Monday, 23 June 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following is NOT a parliamentary standing committee on financial matters?

The correct answer is (c) Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Schemes. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020.

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament is not correct?

The correct answer is (d) In case a member of any other Committee constituted by the Government is elected to the PAC, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether he should continue to be a member of the former Committee.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022.

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 ESE_GS, GS1 2003.

Q: Which one of the following ministries has repealed the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rules, 2021 and replaced the same with the liberalized Drone Rules, 2021?

The correct answer is (a) Ministry of Home Affairs. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: As per the Budget Estimates of expenditure on major subsidies during 2019–20, the maximum expenditure was likely to be on

The correct answer is (d) fertilizer subsidy. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020.

Q: PAHAL, an initiative to transfer the subsidy to direct bank account of the beneficiaries, is related to

The correct answer is (b) Internet consumers. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020.

Q: Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

The correct answer is (a) Bhitarkanika. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: The correct sequence of the eastward flowing rivers of the peninsular India from north to south is

The correct answer is (a) Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

13 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 4GS-3: 7

0/13 done

GS-2Polity

1.Parliamentary Estimates Committee Oversight (Parliamentary Committees)

FPJ30 Lok Sabha members · financial oversight · single transferable vote

What & Where

Estimates Committee — Lok Sabha’s financial-oversight panel reviewing budget allocation, spending economy and accountability.

Institutional location: Parliament of India; only Lok Sabha MPs, ministers barred.

75-year milestone marked by National Conference inaugurated in Mumbai by Lok Sabha Speaker.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Composition & Election

Membership mirrors party strength; Rajya Sabha has no representation.
Chairperson usually senior ruling-party MP chosen solely by Speaker.
Reconstituted every financial year through internal Lok Sabha ballot.

Core Functions

Examination of Demands for Grants, suggesting savings and efficiency gains.
Recommendation of alternative fiscal or administrative policies for better outcomes.
Advice on improving structure and presentation of Union Budget documents.

Procedure Flow

Annual selection of specific Ministries/Departments/statutory bodies for scrutiny.
Information gathered via documents, witness evidence, and field visits cleared by Speaker.
Reports laid in Lok Sabha; Finance Ministry circulates ATR within six months.

Track Record

Reviewed virtually all Union Ministries since inception.
Inputs catalysed concepts like outcome budgeting and consolidation of minor grants.
Periodic national conferences share oversight best practices with State Legislatures.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year constituted	1950
House represented	Lok Sabha only
Membership strength	30 MPs
Minister eligibility	Not permitted
Election method	Annual PR-STV by whole House
Chairperson appointed by	Speaker, Lok Sabha
Individual term	1 year; renewable
Exclusion scope	Public Undertakings
Govt reply limit	6 months via Action Taken Report
Total reports (1950-2024)	1184 (656 Original + 528 ATR)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT a parliamentary standing committee on financial matters?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament is not correct?

GS-2Polity

2.Directorate General of Civil Aviation Mandate (Regulatory Bodies)

New Indian ExpressAircraft Amendment Act 2020 · pilot licensing · airworthiness certification

Illustration for Directorate General of Civil Aviation Mandate (Regulatory Bodies)

What & Where

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – apex civil-aviation regulator of India.

Conducting Comprehensive Special Audit covering entire domestic aviation ecosystem.

Jurisdiction: All Indian civil aircraft, airports, airlines, training & maintenance entities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Statutory-body status grants wider enforcement, penalty & rule-making powers since 2020.
Operates under legacy Aircraft Act, 1934 & subordinate Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Advises Union Govt on bilateral air-service agreements & technical regulations.

Safety Oversight

Audit, inspection, surveillance ensure compliance by pilots, airlines, MROs, ATCs.
Investigates incidents; issues safety circulars for accident-prevention.
Launching Special Audit to plug systemic gaps amid traffic growth.

Licensing & Certification

Registers every civil aircraft; licences pilots, ATCOs, maintenance engineers, cabin crew.
Certifies airports for operational safety, CNS, firefighting readiness.
Approves flying schools, simulators, AME training institutes.

International Engagement

Represents India in ICAO Council, panels, working groups.
Coordinates corrective action plans after ICAO USOAP & FAA IASA audits.
Promotes indigenous aircraft/component manufacturing to align with global standards.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Original setup	1978, attached office, MoCA
Statutory upgrade	Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020
Parent ministry	Ministry of Civil Aviation
Core mandate	Safety regulation & licensing
New initiative	Comprehensive Special Audit, 2024
Key rulebook	Aircraft Rules, 1937
Airport clearance issued	Aerodrome Certificate
Airline entry permit	Air Operator’s Certificate
Airworthiness document	Certificate of Airworthiness
Global linkage	ICAO USOAP participation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2003PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following ministries has repealed the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rules, 2021 and replaced the same with the liberalized Drone Rules, 2021?

GS-3Editorial

3.Reforming Food and Fertiliser Subsidies (Subsidy Reforms)

Indian ExpressPDS coverage · NFSA free grains · ₹2.03 lakh-crore food subsidy

Illustration for Reforming Food and Fertiliser Subsidies (Subsidy Reforms)

What & Where

Subsidy: Government financial support lowering production or consumer cost to meet welfare or policy goals in India.

Types: Direct cash transfers (e.g., PM-KISAN) and Indirect price/tax support (e.g., NFSA cereals, LPG).

Geography: Nationwide reach via PDS to 800 million citizens and fertiliser support to 140 million farm holdings.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Fiscal-space concern: food + fertiliser subsidies ≈3.6 lakh crore limiting rural capital investment.
Targeting need: blanket support vs only bottom 15 % using Aadhaar SECC PM-KISAN data fusion.
Coupon proposal: ₹700 digital wallet per poor family enabling diverse food purchase reducing cereal over-procurement.

Tech & Schemes

Digitisation: 84 % ration cards Aadhaar-seeded with ePOS reducing ghost entries.
Fertiliser DBT: retailer PoS authentication subsidises companies then passes lower price to farmers.
Neem-Coated Urea: slows nitrogen release curbs diversion saves 10 % consumption.

Social Concerns

Nutrition gap: cereal-heavy PDS misses pulses milk eggs causing micronutrient deficiency.
Inclusion error: ghost cards Jharkhand purge highlights ongoing leakage despite tech.
Communication need: farmer trust critical as earlier subsidy reform attempts faced protests.

Environmental Impact

Nutrient imbalance: excess nitrogen versus P&K depletes soil fertility lowers yields.
Encouragement: NBS policy and bio-fertiliser incentives aim balanced eco-friendly application.
Soil health link: sustainable fertiliser mix key for 4 % agri growth target.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Food subsidy outlay FY26	₹2.03 lakh crore
Fertiliser subsidy outlay FY26	₹1.56 lakh crore
Extreme poverty rate 2022	5.3 %
Extreme poverty rate 2011	27.1 %
PDS free grain beneficiaries	800 million people
Ration-card coverage FY23	84 % households
Rural Gini 2023-24	0.237
Neem-coated urea status	100 % mandatory coating

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

As per the Budget Estimates of expenditure on major subsidies during 2019–20, the maximum expenditure was likely to be on

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

PAHAL, an initiative to transfer the subsidy to direct bank account of the beneficiaries, is related to

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

4.Subarnarekha River and Basin (East India River)

The HinduNagri source Ranchi · 395 km length · Kharkai tributary

Illustration for Subarnarekha River and Basin (East India River)

What & Where

Subarnarekha east-flowing Peninsular river, 395 km, empties into Bay of Bengal between Ganga–Mahanadi deltas

Rises near Nagri village, Ranchi district; drains Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal across Chota Nagpur Plateau fringe

Forms estuary and Hundru Falls; basin bounded by Baitarani basin south, Kasai valley east

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hydrology & Basin

Drainage spreads over plateau uplands, lateritic soils influencing rapid runoff
Estuarine stretch between two mega deltas augments tidal ingress and sediment deposition
Basin prone to flash floods due to short, steep tributaries

Infrastructure

Chandil multipurpose dam on main stem regulates irrigation, hydropower, flood moderation
Series of barrages enable water diversion for Jamshedpur industrial belt
Getalsud reservoir supplies drinking water to Ranchi urban agglomeration

Disaster Concern

Recent Balasore flooding triggered by alleged unnotified Chandil gate release, exposing inter-state coordination gaps
Downstream Odisha districts lack real-time telemetry on Jharkhand reservoir discharges
Historical flash-flood events recur during peak monsoon, affecting paddy fields and coastal fisheries

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Source location	Nagri village, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Total length	~395 km
Mouth	Bay of Bengal estuary
States traversed	Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal
Major tributary	Kharkai River at Sonari/Domuhani
Notable waterfall	Hundru Falls
Key dam upstream	Chandil Dam, Jharkhand
Other reservoirs	Getalsud, Galudih Barrage, Icha, Kharkai Barrage
Basin boundary north-west	Chota Nagpur Plateau

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

GS1 2002PYQ 2

The correct sequence of the eastward flowing rivers of the peninsular India from north to south is

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

5.Rice Yellow Mottle Virus Outbreak (Plant Virus)

Down to EarthSobemovirus · yield loss 10-100% · vectors beetles & grasshoppers

What & Where

Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV): Sobemovirus causing destructive rice disease

Originated 1800s Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania; now across Sub-Saharan Africa with an outlier in Turkey

Spreads chiefly via insect/mechanical contact; not seed-borne

Quick Facts for MCQs

Transmission Vectors

Beetles: Chrysomelidae act as principal insect carriers
Grasshoppers etc: cows, rats, donkeys transfer virus via feeding or contact
Water splash: root wounds enable mechanical spread

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Streaks: initial yellow-green streaks on young leaves progress to mottling
Morphology: twisted leaves, stunting, poor panicle, sterility common
Timing: early infection phase linked to near 100 % yield loss

Agricultural Impact

Losses: yield reduction ranges 10–100 % across African fields
Variability: high genetic variability complicates breeding durable resistance
Food security: major risk for Sub-Saharan Africa rice consumers

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Origin region	Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
First emergence	1800s
Virus family	Sobemovirus
Core geography today	Sub-Saharan Africa; detected in Turkey
Vectors	Beetles, grasshoppers, cows, rats, donkeys
Seed-borne	No
Yield loss range	10 % – 100 %

GS-3S&T

6.Rare Helium-Rich Star A980 Discovery (Astrophysics)

PIBExtreme Helium star · Ophiuchus constellation · Ge II detection

What & Where

Star A980; cool Extreme Helium (EHe) star with almost no hydrogen, product of helium-rich + carbon-oxygen white-dwarf merger

Situated in Ophiuchus constellation, approx 25,800 light-years from Earth

Exhibits first Ge II detection in EHe stars, germanium abundance ≈ 8 times Solar

Quick Facts for MCQs

Stellar Composition

Elemental pattern Helium-dominated atmosphere, trace carbon/oxygen, overabundant germanium
Detection method High-resolution spectroscopy revealed Ge II lines, unprecedented in EHe category
Rarity EHe stars number <30 known; A980 enriches coolest subgroup data

Evolution Models

Challenge Existing nucleosynthesis places heavy-element creation in supernovae or AGB stars, not EHe atmospheres
Indication White-dwarf merger may trigger in-situ heavy-element production
Outcome Drives refinement of post-merger mixing and nucleosynthesis simulations

Indian Institute of Astrophysics

Governance Autonomous DST institution focused on astronomy, astrophysics, instrumentation
Infrastructure Roots at Kodaikanal Solar Observatory; HQ shifted Bengaluru 1975
Contribution Team employed indigenous spectroscopy facilities for A980 analysis

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Star name	A980
Star classification	Extreme Helium (EHe), cool
Constellation	Ophiuchus
Distance from Earth	~25,800 light-years
Dominant element	Helium; negligible hydrogen
Unique detection	Singly-ionised germanium (Ge II)
Germanium abundance	~8 × Solar
Probable origin	Merger of He-white dwarf + C–O white dwarf
Model implication	Challenges standard stellar nucleosynthesis
Lead institution	Indian Institute of Astrophysics (DST)

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

7.Spinal Muscular Atrophy Prenatal Therapy (Genetic Disorder)

Indian ExpressSMN1 mutation · motor neuron loss · 1 in 10

What & Where

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) = autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disorder from SMN1 gene mutation

Causes progressive skeletal-muscle wasting owing to Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein deficiency

Feb 2025: world’s first in-utero SMA therapy; girl now 2.5 yrs old

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pathophysiology

SMN protein deficit triggers spinal motor-neuron degeneration
Signal loss from neurons to muscles precipitates rapid atrophy

Clinical Signs

Early proximal-muscle weakness; poor head, trunk control
Progressive respiratory compromise, dysphagia, life-threatening infections

Treatment Milestone

In-utero intervention attempts SMN rescue before irreversible neuronal loss
Success opens window for prenatal gene-based therapies in similar disorders

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Causative gene	SMN1
Protein lacking	SMN protein
Inheritance	Both parents carriers; autosomal-recessive
Global incidence	≈ 1 per 10,000 live births
Mortality status	Leading genetic cause of infant/child deaths
Primary tissue hit	Voluntary skeletal muscles
Early symptom cluster	Shoulder, hip, thigh weakness
Vital complications	Respiratory and swallowing difficulties
First prenatal therapy	Reported Feb 2025; patient age 2.5 yrs

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

8.CERN Transmutes Lead into Gold (Nuclear Transmutation)

Down to EarthLarge Hadron Collider · ultra-peripheral collisions · electromagnetic dissociation

Illustration for CERN Transmutes Lead into Gold (Nuclear Transmutation)

What & Where

Nuclear transmutation – man-made change of one element to another by altering proton/neutron count.

Achieved at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, Switzerland–France border, via ultra-peripheral “near-miss” lead-lead interactions.

Electromagnetic fields eject nucleons; stripping three protons from Pb-208 briefly yields Au-205/206.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Nuclear Transmutation

Alchemy dream realised by modern particle physics, first lab Pb→Au demonstration in femtoscopic quantities.
Confirms theoretical models of photon-induced nucleon knock-out in heavy nuclei.
Offers baseline for synthesising rare isotopes without radioactive targets.

Collision Dynamics

Near-miss lead ions generate intense virtual photon flux; no hadronic debris from primary collision.
Photon energy scales with Lorentz factor of ions, enabling multi-nucleon removal.
Process distinct from fusion or spallation; purely electromagnetic.

Scientific Significance

Deepens understanding of strong–electromagnetic interplay under extreme fields.
Provides calibration data for cosmic-ray induced transmutation in astrophysics.
Demonstrates versatility of LHC beyond high-energy discovery physics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Accelerator used	Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
Collision type	Ultra-peripheral, non-contact
Initial nucleus	Lead-208, Z = 82
Product nucleus	Gold isotopes, Z = 79
Mechanism	Electromagnetic dissociation by high-energy photons
Nucleons removed	3 protons (± neutrons)
Other elements formed	Thallium, Mercury
Existence duration	≈ 1 nanosecond
Amount produced	Tiny, laboratory-scale
Host organisation	CERN

GS-2Editorial

9.Evolving Geopolitics in West Asia (West Asia Conflict)

New Indian ExpressIsrael-Iran strikes · Strait of Hormuz · ballistic missile retaliation

Illustration for Evolving Geopolitics in West Asia (West Asia Conflict)

What & Where

Reshaping West Asia geopolitics — shift in power, alliances, energy leverage amid Israel-Iran escalation

Key processes — missile exchanges, potential Hormuz blockade, energy weaponisation, multipolar diplomatic realignments

Core geography — Gulf monarchies, Iran, Israel around Strait of Hormuz linking Persian Gulf-Arabian Sea

Quick Facts for MCQs

Energy Security

Blockade threat raises global supply shock and price spike
Gulf producers weaponise oil / gas flows for diplomatic leverage
Slow renewable uptake keeps hydrocarbon dependency critical

Regional Power Balance

Multipolar alignments steadily erode traditional US primacy
Iran-Gulf thaw and Abraham Accords create fluid triangular dynamics
Fragile coexistence risks escalation into wider interstate conflict

India Implications

Supply disruption may spike inflation, widen current account gap, dent remittances
Chabahar, INSTC, IMEC corridors face heightened security uncertainty
Delhi walks diplomatic tightrope between Tehran and Tel Aviv

Non-State Actors

Iran-linked militias capable of striking rival Gulf energy assets
Proxies and hybrid warfare blur classic deterrence calculations
Street-level pro-Palestine sentiment constrains Gulf rulers’ policy choices

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Strait of Hormuz share	≈20 % global crude trade
India import dependence	40-50 % oil / LNG passes Hormuz
Latest Israeli action	Airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Iranian retaliation	Ballistic missiles on Israeli targets
Historical energy precedent	1973 OPEC Arab oil embargo
Emerging blocs	BRICS, SCO, China-Russia-Gulf linkages
Key non-state force	Iran-backed militias (Houthis, Hezbollah etc)

GS-2Security

10.US Level-2 Travel Advisory for India (US Travel Advisory)

Economic TimesExercise Increased Caution · Bureau of Consular Affairs · violent crime risk

What & Where

Level 2 US Travel Advisory = “Exercise Increased Caution” within 4-tier global alert system.

Covers entire India; highest risk tags for J-K, India–Pakistan border, Naxalite belt, Manipur, remoter Northeast.

Issued by US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Crowded markets, transport hubs, religious sites highlighted as potential terror targets without warning.
Naxalite presence prompts movement curbs across central-eastern districts; insurgent Northeast under “reconsider travel”.
Jammu & Kashmir labeled Level 4 “Do Not Travel”; similar caution for active Line of Control sectors.

Legal & Policy

Satellite phones/GPS import or use illegal; punishable by fine, seizure, imprisonment.
E-visas valid only at notified airports/seaports; land crossings require regular visa.
Overstay or document mismatch risks detention, deportation, entry bans.

Economic Angle

Advisory can depress US tourist arrivals, squeezing hotels, guides, aviation revenues.
Perception hit may deter FDI delegations and MICE events citing personal security.
Spurs Indian agencies to strengthen tourist policing, CCTV and women-safety programmes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Advisory level for India	Level 2
Total alert tiers	Four (1 → 4)
“Do Not Travel” sub-zones	J-K; India–Pakistan border
Key threats cited	Violent crime, terrorism
Restricted gadgets	Satellite phones, GPS devices
E-visa land use	Not permitted
US officials’ no-go states	Parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal
Insurgency belt flagged	Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha borders
Northeast caution	Arunachal, Sikkim, remote frontiers

GS-3Security

11.US Military Bases in West Asia (US Bases)

DHFifth Fleet Bahrain · Al Udeid Air Base · Camp Arifjan Kuwait

Illustration for US Military Bases in West Asia (US Bases)

What & Where

Definition: Forward-deployed US naval, air and army bases enabling CENTCOM power projection in West Asia.

Key types: Fleet headquarters, large multi-runway airbases, desert army camps, logistics ports.

Core geography: Clustered around Persian Gulf—Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Escalation: Tehran threatens strikes on listed US bases after nuclear-site bombing.
Defense: Patriot and THAAD batteries positioned at Prince Sultan, Al Dhafra, Al Udeid.
Vulnerability: Ain Al Asad previously hit by Iranian missiles January 2020.

Operational Roles

Naval: Fifth Fleet controls Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea from Bahrain.
Airpower: Al Udeid, Al Dhafra, Muwaffaq al-Salti fly sorties against ISIS and regional targets.
Staging: Camp Buehring, Camp Arifjan funnel troops into Iraq-Syria theaters.

Host-Nation Context

Partnership: Al Dhafra shared with UAE Air Force; Jordan base hosts USAF 332nd Wing.
Troop Levels: ~10,000 personnel in Qatar; ~2,300 in Saudi Arabia.
Logistics: Jebel Ali handles biggest US Navy resupply outside continental US.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Bahrain base	US Navy Fifth Fleet HQ, Manama
Qatar base	Al Udeid Air Base
Kuwait army HQ	Camp Arifjan
Kuwait air hub	Ali Al Salem “The Rock”
UAE base	Al Dhafra Air Base
UAE port	Jebel Ali—major logistics node
Iraq bases	Ain Al Asad & Erbil
Saudi base	Prince Sultan Air Base
Jordan base	Muwaffaq al-Salti (Azraq)

GS-3Security

12.Operation Midnight Hammer Airstrike on Iran (US Precision Strike)

NDTVB-2 Spirit bomber · GBU-57 MOP · Tomahawk cruise missile

Illustration for Operation Midnight Hammer Airstrike on Iran (US Precision Strike)

What & Where

Operation Midnight Hammer – classified US airstrike degrading Iran’s nuclear facilities with precision bunker-buster munitions.

Targets – Fordow, Natanz enrichment sites and Isfahan conversion plant, central Iran.

Platforms – B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, sub-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, decoy & SEAD fighters under US DoD command.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Weaponry

Stealth feature; radar cross-section bird-sized, bypasses advanced SAM networks.
Automation; two-pilot crew controls global sorties via fly-by-wire and defensive avionics.
Payload flexibility; carries MOP, JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER and B83 nuclear bombs.

Security Dimension

Deterrence role; B-2 forms airborne leg of US nuclear triad.
Strike depth; MOP destroys deeply buried centrifuge halls and hardened bunkers.
Counter-defence; decoy aircraft and SEAD fighters suppress Iranian air defences.

Strategic Significance

Power projection; intercontinental raid showcases US reach without regional bases.
Messaging; demonstrates US readiness to employ high-end assets against WMD programmes.
Escalation risk; direct hit on nuclear sites heightens regional conflict potential.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Operation codename	Midnight Hammer
Operation aim	Degrade Iranian nuclear infrastructure
Primary aircraft	B-2 Spirit stealth bomber
Primary munition	GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator
MOP weight	30,000 lb
Penetration depth	200 + ft reinforced concrete
B-2 unit cost	USD 2.1 billion
B-2 unrefuelled range	> 6,000 nautical miles
B-2 max payload	40,000 lb
B-2 crew	Two pilots
Cruise missiles	Tomahawk Land Attack (sub-launched)

GS-1Editorial

13.Alcohol Consumption and Regulation in India (Public Health Policy)

The HinduNFHS-5 data · National Alcohol Control Policy · DALYs 2.6 million

What & Where

Alcohol = psychoactive ethanol beverage; heavy episodic drinking ≥60 g pure alcohol/occasion

Key categories : Indian-Made Indian Liquor (IMIL), bottled spirits, premixed/flavoured RTDs

Hot-spot States : Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pr., Goa report highest use

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Burden

DALYs 2.6 m and ₹6.24 trn economic loss highlight severity
Morbidity links : cancer, NCDs, suicides, domestic violence, mental illness
Disorder rate exceeds 10 % in five listed high-risk states

Commercial Drivers

Surrogate ads, influencers, OTT glamorise drinking and target youth
Product innovation : premixed cans, flavoured spirits increase trial among beginners
Online retail plus low-cost IMIL expands rural and urban availability

Regulatory Framework

Alcohol on State List; policies, ages, pricing rules vary widely
Prohibition limited; some states piloting home-delivery despite access concerns
National acts/policies (Excise 1944, NAPDDR, NMAP, Mental Health 2014) urge tighter control

Proposed Measures

6A strategy : Affordability, Allocation, Accessibility, Advertisement, Attractiveness, Awareness
Excise hikes with earmarked health funds; restrict physical, digital sale points
AI surveillance to flag online promos, underage targeting, policy breaches

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NFHS-5 overall prevalence	14.6 % (10–75 yrs)
Male vs female share	23 % men ; 1 % women
Estimated consumers	16 crore persons
DALYs lost 2021	2.6 million
Societal cost 2021	₹6.24 trillion
States with prohibition	Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram
Legal drinking-age range	18 – 25 years (state-wise)
High disorder prevalence	Tripura, AP, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal
Excise tax status	Outside GST; key state revenue
Article 47 DPSP	Calls for prohibition of intoxicants

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