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

1.1975 National Emergency Overview (1975 Emergency)

Indian Express

What & Where

National Emergency: President invokes Article 352 when war, external aggression or armed rebellion threatens India’s security.

Types/extent: External vs Internal; 42nd Amendment allows proclamation over whole or specific parts of territory.

Classic instance: 25 Jun 1975–21 Mar 1977, nationwide, after Allahabad HC annulled Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Judicial Landmark

  • Verdict: Allahabad HC unseated sitting PM, imposed six-year disqualification.
  • Supreme Court gave conditional stay; appeal pending during Emergency.
  • 38th Amendment sought to shield proclamations from courts.

Constitutional Amendments

  • 38th Amd 1975: multiple proclamations; bar on review.
  • 42nd Amd 1976: area-specific emergency; Centre’s reach widened.
  • 44th Amd 1978: “armed rebellion”, shorter approval, restored review powers.

Centre–State Dynamics

  • Executive: Union may direct states on any matter; state govts remain but subordinate.
  • Legislature: Parliament legislates on State List; laws lapse six months after Emergency ends.
  • Finance: President can tweak Centre-State revenue share till FY end post-revocation.

Fundamental Rights

  • Article 358: Article 19 suspended automatically nationwide in external emergency.
  • Article 359: President may suspend chosen rights (not 20,21); courts barred during period.
  • Claims for damages for state actions arise only after suspension order expires.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
HC verdict date12 Jun 1975
Case titleIndira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)
Allegation upheldMisuse of government machinery under RPA 1951
Emergency start25 Jun 1975
Article invoked352
Parliamentary approval limit1 month; special majority (44th Amd)
Auto-suspended rightArticle 19 via Article 358 (war/aggression)
Rights never suspendableArticles 20 & 21
Term “internal disturbance” changed to“Armed rebellion” (44th Amd)
Judicial review restored byMinerva Mills case 1980

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about National Emergency is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

The S. R. Bommai and Others vs Union of India case relates to which one of the following issues?

GS-3Economy

2.IREL Rare Earth PSU (Rare Earth PSU)

Financial Express

What & Where

PSU under Department of Atomic Energy, mines, separates, processes rare earths & atomic minerals.

Key processes: separation, extraction, oxide refining at OSCOM, Chavara, MK, Odisha concentrate unit, Aluva refinery.

Geography: Headquarters Mumbai; major operational belts along coastal Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu beaches.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Directive: Union govt suspended 13-year rare-earth supply pact with Japan to prioritise domestic needs.
  • Aim: Cut dependence on Chinese processing chains, strengthen Indian downstream value-addition.
  • Administrative: IREL under Atomic Energy Act; DAE can direct export or supply decisions.

Operational Footprint

  • Complexes: OSCOM, Chavara, MK handle beach-sand minerals ilmenite, zircon, rutile, garnet, sillimanite.
  • Refinery: Aluva plant yields high-purity rare-earth oxides for magnets, electronics, EVs.
  • R&D: Kollam unit pursues mineral beneficiation, titanium value-chain projects (e.g., Bhopal theme park).

Economic Angle

  • Exports: Minerals worth ₹962 crore shipped in FY 2023-24, traditional clientele includes Japanese tech firms.
  • Financial: Profit-making CPSE since 1997-98, enjoys Mini Ratna-I autonomy for investments up to ₹500 cr.
  • Domestic industry: Supplies strategic minerals supporting energy, defence, electronics, EV manufacturing targets.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Incorporation date18 Aug 1950
Became GoI enterprise1963
Administrative ministryDepartment of Atomic Energy
HQ cityMumbai, Maharashtra
CPSE categoryMini Ratna Category-I
Profit-making since1997–98
Rare-earth concentrate output≈11,000 t per annum (Odisha)
FY24 mineral exports₹962 crore
Suspended supply partnerJapan
Primary minerals suppliedIlmenite, Zircon, Rutile, Sillimanite, Garnet

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to India, consider the following statements :

GS1 2001PYQ 2

Consider the following organisations:

GS-3Economy

3.SEBI Verified UPI Framework (SEBI UPI Verification)

Indian Express

What & Where

SEBI VerifiedUPIID: validated UPI payment rail exclusively for SEBI-registered intermediaries.

Unique IDs: username.category@validBank with category tags (.brk, .mf) plus green-triangle “thumbs-up” and SEBI Check QR/tool.

Geography: Pan-India securities market; mandatory from 1 Oct 2025, older UPI handles phased out.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Authentication: dual check—verified handle + SEBI Check confirms UPI ID and linked bank/IFSC.
  • Fraud-cut: eliminates spoofed payment requests, curbing cyber-crime growth in securities sector.
  • Trust-boost: standardized marker reassures retail investors during digital fund transfers.

Tech & Schemes

  • Integration: NPCI systems generate handles, map to entity registry in real time.
  • UI cues: green icon appears across UPI apps without extra plug-ins.
  • Phase-out: legacy handles disallowed post-deadline, ensuring single validated route.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Mandatory adoption: circular binds brokers, AMCs, R&T agents, custodians alike.
  • Non-adherence: expected penalties under SEBI intermediary regulations.
  • Uniform format simplifies audit and surveillance for regulator.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Roll-out date1 Oct 2025
DeveloperSEBI + NPCI
Suffix on every handle@valid
Category tags.brk (broker) ; .mf (mutual fund)
Visual authenticationGreen triangle with thumbs-up
Verification utility‘SEBI Check’ (QR scan/manual)
Compliance scopeAll SEBI-registered market intermediaries
Fraud targetImpersonation & fund diversion via fake UPI IDs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

These days V-CIP is simple, safe and secure. You can complete your V-CIP from wherever you are in India; you only need your PAN card and Aadhaar card. Then, what is the full form of the term 'V-CIP'?

GS-3Economy

4.Snail Infestation Hits Cardamom (Cardamom Pest Management)

The Hindu

What & Where

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) — “Queen of Spices,” perennial of family Zingiberaceae.

Core belt: evergreen Western Ghats rainforests, 600–1500 m, mainly Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

Heavy summer rains triggered snail outbreaks damaging young panicles in Idukki estates.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Climatic Needs

  • Rainfall 1 500–4 000 mm; shade maintains soil moisture.
  • Prefers 10–35 °C humid, frost-free environment.
  • Humus-rich acidic loam enhances rhizome vigour.

Production Hubs

  • Kerala dominates with >58 %; Idukki main cluster.
  • Karnataka’s Kodagu, Chikmagalur significant belts.
  • Nilgiri hills host Tamil Nadu’s output.

Pest Threat & Control

  • Post-rain litter moisture spurs small snail multiplication.
  • Snails attack panicles, flowers, capsules; cut yield, quality.
  • Farmers deploy metaldehyde sprays when other methods fail.

Spice Market

  • India harvested 11.14 mt spices across 75 ISO varieties.
  • Chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, coriander supply 76 % volume.
  • 2023-24 exports ≈14 lakh t to China, Bangladesh, West Asia, USA.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Botanical familyZingiberaceae
Common epithetQueen of Spices
Native rangeWestern Ghats rainforests
Optimal rainfall1 500–4 000 mm
Temperature band10–35 °C
Altitude range600–1 500 m
Soil preferenceAcidic loam, pH 5.0–6.5
Kerala share in output58 %
Lead producing districtIdukki, Kerala
Snail pesticideMetaldehyde
New Elettaria speciesE. facifera, E. tulipifera
India spices output (2022-23)11.14 million t
ISO-listed spices grown75 of 109
Spices export (2023-24)≈14 lakh t
Top export spiceChilli – 31 % share
GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

5.IREDA Achieves Excellent Rating (Green Financing NBFC)

PIB

What & Where

IREDA – Navratna NBFC under MNRE financing renewable and energy-efficiency projects across India

Department of Public Enterprises – Finance Ministry body rating CPSE performance via annual MoU scorecard

FY 2023-24 DPE evaluation placed IREDA in Excellent category for Power & NBFC segments fourth year running

Quick Facts for MCQs

Corporate Profile

  • Mandate promote develop finance renewable and efficiency projects
  • Role encourage commercial banks and FIs to lend to clean energy
  • Recognition underscores leadership in green financing space

Governance & Oversight

  • DPE formulates CPSE policy on performance autonomy finance
  • Annual MoU targets include profitability efficiency and other KPIs
  • Ratings graded Poor to Excellent ensuring accountability transparency

Renewable Schemes

  • PM-KUSUM solar pumps and grid-connected farmer plants
  • PLI scheme incentivises domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity
  • International Solar Alliance multilateral platform headquartered Gurugram promoting solar globally

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Company ratedIREDA
CPSE statusNavratna
Parent ministryMNRE
Year established1987
DPE rating FY 2023-24Excellent
Consecutive Excellent ratings4 years
Sector grouping by DPEPower & NBFC
Governing body for ratingsDepartment of Public Enterprises

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2015PYQ 1

With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 2

‘Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’ is a:

GS-1History

6.Servants of India Society Legacy (Freedom Movement)

Hindustan Times
Illustration for Servants of India Society Legacy (Freedom Movement)

What & Where

Historic socio-political organisation; mission public service, civic education, national uplift

Founded 12 Jun 1905 in Pune, Maharashtra

Functions nationwide through training cadres, schools, rural and women-centric programmes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Founding & Ideology

  • Vision selfless cadre imbued with religious and national spirit
  • Method constitutional agitation, civic education, nation-first ethics

Freedom Movement Role

  • Conducted political education supporting constitutional reforms
  • Members became prominent moderate leaders influencing legislature and public opinion

Post-Independence Work

  • Runs schools, healthcare camps, clean water and sustainable agriculture drives
  • Campaigns against child marriage, widow discrimination, inheritance inequality

Governance Concerns

  • Gokhale Institute alleges financial mismanagement; demands court-appointed neutral administrator

Associated Personalities

  • Mentors Gopal Krishna Gokhale to Mahatma Gandhi financial, ideological guidance

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Full nameServants of India Society (SIS)
Founding date12 June 1905
Founding placePune, Maharashtra
Main founderGopal Krishna Gokhale
Co-foundersG.K. Devadhar, A.V. Patwardhan, N.A. Dravid
Upcoming milestone120th anniversary in 2025
Core objectiveTrain individuals for patriotic public service via constitutional means
Notable protégésV.S. Srinivasa Sastri; Hriday Nath Kunzru; A.V. Thakkar
Gandhi linkGokhale mentored Gandhi, financed Sabarmati Ashram setup
Flagship instituteGokhale Institute of Politics & Economics (UGC-affiliated)
Post-1947 focusEducation, women’s rights, rural uplift, disaster relief
Current controversyGIPE seeks neutral administrator over alleged financial mismanagement

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 1997PYQ 1

M.C. Setalvad, B.N. Rao and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer were distinguished members of the

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

सर्वोदया सभा इंडिया सोसायटी के किस सदस्य ने 1914 में सेवा समिति की स्थापना की थी?

GS-1S&T

7.Deep Seafloor Exploration Gap (Deep Ocean Mission)

The Hindu
Illustration for Deep Seafloor Exploration Gap (Deep Ocean Mission)

What & Where

Deep ocean = marine zone below 200 m where sunlight ceases; spans ~⅔ of Earth’s surface.

New study: 99.999 % of this seafloor still lacks direct visual exploration, especially abyssal plains.

Exploration clusters along ridges/canyons; >97 % of dives by US, Japan, New Zealand, France, Germany.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • India’s 2021 Deep Ocean Mission targets exploration, biodiversity mapping and sustainable resource extraction.
  • Focus areas: polymetallic nodules, climate data, sub-sea technology development.

International Examples

  • Five nations—US, Japan, NZ, France, Germany—dominate deep-sea dives, indicating capability concentration.
  • Many states lack vessels/submersibles, limiting global visual coverage.

Resource Potential

  • Deposits: oil, natural gas, methane hydrates, polymetallic nodules; significant strategic and economic value.
  • Mesopelagic fish, squid, krill biomass offers prospective protein and bio-product sources.

Carbon Cycle

  • Marine snow vertically transports organic carbon, enabling long-term sequestration in deep waters.
  • Deep-ocean data aids climate-change prediction, mitigation strategy refinement.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Visually unexplored deep seafloor99.999 %
Ocean depth defining “deep”>200 m
Global deep-seafloor share of Earth≈66 %
Dives done by 5 nations>97 %
Average deep-ocean temperature~4 °C
Pressure range at depth40–110 atm
Mesopelagic fish biomass share≈90 %
Indian Deep Ocean MissionLaunched 2021
Key mineral prospectPolymetallic nodules
Carbon-transfer mechanismMarine snow

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

सूपरमंडल की अधिकतम गहराई कहाँ पाई जाती है ?

GS-3Environment

8.CPCB Solar Waste Guidelines (Solar Waste Rules)

Down to Earth

What & Where

Definition: Solar waste = discarded PV modules, panels or cells now covered under E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022

Key process: CPCB draft guidelines (4 Jun 2025) propose take-back, safe storage, transport, recycling protocols

Geography: India expected to create 34,600 t solar waste by 2030 across rooftop, floating and ground-mounted parks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Coverage: Solar waste classified as CEEW-14 category within E-Waste Rules
  • Obligation: Producers must register, file annual returns, maintain collection systems, follow CPCB SOPs
  • Gap: Absence of mandatory EPR targets till 2034-35 complicates enforcement

Environmental Impact

  • Contamination: Leachate from cadmium, tellurium threatens soil and aquifers when dumped unscientifically
  • Air quality: Burning polymer back-sheets releases dioxins, furans listed under Stockholm Convention
  • Fire risk: Open stacking increases ignition chances and toxin spread

Health & Social

  • Worker exposure: Informal dismantling in Gujarat, Maharashtra linked to respiratory and neurological disorders
  • Community harm: Dumping near farms pollutes water, impacting livelihoods and raising cancer risk
  • Reputational loss: Mismanagement undermines India’s SDG 12 and UNFCCC clean-energy image

Draft Guidelines Highlights

  • Storage: Covered, ventilated, dry areas with fire systems and emergency exits
  • Collection: Mandatory producer take-back with websites, helplines, pickup logistics and consumer database
  • Transport: Only covered or hazardous-compliant vehicles allowed to approved recyclers

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Draft released byCentral Pollution Control Board
Draft date4 June 2025
Comment deadline25 June 2025
Governing Rules chapterChapter V, E-Waste Rules 2022
EPR recycling target start2034-35 for solar panels
Estimated waste 203034,600 tonnes
Hazardous elementsCadmium, lead, arsenic, gallium, tellurium
Max storage stack20 layers or 2 m height
Transport rule referenceHazardous Waste Rules 2016
Storage floor requirementImpervious non-leachable surface

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

GS1 2019PYQ 2

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

GS-3Species

9.Stingless Bees Pollination Benefits (Stingless Bees)

Down to Earth
Illustration for Stingless Bees Pollination Benefits (Stingless Bees)

What & Where

Stingless bees = small, eusocial, non-stinging pollinators of tribe Meliponini (family Apidae), alternatives to classic honeybees.

Key Nagaland natives: Tetragonula iridipennis & Lepidotrigona arcifera; naturally inhabit tropical–subtropical belts.

Study focus: hill farms of Northeast India, where they nest in cavities or farmer-placed wooden boxes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Regional Context

  • Nagaland field trials show stingless bees thrive in humid Northeast agro-ecosystems.
  • Low aggression suits smallholder and tribal beekeeping practices.

Pollination & Yield

  • Buzz pollination boosts yields of chilli, tomato, brinjal and other hill crops.
  • Reduced need for imported Apis mellifera colonies lowers farm costs.

Medicinal Honey

  • Stingless honey richer in polyphenols, prized in indigenous medicine.
  • Premium market price offers additional rural income streams.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Taxonomic tribeMeliponini
FamilyApidae
Functional stingerAbsent
DefenceMandibular bite; some species inject venom via bite
Wing pairsTwo
Body lookSmall, dark/black with yellow marks, large oval eyes
Main nest sitesTree trunks, termite mounds, wall/wax boxes
Nest materialResin + mud + wax
Brood patternSpiral or random honey pots & sealed wax cells
Queen matingSingle mating; nutrition decides caste
Sex ruleFertilised → workers/queens; unfertilised → drones
Diet sourceNectar, pollen; few use rotting fruit/carrion
Pollination modeBuzz pollination improving tropical crop set
Key productHigh-value medicinal honey
Nagaland findingSafe handling & higher crop yield vs Apis bees
GS-3S&T

10.Aircraft Black Box Functions (Flight Data Recorder)

The Hindu

What & Where

Flight Recorder: collective term for Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) + Flight Data Recorder (FDR) mounted usually in aircraft tail

CVR captures crew voices, radio, alarms; FDR logs ≥3 500 parameters up to 25 h

Mandated on commercial aircraft worldwide since 1960 for accident investigation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

  • 1930s Hussenot film-based recorder pioneered flight data capture
  • 1950s Warren device spurred by unexplained Comet jet crashes
  • 1990 solid-state memory boosted durability and storage capacity

Protection & Design

  • Casing titanium/steel, layered insulation, crash-protected to 3 400 g impacts
  • Survives high-temperature fire, explosion, deep-sea pressure, 30-day immersion
  • Beacon emits 37.5 kHz ping enabling sonar-based search teams

Modern Innovations

  • Combined CVR-FDR units satisfy 25 h voice rule while saving space
  • Automatic Deployable Recorder ejects, floats, broadcasts via Emergency Locator Transmitter
  • Real-time satellite data streaming under study to eliminate deep-ocean loss

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Modern FDR inventorDr David Warren, Australia, 1953-54
Earliest prototypeFrançois Hussenot, France, 1930s
Mandatory adoption1960, commercial aviation
Memory upgrade year1990, solid-state replaces magnetic tape
Fire resistanceUp to 1 100 °C
Underwater endurance30 days; locator beacon active
Voice record norm25 h (ICAO)
Exterior colourBright international orange with reflective strips
GS-2Security

11.Escalating Israel–Iran Conflict (Israel-Iran Tensions)

NDTV
Illustration for Escalating Israel–Iran Conflict (Israel-Iran Tensions)

What & Where

Operation Rising Lion – Israeli air-and-missile strikes on Iranian nuclear & missile facilities

Focus sites Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, Turquzabad; all inside Iran’s central plateau

Action followed IAEA ruling that Iran breached 1974 Safeguards Agreement

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Precedent strikes Osirak 1981, Al-Kibar 2007, now Iranian sites mark escalation
  • Proxy web Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Iraqi militias used by Tehran to pressure Israel
  • Netanyahu leverages external threat to stall elections and rally domestic backing

Legal & Policy

  • IAEA Board declared “grave concern” over undeclared enriched-uranium traces at three sites
  • E3 may trigger JCPOA snapback sanctions; window closes mid-October
  • Tehran warns of NPT withdrawal, begins deeper underground enrichment projects

Economic Angle

  • Hormuz conflict risk could spike global crude and maritime insurance costs
  • Energy-importing India highly exposed; inflationary pressure and evacuation logistics for diaspora
  • US must hedge between alliance solidarity and protecting Gulf bases from retaliatory strikes

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Operation code-nameRising Lion
Launching stateIsrael
Target stateIran
IAEA article invokedXII.C
Non-compliance count7th time globally
Safeguards pact year1974
JCPOA sanctions sunset18 Oct 2023
Strait of Hormuz share≈20 % world oil
Indians in W Asia≈8 million
India crude via strait>60 % imports
GS-2Scheme

12.Forest Rights Act Implementation Cells (Forest Rights Act)

The Hindu

What & Where

Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells = district/state units to fast-track implementation of FRA 2006.

Created under Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA); housed in Tahsildar/Sub-Division/Collector offices within Tribal Sub-Plan areas.

324 district + 17 state cells sanctioned across 18 States/UTs—first nation-wide roll-out.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Cells derive authority from DAJGUA, not directly from FRA statute.
  • Mandate: uphold Sections 3–6 FRA on individual & community forest rights.

Administrative Setup

  • Spread over 18 States/UTs; big six share 189 cells (≈58%).
  • Coordination node between Gram Sabha, DLC, SLMC and revenue–forest departments.

Functions & Services

  • Accelerate disposal of pending claims; re-examine rejections, issue reasoned orders.
  • Demarcate vested forest land; ensure titles entered in RoR & converted to revenue villages.
  • Map FRA beneficiaries to welfare schemes; assist Gram Sabhas in Community Forest Resource claims.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Sanctioning ministryMinistry of Tribal Affairs
Root lawForest Rights Act, 2006
Guideline frameworkDAJGUA operational guidelines
Total district cells324
Total state cells17
Budget per district cell₹ 8.67 lakh
Budget per state cell₹ 25.85 lakh
Top state by approvalsMadhya Pradesh – 55 cells
Heads of cellsADM / Sub-Collector
Primary office locationCollectorate–level in Tribal Sub-Plan area

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2013PYQ 1

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

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