Friday, 13 June 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) Alliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna School of Bhakti?

The correct answer is (a) Kabir. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?

The correct answer is (a) Dadu. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2002.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: In the context of CO₂ emission and Global Warming, what is the name of a market-driven device under the UNFCCC that allows developing countries to get funds/incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions ?

The correct answer is (a) Carbon Footprint. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: Indian Naval Ship INS Tabar had recently participated in a two-day naval exercise with the Italian Navy. The exercise was conducted in

The correct answer is (a) Ionian Sea. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021.

Q: Naseem-Al-Bahr, held in October 2024, was a joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and

The correct answer is (a) Indonesia. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025.

Q: Consider the following statements with reference to a Report titled 'The Paths to Equal', published in 2023, prepared by 'UN Women' and 'UNDP' (United Nations Development Programme):

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से भारत की G20 प्राथमिकताएँ क्या हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1 और 2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2023.

12 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 3GS-3: 7

0/12 done

GS-2Polity

1.Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau Overview (Aviation Investigation)

Times of IndiaAAIB · Aircraft Rules 2017 · Chicago Convention Annex 13

What & Where

Statutory Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau; probes civil aviation accidents/serious incidents in Indian airspace.

Key processes: occurrence classification, fact-finding investigation, safety recommendations, public report per ICAO Annex 13.

HQ New Delhi; jurisdiction entire Indian Flight Information Region; operates under Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Rule alignment; 2017 Rules embed ICAO Annex 13 standards into Indian law.
Provides legal aid to courts/assessors per Rule 12.
Statutory status ensures independence from regulator DGCA’s operational oversight.

Mandate & Jurisdiction

Investigates civil occurrences within Indian airspace; military excluded.
Can extend to foreign-registered aircraft accidents happening in India.
May re-open closed probes if new evidence surfaces.

Core Functions

Investigation; on-site evidence collection, data analysis, causal determination.
Safety recommendations forwarded to DGCA or foreign regulators for systemic fixes.
Conducts periodic safety studies to flag emerging aviation risks.

International Linkage

Shares final reports with ICAO for global safety database.
Coordinates with States of Registry, Operator, Design, Manufacture during probes.

Operational Workflow

Immediate notification; formation of Investigation Team; preliminary report within 30 days.
Draft final report sent for stakeholder comments before publication.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment date	30 July 2012
Parent ministry	Civil Aviation
Legal basis	Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents & Incidents) Rules 2017
Global framework	Chicago Convention 1944, Annex 13
Mandatory probe weight	AUW > 2,250 kg
Mandatory probe type	All turbojet aircraft
Discretionary probe	Smaller aircraft if public-safety issue
Report approval authority	AAIB Director-General
Report recipients	ICAO, affected States
Headquarters	New Delhi
Core categories	Accident, Serious Incident, Incident

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct?

GS-2Polity

2.India Fair Dealing Provisions (Copyright Law)

Indian Expressfair dealing · Section 52 · Copyright Act 1957

What & Where

Fair dealing: Section 52(1), Indian Copyright Act 1957; permits limited, purpose-based use without owner consent.

Dispute locus: ANI vs YouTuber Mohak Mangal, Delhi HC; clips from ANI news videos used in ≥ 10 YouTube uploads.

Platforms: YouTube applies US-centric DMCA bots, often ignoring Indian copyright exceptions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Judicial discretion dominant; absence of statutory clip-length/time caps breeds uncertainty.
Delhi HC ordered removal of comments deemed trademark disparagement against ANI.
Supreme Court/Law Commission urged to craft uniform fair-use test.

Platform Governance

YouTube’s AI takedowns apply US DMCA, sidelining Section 52 exceptions.
Resultant over-blocking forces lawful Indian content offline or into litigation.
Misuse: copyright strikes weaponised to stifle criticism, extract payments.

Creator Challenges

Low IP literacy among digital creators increases vulnerability to false claims.
High litigation cost/time discourages asserting fair-use defences.
Fear of strikes prompts self-censorship in satire, news critique, education.

Reform Pathways

Statutory guidelines on permissible duration, market harm thresholds needed.
Penal provisions sought for malicious, repetitive takedown notices.
Joint awareness drives by govt, platforms, civil society to educate users.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Core statute	Copyright Act, 1957
Fair dealing purposes	Private study, research, criticism, review, reporting, teaching
Key qualitative tests	Purpose, nature, amount, market impact
De minimis doctrine	Trivial use escapes infringement liability
Rule 75 deadline	Content restored if no court order within 21 days of notice
Notable precedent	TV Today v. NewsLaundry upheld limited clip use
Indian internet users	≈ 850 million
Additional actions by ANI	Trademark infringement, defamation, disparagement claims

GS-3Economy

3.Totapuri Mango Cultivation Dispute (Horticulture Crop)

DHTotapuri mango · Chittoor ban · cross-border trade

What & Where

Totapuri mango: medium-sized, elongated, parrot-beak tip; staple for juice / pulp industry.

Core belts: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu—esp. Chittoor, Kolar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural.

Needs tropical warmth, dry summers, moderate rainfall, well-drained loamy soils.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Price differential prompted AP to block cheaper Karnataka inflow, protecting local farmers’ returns.
Chittoor Collector order halted Totapuri truck entry at district borders.
AP subsidy lowers processor cost, indirectly supporting farmgate ₹8/kg rate.

Legal & Policy

Constitution mandates nationwide trade freedom; executive bans need statutory backing.
Article 304(b) demands “reasonable” restriction passed by legislature, President-approved.
Collector’s order likely ultra vires without Assembly act or assent.

Agro Features

Edible skin reduces peeling losses; boosts processor preference.
Crop suits warm, dry zones; moderate rain vital during flowering.
Karnataka–AP belt supplies bulk raw fruit to national pulp factories.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alternate names	Ginimoothi, Sandersha, Banglora
Fruit skin	Greenish-yellow, low bitterness, edible
Industrial use	High-yield pulp for F&B processing
Ideal climate	Warm tropics; dry summer
Preferred soil	Well-drained loam
Main cultivation states	KA, AP, TN
AP processor price	₹8/kg (₹4 state subsidy)
Karnataka farm-gate price	₹5–6/kg
Free inter-state trade article	Article 301
Restriction clause	Article 304(b) + Presidential assent

GS-1History

4.Sant Kabir Das Birth Anniversary (Bhakti Movement)

PIBSant Kabir · Nirguna Bhakti · Varanasi

Illustration for Sant Kabir Das Birth Anniversary (Bhakti Movement)

What & Where

Mystic-poet Sant Kabir Das (1440-1518), iconic saint of Nirguna Bhakti tradition.

Born Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh); livelihood weaving; self-styled julaha/kori to signal caste solidarity.

Verses radiated across North India; many enshrined in Sikh Guru Granth Sahib.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Teachings & Philosophy

Devotion: Formless Brahman; rejects idol worship, ritualism, caste barriers.
Values: Truth, compassion, equality, personal God-experience over texts.
Syncretism: Hindu-Bhakti base enriched by Sufi interactions.

Literary Output

Genres: Crisp dohas, soulful bhajans, paradoxical ulatbansi for introspection.
Languages: Vernacular usage propelled early Hindi literary evolution.
Preservation: Bijak guarded by Kabirpanth; Granthawali by Dadupanth.

Bhakti Movement Role

Catalysis: Took vernacular devotion to masses during 15th-century upsurge.
Reform: Critiqued both Brahmanical and Islamic orthodoxies.
Influence: Inspired Sikh gurus; enriched inter-faith devotional corpus.

Legacy & Sect

Sect: Kabir Panth spans Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs; centres in UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Bihar.
Ethos: Communal harmony, egalitarianism, inner awakening remain guiding ideals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth–Death	1440 CE – 1518 CE
Commemoration 2025	648th Kabir Prakat Divas, 11 June
Birthplace	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Bhakti Strand	Nirguna (formless) devotion
Spiritual Gurus	Ramananda; Sufi Sheikh Taqi
Literary Forms	Doha, Bhajan, Ulatbansi
Main Languages	Brajbhasha, Awadhi, Sant Bhasha
Key Compilations	Bijak, Parachai, Sakhi Granth, Anurag Sagar, Granthawali
Sikh Scripture Link	Multiple hymns in Guru Granth Sahib
Followers’ Sect	Kabir Panth; adherents called Kabir Panthis

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 1

Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna School of Bhakti?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2002PYQ 2

Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?

GS-3Environment

5.AviList Global Bird Checklist (Avian Taxonomy)

Down to EarthAviList · Working Group on Avian Checklists · bird taxonomy

What & Where

AviList: first unified, global checklist standardising scientific names of all bird species.

Produced by Working Group on Avian Checklists, International Ornithologists’ Union (IOU).

Applicable worldwide; harmonises data across conservation laws, treaties, research portals.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Framework

IOU: provides governance, maintains voting protocol for taxonomic changes.
BirdLife: aligns Red List, CITES, CBD targets with AviList nomenclature.

Tech & Schemes

Integrative taxonomy: merges phenotypic, genetic and ecological evidence for species delimitation.
Digital platform: online, open-access, enabling instant updates for databases and apps.

Conservation Utility

Harmonised list: facilitates precise threat assessment, funding & habitat prioritisation.
Taxonomic stability: critical for long-term biodiversity monitoring and reporting obligations.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Purpose	One-stop global bird taxonomy list
Developed by	IOU-led Working Group on Avian Checklists
Partner bodies	BirdLife International, other ornithological networks
Build time	4 years of expert consensus
Species concept	Integrative (morphology + genetics + ecology + biogeography + reproductive isolation)
Update cycle	Annual revisions announced
Decision mode	Core taxonomists vote on proposals
Core benefit	Removes mismatch among multiple earlier checklists
Key users	Ornithologists, policymakers, educators, citizen scientists
Conservation gain	Common language for laws, treaties, resource allocation

GS-3Environment

6.World Bank Carbon Pricing Trends 2025 (Carbon Pricing)

WBState and Trends report · carbon tax · ETS

Illustration for World Bank Carbon Pricing Trends 2025 (Carbon Pricing)

What & Where

Definition: Economic tool assigning price to GHG emissions, internalising climate externalities

Mechanisms: Carbon tax, Emissions Trading System, carbon crediting for verified removals

Geography: 80 instruments in 2025 across 50+ jurisdictions, ~28 % global emissions covered

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trends 2025

Expansion: Instruments rose to 80, covering nearly a third of emissions
Revenue: Pricing generated record $100 billion public funds in 2024
Technology: Interest growing in Direct Air Capture and Enhanced Rock Weathering for removals

Challenges

Exclusion: Agriculture and waste sectors largely outside current frameworks
Volatility: Demand swings in voluntary credit markets undermine investor confidence
Delivery-gap: Only 318 kt engineered removals delivered versus 8 Mt contracted

Recommendations

Inclusion: Extend pricing to neglected sectors with tailored methodologies
Monitoring: Deploy blockchain and satellite MRV to boost transparency
Justice: Channel revenues into clean energy subsidies and social protection

India Angle

Development: Domestic ETS under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme expected 2024
Design: Uses intensity benchmarks instead of absolute cap; power and industry priority
Complementarity: May integrate with existing Perform-Achieve-Trade energy norms

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report edition	State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025
Total instruments 2025	80 (43 taxes, 37 ETS)
Instruments 2005	5
Emission coverage 2025	≈ 28 % global GHG
Revenue 2024	> US$100 billion
Highest-covered sector	Power
India plan	Benchmark-based ETS, launch 2024
Nature-based credit value 2024	US$14 billion
Engineered removals delivered	318 kt of 8 Mt contracted

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2009PYQ 2

In the context of CO₂ emission and Global Warming, what is the name of a market-driven device under the UNFCCC that allows developing countries to get funds/incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions ?

GS-3Environment

7.FAO Marine Fishery Resources 2025 (Marine Fisheries)

FAOFAO report · overfished stocks · deep-sea species

What & Where

FAO’s “State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025” gauges biological sustainability of global marine stocks.

Assesses species groups: tuna, sharks, deep-sea fauna; contrasts sustainable vs overfished categories.

Geographic focus spans all FAO statistical areas; red flags in Mediterranean–Black Sea, positives in NE & SW Pacific.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

RFMOs; success stories in tuna due to observers, catch limits, real-time reporting.
FAO urges subsidy bans, ecosystem-based management, precautionary deep-sea closures.
Governance gaps evident in Mediterranean & Black Sea, artisanal overcatch persists.

Species Status

Tuna; model for sustainability, 87 % within safe limits.
Sharks; high by-catch, 43.5 % stocks overfished, Indo-Pacific worst.
Deep-sea fishes; slow growth, only 29 % sustainable, recovery extremely prolonged.

Regional Variations

Northeast & Southwest Pacific; strongest compliance, high stock health.
Mediterranean–Black Sea; weakest, just 35.1 % sustainable owing to lax enforcement.
Eastern Indian Ocean; 72.7 % tagged sustainable, but reliability lowered by sparse species-level data.

Data & Tech

Call for satellite-linked e-reporting, onboard cameras, AI analytics to plug data gaps.
Capacity-building for African & SE Asian nations prioritized for stock assessments.
600-expert multi-disciplinary methodology underpins report credibility.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global stocks biologically sustainable	64.5 %
Global stocks overfished	35.5 %
Deep-sea species sustainable	29 %
Tuna & tuna-likes sustainable	87 %
Migratory shark stocks unsustainable	43.5 % (of 23 assessed)
Mediterranean–Black Sea sustainability	35.1 %
Northeast Pacific sustainability	High (exact % not stated)
Southwest Pacific sustainability	High (exact % not stated)
Eastern Indian Ocean sustainability	72.7 %*
Experts contributing	600+ from 90 nations
Launch venue	UN Ocean Conference 3, Nice
Urged management tool	Strengthened RFMOs

GS-3SpeciesQuick Bite

8.Lesser Flamingo Migration to Kutch (Lesser Flamingo)

The HinduPhoeniconaias minor · Near Threatened · Chhaya pond

Illustration for Lesser Flamingo Migration to Kutch (Lesser Flamingo)

What & Where

Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) smallest flamingo; fresh influx at Chhaya pond, Porbandar, Gujarat

Breeds in Great Rann of Kutch along India-Pakistan border; wintering range spans sub-Saharan Africa, Arabia, South Asia

Favors shallow saline or alkaline wetlands including lagoons, saltpans, brackish coastal lakes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

IUCN Near Threatened denotes habitat loss risk to saline lakes
CITES Appendix II regulates international trade via export permits
WPA Schedule IV offers protection but lower penalties than Schedule I

Species Diversity

Family Phoenicopteridae houses 6 species: Greater, Lesser, Chilean, American, Andean, James’s
Only Greater (Ph. roseus) and Lesser (P. minor) occur naturally in Indian subcontinent
Lesser remains most numerous globally yet faces episodic die-offs in degraded wetlands

Biology & Behaviour

Sociality: forms dense colonies; synchronized courtship enhances breeding success
Feeding: filter-feeds using specialized beak lamellae trapping blue-green algae
Colouration: diet-derived carotenoids convert to pink-red feather pigments via liver enzymes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global flamingo species	6
Species in India	Greater & Lesser
IUCN status (Lesser)	Near Threatened
CITES listing	Appendix II
WPA 1972 listing	Schedule IV
Diet	Algae, molluscs, crustaceans
Plumage colour source	Carotenoid pigments from diet
Current stopover	Chhaya pond, Porbandar
Main Indian breeding site	Great Rann of Kutch

GS-3S&T

9.Heat-Tolerant Pigeonpea Variety ICPV 25444 (Crop Breeding)

BLICPV 25444 · speed breeding · heat tolerance 45°C

What & Where

Variety: ICPV 25444, heat-tolerant pigeonpea bred via speed breeding.

Geography: Suited to India’s hot, semi-arid belts and 12 M ha post-kharif rice fallows.

Process: Speed breeding manipulates light, temperature, humidity to get 4 generations/year.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Speed-breeding allows rapid trait fixation, quadrupling crop cycles annually.
PSS triggers government buy when market dips below MSP, covering pulses, oilseeds, copra.
Budget mission focuses on Tur, Urad, Masur for import elimination.

Economic Angle

Import substitution could save USD 800 million yearly.
Bridging 1.5 Mt gap aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Higher yields and shorter crops enhance farmer profit margins.

Agricultural Resources

Heat tolerance enables cultivation in 45 °C zones, mitigating climate stress.
Utilising rice fallows adds 12 M ha to pulses acreage without extra irrigation.
Faster 4-month crop supports better rotation with rabi wheat or oilseeds.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Heat tolerance	Up to 45 °C
Yield potential	≈ 2 t/ha (vs 1.1–1.2 t/ha)
Harvest duration	4 months (usual 6–7)
Breeding time cut	15 → 5 years
Generations/year	4
Rice fallow scope	12 million ha
Import shortfall bridged	1.5 million t
Import bill 2023-24	≈ USD 800 million
Top pulses states	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Self-sufficiency target	2028
Budget 2025-26 move	6-year Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses
Procurement scheme	Price Support Scheme (PSS) at MSP

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

10.India–UK PASSEX Naval Exercise (PASSEX Exercise)

The HinduINS Tabar · North Arabian Sea · UK Royal Navy

What & Where

PASSEX: ad-hoc joint naval drill for interoperability when friendly deployments intersect.

June 2025 India–UK edition held in North Arabian Sea.

Core focus: tactical manoeuvres, ASW synergy, maritime domain awareness.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Interoperability: secure voice/data links, formation tactics, cross-deck helicopter ops validated.
ASW emphasis: combined sonar, sonobuoys, sub tracking demonstrate chokepoint defence ability.
Indo-Pacific posture: signals commitment to rules-based order, deters extra-regional threats.

Key Platforms

INS Tabar: Barak-1 SAM, BrahMos, 100 mm gun, Klub torpedoes for multi-domain combat.
P-8I: AN/APY-10 radar, MAD boom, Harpoon missiles extend kill radius beyond 1,000 nmi.
Royal Navy unit: provides Merlin/Wildcat helicopter, advanced EW suites, cooperative targeting.

Strategic Framework

Partnership: PASSEX supplements scheduled Konkan exercise, offering low-cost readiness boost.
Roadmap 2030: maritime security, tech transfer, climate resilience identified as joint pillars.
SAGAR doctrine: India promotes “Security & Growth for All” via persistent naval presence.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Participating navies	Indian Navy & UK Royal Navy
Sea area	North Arabian Sea
Indian warship	INS Tabar, Talwar-class stealth frigate
Aircraft deployed	P-8I long-range maritime patrol/ASW
Other Indian asset	Conventional diesel-electric submarine
First Indian frigate with BrahMos	INS Tabar
INS Tabar commission year	2004 (Russia)
P-8I range	>1,200 nautical miles
P-8I max speed	907 km h⁻¹
Key drills	Helicopter control, fleet manoeuvres, joint ASW ops, officer exchanges
Data exchange	Real-time tactical links tested
Strategic vision served	SAGAR & India–UK 2030 Roadmap
Broader partnership	India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2021)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Indian Naval Ship INS Tabar had recently participated in a two-day naval exercise with the Italian Navy. The exercise was conducted in

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Naseem-Al-Bahr, held in October 2024, was a joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and

GS-2Scheme

11.Gyan Post Affordable Book Delivery (Postal Scheme)

News on AirGyan Post · Department of Posts · subsidised rates

Illustration for Gyan Post Affordable Book Delivery (Postal Scheme)

What & Where

Gyan Post – India Post service delivering non-commercial educational & socio-cultural printed matter at subsidised rates.

Operates pan-India via low-cost surface transport under Ministry of Communications.

Retail booking only; parcels tagged “Gyan Post” and open to inspection.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility & Content

Eligibility: material from recognised boards, universities, statutory bodies only.
Requirement: each book must display printer/publisher name, no promotional inserts.
Frequency: items must not be periodicals like journals or weeklies.

Operational Conditions

Inspection: postal officials may open and verify content compliance.
Addressing: full sender & receiver address with PIN mandatory on package.
Marking: “Gyan Post” label compulsory for concessional rate recognition.

Social Objective

Inclusion: aims Har Ghar Gyan vision, bridging rural-urban educational resource gap.
Support: facilitates affordable material access for students & competitive-exam aspirants.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch Agency	Department of Posts
Parent Ministry	Communications
Service Scope	All India, last-mile delivery
Permitted Matter	Printed educational, social, religious, cultural books
Prohibited	Magazines, ads, commercial publications, personal letters
Weight Range	300 g minimum – 5 kg maximum
Formats	Roll & non-roll within PO dimensions
Transport Mode	Surface (road/rail) only
Booking Mode	Post-office counter; no bulk dispatch
Pricing Model	Slab-based, weight-tiered
Optional Add-ons	Tracking, Proof of Delivery, Insurance
Packaging Rule	Unsealed/open for easy inspection

GS-1Editorial

12.Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (Gender Gap Index)

The HinduWorld Economic Forum · gender parity score · India rank 131

Illustration for Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (Gender Gap Index)

What & Where

Index; annual WEF metric since 2006 assessing gender parity in 148 nations

Dimensions; Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health & Survival, Political Empowerment scored 0–1

India; rank 131 (score 64.1 %) in 2025, down two places from 2024

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Rankings

Iceland retains 1st, followed by Finland, Norway, UK, New Zealand
South Asia; Bangladesh jumps 75 places to 24, Bhutan 119, Nepal 125, Sri Lanka 130
Bottom; Pakistan 148, widest recorded disparity

India Strides

Legislation; Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reserves one-third seats in Parliament and assemblies
Education; female GER in higher studies reached 46.3 % (2022-23) under Beti Bachao initiatives
Employment; female labour force share climbed to 41.7 % (2023-24) via Stand-Up India, Mahila e-Haat

Persistent Gaps

Wage; women earn ~73 % of male wages, unpaid care load 289 min daily
Leadership; only 17 % CXOs and 20 % board seats occupied by women
Literacy; 17-point gender gap, 40 % girls (15–18) out of school

Policy Initiatives

Safety; One-Stop Centres and Nirbhaya Fund bolster support for violence survivors
Budgeting; Gender Budget Cells mandated across ministries for evidence-based spending
Health; PM Matru Vandana Yojana & NHM cut MMR to 97 (2018-20)

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
India rank 2025	131 / 148
India parity score	64.1 %
Economic Participation (Ind)	40.7 %
Educational Attainment (Ind)	97.1 %
Parliament women share	13.8 %
Ministers women share	5.6 %
Global gap closed	68.8 %
Years to full parity	123
Top country 2025	Iceland
South Asia best rank	Bangladesh 24

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with reference to a Report titled 'The Paths to Equal', published in 2023, prepared by 'UN Women' and 'UNDP' (United Nations Development Programme):

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से भारत की G20 प्राथमिकताएँ क्या हैं?

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