting

Economic Angle

Corridor construction generates 1 lakh direct & indirect jobs, boosts regional real-estate
Faster connectivity likely to expand NCR housing & industry radii up to 100 km from Delhi
Indigenous supply chain spurs rolling-stock, signalling, telecom MSMEs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alternate names	RRTS, Vande Metro
Design speed / Operating	180 km/h / 160 km/h
Average commercial speed	≈100 km/h
First rake rollout	Apr 2024, Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala
Coaches	Wi-Fi, CCTV, plug doors, dynamic display
Energy tech	Regenerative braking, efficient HVAC
Implementing agency	National Capital Region Transport Corporation
NCRTC incorporation	21 Aug 2013, Companies Act 1956
Administrative ministry	Housing & Urban Affairs
Serving states	Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan
Primary objective	Decongestion & balanced NCR urban growth
Make in India link	100 % indigenous manufacturing

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Bharatamala Pariyojana is related to

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-1History

6.Satavahana Dynasty Inscriptions (Ancient Dynasty)

The HinduSimuka · Gautamiputra Satakarni · Pratishthana

What & Where

Discovery: 11 early-Brahmi Satavahana inscriptions found by ASI in Gundaram Forest, Peddapalli district, Telangana

Linkage: Two records cite Chutu dynasty and Satavahana prince Kumāra Hakusiri

Geography: Core Satavahana realm spanned Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra; capitals at Pratishthana and Amaravati

Quick Facts for MCQs

Dynasty & Governance

Founder: Simuka initiated post-Mauryan polity; Senapati posts blended civil-military authority
Feudatory: Three-tier Raja, Mahabhoja, Senapati ensured local autonomy with tribute flow
Expansion: Gautamiputra defeated Shakas, stretching control Krishna River to Malwa

Economy & Trade

Agriculture: Fertile Krishna-Godavari delta yielded rice surplus fuelling revenue and population support
Mining: Iron Warangal and gold Kolar deposits underpinned inland commerce and crafts
Maritime: Yajna Sri Satakarni encouraged navigation; ship coins hint export links with Rome and Southeast Asia

Culture & Religion

Architecture: Karle Chaitya and Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda stupas display refined rock-cut and sculptural styles
Grants: Tax-free Brahmin and Buddhist land endowments fostered education, monastic growth
Language: Administrative Prakrit inscribed in Brahmi widened mass outreach and record uniformity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Dynasty founder	Simuka
Period start	mid-1st century BCE
Main capitals	Pratishthana, Amaravati
Core regions	Andhra, Telangana, Maharashtra
Peak ruler title	Gautamiputra Satakarni as Ekabrahmana
Maritime coins	Yajna Sri Satakarni, ship motif
Literary work	Hala’s Gatha Saptashati
Administrative language	Prakrit
Script in records	Early Brahmi
First portrait coins	Satavahanas
Feudatory ranks	Raja > Mahabhoja > Senapati
Latest ASI find	11 inscriptions, Gundaram Forest

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

7.Emden Deep in Philippine Trench (Oceanic Trench)

The HinduThird deepest · Galathea Deep · 1927 Emden

Illustration for Emden Deep in Philippine Trench (Oceanic Trench)

What & Where

Emden Deep (Galathea Deep) third-deepest oceanic point ~10.5 km within Philippines Trench, western Pacific

Philippines Trench narrow subduction trench east of Philippine Sea created 8–9 million years ago

Zone highly seismic owing to active plate convergence causing frequent earthquakes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Exploration History

Discovery 1927 by German ship Emden establishing feature name
Detailed mapping 1951 by Danish expedition Galathea adding alternate name
Depth ranking fixed after Challenger Deep (Mariana) and Horizon Deep (Tonga)

Geological Setting

Subduction of Philippine Sea Plate initiated trench during Plio-Pleistocene
Ongoing convergence drives intense seismicity and deep focus quakes
Trench trends north–south east of Mindanao archipelago

Historical Reference

SMS Emden German cruiser bombed Chennai 22 Sep 1914 World War I
Emden Deep name underscores naval exploration-wartime linkages

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Depth rank	Third deepest globally
Alternate name	Galathea Deep
Discovery vessel	German ship Emden
Discovery year	1927
Detailed survey vessel	Danish ship Galathea
Survey year	1951
Oceanic trench	Philippines Trench
Trench formation age	8–9 million years
Seismic status	Frequent earthquakes
Namesake warship	SMS Emden shelled Madras 1914

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is considered as the deepest point of the oceans?

GS-1Mapping

8.Bhakra Dam on Sutlej River (River Dam)

NDTVSutlej River · Gobind Sagar · Bhakra-Nangal

Illustration for Bhakra Dam on Sutlej River (River Dam)

What & Where

Bhakra Dam – concrete gravity dam on Sutlej River; Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, 13 km upstream of Nangal, Punjab.

Jointly run via Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi & Himachal.

Sutlej – Tibet-origin trans-Himalayan river entering India at Shipki La, merging with Beas, then Chenab to form Panjnad-Indus.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Inter-State Governance

BBMB order: 8,500 cusecs to Haryana; Punjab opposes citing water crisis.
Allocation beneficiaries: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh.
Interstate water sharing often sparks legal, political contention in north-western India.

Infrastructure Specs

Structure: Separate Bhakra & downstream Nangal, collectively termed Bhakra-Nangal.
Reservoir: Gobind Sagar supports irrigation, hydropower, flood control, drinking supply.
Hydropower network: Linked projects include Nathpa Jhakri, Karcham Wangtoo on Sutlej.

Hydrological Geography

Sutlej: Longest Indus tributary; joins Beas in Punjab, later Chenab forming Panjnad.
Major left-bank tributaries: Spiti, Baspa, Nogli Khad; right-bank: Soan, Ghaggar-Hakra (historic).
Trans-Himalayan peers: Indus and Brahmaputra also cut southward across Himalayas.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Dam type	Concrete gravity
Reported height	55 m (Asia’s 2nd tallest)
Reservoir name	Gobind Sagar
Reservoir capacity	34 billion m³ (2nd in India after Indira Sagar)
Downstream structure	Nangal Dam
Nehru epithet	“New Temple of Resurgent India”
Managing body	Bhakra Beas Management Board
Recent water release	8,500 cusecs to Haryana
Sutlej origin	Lake Rakshastal, near Mt Kailash, Tibet
Indian entry point	Shipki La Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

River Beas, flowing from Himachal and Punjab, joins the river

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

The Luhri Hydro-Electric Power Project is being constructed on the river

GS-3Environment

9.Palamu Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand (Tiger Reserve)

New Indian ExpressProject Tiger 1974 · Betla National Park · Chhotanagpur Plateau

What & Where

Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR): among first nine Project Tiger sites, only reserve in Jharkhand, notified 1974

Core location: Chhotanagpur Plateau, Latehar district; incorporates parts of Betla National Park

Jaigir village: first settlement fully relocated from PTR core, easing anthropogenic pressure on wildlife

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Milestones

Relocation: Jaigir sets precedent for complete village shift out of PTR core
Legacy: Site of world’s first tiger pugmark census, pioneer in monitoring techniques
Designation: Early inclusion in 1974 underscores national conservation priority

Biodiversity

Flora: Sal-dominated dry deciduous forests support varied understorey and grasslands
Fauna diversity: Predators, herbivores, insectivores, and semi-aquatic species coexist
Keystone roles: Tiger and Elephant regulate trophic dynamics and habitat structure

Physical Geography

Drainage: North Koel watershed ensures perennial water via Burha river stretch
Lithology: Mixed Precambrian rocks with Gondwana sedimentary belts influence soil fertility
Elevation & plateau setting: Undulating terrain offers microhabitats and migration corridors

Human Relocation & Social Angle

Incentives: Compensation, housing, and livelihood packages facilitated voluntary move
Pressure reduction: Removal of agro-grazing activities lowers firewood extraction and conflict
Replicability: Model may guide other core-area relocations nationwide

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Jharkhand
District	Latehar
Plateau	Chhotanagpur
Notified under Project Tiger	1974
Rank among first Project Tiger sites	1 of 9
Total area	93 sq km
Dominant forest type	Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous (Sal)
First pugmark census year	1932
Census pioneer	J.W. Nicholson
Main rivers	North Koel, Burha, Auranga
Key mammals	Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear
Other notable fauna	Grey Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Pangolin, Otter
Major rock types	Gneiss, Quartzite, Amphibolite, Laterite
Gondwana formations	Sandstone, Shale, Haematite
Village fully relocated	Jaigir

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2012PYQ 1

Consider the following protected areas:

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

In the year 2020 which one of the following tiger reserves of India was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve?

GS-3Environment

10.Global Wind Report 2025 Findings (Wind Energy)

Down to EarthGWEC · 117 GW 2024 · 77% of target

What & Where

Wind energy: converting kinetic wind into electricity via turbines; deployed as onshore and offshore farms

Hotspots 2024: China 70 % new capacity; US, Brazil, India, Germany next; Africa–Middle East onshore doubled

Indian hubs: Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu dominate; offshore potential – Gujarat 36 GW, Tamil Nadu 35 GW

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Trends

Growth: 117 GW added 2024; offshore only 8 GW, 26 % decline
Regional-shift: Uzbekistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia success stories; Africa-Middle East onshore doubled 2024
Financing: Inflation, high interest, protectionism and weak auctions squeezing project viability worldwide

India Snapshot

Manufacturing: turbine 18 GW/yr; towers 5.2 GW, gearboxes 8 GW; blades still import-heavy
Grid: resource-rich Rajasthan, Gujarat, coastal Tamil Nadu lack evacuation lines, inflating delivered costs
Policy: removal of Accelerated Depreciation and GBI incentives creating uncertainty across state markets

Bottlenecks

Land: 7–8 acres per turbine; slow agricultural-to-non-agricultural conversion delaying mega parks
Supply-chain: blade shortages, Chinese components raise delay, cybersecurity, strategic dependence worries
E-waste: composite blades and toxic inverter metals complicate recycling, escalating hazardous waste loads

Way Forward

Policy: national wind policy, land banks, repowering aged farms to unlock quicker permitting
Finance: green bonds, carbon credits, proposed PLI for blades, towers, gearboxes to mobilise capital
Tech: hybrid solar-wind parks, floating and tidal-coupled turbines, surplus-to-green-hydrogen integration

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global addition 2024	117 GW
Total global capacity end-2024	1,136 GW
Offshore addition 2024	8 GW (-26 % y-o-y)
China share in 2024 adds	70 %
Projected 2030 wind target met	77 % only
COP28 required annual adds	320 GW
India cumulative capacity Mar 2025	50.04 GW
India FY25 addition	4.15 GW
India global rank	4th

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

GS-3Environment

11.Agent Orange Environmental Impact (Herbicide Dioxin)

Indian Express2 · 4-D · 2

Illustration for Agent Orange Environmental Impact (Herbicide Dioxin)

What & Where

Agent Orange: US herbicidal warfare blend sprayed across Vietnam (1954–75) for defoliation and crop destruction

Composition: Equal parts 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, both phenoxy herbicides, laced with highly toxic dioxin contaminant

Geography: Residual contamination persists in Vietnamese soils, sediments and water bodies, especially former US bases and heavily-sprayed rural zones

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Soil-sterility: Dioxin residues render sprayed farmland unusable for years
Ecosystem-damage: Forest loss decimated wildlife, altered nutrient cycles
Livelihood-loss: Agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors suffered prolonged income decline

Health Impact

Teratogenicity: Birth defects across multiple Vietnamese generations linked to parental exposure
Carcinogenicity: Increased cancers among exposed civilians and US veterans
Endocrine-effects: Elevated diabetes and neurological disorders documented

Security & Geopolitics

Cold-War: Conflict pitted US-backed South Vietnam against Soviet- and China-supported North Vietnam
Tactical-goal: Herbicide spraying aimed to deny Viet Cong concealment and food
Legacy-issues: Cleanup and compensation still shape US-Vietnam bilateral agenda

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
War duration	1954 – 75
War ended on	30 Apr 1975
2025 marks	50th anniversary
Herbicide mix	2,4-D + 2,4,5-T
Key toxin	Dioxin (TCDD)
Human half-life	≤ 20 yrs
Soil/water persistence	≤ 100 yrs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1995PYQ 1

“The final Agent Orange raid in Vietnam took place in 1970…. areas have begun to bloom again. But 19 years after the war’s end, it seems plain that Agent Orange is killing and maiming human beings, something it never intended to do. The apparent toxic fall-out from those clouds ... is a crop of human miseries including cancers, miscarriages and birth defects — that may persist for decades.” The offensive substance referred to in the above quotation is

GS1 2008PYQ 2

What is Agent Orange?

GS-3Environment

12.Locust Swarm Cognitive Behaviour Study (Desert Locust)

The HinduSchistocerca gregaria · Gregarisation · 80 million per km²

Illustration for Locust Swarm Cognitive Behaviour Study (Desert Locust)

What & Where

Locusts = short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae); become highly destructive after gregarisation into migratory swarms.

Indian species: Desert, Migratory, Bombay, Tree locusts.

Core risk zone: Scheduled Desert Area (~2 lakh km²) in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biology & Behaviour

Gregarisation converts solitary insects into cohesive swarms with colour, behaviour, physiology changes.
Cognitive decision-making model: multiple visual cues yield decentralized, coordinated movement; not random.
Swarms travel hundreds of kilometres, challenging containment efforts.

Geography Spread

Trans-border corridor: Africa → Middle East → South Asia; invasions often start from Africa/Gulf.
Indian hot-spot: Scheduled Desert Area; entry usually via Pakistan-Iran route.
Seasonal winds facilitate rapid cross-border swarm movement.

Administrative Setup

Locust Warning Organization conducts continuous survey, monitoring and chemical/biological control operations.
Ten Locust Circle Offices support state machinery in Rajasthan & Gujarat.
Behaviour model aids earlier forecasting, enabling pre-emptive control interventions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taxonomic family	Acrididae
Phase change term	Gregarisation
Small swarm size	1 km² ≈ 80 million locusts
Food eaten by small swarm	≈ diet of 35,000 people/day
Vegetation lost to large swarm	Up to 1.8 million t
Typical flight range	Hundreds of kilometres
Scheduled Desert Area size	> 2 lakh km²
Monitoring agency	Locust Warning Organization
Locust Circle Offices	10 (Rajasthan & Gujarat)
Most destructive species	Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)

GS-3S&T

13.SeaVision Maritime Domain Software (Maritime Surveillance)

Times of IndiaMDA tool · Hawkeye 360 · Geo-fencing

What & Where

SeaVision = web-based Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) software aggregating vessel-tracking data for security, safety, environment.

Built by US Dept of Transportation; presently operated with Virginia-based defence-analytics firm Hawkeye 360.

US cleared USD 131 mn Foreign Military Sale to India covering SeaVision licences, training, life-cycle support.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Live-integrates AIS, satellite, radar for real-time common operating picture.
Geo-fencing issues automatic breach alerts; analytics flag illegal fishing, smuggling, intrusions.
Web interface allows simultaneous access by allied navies, easing joint drills and HADR planning.

Security Dimension

Enhances maritime situational awareness, enabling early warning and credible deterrence in Indo-Pacific.
Strengthens QUAD & IOR information-sharing networks for coordinated patrols and disaster response.
Protects sea-lanes, offshore infrastructure, and blue-economy assets from grey-zone threats.

India-US Defence Ties

FMS deal follows COMCASA & BECA, indicating rising tech interoperability.
Complements India’s Information Fusion Centre–IOR at Gurugram, feeding US-sourced maritime data.
Adds to earlier US procurements—P-8I, MH-60R—toward an integrated surveillance architecture.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sale value	USD 131 million
Buyer	Government of India
Seller / route	United States; FMS
Core product	SeaVision MDA software
Platform type	Web-based; no installation
Main data feeds	AIS, satellites, coastal radar
Key functions	Live tracking, geo-fencing, custom alerts, multi-user
Original developer	US Dept of Transportation
Current operator	Hawkeye 360 + US agencies
Indian initiatives aided	SAGAR, Sagarmala, Blue Economy monitoring

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

CAPF_GAI, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

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

GS-3S&T

14.Antibiotic Access Gap for CRGN (Antimicrobial Resistance)

The HinduCRGN infections · Lancet study · 7.8% treated

What & Where

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN): last-resort antibiotic-evading bacteria incl. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa.

Gram stain: thick-wall Gram-positive remain violet; thin-wall Gram-negative turn red after decolorisation.

Lancet 2019 survey: ~1.5 mn CRGN cases in 8 LMICs; India alone ~1 mn.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Impact

Mortality: Untreated CRGN drove ~3.5 lakh Indian deaths, highest among surveyed LMICs.
Morbidity: Causes severe pneumonia, sepsis, UTIs prolonging hospital stay and cost.
Global threat: Rising resistance limits therapeutic options and survival rates.

Access Barriers

Diagnostics: Limited culture & susceptibility testing leads to empirical, often ineffective, prescriptions.
Supply chain: Intermittent availability and high prices of reserve drugs restrict patient reach.
Protocol vacuum: Absence of standard national CRGN treatment guidelines in many facilities.

Policy & Stewardship

Stewardship: Study urges hospital antibiotic-stewardship programmes to rationalise use.
Regulation: Tighter control on marketing, procurement and prescription of new antibiotics recommended.
Dual goal: Simultaneous conservation of efficacy and universal patient access emphasised.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
India CRGN infections (2019)	≈10 lakh
India correct-therapy rate	7.8 %
LMIC average correct rate	6.9 %
India deaths from mistreatment	≈3.5 lakh
Countries studied	BD, BR, EG, IN, KE, MX, PK, ZA
Total cases analysed	≈1.5 million
Resistance mechanism	Carbapenemase enzyme production
Carbapenem antibiotics	Last-line drugs against MDR bugs

GS-3Security

15.National Security Advisory Board Reconstitution (Security Advisory)

The HinduNSAB 1998 · NSCS · Alok Joshi

What & Where

Advisory body on national security, set up 1998 under National Security Council Secretariat, New Delhi.

Operates with Strategic Policy Group & Joint Intelligence Committee within the National Security Council framework.

Reconstituted May 2025; ex-R&AW chief Alok Joshi chairs 7-member board.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mandate & Functions

Advises NSC on external threats, internal stability, tech-driven challenges.
Provides independent, long-term assessments; drafts policy options.
Authored key strategic documents: Nuclear Doctrine 2001, Security Review 2007.

Structure & Composition

Chaired by former senior official; multidisciplinary members: diplomacy, military, academia, economics, S&T.
No fixed size; strength tweaked to suit evolving security needs.
Members hold two-year terms; reappointment purely executive discretion.

Recent Reconstitution

Government order May 2025 installs Alok Joshi as chair with seven new appointees.
New board tenure: 2025-27, expected to review terror-response frameworks.
Revamp coincides with high-level deliberations after Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year set-up	1998
Parent secretariat	National Security Council Secretariat
Parallel bodies	Strategic Policy Group, Joint Intelligence Committee
Current chair (2025)	Alok Joshi, former R&AW chief
2025 member strength	8 (chair + 7)
Tenure per member	2 years
Core role	Advise NSC on external, internal security
Landmark inputs	Nuclear Doctrine 2001; National Security Review 2007

GS-2Scheme

16.Depot Darpan Food Storage Portal (Foodgrain Monitoring)

DD NewsGeo-tagging · IoT sensors · AI rating

What & Where

Depot Darpan = digital portal + mobile app for real-time monitoring of food-grain depots.

Developed/managed by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, India.

Covers 2,278 warehouses of FCI, CWC, state and private agencies nationwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Geo-tag IoT sensors stream continuous depot data to central dashboard.
AI modules trial bag counting, personnel FRS, vehicle ANPR for traceability.
Smart environment monitors track CO₂, phosphine, humidity, temperature, fire risk.

Food Security

Scientific warehousing cuts spoilage, maintaining grain quality for PDS supply.
Supports uninterrupted distribution to 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries.
Real-time alerts enable prompt fumigation and pest control.

Governance & Oversight

Geo-tagged uploads verified by supervisors and third-party auditors.
Star ratings spotlight underperforming depots, triggering remedial action.
Mobile app lets officials issue instant compliance directives on site.

Economic Angle

Reduced losses and faster turnover free storage space, lower logistics cost.
Optimized manpower via data-driven resource planning.
Strengthens digital public infrastructure, attracting private warehousing investment.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching ministry	Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Core tech stack	Geo-tagging, IoT sensors, AI analytics, CCTV
Monitoring scope	Infrastructure, operations, finance, gas, humidity, temperature, fire
Depot coverage	2,278 warehouses (national)
Beneficiary linkage	>80 crore NFSA recipients
Feedback system	Automated composite star ratings
Mobile utility	On-the-go inspections, auto-generated reports
AI pilots	Bag counting, Face Recognition System, ANPR

GS-1Editorial

17.Private School Fee Regulation (Education Policy)

The HinduArticle 21A · Delhi guidelines · NSS 2017-18

Illustration for Private School Fee Regulation (Education Policy)

What & Where

Private-school fee regulation: state oversight of fee hikes, especially for institutions on government land

Three chief models: approval-based, formula (cap)-based, objection/grievance review

Geography focus: Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai illustrate divergent regulatory frameworks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Delhi School Education Act 1973 enables government pre-approval for fee revision in recognised private schools
Draft National Fee Regulation Code proposed for uniform yet flexible standards across states
NEP 2020 urges transparency, audited disclosures while encouraging private sector participation

City Models

Delhi approval model: schools on leased government land need prior sanction for any hike
Karnataka formula model: ≤10 % annual increase, audit justification mandatory
Maharashtra objection model: ≥25 % parent protest triggers Fee Revision Committee scrutiny

Challenges & Gaps

Transparency deficit: audited accounts and detailed fee breakups rarely shared
Regulatory divergence: varied state laws create inconsistency and forum shopping risks
Excessive control concern: strict caps may curb teacher pay, infrastructure upgrades, innovation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NSS 2017-18 Delhi average secondary fee	₹32,003
NSS 2017-18 all-India average	₹11,026
17th Lok Sabha time on private education	9.08 hours
South Delhi April 2025 fee hike	20 %
Karnataka 2022 annual cap	10 %
Delhi School Education Act	1973

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

good quality elementary education conforming P

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 2

शिक्षा मंत्रालय द्वारा वर्ष 2020-2021 के लिए प्रकाशित प्रदर्शन ग्रेडिंग सूचकांक (PGI) में, निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य/संघ राज्य-क्षेत्र का स्थान शीर्ष दस में शामिल नहीं है?

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