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13 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 5GS-3: 5
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GS-2Editorial

1.NITI Aayog Cooperative Federalism Push (Cooperative Federalism)

The Hindu

What & Where

NITI Aayog Governing Council — PM-chaired apex Centre-State forum; 10th meeting on 07 Jun 2025, New Delhi

Theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047” — shared long-term development vision for every State/UT

Cooperative Federalism — collaborative policy design, fiscal sharing and dispute resolution between Union and States

Quick Facts for MCQs

Fiscal Federalism

  • Demand: Tamil Nadu, others seek 50 % devolution citing GST-induced revenue loss
  • Complaint: High-income states contribute more yet get lower per-capita transfers widening inequality
  • Proposal: Performance-linked grants mooted to reward reforms in laggard regions

Economic & Investment

  • Directive: States to repeal obsolete laws, adopt NITI’s forthcoming Investment-Friendly Charter
  • Model: Chhattisgarh 3T plan targets GSDP doubling within five years
  • Suggestion: Andhra Pradesh asks for sub-groups on GDP growth, AI governance, population management

Security Dimension

  • Focus: PM urged long-term security preparedness and modernised civil defence systems
  • Operation Sindoor: unanimous state/UT support against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure
  • Punjab request: dedicated funds for border security and intensified anti-drug measures

Institutional Mechanisms

  • Tool: Competitive indexes (Fiscal, Water, Energy) publish transparent state rankings to spur reforms
  • Need: Regular GST Council, Inter-State Council and NITI meetings to avert policy paralysis
  • Support: NITI promotes State Institutions of Transformation to localise policy design and execution

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Meeting number10th
Date & venue07 Jun 2025, New Delhi
Central tax share demanded by Tamil Nadu50 %
Present effective share cited by State33 %
New document to be draftedInvestment-Friendly Charter
Security operation backedOperation Sindoor
State pushing Clean Cauvery MissionTamil Nadu
Chhattisgarh growth model3T (Technology-Transparency-Transformation)
Platform ranking states competitivelyComposite Water, Energy & Fiscal Health Indexes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Under which one of the following initiatives does the NITI Aayog support interested States to establish a State Institution for Transformation (SIT)?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

नीति (NITI) आयोग के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-कौन-सा कथन सही है?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

3.Daojali Hading Neolithic Site Assam (Neolithic Site)

The Hindu
Illustration for Daojali Hading Neolithic Site Assam (Neolithic Site)

What & Where

Daojali Hading: Neolithic habitation-cum-metallurgy site in Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest, Dima Hasao, Assam.

Dated ≈ 700 BCE (2,700 years old); first probed 1962-64 by T.C. Sharma & M.C. Goswami.

Yields unique jadeite, polished double-shouldered celts, cord-marked pottery—linking Northeast India with East/Southeast Asia.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Archaeological Finds

  • Celts, mortars, grinding stones denote food-production toolkit.
  • Charcoal samples enable carbon dating & palaeo-environmental study.
  • Low-fired ceramics suggest on-site domestic activity, not trade imports.

Chronology & Dating

  • Neolithic India spans ~9000 BCE–3000 BCE regionally; Daojali fits terminal phase.
  • Potter’s wheel appears elsewhere after 4500 BCE, absent here—confirms early stage.
  • Carbonised remains correlate with post-Harappan metal use onset.

Inter-regional Links

  • Jadeite ties Daojali to South China jade routes, proving Northeast trade corridor.
  • Artifact parallels with Sarutaru (Assam) & Naga sites strengthen cultural continuum.
  • Suggests Himalaya not a communication barrier during late Neolithic.

Indian Neolithic Geography

  • Northwest: Mehrgarh, Burzahom, Gufkral.
  • Gangetic–Central: Koldihwa, Mahagara, Bagor, Adamgarh.
  • South: Brahmagiri, Maski, Paiyampalli; Northeast: Daojali Hading, Sarutaru, Napachik, Laimanai.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Cultural phaseNeolithic (New Stone Age)
Estimated age~2,700 yrs BP (≈ 700 BCE)
State & districtAssam, Dima Hasao
Forest zoneLangting-Mupa Reserve
First excavation1962-64 (Sharma & Goswami)
Key lithic toolPolished double-shouldered celt
Diagnostic potteryCord-marked, low-fired sherds
Exotic mineralJadeite; identical to Chinese sources
Subsistence hintsMortars, pestles, grinding stones
Metallurgy signEarly smelting traces/slag noted
GS-1Mapping

4.Mithi River in Mumbai (Indian River)

Hindustan Times
Illustration for Mithi River in Mumbai (Indian River)

What & Where

Seasonal river on Salsette Island, Mumbai; acts as city’s principal monsoon storm-water drain.

Originates from overflow of Vihar Lake, augmented by Powai Lake runoff; flows ~18 km.

Empties into Arabian Sea via Mahim Creek, an important estuarine zone.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Pollution: industrial discharge, municipal sewage, oil sludge severely degrade water quality.
  • Biodiversity threat: water hyacinth spread and chemical effluents diminish aquatic life.
  • Silt accumulation: reduces carrying capacity, heightening urban flood risk.

Governance & Projects

  • Desilting contracts: ₹65 crore project under scrutiny for financial irregularities.
  • Enforcement Directorate: 15 raids, including actor Dino Morea’s residence, over alleged scam.
  • Oversight bodies: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation responsible for maintenance, desilting.

Urban Geography Role

  • Drainage spine: receives runoff from two lakes plus dense urban catchments.
  • Flood control: critical during Mumbai monsoon to avert inundation of low-lying suburbs.
  • Estuarine linkage: Mahim Creek interface influences tidal flushing and sediment transport.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
StateMaharashtra
IslandSalsette
Total length≈ 18 km
Origin pointVihar Lake overflow
Secondary inflowPowai Lake runoff
MouthMahim Creek → Arabian Sea
Key areas drainedPowai, Kurla, Dharavi, Saki Naka, Kalina, Vakola, BKC
River typeSeasonal / Urban storm-water channel
Major issuesIndustrial effluents, sewage, oil sludge, encroachments
Recent probe₹65 crore desilting scam; ED raids 15 sites
GS-3Species

5.Fusarium graminearum Crop Fungus (Crop Fungus)

LiveMint

What & Where

Fungus Fusarium graminearum attacks cereals, causing Fusarium Head Blight with toxin-laden grains

Geography worldwide in warm, humid cereal belts; entry tightly policed in US under biosecurity

Recent US smuggling case by Chinese researchers highlights agro-terror risk to farm sector

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Agro-terrorism deliberate biological assault on agriculture to induce economic disruption, food insecurity, fear
  • F. graminearum viewed high-concern agent for cereal sabotage due to rapid spread, persistent spores, toxin yield
  • Smuggling incident activated FBI agro-terror protocols and inter-agency biosecurity scrutiny

Agronomic Impact

  • Yield loss, grain rot and toxin contamination make harvest unfit for humans, risky for livestock feed
  • Market repercussions include export bans, price spikes, costly decontamination measures
  • Fungus difficult to eradicate once entrenched in soil-crop ecosystem

Legal & Policy

  • Movement or study needs prior permits under Plant Quarantine and national biosecurity laws
  • USDA-APHIS maintains Select Agent list; violations attract criminal charges, heavy penalties
  • International oversight via phytosanitary certificates under the IPPC framework

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Pathogen typeFungus
DiseaseFusarium Head Blight
HostsWheat, maize, barley
ToxinDeoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin)
SpreadAirborne spores, seed, moist soil
Optimal climateWarm, humid
US regulatorUSDA-APHIS, FBI
Human effectVomiting, fever, diarrhoea
Economic lossYield drop, grain rejection
Biosafety tagImport/research strictly controlled
GS-3S&T

7.Quantum Computing Bits To Qubits (Quantum Computing)

Indian Express
Illustration for Quantum Computing Bits To Qubits (Quantum Computing)

What & Where

Quantum computing: computation using qubits exploiting superposition and entanglement; idea by Richard Feynman 1981

Core processes: superposition gives 2ⁿ parallel states; entanglement couples qubits; quantum gates create algorithms

Geography: top investors China, USA, EU, UK, India; India launched National Quantum Mission 2020

Quick Facts for MCQs

Applications

  • Drug discovery: quantum simulations craft molecules; Pfizer–IBM collaboration example
  • Logistics: qubit algorithms optimise supply chains, traffic, financial portfolios faster than classical
  • Cybersecurity: Shor algorithm threatens RSA; quantum key distribution enables tamper-proof links

Implementation Challenges

  • Decoherence: qubits collapse quickly, require millikelvin cryostats and vibration isolation
  • Error-correction: many physical qubits needed per logical, inflating hardware cost
  • Scalability: reliable interconnects for thousands of qubits still unresolved

Global Funding

  • China: US$15 bn public spend, building nationwide quantum network
  • USA: US$4 bn federal plus strong private R&D by Google, IBM, Microsoft
  • EU: €1 bn Quantum Flagship, additional member-state initiatives

Indian Initiatives

  • Mission: National Quantum Mission 2020 with ₹8,000 crore budget
  • Hardware: IISc, IITs, TIFR run 5–10 qubits, aim 50–100 by 2030
  • Focus: quantum-safe cryptography, sensing platforms, indigenous qubit technologies

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Qubit superposition100 qubits represent ~10^30 states
Google Sycamore 2019200 s task vs 10,000-year supercomputer
IBM target1,000-qubit machine roadmap
China Jiuzhang techPhotonic qubits, achieved quantum advantage
Decoherence time~10^-4 s in many systems
Physical-logical ratio100–200 physical → 5 logical qubits
China public fundingUS$15 bn
EU Quantum Flagship€1 bn programme
USA federal spendUS$4 bn
India mission outlay₹8,000 crore
Indian qubit goal50–100 qubits by 2030
Full-scale forecastMillion-qubit, fault-tolerant systems by 2040s

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the statements is NOT relevant to quantum computing?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

"क्यूबिट (qubit)" शब्द का उल्लेख निम्नलिखित में कौन-से एक प्रसंग में होता है ?

GS-2Polity

8.12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Chair (Parliamentary Forum)

New Indian Express
Illustration for 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Chair (Parliamentary Forum)

What & Where

BRICS Parliamentary Forum : annual inter-parliamentary dialogue platform of 11-nation BRICS grouping

Created 2015; chair rotates yearly; aligns with BRICS Summit locations

12th edition to be hosted by India in 2026; agenda spans terrorism, AI, economic and legislative cooperation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chairmanship & Hosting

  • India: holds chair until 2026 forum conclusion, will craft agenda and logistics
  • Rotation: follows alphabetical/consensus order, ensuring equal leadership opportunity
  • Venue choice: usually coincides with national parliament facilities of chair country

Membership Expansion

  • Addition: six new members joined 2024, shifting forum voice further toward Global South
  • Representation: combined population about 46 % of world, amplifying parliamentary outreach
  • Diversity: includes major energy producers, populous African states, pivotal Middle-East economies

Functions & Agenda

  • Parliamentary diplomacy: harmonises legislative views on multilateral reforms, SDG progress
  • Policy areas: terrorism counter-strategies, AI governance norms, sustainable finance, digital transformation
  • Global-South voice: seeks equity in Bretton Woods institutions, promotes inclusive growth narratives

Security Dimension

  • Condemnation: 11th forum denounced Pahalgam terror attack, signalling collective stance against terrorism
  • Collaboration: encourages information sharing, legal frameworks, and joint statements on security threats
  • Peace focus: underlines consensus on maintaining international stability and parliamentary oversight

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Current chair (2024-26)India
Next forum & venue12th edition, India, 2026
Previous forum11th edition, Brazil
Chairmanship cycleRotates annually among BRICS states
First Parliamentary Forum year2015
Permanent headquartersNone
Term “BRIC” coined2001
First BRICS Summit2009, Ekaterinburg
Total BRICS members today11
Original five membersBrazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
New six membersEgypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

BRICS Summit, 2020 will be hosted by

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

GS-2Polity

9.52nd G7 Summit Canada (G7 Summit)

NDTV
Illustration for 52nd G7 Summit Canada (G7 Summit)

What & Where

Informal G7 forum of USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada; EU participates, no treaty or secretariat

Created 1975 (Group of Six) to coordinate macro-economic policy post-oil shock; Canada joined 1976

52nd Summit slated Kananaskis, Canada, 15-17 Jun 2025; India attending as special invitee since 2019

Quick Facts for MCQs

Evolution & Membership

  • Expansion; Russia inclusion 1998 removed 2014 after Crimea annexation
  • EU participates as institutional invitee without voting rights
  • Focus widening from oil crisis economics to security, climate, digital, health

Functional Mandate

  • Macroeconomic coordination; aims inflation control, fiscal discipline among advanced economies
  • Global crisis response on climate change, cybersecurity, AI, pandemics
  • Policy signalling to IMF, World Bank, other donors for aligned funding priorities

India Angle

  • Regular special invitee since 2019, continuing in 2025 Canada summit
  • Platform offers India voice on climate finance, resilient supply chains, digital governance
  • Attendance strengthens strategic ties with western democracies without formal membership

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Formation year1975
Original nameGroup of Six (G6)
Canada joins1976 → becomes G7
Russia tenure1998-2014 (G8 period)
Permanent secretariatNone
Decision natureConsensus, non-binding
52nd Summit hostCanada
Summit venueKananaskis, Alberta
52nd Summit dates15-17 June 2025
India invitee statusContinuous since 2019

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following nations is not a permanent member of G7?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2009PYQ 2

A present group of nations known as 'G-8' started first as G-7. Which one among the following was not one of them ?

GS-2Polity

10.4th India-Central Asia Dialogue (India-Central Asia)

Economic Times
Illustration for 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue (India-Central Asia)

What & Where

Platform: India-Central Asia Dialogue, annual Foreign Ministers forum for strategic, political, economic coordination

Geography: India plus land-locked Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; 2023 meet in New Delhi

Origin: Launched 2019 at Samarkand to institutionalise India’s Central Asia outreach

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Counter-terrorism: joint call for early UN Comprehensive Convention adoption
  • Afghanistan: instability flagged as obstacle to connectivity & security cooperation
  • UNSC: Central Asia reiterated support for permanent Indian seat

Connectivity & Trade

  • INSTC: optimum utilisation urged; TIR customs simplification highlighted
  • Chabahar: Shahid Beheshti Terminal promoted as maritime gateway to CA markets
  • Trade Currency: agreement to explore settlements in national currencies, expand interbank links

Energy & Minerals

  • Critical minerals: joint exploration and investment focus, especially rare earths
  • Clean energy: cooperation on solar alliance, biofuels, green hydrogen encouraged
  • Digital public goods: India Stack sharing proposed for energy, governance efficiency

Health & People Links

  • Universal Health Coverage: tech-enabled primary care collaboration discussed
  • Traditional medicine: support for AYUSH integration, medical tourism promotion
  • Capacity building: expansion of ITEC scholarships, language and academic exchanges planned

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Edition4th Dialogue, 2023
ChairEAM Dr S Jaishankar
Members6 nations (India + 5 CA)
Launch Year2019, Uzbekistan
2023 VenueNew Delhi, India
Key TracksSecurity, connectivity, critical minerals, health, fintech
INSTC SupportUzbekistan, Turkmenistan backed to join
Next Event2nd India-CA Rare Earth Forum, date TBD

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

भारत, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय उत्तर-दक्षिण परिवहन कॉरिडोर (INSTC), जो एक बहु-राष्ट्रीय परिवहन गलियारा है, के सदस्य राज्यों में से एक है। यह कॉरिडोर किन्हें जोड़ता है?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 2

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

GS-3Security

11.INS Arnala ASW Shallow Craft (ASW Shallow Craft)

IT
Illustration for INS Arnala ASW Shallow Craft (ASW Shallow Craft)

What & Where

INS Arnala – first indigenously–built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, to be commissioned at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard.

Operates in coastal waters & wider Indian Ocean Region for ASW, mine-laying, SAR and Low-Intensity Maritime Ops.

Name honours 16th-century sea fort Arnala near Vasai, Maharashtra, once held by Sultanate, Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals, Peshwas.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech Specs

  • Waterjet propulsion enables high manoeuvrability in <200 m shallow waters.
  • AI integration supports automated threat detection and weapon deployment.

Security Dimension

  • Asset fills gap in littoral anti-submarine screen protecting ports, offshore assets, coastal shipping.
  • Enhances Navy’s distributed fleet capability under SAGAR maritime vision.

Historical Backdrop

  • Arnala Fort rectangular plan; three sea-facing gates, multiple bastions, freshwater wells despite marine setting.
  • Fort’s control shifted among regional powers, reflecting strategic value of Maharashtra’s northern coastline.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
BuilderGRSE, Kolkata with L&T Shipbuilders
Length77.6 m
Displacement1,490 + tonnes
Max speed25 knots
Endurance1,800 n miles (~3,300 km)
PropulsionFirst Indian warship using Diesel engine–Waterjet combo
Indigenous content~80 % (BEL, Mahindra Defence, MEIL, L&T)
Armament fitAI-driven combat suite, sonar arrays, mine-laying gear
Class size16 ASW-SWC vessels planned
Fort locationArnala island, Vasai taluka, Maharashtra

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Arnala’, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships does NOT come under Indian Navy's eight ASW Shallow Water Craft project?

GS-2Scheme

12.National e-Vidhan Application Launch (Digital Legislature)

PIB
Illustration for National e-Vidhan Application Launch (Digital Legislature)

What & Where

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): single digital platform for paperless legislative work; vision “One Nation – One Application”.

Covers every State & UT legislature; Puducherry Assembly onboarding via Union-level inauguration on 9 Jun 2025.

Core processes: electronic agenda, bills, speeches, voting and archival on one interface.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Integration: Single dashboard unifies Houses, departments, Secretariats through cloud and mobile apps.
  • Translation: BHASHINI converts speeches/documents instantly across Indian languages; enhances accessibility.
  • Archives: Searchable digital repository ensures quick retrieval, reduces physical storage.

Funding & Implementation

  • Cost-share: Centre funds major share; States/UTs contribute under centrally sponsored template.
  • Training: Hands-on modules for MLAs, staff enable swift shift from paper to digital.
  • Security: Role-based authentication, layered encryption safeguard legislative data.

Governance Aim

  • Transparency: Instant public access to bills, questions heightens accountability.
  • Efficiency: Eliminates printing delays, slashes paper expenditure, accelerates bill circulation.
  • Standardisation: Harmonised workflows enable benchmarking and inter-legislature data exchange.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Developing ministryMinistry of Parliamentary Affairs
Tech supportMeitY + BHASHINI AI stack
Vision taglineOne Nation – One Application
Approval body/datePublic Investment Board / 15 Jan 2020
Total project cost₹673.94 crore
Funding modelCentrally Sponsored; equitable state share
Primary functionEnd-to-end paperless legislative business
Translation supportReal-time AI/ML multilingual via BHASHINI
Security layerRole-based access + multi-tier encryption
Puducherry go-live9 Jun 2025 inauguration
GS-1Social IssuesQuick Bite

13.India Breast Cancer Care Gaps (Breast Cancer Care)

The Hindu
Illustration for India Breast Cancer Care Gaps (Breast Cancer Care)

What & Where

Breast cancer; most common female malignancy, focus of NAMS 2025 gap-analysis across India

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs; upgraded AB-HWCs delivering free, universal primary care in every Indian district

National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS); MoHFW body advising policy & continuing medical education

Quick Facts for MCQs

Epidemiological Data

  • Incidence surge; middle-income nations to drive global cancer rise for next 50 years
  • Mortality risk elevated by late presentation; Stage 3/4 dominates Indian caseload
  • Delay factor; cultural, access, awareness gaps elongate >90-day median consultation lag

Primary Healthcare Push

  • AAM upgrade; converts HWCs into integrated hubs offering 12+ service packages free of cost
  • Screening scale; crore-level outreach enables early flags for breast & other NCDs
  • Underserved focus; rural, peri-urban women prioritized via doorstep diagnostics & essential medicines

Institutional Profile

  • NAMS mandate; foster academic excellence, advise national health policy, run CME for med & allied cadres
  • Report utility; evidence base guiding Breast Cancer Control Programme & Ayushman pipeline tweaks
  • Policy linkage; MoHFW can leverage NAMS findings to refine PM-JAY oncology reimbursement slabs

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
India’s global cancer rank3rd (after China, USA)
Projected cancer load 20402.08 million cases; +57.5% over 2020
Breast cases detected Stage 3/4>60% in India
Early-stage detection USA60% in situ/Stage 1
Patient delay before consult>50% wait >3 months
AAM operational (2023)1.63 lakh centres
Breast screenings at AAM10.04 crore
AAM service basketNCDs, palliative, oral-eye-ENT, mental, trauma, free drugs & diagnostics
NAMS statusNodal agency for Continuing Education
Ministry overseeing NAMSHealth & Family Welfare

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से, प्रधानमंत्री स्वास्थ्य सुरक्षा योजना (PMSSY) का/के उद्देश्य है/हैं?

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