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11 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 5GS-3: 5
0/11 done
GS-2Polity

1.Registrar-General of India Functions (Census Authority)

Economic Times

What & Where

Registrar-General & Census Commissioner of India (RGI) – apex body for Census, civil registration across India.

Works under Ministry of Home Affairs, HQ New Delhi; operations span entire national territory.

2027 Census process initiated; state/UT boundaries being frozen for enumeration readiness.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

  • 1872 initial headcount; 1881 began ten-year cycle.
  • 1961: RGI office made permanent; shifted from ad-hoc set-ups.

Legal & Policy

  • Census Act 1948 empowers data collection, confidentiality.
  • RBD Act 1969 mandates compulsory birth/death registration.
  • Citizenship Rules 2003 authorise NPR database creation.

Functions & Systems

  • Census: planning, enumeration, tabulation, dissemination every decade.
  • CRS: compiles nationwide vital statistics via states/UTs.
  • SRS: samples twice yearly for birth, death, IMR, MMR estimates.
  • NPR: records “usual residents”; basis for demographic, security planning.
  • Mother Tongue Survey: archives phonetic, cultural traits across decades.

Organisational Setup

  • Headed by Registrar-General cum Census Commissioner; supported by DGs in states.
  • Field operations executed through 640+ district census officers and enumerators.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Permanent RGI office set-up1961
Governing ministryHome Affairs
Current officer rankAdditional Secretary
First Indian Census1872 (non-synchronous)
First synchronous decennial Census1881
Core Census lawCensus Act, 1948
Birth-Death registration lawRBD Act, 1969
Vital-rates surveySample Registration System, bi-annual
NPR legal basisCitizenship Act 1955 & Rules 2003
NPR current entries≈119 crore
GS-2Polity

2.Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act Reform (Nuclear Liability Law)

The Hindu

What & Where

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010: Indian law fixing compensation and liability after any civilian nuclear accident

Applies nationwide; references IAEA’s Convention on Supplementary Compensation 1997, which India joined in 2016

Govt plans dilution to attract vendors for stalled plants like Jaitapur (Maharashtra) and Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Liability regime no-fault for operator, unique supplier recourse via Section 17(b)
  • Proposed tweak limits supplier liability to wilful misconduct or gross negligence, aligning with CSC
  • Government backup beyond Rs 1,500 cr up to 300 mn SDR

Economic Angle

  • Uncapped supplier risk deters US, French, Japanese vendors; halts Jaitapur and Kovvada projects
  • Nuclear share 1.6 %, goal 100 GW by 2047 and 25 % electricity by 2050
  • Reform may unlock billions, aiding 500 GW non-fossil goal 2030

Tech & Schemes

  • Fast Breeder Reactor Kalpakkam under commissioning, key to three-stage programme
  • Budget 2025-26 earmarks Rs 20,000 cr for five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033
  • India exploring nuclear risk-sharing fund and global insurance pool for supplier cover

International Examples

  • CSC 1997 sets global minimum liability; India member despite not joining Vienna or Paris conventions
  • Most regimes pin liability solely on operator, making Indian supplier clause an outlier
  • IGAs with US, France, Japan proposed for dispute resolution and liability clarity

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CLNDA enactment2010
Operator capRs 1,500 cr
Govt backup cap300 mn SDR ≈ Rs 2,200 cr
Supplier clauseSection 17(b)
CSC adoption1997
India CSC ratify2016
Operating reactors22
Nuclear share 20231.6 %
Planned Jaitapur9.6 GW
GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

3.SEBI Approves Electricity Derivatives (Electricity Futures)

BL

What & Where

Electricity derivatives: futures, options, swaps based on power prices, traded on Multi Commodity Exchange, India

Approved June 2025 by Securities & Exchange Board of India for nationwide electricity price risk management

Purely financial settlement, no physical power delivery; open to Gencos, Discoms, big industrial users

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Approval under Securities Contracts Regulation Act enabling commodity derivatives expansion into electricity
  • SEBI aims deeper short-term power market, aligning with Electricity Act open access reforms
  • Financial contracts separated from physical grid operations, avoiding Central Electricity Regulatory Commission jurisdiction issues

Economic Angle

  • Hedging reduces tariff volatility, giving predictable cash flows for power producers and bulk buyers
  • Added liquidity invites speculators and investors, boosting market depth and price discovery
  • Better demand forecasting aids optimal energy storage system deployment, lowering system costs

Energy Transition

  • Stable price signals catalyse renewable power PPAs and hybrid storage projects financing
  • Instrument rollout supports 500 GW clean capacity roadmap and long-term net-zero commitments
  • Risk management lowers cost of capital, crucial for USD 250 billion annual green investment pipeline

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
RegulatorSEBI
Trading platformMCX
Instruments allowedFutures, Options, Swaps
Settlement modeFinancial only
RE share target 2030≥50 % (500 GW non-fossil)
Net-zero year2070
Annual energy investment needUSD 250 billion till 2047
Key hedgersGencos, Discoms, Large industry

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

In India, which of the following is regulated by the Forward Markets Commission ?

GS-1Mapping

4.Shipki La Mountain Pass (Mountain Pass)

The Hindu

What & Where

Pass: Shipki La, motorable saddle at 3,930 m in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh on India–Tibet LAC

River: Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) pierces the Himalaya here to enter India

Gate: Earlier called Pema La or “Shared Gate”, reflecting Indo-Tibetan cultural continuum

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Trade

  • Bazaar: Kinnaur-Indo-China Trade Association once regulated barter oath-based commerce
  • Continuity: Flow ceased after 1962, again stalled during Doklam 2017 and COVID-19 lockdowns

Tourism & Pilgrimage

  • Kailash corridor: Potential fast-track for Mansarovar yatris, high altitude acclimatisation advantage
  • Domestic draw: Scenic Sutlej gorge, apple orchards, Buddhist monasteries now permit-free

Security & Strategy

  • Frontier: Reopening signals Indian presence amid China’s rapid border infrastructure
  • Logistics: All-weather NH-5 reaches Khab village below pass, aiding troop mobility

Administrative Changes

  • Policy: HP govt 2024 order abolishes permit, keeps registration counter at Jangi
  • ID check: Aadhaar or election card mandatory, photography still restricted near ITBP post

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
State & districtHimachal Pradesh, Kinnaur
Elevation3,930 metres
Border force postIndo-Tibetan Border Police
Permit status 2024No Inner-Line Permit; Aadhaar entry for Indians
Trade route vintageDocumented since 15th century
Major war disruption1962 Sino-India war
Nearby pilgrimage cutDelhi–Kailash Mansarovar shorter by ~14 days
Traditional importsTibetan wool, yak hair, gold, borax
Traditional exportsIndian grains, spices, metal tools
Comparable passesNathu La (Sikkim), Lipulekh (Uttarakhand)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2007PYQ 1

Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Which one of the following passes is not located in Indian Himalayan region?

GS-3Environment

5.Third UN Ocean Conference Declaration (UN Ocean Conference)

Down to Earth

What & Where

UN Ocean Conference (UNOC): UN-led summit accelerating SDG-14; 3rd edition (UNOC3) at Nice, France, 2025.

Triple Planetary Crisis: inter-linked climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution & waste impacting oceans.

BBNJ Agreement: treaty on marine biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (high seas).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Declaration urges full implementation of CBD, KM-GBF, BBNJ, Paris Agreement.
  • Plastics Treaty: call for legally binding lifecycle regulation; justice focus for vulnerable communities.
  • Goal: ratification of BBNJ by 60 nations to enter force.

Financial Commitments

  • EU €1 bn package for science, sustainable fishing, conservation.
  • Indonesia-World Bank “Coral Bond” launched to finance reef restoration.
  • Spain announced five new MPAs, budget undisclosed.

Environmental Impact

  • Climate: warming drives thermal expansion, sea-level rise, hypoxic “dead zones”.
  • Pollution: plastics, oil spills, chemicals threaten marine fauna; Kerala tanker incident declared state disaster.
  • Overfishing & bottom trawling degrade habitats; 75 % oil sardine drop on Kerala coast (2021).

Indigenous & Knowledge Systems

  • Declaration recognises traditional, Indigenous expertise for ocean action.
  • Examples: Palau’s bul and Hawaii’s kapu systems sustain fish stocks.
  • Emphasis on national ocean accounting, ecosystem mapping for informed policy.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
UNOC3 host cityNice, France
Declaration name“Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”
Countries backing full plastics regulation95
Target marine protection30 % of oceans by 2030
Oceans’ excess heat absorbed≈90 %
Anthropogenic CO₂ absorbed by oceans≈23 %
Ocean acidification increase since pre-industrial~30 %
4th global coral bleaching event2023-25; hit 84 % reefs, 82 nations
French Polynesia pledge5 mn km² MPAs (entire EEZ)
EU announced funding€1 billion for ocean conservation
High Ambition Coalition members37 countries
GS-3S&T

6.Rinderpest Virus Eradication (Animal Viral Disease)

PIB
Illustration for Rinderpest Virus Eradication (Animal Viral Disease)

What & Where

Rinderpest = highly contagious cattle/ruminant viral disease; eradicated worldwide in 2011.

Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) = laboratory authorised only to securely store virus-containing material.

ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) now approved as Category A RHF at 92nd WOAH General Session, Paris.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Disease Profile

  • Severity: fever, nasal discharge, oral erosions, profuse diarrhoea, death within 10–15 days.
  • Virus survival: fragile outside host; strict animal-to-animal spread.
  • Immunity: recovered animals gain lifelong protection.

India & Institutions

  • NIHSAD recognition: credited for high-level biosafety, inventory control, emergency response planning.
  • Status upgrade: lays groundwork for future Category B bid permitting vaccine R&D.
  • Surveillance: aligns with India’s National Animal Disease Control Programme vision.

Global Governance

  • RHF categorisation: A = storage only; B = storage + research/vaccine work.
  • Paris 2024 session: 92nd WOAH General Session granted multiple RHF approvals worldwide.
  • Post-eradication protocol: minimal labs retain RVCM to prevent accidental re-release.

Economic Angle

  • Historic outbreaks: triggered cattle die-offs causing famine, rural poverty, agrarian collapse.
  • Livestock services hit: milk, meat, draft power, manure shortages hampered subsistence farmers.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Virus genusMorbillivirus
Morbidity≈ 100 %
MortalityUp to 90 %
Human riskNil (Non-zoonotic)
Main transmissionDirect animal contact, aerosols, contaminated water
Insect vectorAbsent
Global eradication year2011
Eradication rankSecond disease eradicated after smallpox
Oversight bodiesWOAH & FAO
Latest Indian RHFICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2002PYQ 1

Foot-and-mouth disease in animals, a current epidemic in some parts of the world, is caused by

GEO_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 2

The recent outbreak of extremely contagious lumpy skin disease affects mostly which one of the following animals?

GS-3S&T

7.AI Applications in Biomanufacturing (AI in Biotech)

The Hindu

What & Where

Definition: AI-driven biomanufacturing = ML, digital twins, predictive analytics optimise fermentation and other biological production lines.

Key processes: real-time bioreactor monitoring, whole-plant virtual simulation, predictive quality control.

Geography: India—world’s vaccine supplier (~60 %), generics hub, expanding specialty-chemicals base.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Government & Schemes

  • BioE3: funds Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries for next-gen biotech.
  • IndiaAI Mission: pushes explainable, inclusive AI, healthcare focus.
  • Sandbox idea: proposed tiered, risk-based testing zones for AI tools.

Economic Angle

  • Productivity: AI detects pH/temperature drift early, cuts batch failures.
  • Cost: automation trims manual oversight, speeds cycles, lowering drug prices.
  • Exports: AI-backed consistency boosts India’s credibility as supplier.

Regulatory & IP

  • Gap: Drug laws silent on AI-controlled systems, causing approval ambiguity.
  • IP issue: unclear inventorship for AI-generated biotech discoveries.
  • Proposed: predetermined change-control plans, new licensing frameworks.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Global vaccine share≈60 % supplied by India
Specialty-chemicals market₹2.74 lakh crore value
Flagship AI policyIndiaAI Mission
Biotech boosterBioE3 Policy 2024
Data law touching AIDigital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Leading AI userBiocon—drug screening, QC
IT majors in pharma AIWipro, TCS
Example AI toolDigital twins of production facility

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following Indian institutes was approved by the Drugs Controller General of India for conducting human trials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine candidate?

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 2

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Security

8.Financial Action Task Force (Anti-Money Laundering)

LiveMint
Illustration for Financial Action Task Force (Anti-Money Laundering)

What & Where

FATF — intergovernmental body framing global AML/CFT & proliferation-financing standards

Core processes — 40 Recommendations, mutual evaluations, grey-/black-listing for non-compliance

Geography — created 1989 G7 Paris; permanent Secretariat & plenaries in Paris, France

Quick Facts for MCQs

Key Functions

  • Recommendation issuance guiding national AML/CFT laws
  • Mutual evaluation reviews identifying systemic deficiencies
  • Threat alerting on crypto, crowdfunding, digital laundering

Lists & Compliance

  • Grey listing reduces FDI, credit ratings, multilateral lending access
  • Black listing triggers severe financial isolation and sanctions risk
  • High-risk monitoring escalated post-2025 Pahalgam terror attack

India Angle

  • Membership 2010 grants voting on standards, evaluations
  • Participation through APG and EAG regional bodies
  • Active advocacy for stronger counter-terror financing norms

Security Dimension

  • FATF scrutiny deters state sponsorship of terrorism via financial choke points
  • Enhances cross-border intelligence on illicit flows
  • Condemnation of Pahalgam attack underscores linkage between security and compliance

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Establishment year1989
Founding forumG7 Summit, Paris
HeadquartersParis, France
Mandate expansion to CFT2001
Total Recommendations40
Grey List purposeIncreased monitoring of strategic AML/CFT gaps
Black List purposeHigh-risk, non-cooperative jurisdictions
Current Black List statesNorth Korea, Iran, Myanmar
Indian membershipFull member since 2010
Regional groups India inAPG & EAG

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

Recently which of the following countries were placed in the ‘Grey List’ of Financial Action Task Force ?

GS-2Misc

9.Cyprus Grand Cross Honour (Cyprus Honour)

ITV
Illustration for Cyprus Grand Cross Honour (Cyprus Honour)

What & Where

Distinction: Grand Cross tier of Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s premier civilian honour

Geography: Conferred by President of the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia

Scope: Reserved for heads-of-state/global leaders showing exceptional service to Cyprus or wider human values

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hierarchy & Eligibility

  • Structure: Grand Collar > Grand Cross > Grand Commander > Commander > Officer > Knight
  • Eligibility: Strictly high-level foreign/state figures; exceptional Cyprus or global contribution prerequisite
  • Exclusivity: Enhances prestige and diplomatic signalling power

Symbolism & Objective

  • Emblems: Order’s insignia reflects Cyprus’s struggle for sovereignty and ecumenical leadership
  • Goal: Recognise global advocacy of peace, diplomacy, human dignity
  • Soft-power: Strengthens Cyprus’s bilateral ties through honour diplomacy

Ceremonial Protocol

  • Bestowal: President drapes sash & star, accompanies with citation
  • Venue: Usually Presidential Palace, Nicosia; full state media coverage
  • Recordkeeping: Laureates listed in official Gazette for archival permanence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Named afterArchbishop Makarios III, first President of Cyprus
Order tiers6 (Grand Collar highest; Knight lowest)
Grand Cross rankSecond only to Grand Collar
Presenting authorityPresident of Cyprus
Typical recipientsHeads of State & eminent global dignitaries
Key themes honouredDiplomacy, peace, human rights, Cyprus service
SymbolismCypriot independence, integrity, cooperation
Ceremony settingFormal diplomatic investiture at Presidential Palace
Recent Indian awardeePrime Minister of India
Award purposeFoster international goodwill & alliances
GS-3Security

10.Cyber Suraksha Security Exercise (Cyber Security Drill)

New Indian Express
Illustration for Cyber Suraksha Security Exercise (Cyber Security Drill)

What & Where

Exercise Cyber Suraksha – national-level, multi-phased cybersecurity drill simulating real-world threats

Venue Nationwide defence networks; gamified, high-paced scenarios for stakeholders

Agency Organiser – Defence Cyber Agency under Ministry of Defence

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Resilience focus: drills train quick detection, containment, recovery from advanced cyberattacks
  • Crisis simulation: Table-Top Exercises stress-test decision-making of senior defence leadership

Tech & Schemes

  • Gamified environment: red-blue team scenarios deliver hands-on skill upgrades
  • Evaluation modules: measurable performance metrics feed future cyber capability planning

Institutional Structure

  • DCyA function: central CERT for tri-services, coordinating intelligence, incident response, audits
  • Mandate: safeguard military digital infrastructure; enhance joint Army-Navy-Air Force cyber capabilities

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
PurposeEnhance national cyber-defence readiness
Launch agencyDefence Cyber Agency (DCyA)
Exercise natureMulti-phased, gamified cybersecurity drill
Key participantsDefence stakeholders, CISOs
Core componentsTraining modules, evaluations, leadership capsules, Table-Top Exercises
Special eventCISOs Conclave for policy alignment
DCyA operational sinceNovember 2019
DCyA reports toChief of Defence Staff via IDS

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is most appropriate about ‘Exercise Kavach’?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

भारतीय कंप्यूटर आपातकालीन प्रतिक्रिया दल (CERT-In) द्वारा जारी किए गए नवीनतम दिशानिर्देशों के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-2Scheme

11.NAKSHA Land Survey Programme (Urban Land Survey)

DD News
Illustration for NAKSHA Land Survey Programme (Urban Land Survey)

What & Where

NAKSHA: National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations; tech-driven urban land-records modernisation scheme.

Pilot 2024 in 157 Urban Local Bodies across 27 States & 3 UTs; inaugural site Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Phase-2 training: 128 Urban Local Body officers on modern geospatial survey tools.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • GNSS & ETS ensure centimetre-level parcel accuracy.
  • Orthorectified drone images supply base maps for Web-GIS platform.
  • Entire workflow digital: data capture, validation, hosting, access.

Capacity Building

  • 128 ULB officers in Phase-2; curriculum spans legal, geospatial, IT.
  • Hands-on sessions at National Centres of Excellence bolster in-house survey capability.
  • Aims self-sufficiency of ULBs post-vendor survey phase.

Governance & Transparency

  • Verified digital titles curb fraud, quicken dispute resolution.
  • Updated parcels aid master plans, taxation, infrastructure rollout.
  • Open access empowers citizens, aligns with ease-of-living goals.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent ministryDepartment of Land Resources, MoRD
Technical partnerSurvey of India
Web-GIS developerMPSeDC
Data storage supportNICSI
Core tech toolsGNSS, Electronic Total Station, orthorectified drone imagery
System typeEnd-to-end Web-GIS for mapping & storage
Capacity centres4 National Centres of Excellence
Key objectivesDigital mapping, reliable ownership, dispute reduction
Citizen benefitClear, accessible land titles
Urban coverage (pilot)157 ULBs in 30 States/UTs

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