Friday, 16 May 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct about the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India?

The correct answer is (a) I only. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2026.

Q: The Supreme Court of India tenders’ advice to the President on a matter of law or fact

The correct answer is (a) on its own initiative. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2001.

Q: Who among the following filed the Writ Petition that led to the famous verdict of the Supreme Court of India recognising the Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right?

The correct answer is (c) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2011.

Q: विश्व का एकमात्र देश कौन-सा है, जिसने आधिकारिक रूप से सकल राष्ट्रीय खुशहाली (GNH) को देश की प्रगति का मान्य मापक घोषित किया है ?

The correct answer is (b) भूटान. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023.

Q: Recently which one of the following countries became the first in the world to adopt the cryptocurrency 'Bitcoin' as legal tender?

The correct answer is (c) El Salvador. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

Q: Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?

The correct answer is (a) Jute. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: Which peninsular river has a tributary named ‘Kabini’?

The correct answer is (a) Godavari. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: Estuaries possess distinct blooms of excessive growth of a pigmented dinoflagellate. These blooms are called

The correct answer is (a) red tides. This question appeared in GS1 1998.

16 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 3GS-3: 10

0/16 done

GS-2Polity

1.Supreme Court Advisory Jurisdiction (Advisory Jurisdiction)

Hindustan TimesArticle 143 · President reference · Constitution Bench

What & Where

Advisory jurisdiction: President seeks Supreme Court opinion on public-importance questions of law/fact under Constitution of India.

Two routes: Article 143(1) general references; Article 143(2) pre-constitutional treaties, former princely-state covenants.

Heard mandatorily by Constitution Bench (≥5 judges); opinion only advisory, non-binding.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Discretionary power; SC may refuse, providing institutional check on executive overuse.
Offers President independent legal advice beyond mandatory Council-of-Ministers aid.
Non-binding opinion preserves separation; Parliament/state not automatically compelled.

Historical Precedents

Berubari Union 1960 enabled territory transfer to Pakistan via constitutional amendment.
Cauvery Water Reference 1992 affirmed tribunal award, shaping federal water dispute resolution.
Kesavananda follow-up 1973 reinforced Basic Structure post original 1973 verdict.

Procedural Specifics

Reference sent as Presidential order; registered as “Special Reference” before SC.
Parties, AGI, state counsels invited; Court may appoint amici for wider viewpoints.
Opinion communicated to President; may be cited as precedent though non-binding.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional article	143
Nature of opinion	Advisory, non-binding
Bench requirement	Constitution Bench, Art 145(3), ≥5 judges
SC discretion to answer	Yes
President’s latest query	Time-limits for President/Governor assent to Bills
Total invocations till 2023	14
First use	Delhi Laws Act Reference, 1951
Only declined reference	Ayodhya Acquisition Act, 1993
Case clarifying Collegium	Judges Appointment Reference, 1998
Article 143(2) focus	Pre-1947 treaties & covenants

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India?

GEO_GS, GS1 2001PYQ 2

The Supreme Court of India tenders’ advice to the President on a matter of law or fact

GS-2Polity

2.Right to Digital Access (Article 21 Digital)

The HinduSupreme Court ruling · digital KYC · inclusive access

Illustration for Right to Digital Access (Article 21 Digital)

What & Where

Definition: Right to digital access—assured ability of every citizen to use essential digital public, financial infrastructure

Coverage: Mandates inclusion of PwDs, rural users, seniors, linguistic minorities throughout India

Constitutional hook: SC expands Article 21 read with Articles 14, 15, 38 for non-discriminatory digital systems

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Recognition: Digital inclusion declared constitutional imperative, not policy preference
Equality: Judgment treats inaccessible tech as discrimination under Articles 14-15
Obligation: Government, private entities must ensure WCAG-aligned design and audits

Accessibility Barriers

Design flaw: Visual, motor heavy KYC blocks blind, motor-impaired, facial disfigurement users
Non-compliance: Most KYC apps lack screen-reader support, audio prompts, language options
Impact: Denial of banking, SIM cards, pensions widens rural-urban and disability digital divides

Supreme Court Directives

Verification: Provide voice, caregiver-assisted, offline ID alternatives within 90 days
Governance: Appoint digital accessibility nodal officer in every regulator and bank
Oversight: Mandate annual third-party accessibility certification for all public-facing portals

Significance

Rights boost: Aligns domestic law with UNCRPD, strengthens enforceability of RPwD Act
Inclusive tech: Sets precedent for future AI, fintech, e-governance regulations
Substantive equality: Shifts focus from formal compliance to user-centred universal design

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Landmark case	Pragya Prasun & Amar Jain v. Union of India (2025)
Fundamental right cited	Article 21 (life & liberty)
Supporting articles	Articles 14, 15, 38
Key statute referenced	Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Specific section breached	Section 42 (universal design)
Global treaty invoked	UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Main exclusion examples	Blinking, selfie, OTP based e-KYC
Directed reforms	Alt live-verification, nodal officers, periodic accessibility audits
Affected services	Banking, telecom, pension, welfare schemes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Who among the following filed the Writ Petition that led to the famous verdict of the Supreme Court of India recognising the Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right?

CDS_GK, GS1 2011PYQ 2

India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

3.Bhutan Crypto Tourism Payments (Crypto Payments)

Financial ExpressBinance Pay · DK Bank · cashless travel

What & Where

National crypto tourism payment system: Bhutan’s cash-free QR platform built with Binance Pay & DK Bank.

Accepts 300+ digital coins (BNB, BTC, USDC) enabling real-time settlement at hotels, shops, transport.

Bhutan: land-locked Himalayan kingdom (capital Thimphu) between India & China; first carbon-neutral state.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Tourism revenue expected to rise via friction-free, multi-currency payments reducing forex conversion costs.
Lower merchant fees than card rails enhance local business profitability.
Financial inclusion push links unbanked Bhutanese to digital wallets.

Technology Setup

Binance Pay processes on/off-chain transfers; DK Bank handles fiat conversion & compliance.
System operable nationwide across hotels, taxis, eateries; scans settle instantly in Ngultrum equivalent.
Scalability allows addition of new tokens without hardware changes.

Legal & Policy

India treats crypto as assets; usage permitted yet not recognised as legal tender.
Bhutan’s rollout aligns with sovereign digital-asset strategy while preserving carbon-neutral commitments.
Initiative dovetails with GNH philosophy, prioritising well-being over GDP metrics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global first for national crypto tourism pay	Bhutan
Key partners	Binance Pay, DK Bank
Cryptos supported	300+ incl. BNB, BTC, USDC
Transaction mode	QR-code, real-time
Core aims	Lower fees, boost tourism, financial inclusion
Bhutan longest river	Manas River – 376 km, India-Bhutan
Bhutan’s development metric	Gross National Happiness
India: crypto legal status	Not legal tender, not banned
Bhutan nickname	Land of the Thunder Dragon
Carbon status	World’s first carbon-neutral country

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 1

विश्व का एकमात्र देश कौन-सा है, जिसने आधिकारिक रूप से सकल राष्ट्रीय खुशहाली (GNH) को देश की प्रगति का मान्य मापक घोषित किया है ?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Recently which one of the following countries became the first in the world to adopt the cryptocurrency 'Bitcoin' as legal tender?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

4.Jute Minimum Support Price (Jute MSP)

The HinduJute Corporation of India · golden fibre · CACP recommendation

What & Where

Jute; golden fibre; mainly grown in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar

Jute Corporation of India; price-support PSU under Textiles Ministry; nationwide MSP procurement

Minimum Support Price; floor rate fixed by CCEA on CACP advice covering raw jute

Quick Facts for MCQs

Agronomic Conditions

Temperature 17–41 °C, humidity 40–90 %, >120 cm rainfall optimise fibre quality
Alluvial Ganga-Brahmaputra soils plus monsoon retting water essential
Long photoperiod of humid tropics favours rapid stem growth

Institutional Setup

JCI buys raw jute at MSP, grades, stores, supplies mills
Operates purchase centres across seven jute-growing states; HQ Kolkata
Mandate prevents trader cartelisation, supports Price Support Scheme implementation

Economic Angle

MSP hike 2025-26 shields farmers from distress sales, stabilises income
Raw jute feeds compulsory packaging demand under Jute Packaging Materials Act
Sector sustains rural livelihoods, export earnings, eco-friendly fibre market

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Largest jute producer	India
Cash-crop rank	2nd after cotton
Main jute states	West Bengal, Assam, Bihar
Ideal temperature	17 °C – 41 °C
Ideal rainfall	> 120 cm, well-distributed
Ideal humidity	40 % – 90 %
JCI parent ministry	Textiles
Procurement limit	No quantity ceiling
MSP decided by	CCEA on CACP advice
2025-26 MSP aim	Curb distress sales

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements :

GS1 1996PYQ 2

Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?

GS-1Mapping

5.Mahadayi River System (Interstate River)

The HinduBhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary · Kalasa tributary · Cumbarjua Canal

What & Where

Rain-fed interstate Mahadayi / Mandovi / Mhadei flows 111 km through Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa into the Arabian Sea

Origin Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Khanapur taluk, Belagavi; estuary empties at Panaji beside Mormugao Harbour

Lifeline of Goa for drinking water, farming, navigation, tourism; famed for Dudhsagar Falls & estuarine biodiversity

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Tribunal Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act adjudicates allocations
Karnataka seeks diversion for drinking water to Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, Gadag drought-prone districts
Goa resists citing wildlife-sanctuary damage, salinity changes, tourism and fisheries loss

Project Details

Kalasa-Banduri project (1980s) diverts Kalasa & Banduri flows to Malaprabha basin within Krishna system
CSIR-NIO & INCOIS 2024 study says Karnataka diversion causes limited ecological impact, triggering Goa protests
Diversion involves dams, canals, pumping infrastructure; final clearances still under dispute

Environmental Assets

Estuary hosts mangroves, fish nurseries, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary; supports rich Western Ghats biodiversity
River enables inland navigation, Mandovi cruises, iron-ore barge traffic vital for Goa’s economy
Three parallel bridges, including Atal Setu, showcase engineering while boosting regional connectivity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alternate names	Mandovi, Mhadei
River type	Rain-fed, west-flowing
Total length	111 km
Stretch in Karnataka	35 km
Stretch in Maharashtra	1 km
Stretch in Goa	76 km
Catchment area	2,032 km² (Goa 1,580; Kar 375; Mah 77)
Origin site	Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Mouth	Arabian Sea at Panaji
Major tributaries	Kalasa, Banduri, Mapusa, Ragada
Linking canal	Cumbarjua joins Mahadayi–Zuari
Iconic waterfall	Dudhsagar Falls
Key bird habitat	Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorão
Tallest bridge	3.2-km Atal Setu

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which peninsular river has a tributary named ‘Kabini’?

GS-3Environment

6.South Australia Toxic Algal Bloom (Harmful Algal Bloom)

The HinduKarenia mikimotoi · red tide · anoxic zones

What & Where

Toxic dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi forms harmful algal blooms (red tides) causing mass marine mortality.

March 2025 bloom off South Australia spans ~4,400 sq km near Kangaroo, Fleurieu & Yorke peninsulas.

Alga is photosynthetic, thecal-plate-less; thrives in warm, calm, nutrient-rich seawater.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Mass-mortality: sharks, rays, octopuses, crabs; trophic chain disruption.
Oxygen-depletion generates benthic dead zones harming sessile fauna.
Persistent water chemistry changes threaten long-term coastal biodiversity.

Economic Angle

Fisheries suffer catch loss and equipment fouling.
Beach tourism declines due to foamy discoloured water and odour.
Local livelihoods across affected peninsulas face revenue shortfalls.

Health Concerns

Aerosolised toxins irritate skin, eyes, respiratory tracts of nearby residents.
Authorities issue advisories against swimming and seafood intake.
Low acute toxin potency masks cumulative exposure risks.

Climate Linkage

Marine heatwave elevates SSTs, boosting bloom proliferation.
Climate change projected to raise HAB frequency and duration globally.
2025 event logged as South Australia’s largest harmful algal bloom.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Kingdom	Protista
Phylum	Dinoflagellata
First recorded	Japan 1935
Main toxins	Gymnocin A & Gymnocin B
2025 bloom area	~4,400 sq km
Coastline hit	South Australia (Kangaroo, Fleurieu, Yorke)
Marine species killed	>200
Human symptoms	Skin, eye, respiratory irritation
Water status	Oxygen-depleted anoxic zones
Key drivers	Marine heatwave, calm seas, climate change

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1998PYQ 1

Estuaries possess distinct blooms of excessive growth of a pigmented dinoflagellate. These blooms are called

GS-3Environment

7.India Carbon Capture Utilisation Testbeds (Carbon Capture)

Times of IndiaCCU testbeds · hard-to-abate sectors · CO2 utilisation

Illustration for India Carbon Capture Utilisation Testbeds (Carbon Capture)

What & Where

Definition: CCU captures industrial CO₂ and converts it to value-added products; subset of CCUS.

Key processes: Capture → Transport → Utilisation; capture routes include post-combustion, pre-combustion, oxy-fuel, direct-air.

India focus: Five PPP pilot testbeds in Haryana, Kanpur, Mumbai, Dehradun-Tirupati, Chennai-Goa clusters.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Capture-types: Post-combustion, Pre-combustion, Oxy-fuel, DAC each suiting different plant configurations.
R&D-focus: Catalysis for CO₂ conversion, low-energy separations, scale-ready integration with kilns.
Product-range: Fuels, fertiliser feedstock, construction materials extend CO₂ life-cycle beyond emission point.

Institutional Tie-ups

Haryana: NCCBM + JK Cement.
Uttar Pradesh: IIT Kanpur + JSW Cement; Maharashtra: IIT Bombay + Dalmia.
Uttarakhand–AP: CSIR-IIP + IIT Tirupati + IISc + JSW; TN-Goa: IIT Madras + BITS Goa + Ultratech.

Limitations

Market-size: CO₂-derived products currently niche, curbing revenue scale.
Energy-intensity: High, especially DAC, risks negating climate gains if powered by fossil grid.
Climate-benefit: Dependent on CO₂ source, process emissions, product lifetime.

Trade Angle

CBAM-pressure: Indigenous CCU aims to shield exports from EU carbon levy.
Future-proofing: Early deployment gives Indian cement global compliance edge.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent framework	CCUS
Approved Indian CCU testbeds	5
PPP model	Public + academia + cement majors
Target sectors	Hard-to-abate, esp. cement
Capture stages	Capture, Transport, Utilisation
Post-combustion suitability	Retrofit-friendly
Energy demand highest in	Direct Air Capture
Utilisation outputs	Synthetic fuels, urea, concrete aggregate, chemicals, food-grade CO₂
Strategy driver	Counter EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Leading R&D themes	CO₂ catalysis, vacuum gas separation, industrial integration

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

'प्रयास वात प्रसारण (कार्बन एयर कैप्चर)', जो नई उभरती प्रौद्योगिकी है, के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following activities:

GS-3Species

8.Indian Yak Genomic Breakthrough (High-Altitude Bovine)

Times of IndiaBos grunniens · ICAR-NRC Yak · chromosome-level genome

Illustration for Indian Yak Genomic Breakthrough (High-Altitude Bovine)

What & Where

Indian yak (Bos grunniens): long-haired high-altitude bovine of Bovini tribe; dubbed “ship of the Himalayas”.

Genome milestone: first chromosome-level assembly by ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Range: Tibetan Plateau and Indian states—Arunachal Pr., Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pr., J-K & Ladakh—above ≈14,000 ft.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Genome: Chromosome-level assembly aids marker-assisted selection, conservation planning.
Collaboration: ICAR-NRC on Yak spearheaded with national genomics partners.
Breeding goal: Identify cold-resilience, disease-resistance genes for climate-smart livestock.

Biological Adaptations

Thermoregulation: Dense outer coat plus woolly under-fur resists Himalayan wind chill.
Nutrition: Enlarged rumen enables efficient digestion of sparse alpine grasses.

Economic Angle

Livelihood: Milk, meat, wool, hides, dung fuel and pack transport sustain hill pastoralists.
Transhumance: Seasonal migrations optimise pasture use, anchoring nomad economies.
Tourism: Yak rides and products bolster mountain eco-tourism revenues.

Ecological Impact

Grazing: Controlled yak herds curb shrub invasion, maintaining alpine meadow biodiversity.
Manure: Nutrient-rich dung enhances soil fertility in cold desert ecosystems.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Bos grunniens
Taxonomic tribe	Bovini (cattle, buffalo, bison)
Comfortable altitude	≥ 4,200 m (14,000 ft)
Cold tolerance	Down to –40 °C
Lead institute	ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak
Breakthrough	First Indian yak chromosome-level genome
Indian states rearing yak	6 (AP, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, HP, J-K, Ladakh)
Key digestive trait	Enlarged rumen for low-quality forage
Coat feature	Long hanging hair forms insulating layer
Traditional system	Nomadic transhumance

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

9.Illegal Killing of Migratory Birds (CMS Rome Plan)

Down to EarthEuropean Turtle Dove · CMS Strategic Plan · Bern Convention

Illustration for Illegal Killing of Migratory Birds (CMS Rome Plan)

What & Where

Illegal Bird Killing (IKB); shooting, trapping, illegal trade of wild birds

Geography Mediterranean littoral: 46 states across Europe, North Africa, West Asia

CMS Rome Strategic Plan 2020-30 to halve IKB vs 2020 baseline

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

CMS Rome Plan builds on Bern Convention, seeks 50% IKB cut by 2030
Bern Convention 1979 pioneered continent-wide habitat and species protection across Europe, some Africa
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Schedule-I grants rare Indian birds absolute protection, strict penalties

Species at Risk

European Turtle Dove hunted heavily, population crashing across Mediterranean migratory corridor
Egyptian Vulture critically endangered; poisoned carcasses, electrocution, hunting elevate mortality
European Goldfinch prized cage bird, mass trapping persists despite legal moratoriums

Indian Actions

National Action Plan 2018-23 targets habitat, monitoring, awareness along Central Asian Flyway
India-CMS MoUs: Siberian Crane 1998, Marine Turtles 2007, Dugong 2008, Raptors 2016
Enforcement via WPA 1972 includes 7-year jail, ₹25,000 fine for Schedule-I bird offences

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
CMS Rome Plan years	2020-2030
IKB reduction target	50% by 2030 vs 2020
Countries assessed	46
Off-track nations	38
Example at-risk species	European Turtle Dove
Bern Convention year	1979
India Migratory Bird Plan	2018-2023
Indian flyway focus	Central Asian Flyway

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 1

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

ESE_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 2

The Thirteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP-13) in 2020 was held in

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

10.Parali Protection Force Initiative (Stubble Burning Control)

Times of IndiaCAQM directive · CRM machines · Punjab Haryana UP

What & Where

Parali Protection Force: district/block-level team to deter paddy-straw (parali) burning

Core geography: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh; aimed at Delhi-NCR air-shed

Process focus: real-time monitoring, residue collection, bioenergy linkage

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Mandate: CAQM directions are binding on state governments under Environment Protection Act powers
Compliance: States must notify force structure, action plan within stipulated timeline
Record impact: Red Entry curtails future government benefits to violators

Enforcement Setup

Surveillance: Force patrols fields, uses real-time satellite/fire alerts for rapid response
Supply chain: District units earmark Govt/Panchayat land for straw bale depots
Chain-of-command: State nodal officers report weekly progress to CAQM portal

Farmer Support Measures

Incentive: Rent-free availability of super seeders, happy seeders, balers via CHCs
Assistance: Nodal officers guide residue collection, link farmers with bioenergy buyers
Replacement: Outdated CRM implements swapped with efficient models by Aug 2025

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statutory anchor	CAQM Act, 2021
Order date	May 2025
Target states	Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
Force composition	Police + agriculture officers + local officials
Duty cycle	24 × 7 field vigilance
Penalty tag	Environmental Compensation + Red Entry in land records
One nodal officer	For every 50 farmers
CRM machine cost	Rent-free via Custom Hiring Centres
Old machine phase-out	Before Aug 2025
Digital tool	Online dashboard tracking residue generation & use

GS-3S&T

11.DRDO Nanoporous Desalination Membrane (Desalination Tech)

DD NewsDMSRDE Kanpur · nanoporous layers · seawater desalination

Illustration for DRDO Nanoporous Desalination Membrane (Desalination Tech)

What & Where

Membrane: DRDO-DMSRDE high-pressure nanoporous multi-layer polymer sheet for seawater reverse-osmosis desalination.

Processes: Nanofiltration + reverse osmosis; field-tested on Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel.

Geography: Developed Kanpur (UP); intended for Indian maritime/coastal zones, scalable to civilian plants.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Nanopores: Sub-100 nm pores yield efficient salt & impurity rejection.
Multilayer design: Sequential layers boost mechanical strength without external supports.
Fast-track R&D: Completed under internal DRDO Mission Mode, bypassing import dependence.

Environmental Impact

Lower energy demand reduces carbon footprint versus thermal desalination.
Durable membrane lessens replacement waste, curbing polymer disposal.
Potential brine management: Higher recovery rates shrink brine volume discharged.

Security Dimension

On-board fresh water generation extends patrol endurance for Coast Guard & Navy.
Indigenous tech cuts foreign sourcing risks during conflict or sanctions.
Dual-use potential supports island & border outpost self-sufficiency.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developing agency	DMSRDE, DRDO, Kanpur
Partner user	Indian Coast Guard
Build time	8 months
Core material	Polymeric nano-porous multilayers
Pressure tolerance	High-pressure marine environment
Anti-degradation trait	Resists chloride ion, high salinity
Field trial	OPV sea trials + 500 h endurance test
Scalability	Plug-and-play for civilian RO units
Key benefit	Lower energy, longer membrane life

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2021PYQ 1

Scientists at CSIR-NCL Pune, with support from the Water Technology Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, have recently developed a novel hybrid technology to bring safe and healthy drinking water. What is the name of the hybrid technology?

GS-3S&T

12.Bharat 6G Vision Roadmap (6G Roadmap)

PIBBharat 6G Mission · terahertz testbed · green networks

Illustration for Bharat 6G Vision Roadmap (6G Roadmap)

What & Where

Bharat 6G Vision: India’s roadmap for sixth-generation telecom, launched 2023, targeting global leadership by 2030.

Process: 9-year mission (2022-31) covering R&D, field trials, standards contribution; uses THz & optical testbeds.

Geography: Pan-India deployment; aligns with ITU’s IMT-2030 for worldwide interoperability and sustainability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Phased-Mission: Early research, piloting, large-scale deployment mapped to 2025, 2027, 2030 checkpoints.
Testbeds: Facilitate device-level THz experiments and long-haul optical backhaul innovations within India.
Green-Networks: Emphasis on energy-efficient protocols and hardware to cut telecom carbon footprint.

Capacity Building

Academia: 100 state-funded 5G labs groom researchers for 6G tasks and indigenous IPR.
Start-ups: Alliance mentors early-stage firms on chips, antennas, security layers.
Skill-Pipeline: Curriculum revamp towards AI-defined radios, spectrum-sharing, quantum-safe encryption.

International Alignment

ITU Role: India co-drafted IMT-2030 requirements and usage scenarios.
Global Standards: Planned submission of indigenous waveforms and security suites by 2026.
Interoperability: Vision stresses open RAN, harmonised spectrum bands for seamless cross-border roaming.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vision launch	2023
Mission span	2022 – 2031
Target leadership year	2030
5G base stations (Apr 2024)	4.35 lakh
5G labs sanctioned FY 24	100
Core testbeds	THz & Advanced Optical
National platform	Bharat 6G Alliance
Peak 6G speed aim	1 Tbps
Latency ambition	100 µs
ITU codename	IMT 2030
International event	Bharat 6G 2025 Conference
Guiding principles	Affordability, Sustainability, Ubiquity

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

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

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which Union Ministry announced '5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023' aimed at shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas workable beyond products and solutions?

GS-2Misc

13.International Atomic Energy Agency Overview (Nuclear Watchdog)

TNVienna headquarters · Atoms for Peace · nuclear safeguards

What & Where

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) — UN-linked watchdog for safe, secure, peaceful nuclear technology.

HQ Vienna, Austria; Statute signed 23 Oct 1956, in force 29 Jul 1957.

Global remit; 178 member states (2025); reports to UNGA & UNSC.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mandate & Safeguards

Verification; inspects facilities, tracks nuclear material to block weapon diversion.
Safety standards; issues codes on reactors, waste, transport, security.
Technical cooperation; funds training, equipment for energy, health, agriculture R&D.

Emergency Response

IEC; 24×7 hub for nuclear-radiological incident coordination and information.
Clarification; swiftly denied Kirana Hills leak rumours after Operation Sindoor media reports.
Assistance missions; deploys experts, dosimeters, lab analysis when member states request.

Historical Context

1953 Eisenhower “Atoms for Peace” speech spurred agency creation.
Mandate balances civilian nuclear promotion with non-proliferation oversight.
Safeguards framework later embedded in 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Headquarters	Vienna, Austria
Statute adopted	23 Oct 1956
Came into force	29 Jul 1957
Current members	178 (2025)
UN reporting	General Assembly & Security Council
Popular moniker	“Atoms for Peace and Development”
Emergency arm	Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC)
Latest clarification	No radiation leak at Kirana Hills, Pakistan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

भारत के सन्दर्भ में ‘अंतर्राष्ट्रीय परमाणु ऊर्जा एजेंसी (IAEA)’ के अतिरिक्त प्रोटोकॉल (Additional Protocol) का अनुमोदन करने का निहितार्थ क्या है?

GS1 2017PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3Security

14.Exercise Teesta Prahar (Army Field Exercise)

ITTrishakti Corps · riverine terrain · joint warfare

Illustration for Exercise Teesta Prahar (Army Field Exercise)

What & Where

Definition: large-scale Indian Army field exercise simulating combat in riverine + all-terrain zones

Location: Teesta Field Firing Range, North Bengal, West Bengal

Conducted by Trishakti Corps, Eastern Command with multi-arm, tech-enabled joint warfare drills

Quick Facts for MCQs

Operational Objectives

Validation: seamless inter-arm coordination and interoperability
Readiness: rapid mobilisation and quick-response manoeuvres under real-time pressure
Simulation: hybrid, high-tech warfare scenarios for future conflicts

Force Composition

Integration: infantry, armour, artillery with aviation, engineers, signals in single battle group
SpecialOps: Para SF executed precision tasks amid river obstacles
Jointness: reinforces Army–Air Force synergy demonstrated during Operation Sindoor

Technology Edge

Deployment: drones, smart munitions, secure SDR radios for networked battlefield awareness
C4ISR: real-time targeting through integrated command, control, comms, computers, intelligence, surveillance, recon
Mobility: assault boats, modular bridges enabling swift river crossings

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Name	Exercise Teesta Prahar
Conducting formation	Trishakti Corps, Eastern Command
Venue	Teesta Field Firing Range, West Bengal
Terrain focus	Riverine and diverse all-terrain
Branches involved	Inf, Mech Inf, Armour, Artillery, Aviation, Para SF, Engineers, Signals
Core aim	Validate jointness, rapid mobilisation, tech integration
Key capability	Next-gen surveillance, comms, weapon systems
Recent linkage	Follows Army-Air Force strike Operation Sindoor

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal annual joint training exercise in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations was held in December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi. What is the name of this exercise?

GS-1Misc

15.Sample Registration System Report 2021 (Demographic Indicators)

The HinduCrude Birth Rate · Total Fertility Rate · Infant Mortality

Illustration for Sample Registration System Report 2021 (Demographic Indicators)

What & Where

System: Dual survey of births & deaths run by Registrar General of India since 1970

Purpose: Provides annual fertility, mortality, sex-ratio estimates for policy and SDG tracking

Coverage: SRS Statistical Report 2021 spans all States/UTs, rural-urban samples

Quick Facts for MCQs

Demographic Trends

Fertility: National TFR 2.0 below replacement; Delhi, Kerala, WB 1.4-1.5
BirthRate: CBR declined 0.2 points in 2021 continuing steady fall
GenderBalance: Sex ratio at birth climbed from 899 (2014) to 913

Maternal & Child Health

InfantMortality: IMR dropped 7 points since 2016 to 27
UnderFive: U5MR at 31; eight states met SDG targets
NeonatalCare: NMR now 19; medical attended deliveries 91.1 %

Regional Disparities

HighFertility: Bihar TFR 3.0; decline <1 % yearly in Bihar, UP, Rajasthan
ChildDeaths: MP IMR 41 vs Kerala 6 showing wide gap
UrbanRural: TFR 2.2 rural against 1.6 urban indicates service inequity

Policy & Way Forward

TargetedPrograms: Intensify family planning, behaviour change in high-TFR states
RuralHealth: Expand skilled workforce, infrastructure to cut rural IMR & MMR
DigitalMonitoring: Deploy AI dashboards for real-time maternal-child tracking

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
CBR (India)	19.3/1000 (2021)
Lowest CBR state	Kerala 12.9
Highest CBR state	Bihar 25.6
CDR (India)	7.5/1000
IMR (India)	27/1000 live births
Best IMR state	Kerala 6
Worst IMR state	Madhya Pradesh 41
TFR (India)	2.0
Sex ratio at birth	913 females/1000 males
Medical attention at delivery	91.1 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

किसी अर्थव्यवस्था में कुल जन्म दर को किस रूप में परिभाषित किया जाता है ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Infant mortality ratio of which one of the following countries is comparable to that of India ?

GS-1Misc

16.Global Internal Displacement Report 2025 (Internal Displacement)

Down to EarthIDMC report · 45.8 million displaced · India 5.4 million

What & Where

Internal displacement = forced movement within national borders by conflict, disasters, climate change (IDMC definition).

Climate refugees = people compelled to migrate as rising seas, extreme weather, desertification or water stress make homes unviable.

2024 saw record 45.8 m displacements; India led with 5.4 m, two-thirds flood-driven.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

Extreme-weather—storms, floods, wildfires caused 32.6 m moves in 2022, escalating through 2024.
Sea-level—Bangladesh projections 2-110 m potential displaced.
Desertification—sub-Saharan, MENA, India land loss forcing pastoralist migration.

India Snapshot

Floods—primary trigger of highest 12-year displacement spike.
Conflict—Manipur centre of 1 k out of 1.7 k violence moves.
Trend—places India among top global displacement hotspots.

Legal & Policy

Exclusion—1951 Refugee Convention omits climate; non-refoulement not assured.
Regional cover—OAU 1969 & Cartagena 1984 accept “events disturbing public order”.
Finance—Loss & Damage Fund operational 2025; Green Climate Fund focuses on mitigation, not relocation.

Consequences

Humanitarian—food, water, health shortages in temporary shelters.
Urban-strain—swift inflows overload housing, sanitation, jobs.
Security—resource contests heighten unrest in fragile regions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IDMC Global Report year	2025
Global internal displacements 2024	45.8 million (highest since 2008)
Displacements linked to climate weather	99.5 % of disaster total
Conflict-related moves	20.1 million, mainly climate-vulnerable states
Indian displacements 2024	5.4 million
Share of Indian flood moves	≈ 66 %
Violence moves in India	1,700; Manipur ≈ 1,000
Land degradation India 2015-19	4.42 % → 9.45 % (30.51 m ha)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 2

2011 की जनगणना के अनुसार, भारत में ऐसे लोग, जिन्हें प्रवासी (आंतरिक) माना जा सकता है अर्थात् जो अपने पिछले निवास से हट कर किसी अन्य स्थान पर बस गए हैं, की प्रतिशतता (लगभग) कितनी है?

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