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16 topicsDefense & Security: 2Economy: 6History: 2Infrastructure: 1Mapping: 1Polity: 2Scheme: 1Science & Technology: 1
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Polity

1.Appointment of Chief Justice of India (Judiciary)

LL

What & Where

Chief Justice of India: apex judge heading Supreme Court & entire Indian judiciary

Constitutional anchor: Article 124(2), Union of India jurisdiction

Latest incumbent: Justice B R Gavai, sworn 14 May 2025, Rashtrapati Bhavan

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Basis

  • Article 124(2) prescribes appointment of CJI and other Supreme Court judges
  • CJI consultation mandatory for appointing SC & HC judges, excluding own post
  • Vacancy scenario: CJI may discharge presidential duties if both top offices vacant

Appointment Process

  • Law Minister seeks outgoing CJI recommendation, consults senior judges on fitness doubts
  • Proposal forwarded to PM, who advises President for formal appointment
  • Oath of office administered by President at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Powers & Functions

  • Roster control: allocates cases, constitutes Constitution Benches
  • Judicial leadership: shapes jurisprudence, guides Supreme Court policy direction
  • Administrative authority: appoints court officers, oversees overall court functioning

Representation Milestone

  • Diversity boost: first Buddhist, reinforcing inclusivity at judiciary’s apex
  • Dalit presence: only second in history, signals incremental social representation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Numerical order52nd CJI
Swearing-in date14 May 2025
Oath byPresident Droupadi Murmu
Religion milestoneFirst Buddhist CJI
Social milestoneSecond Dalit after K G Balakrishnan
Appointing articleArticle 124(2)
Recommending authorityOutgoing CJI (seniority convention)
Official nicknameMaster of the Roster

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the appointment of District Judges?

CAPF_GAI 2021PYQ 2

उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीश के रूप में किसे नियुक्त किया जा सकता है?

Polity

2.Union Public Service Commission Functions (Constitutional Body)

Hindustan Times

What & Where

UPSC: constitutional body recruiting for All-India Services, Central Civil Services Group A & B.

Article 315 origin; HQ Dholpur House, New Delhi.

Nationwide jurisdiction over merit-based competitive examinations.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Composition

  • Structure decided by President; includes Chairman plus appointed members.
  • Experience clause: half members must hold 10 years government tenure.

Appointment & Tenure

  • Appointment under Article 316(1) by President, who sets pay and service conditions.
  • Tenure ends on completing 6 years or reaching 65 years, whichever first.

Removal Mechanisms

  • President may remove for insolvency, paid work, infirmity, or proven misbehaviour.
  • Misbehaviour enquiry sent to Supreme Court; member can be suspended during probe.

Functions

  • Conducts CSE, ESE, CDS, NDA, CAPF, IFoS and similar examinations.
  • Advises Centre on recruitment modes, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Constitutional article315
Appointing authorityPresident of India
Usual membership9–11 including Chairman
Experience rule≥50 % members with 10 yr govt service
Term length6 years
Upper age limit65 years
Removal article317
Enquiry bodySupreme Court; advice binding
Present ChairmanDr Ajay Kumar (retired IAS)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Under which one among the following Articles of the Constitution of India, a member of a Civil Service, whether of the Union or of a State, seeks protection from unlawful dismissal from service?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

Part IV-A of the Constitution of India relates to which of the following?

Economy

4.India’s Agricultural Export Policy Framework (Agri Trade Policy)

DH
Illustration for India’s Agricultural Export Policy Framework (Agri Trade Policy)

What & Where

Agro-export regime = policies, infrastructure, institutions governing outbound farm trade from India

Operates via bodies like APEDA, ODOP-GI cells, FSSAI clearance nodes at ports

Geography focus: pan-India producers; export chokepoints in landlocked UP, MP; main markets UK, EFTA, US

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trade Policy

  • Sensitivity; agriculture placed in FTA negative lists or long transition periods
  • Fragmented Centre-State powers cause contradictory export curbs, delay clearances
  • DBT proposal to replace input subsidies for WTO-friendly, crop-diversified exports

Bottlenecks

  • Quality; high EU rejections of mango, peanut consignments over MRL breaches
  • Infrastructure; cold chains, inland depots scarce in hinterland, raising logistics cost
  • Value chain; raw commodity dominance, limited branded/processed share reduces earnings

Prescribed Fixes

  • Clusters; agro-processing hubs near APMCs, linked to port gateways via output incentives
  • Council; National Agri Trade Council mooted for unified SPS, customs, state nodal links
  • Tech; AI crop monitoring, vernacular advisories, GIS produce mapping for traceable exports

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
FY 2023-24 agri-export valueUSD 48 bn
FY 2022-23 agri-export valueUSD 52 bn
Basmati share in agri exports≈ 21 %
Recent FTAs excluding agricultureUK, EFTA bloc, proposed India–US deal
Top rejection reasons abroadPesticide residue, SPS non-compliance
Governance splitTrade = Union List; Agriculture = State List
Key subsidy distortionsPower, water, fertiliser
Support agencyAPEDA (1985, Commerce Ministry)

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 2002PYQ 2

In terms of value, which one of the following commodities accounted for the largest agricultural exports by India during the three-year period from 1997-1998 to 1999-2000?

Infrastructure

6.India’s Road Safety Challenges and Reforms (Road Safety)

The Hindu

What & Where

Road safety: measures to prevent crashes on India’s 6.3 million km network, second-largest globally

4 Es framework: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care guiding Union & State interventions

Black spots: ≥5,000 high-fatality road sections identified for priority rectification

Quick Facts for MCQs

Accident Causes

  • Overspeeding/intoxication: dominate 78 % crash causality
  • Infrastructure gaps: missing pedestrian zones, unsafe junction design, under-maintained rural/state highways
  • Enforcement weakness: low deterrence despite e-challan, CCTV, high statutory fines

Government Measures

  • Engineering: Mandatory road-safety audits for all NH stages; e-DAR digital crash reporting; rectification funding for black spots
  • Vehicle safety: Dual airbags, ABS, seat-belt reminder, reverse sensors mandatory; Bharat-NCAP star rating notified
  • Emergency care: Ambulances at every toll plaza; cashless trauma pilot in 6 states; Good Samaritan protection strengthened

Future Roadmap

  • Authority: Proposal for unified National Road Safety Authority to integrate Centre-State accountability
  • Data systems: Scaling real-time accident database for evidence-based policy and resource allocation
  • CSR leverage: Mandating auto OEM CSR funds for safety R&D, driver training, and public awareness

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Road length (India)6.3 million km
Fatalities 20221.68 lakh
Death rate 202212.2 per lakh population
UK / Japan death rate2.6 / 2.5 per lakh
GDP loss from crashes~3 % annually
Share due to driver fault78 %
Identified black spots>5,000
MV Amendment Act2019
Safe-System targetHalve deaths by 2030 (WB $109 bn est.)
Good Samaritan lawCentral Rules 2016

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

S1: National highways connect one state with another and are of national importance.

EconomyQuick Bite

7.SIDBI Report on MSME Credit Gap (MSME Financing)

The Hindu
Illustration for SIDBI Report on MSME Credit Gap (MSME Financing)

What & Where

SIDBI – statutory lender under SIDBI Act 1989; HQ Lucknow; anchors MSME financing nationwide

MSME sector – micro, small, medium enterprises across manufacturing & services; vital for jobs, exports, GVA

“Understanding the Indian MSME Sector: Progress and Challenges” (2025) – SIDBI diagnostic report on credit, skills

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Contribution: GVA share rose from 27.3% (2020-21) to 30.1% (2022-23)
  • Exports: value grew from ₹3.95 lakh crore (2020-21) to ₹12.39 lakh crore (2024-25)

Credit Access

  • Gap: Overall 24% finance shortfall equals ~₹30 lakh crore
  • Disparity: Services gap 27%; women-owned MSMEs face 35% gap
  • Informality: 12% micro, 3% small enterprises still tap non-formal lenders

Labour & Skills

  • Shortage: One-in-four MSMEs lacks skilled workers
  • Hotspots: Defence, garments, hotels, sanitaryware sectors most affected

Legal & Policy

  • Mandate: SIDBI established 1989 to promote, finance, develop MSMEs
  • Governance: 100% Government-owned statutory body; principal institutional lender to the sector

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Addressable credit gap24% ≈ ₹30 lakh crore
Credit gap – services27%
Credit gap – women MSMEs35%
Informal borrowing – micro units12%
Informal borrowing – small units3%
Skilled-manpower shortage25% MSMEs
MSME exports 2024-25₹12.39 lakh crore
Share in total exports 202445.79%
MSME GVA share 2022-2330.1%
SIDBI headquartersLucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with reference to India:

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

सूक्ष्म, लघु और मध्यम उद्योगों (MSMEs) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

EconomyQuick Bite

8.Revised SHAKTI Coal Allocation Policy (Coal Allocation)

PIB

What & Where

SHAKTI Policy 2017 : central scheme ensuring transparent coal allocation via auction or tariff-based bidding to power generators

Revision 2025 : two supply windows—fixed-price Window-I for government plants, premium-auction Window-II for other producers

Coal heartland : Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh together house ≈69 % of India’s proved reserves

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • CCEA approval gives statutory backing enhancing inter-ministerial coordination
  • Streamlined two-window system replaces eight earlier categories simplifying compliance
  • Premium auction aligns with National Electricity Policy market-orientation

Economic Angle

  • Fixed-price supply lowers cost uncertainty for state utilities improving tariff planning
  • Auction premiums create revenue upside for Coal India and captive miners
  • Flexible tenors aid plants in hedging against demand volatility

Energy Data

  • Coal continues as dominant baseload contributing majority electricity despite renewable push
  • Revised policy targets higher plant load factors mitigating imported coal dependence
  • Concentrated reserves necessitate efficient logistics corridors for eastern coalfields

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
SHAKTI full formScheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyla Transparently in India
First issued2017
Latest revision clearedCCEA, May 2025
Allocation shiftNomination → auction / tariff bidding
Window-I priceNotified fixed price
Eligible for Window-IGovt-owned, JV, subsidiary thermal stations
Window-II pricePremium over notified price via auction
Contract tenor choicesLong-term ≤25 yr; Short-term ≤12 mo
India coal reserve rank5th globally
Coal share in energy mix~55 %
Coal share in electricity>74 %
Top three reserve statesOdisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
Their combined reserve share~69 %
India coal consumption rank2nd globally

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

EconomyQuick Bite

9.RBI Framework for Bond Forward Contracts (Bond Derivatives)

Business Standard

What & Where

Bond forwards; customised forward contracts with physical delivery of Indian central/state government bonds.

Regulated framework issued by RBI; transactions governed by FEMA (Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019.

Traded OTC within India; accessible to residents and FEMA-eligible non-residents.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • RBI norms create first formal Indian market for bond‐delivery forwards.
  • Framework aligns with BIS guideline on derivative transparency.
  • Aims to deepen domestic bond derivative segment.

Market Impact

  • Higher demand expected for 10-15 yr SDLs due to superior yields.
  • Instrument may flatten mid-curve spreads via hedging activity.
  • Could reduce reliance on offshore NDF-style interest products.

Participant Landscape

  • Residents & FEMA-eligible FPIs may transact as users.
  • SCBs & PDs provide two-way quotes; insurers likely heavy hedgers.
  • Retail individuals remain outside scope to curb speculation.

Instrument Features

  • Customisable notional, tenor, and coupon; price fixed at contract initiation.
  • Maturity date must match an outstanding G-Sec/SDL ISIN.
  • Mark-to-market margins mandated by RBI to manage counter-party risk.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
RegulatorReserve Bank of India
Underlying bondsCentral G-Secs & State Development Loans
Settlement modePhysical delivery (not just cash)
Key purposeHedge long-term interest-rate risk, aid cash-flow planning
Yield example10–15 yr SDL ≈ 6.71 %; same-tenor G-Sec ≈ 6.41 %
Allowed usersSCBs, PDs, insurers, other non-retail entities
Excluded entitiesSFBs, Payments banks, LABs, RRBs
Market makersPrimary Dealers
ComparatorFRAs – unregulated, cash-settled only
Earliest legal basisFEMA (Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2021PYQ 1

भारतीय सरकारी बांड प्रतिफल (Government Bond Yields) निम्नलिखित में से किससे/किनसे प्रभावित होता है/होते हैं?

GS1 2021PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित पर विचार कीजिए :

History

10.Ayurveda Day Observance on 23 September (Traditional Medicine)

Economic Times
Illustration for Ayurveda Day Observance on 23 September (Traditional Medicine)

What & Where

National observance “Ayurveda Day” to honour India’s ancient medical system

Celebrated across India annually on 23 September, aligning with the autumnal equinox

Ayurveda rooted in Atharva Veda; practice emphasises balance of body-mind-spirit

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Gazette notification fixes date enabling predictable planning and budgeting
  • Aligns AYUSH sector promotions with national calendar events
  • Supports inclusion of Ayurveda in global health dialogues as science-based system

Philosophical Foundations

  • Balance symbolism mirrored by equinox, core to Tridosha theory
  • Emphasis on harmony between individual and environment
  • Customised care via Prakriti concept for each person

Healthcare Approach

  • Focus on preventive care using herbal drugs, diet, yoga, meditation
  • Seasonal routines and detox therapies recommended for mind-body sync
  • Promotes sustainable, low-cost interventions leveraging local resources

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Official declarationGazette of Government of India
Start year for fixed date2025 onwards
Annual date23 September
Astronomical tie-inAutumnal equinox (day–night balance)
Core Sanskrit meaningAyu = life; Veda = knowledge
Vedic sourceAtharva Veda
Age of tradition> 5000 years
Key dictum 1Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam (preserve health)
Key dictum 2Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam (cure illness)
Approach typePreventive & holistic healthcare
HistoryQuick Bite

11.Dongria Kondh PVTG Profile (Tribal Community)

The Hindu

What & Where

Dongria Kondh – a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) inhabiting Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills.

Distinct culture: worship Niyam Raja, practise podu (shifting) cultivation, speak script-less Kui (Dravidian).

Niyamgiri range spans Kalahandi & Rayagada districts; bordered by Karlapat WLS (NW) and Kotgarh WLS (NE).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural & Linguistic

  • Worship: Niyam Raja central to cosmology; rituals integrate forests, streams, wildlife.
  • Language: Kui oral transmission via songs, dance, myths; preserves pre-literate knowledge.
  • Sub-tribes: Jharnia guard water sources; Kovi, Kuttia, Languli, Penga maintain clan diversity.

Legal & Policy

  • Resistance: 2000s mass mobilisation blocked Vedanta’s bauxite project on sacred hills.
  • Verdict: 2013 Supreme Court affirmed Gram Sabha veto, strengthening constitutional tribal consent.
  • Precedent: Case showcased empowerment under Fifth Schedule & PESA provisions.

Geography & Ecology

  • Location: Niyamgiri hills form rugged Eastern Ghats spur across Kalahandi-Rayagada.
  • Borders: Karlapat (NW) & Kotgarh (NE) Wildlife Sanctuaries create contiguous biodiversity zone.
  • Cultivation: Podu cycles allow soil recovery, sustaining mixed forest-agri mosaic.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tribe statusPVTG within Scheduled Tribes
Total PVTGs in India75
State with most PVTGsOdisha – 13 groups
LanguageKui; no written script
Main deityNiyam Raja (hill god)
Traditional farmingPodu (shifting cultivation)
Key sub-tribesKovi, Kuttia, Languli, Penga, Jharnia
Opposed companyVedanta (bauxite mining)
Landmark ruling2013 SC upheld Gram Sabha’s right to reject mining
Districts occupiedKalahandi & Rayagada, Odisha
Science & Technology

12.High-Pressure Fabrication of 2D Metals (2D Materials)

The Hindu

What & Where

2D metals: atom-thick (1–2 atoms) metallic sheets confining electrons to planar motion; exhibit quantum-scale behaviours.

Fabricated in China (Beijing & Dongguan labs) by high-pressure molten-metal spreading between MoS₂-coated sapphire plates.

First atomically thin sheets of Bi, Ga, In, Sn, Pb; bismuth layer merely 6.3 Å (~2 atoms).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technique & Materials

  • Method: Melt metal powder, compress; MoS₂ acts as anti-sticking, enabling angstrom-level spreading.
  • Outcome: Uniform, continuous metallic monolayers captured on sapphire for characterization.

Quantum Traits

  • Quantum-confinement shifts energy bands, enabling exotic conductivity regimes absent in 3-D bulk.
  • Non-linear Hall signals arise without magnetic field, promising topological electronics.

Potential Uses

  • Quantum-computing hardware with low-energy, high-speed switching.
  • Flexible electronics: ultra-thin transistors, wearable sensors, foldable optoelectronic panels.
  • Biomedical diagnostics leveraging extreme surface sensitivity for biosensing and imaging.

International Context

  • China joins graphene-analog research race; prior successes mainly with semiconducting dichalcogenides, not pure metals.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Pressure applied200 million Pa (≈200 MPa)
Substrate layersMoS₂ film on sapphire plates
Metals producedBi, Ga, In, Sn, Pb
Bismuth sheet thickness6.3 Å
Electron confinementTwo dimensions only
Key quantum effectNon-linear Hall effect
Field-effect tunabilityStrong; conductivity externally modulated
Possible topologyEdge-conducting topological insulator behavior

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not a property of 'graphene'?

CDS_GK, GS1 2012PYQ 2

Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance?

Mapping

13.China’s Renaming of Arunachal Toponyms (India-China Border)

Down to Earth
Illustration for China’s Renaming of Arunachal Toponyms (India-China Border)

What & Where

Renaming tactic: Beijing keeps issuing Chinese names for Arunachal sites to reinforce claim over “Zangnan / South Tibet”.

Arunachal Pradesh: Himalayan state in Northeast India, formed 1987; capital Itanagar; borders China, Bhutan, Myanmar.

Boundary status: 1,030 km McMahon Line is India’s de facto border; China rejects its legality.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Boundary

  • Claim: China cites Tawang-Lhasa cultural links to dispute McMahon Line.
  • India stance: Arunachal “was, is, will remain” integral; line internationally accepted.
  • Renaming lists cover villages, mountains, rivers lying well within Indian control.

Geography & Biodiversity

  • Terrain: Eastern Himalayas with alpine, temperate and tropical forest belts.
  • Biodiversity: Orchid Paradise; Namdapha NP, Pakke TR, Dibang WLS host tiger, snow leopard.
  • Rivers: Mostly snow-fed; sustain rich medicinal plant endemism.

Tribal Diversity

  • Demography: >25 major tribes—Nyishi, Apatani, Mishmi, Wancho, Momba, Khamti, Abor.
  • Festivals: Losar, Solung, Dree, Nyokum, Boori-Boot mark agrarian and spiritual calendars.
  • Monpa cultural sphere around Tawang Monastery leveraged by China for historical narrative.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Chinese claimed area≈ 90,000 sq km
Year renaming began2017
Former nameNorth-East Frontier Agency
Statehood year1987 (24th state)
India-China border length1,030 km
Other external bordersMyanmar 440 km; Bhutan 160 km
Key riversSiang, Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Tirap
Important passesBum La, Bomdila, Tunga, Dihang
Defense & Security

14.Bhargavastra Counter-Drone Micro-Missile System (Counter-Drone Tech)

Times of India
Illustration for Bhargavastra Counter-Drone Micro-Missile System (Counter-Drone Tech)

What & Where

Bhargavastra – micro-missile counter-drone system to detect & destroy hostile drones, incl. swarms

Developed in India by Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd with Economic Explosives Ltd

Deployed on mobile launcher for Army Air Defence in border, high-altitude zones

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Specs

  • Detection radar/optics integrated with guided micro-munitions for precision neutralisation
  • Simultaneous 64-round load enables massed swarm engagement
  • Launcher mobility allows rapid relocation, 360° coverage

Operational Advantage

  • Rapid-response firing cycle counters low-flying, low-RCS drones before payload release
  • Stand-off kill distance >2.5 km protects troops & assets from debris/explosives
  • Economical munitions cut expenditure against cheap commercial UAV threats

Security Dimension

  • Fills critical anti-drone gap exposed along Pakistan border & during recent conflicts
  • Indigenous design reduces import dependence, aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Limited comparable global systems positions India as emerging C-UAS tech provider

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Detection range> 6 km for small UAVs
Kill/engagement range> 2.5 km stand-off
Missiles per launcher64 micro-missiles
Salvo rate2 rockets within 2 s
PlatformTruck-mounted, high-altitude capable
DevelopersSDAL + Economic Explosives Ltd
Service usersArmy Air Defence; IAF interest
DistinctionIndia’s first micro-missile C-UAS system
Cost tagLow-cost versus conventional air-defence

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Ministry of Defence signed contract with which one of the following organizations for Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and other equipment for around 3000 crores?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

भारत का ‘मिशन शक्ति’ (DRDO) निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है?

Defense & Security

15.Operation Black Forest Anti-Naxal Drive (Left Wing Extremism)

ANI

What & Where

Operation Black Forest – 21-day high-intensity counterinsurgency sweep against Maoist bases

Core theatre – ~1,200 sq km Kurraguttalu/Karregutta Hills straddling Chhattisgarh–Telangana border

Goal – dismantle Naxal HQs, neutralise leadership, aid 31 Mar 2026 Left-Wing Extremism eradication target

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Neutralisation: 31 cadres eliminated, bid to decapitate top Maoist command
  • Coordination: CRPF, CoBRA, STF, DRG executed deep-insertion multi-column assaults
  • Continuum: aligns with nationwide strategy to finish LWE by FY 2025-26

Geophysical Factors

  • Terrain: steep escarpments, caves, thick sal forests aid guerrilla concealment
  • Extent: Karregutta belt spans 25–50 km along inter-state ridge line
  • Accessibility: 5,000 ft altitude and broken slopes hinder regular patrols

Tribal Perspective

  • Demography: Koya, Gond, Chenchu communities inhabit hill forests
  • Impact: prolonged cross-fire, displacement, livelihood disruption recorded
  • Nomenclature: locals dub the range “Black Hills” reflecting dark rocky outcrops

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Code-nameOperation Black Forest
Duration21 days
Maoists killed31
Area covered~1,200 sq km
Peak elevation~5,000 ft
Border districtsSukma (CG) / Bhadradri Kothagudem (TS)
Lead forceCRPF with CoBRA units
Partner forcesChhattisgarh STF, DRG
Key terrainSteep hills, caves, waterfalls, dense forests
LWE deadline31 March 2026
SchemeQuick Bite

16.Scheme to Upgrade Government ITIs (Skill Development)

Business Standard

What & Where

National Rs 60,000-crore scheme to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs and build 5 National Centres of Excellence for Skilling (NCOEs).

Implemented across India under MSDE; NCOEs housed in existing NSTIs at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana.

Uses hub-and-spoke ITI model to deliver automation, AI, advanced-manufacturing skills.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Financials & Funding

  • Outlay: Rs 60,000 crore spread over five fiscal years.
  • Multilaterals: ADB & World Bank cover half of central expenditure.
  • Contributors: Remaining cost shared by Centre, States, Industry.

Institutional Network

  • ITIs: 1,000 government institutes upgraded under hub-and-spoke pattern.
  • NCOEs: 5 centres situated inside National Skill Training Institutes.
  • NSTIs: 33 existing institutes dedicated to trainer training nationwide.

Skill Focus & Targets

  • Youth: 2 million to acquire automation, AI, advanced manufacturing competencies.
  • Trainers: 50,000 instructors developed via NCOEs.
  • Trades: Curriculum aligned to industry-relevant, capital-intensive sectors.

Governance Model

  • SPV: Industry-led special purpose vehicle steers curriculum, infrastructure, management.
  • Shift: Moves control from government-only to public-private partnership.
  • Oversight: DGT retains affiliation and accreditation authority for all ITIs.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total outlayRs 60,000 crore
Scheme period5 years
Govt ITIs covered1,000
National Centres of Excellence5
NCOE locationsBBSR, Chennai, Hyd, Kanpur, Ludhiana
Trainers target50,000
Youth to be skilled2 million
Funding mixCentre-State-Industry
Multilateral shareADB & World Bank finance 50 % of central
Apex accreditorDGT, MSDE

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about the SANKALP Scheme:

GEO_GS, GS1 2019PYQ 2

अटल नवाचार (Innovation) मिशन किसके अधीन स्थापित किया गया है?

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