UPSC Current Affairs 27 June 2025

Q: What is the full form of SIR introduced by the Election Commission of India?

The correct answer is (a) Special Inclusive Review. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2026.

Q: लोक सभा के निर्वाचन के लिए नामांकन-पत्र

The correct answer is (c) भारत के किसी नागरिक द्वारा, जिसका नाम किसी निर्वाचन क्षेत्र की मतदाता-सूची में है, दाखिल किया जा सकता है।. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2017.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:

The correct answer is (a) I, II and IV. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2001.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग द्वारा पंजीकृत राजनीतिक दलों की मान्यता श्रेणी नहीं है?

The correct answer is (c) क्षेत्रीय दल. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: Which of the following statements is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) SAGAR-SETU is a mobile app, which aims to improve the Ease of Doing Business.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

Q: What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

The correct answer is (a) SmartPort Bharat. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026.

Q: What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

The correct answer is (a) SmartPort Bharat. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026.

Q: Which of the following statements is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) SAGAR-SETU is a mobile app, which aims to improve the Ease of Doing Business.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

Q: Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting discovered at the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur in 1931?

The correct answer is (d) Parshvanatha with snake-hood on a lion-throne. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats ?

The correct answer is (b) Nallamala Forest. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

GS-2Polity

1.Special Intensive Electoral Roll Revision (Electoral Rolls)

LiveMintSpecial Intensive Revision · Representation of the People Act 1950 · Article 324

What & Where

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) = house-to-house verification of electoral rolls

Mandated by Election Commission of India in Bihar, 2024

Focus on citizenship validation for voters, especially post-2003 entrants

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Authority; ECI can order SIR under Section 21(3) without state request
Citizenship; verification aligns with 2003 RPA amendment linking voter right to Indian nationality
Future scope; successful Bihar SIR may trigger nationwide roll scrutiny

Operational Criteria

Documentation; passport, birth certificate, parent’s voter ID accepted as proof
Enumeration; all electors must resubmit Form 6 or equivalent, no auto-carryover
Accessibility; online forms permitted yet physical verification compulsory

Security Dimension

Border concern; Bihar adjacency to Nepal and porous borders heighten illegal entrant risk
Demographic manipulation; multiple registrations via migration flagged as threat to electoral integrity
Trust factor; accurate rolls intended to pre-empt voter-fraud litigations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Legal hook	Sec 21(3) RPA 1950 & Art 324(1) Constitution
Core process	Fresh door-to-door enumeration
Geography	Entire state of Bihar
Proof sought	Birth & citizenship documents
Pre-1 Jul 1987 voters	Own birth document enough
1 Jul 1987–2004 voters	Personal + one parent’s proof
Post-2004 voters	Personal + both parents’ proofs
Digital option	ECINET app & ECI website
Key objective	Remove duplicates, illegal immigrants
Age eligibility	Indian citizens ≥18 yrs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

What is the full form of SIR introduced by the Election Commission of India?

GEO_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 2

लोक सभा के निर्वाचन के लिए नामांकन-पत्र

GS-2Polity

2.Registered Unrecognised Political Parties Overview (Political Parties)

DCRUPPs · Section 29A RPA 1951 · ECI Delisting

Illustration for Registered Unrecognised Political Parties Overview (Political Parties)

What & Where

RUPPs: parties registered under RPA 1951 Sec 29A, yet to gain State/National recognition, present pan-India.

ECI drive 2024-25: delisting 345 inactive, untraceable RUPPs that skipped all polls since 2019.

Scale: India hosts >2,800 RUPPs; ≈97 % of all registered political parties are unrecognised.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Section 29A registration needs party constitution, democratic internal rules, constitutional pledge.
Delisting power: ECI may remove parties for inactivity, non-traceability, compliance failure.
PPRTMS portal offers end-to-end digital tracking of party registration status.

Electoral Criteria

State recognition: any one of five thresholds, e.g., 6 % vote plus two Assembly seats.
National status: 6 % vote in four states + 4 LS seats or 2 % LS seats across three states.
Recognition benefits: exclusive symbol, free Doordarshan airtime, electoral roll copies.

Financial Oversight

Funding opacity: only <5 % RUPPs submitted donation reports (2013-16).
Tax abuse: dormant outfits retain Sec 13A exemption despite zero electoral activity.
Reform cues: compulsory annual audits, IT-EC data linkage, routine delisting of dormants.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Legal anchor	Representation of the People Act 1951 – Sec 29A
Privilege	100 % income-tax exemption under IT Act Sec 13A
Total RUPPs (2025 est.)	>2,800
RUPPs now facing delisting	345
Share of unrecognised parties	≈97 % of total registered
Donation reports filed 2013-16	<5 % of RUPPs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2001PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग द्वारा पंजीकृत राजनीतिक दलों की मान्यता श्रेणी नहीं है?

GS-3Economy

3.Sagarmala Finance Corporation Maritime NBFC (Maritime NBFC)

Economic TimesSagarmala Finance Corporation · Mini Ratna CPSE · Ports Shipping Ministry

Illustration for Sagarmala Finance Corporation Maritime NBFC (Maritime NBFC)

What & Where

Entity: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) — India’s first sector-specific maritime NBFC, Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE.

Registration: RBI-licensed; head office New Delhi; under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).

Purpose: Fill funding gaps in ports, shipping & logistics toward Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 goals.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Financing: Acts as catalyst for PPP projects, enhancing investment readiness of maritime infrastructure.
Inclusion: Tailored credit widens access for MSMEs and maritime entrepreneurs.
Growth: Supports port-led development to boost trade competitiveness.

Policy Alignment

Vision: Directly aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 for global leadership.
Programme: Complements existing Sagarmala Programme initiatives.
Demand: Addresses long-standing need for dedicated maritime financier.

Tech & Schemes

Green energy: Funds green hydrogen and other clean-tech maritime projects.
Digitalisation: Supports digital port initiatives for efficiency gains.
R&D: Partners with startups & institutions for skilling and innovation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year of launch	2024*
Inaugurated by	Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Parent ministry	MoPSW
Corporate status	Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE
Regulator	Reserve Bank of India (NBFC)
HQ city	New Delhi
Credit tenor offered	Short, medium & long term
Key beneficiaries	Port authorities, logistics firms, MSMEs, startups, edu-institutions
Focus sectors	Shipbuilding, cruise tourism, green hydrogen, digital ports
Flagship linkage	Sagarmala Programme

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is not correct?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 2

What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

GS-3Infrastructure

4.Maritime Sector Digital Initiatives (Maritime Digitization)

PIBSAGAR SETU · Digital Centre of Excellence · DRISHTI Framework

What & Where

India’s Maritime Digital Initiatives: MoPSW–led modernization of port logistics using AI, IoT, blockchain.

Flagship tools: SAGAR SETU interface, Digital Centre of Excellence, DRISHTI KPI portal, uniform Scale of Rates.

Coverage: 80 + ports, 40 + logistics stakeholders; aligned to Maritime India Vision 2030 & Amrit Kaal 2047.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

AI/IoT dashboards enable real-time berth, cargo, energy monitoring across major ports.
Blockchain adoption targets paperless trade documents, fraud reduction.
DCoE pilots green-port analytics for carbon, energy optimisation.

Economic Angle

Unified tariffs via SOR cut cost ambiguity, boosting investor confidence.
SAGAR SETU streamlines EXIM workflows, reducing turnaround time → higher port productivity.
Digitisation supports India’s $5-trillion economy vision through reduced logistics cost.

Governance & Monitoring

DRISHTI provides live status on Maritime India Vision 2030 projects to ministerial dashboard.
Data-driven reviews accelerate decision-making, minimise implementation delays.
Standard metrics ensure uniform performance benchmarking across 12 major ports.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Technology hub	Digital Centre of Excellence (MoPSW + C-DAC)
Unified EXIM platform	SAGAR SETU
SAGAR SETU reach	80 + ports, 40 + stakeholder agencies
KPI portal full form	DRISHTI = Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation
DRISHTI pillars	KPI Monitoring, Progress Tracking, Organisation Oversight, Cell-wise Review
Tariff tool	Standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) Template
Primary tech used	AI, IoT, Blockchain
National plan linkage	PM Gati Shakti Master Plan
Ease of Doing Business impact	Paperless, faster clearance, transparent tariffs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements is not correct?

GS-1History

5.Shiva-Vishnu Syncretic Dual-Faced Lamp (Temple Artifacts)

The HinduDual-Faced Lamp · 15th Century · Udupi Karnataka

What & Where

Artefact: 15th-century dual-faced bronze(?) lamp blending Shaiva-Vaishnava iconography.

Location: Perdoor Anantapadmanabha Temple, Udupi district, Coastal Karnataka.

Context: Inscription dates donation to 1456 CE, illustrating temple’s medieval ritual plurality.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Iconography

Duality: One side Shaiva destruction, other Vaishnava preservation; emblem of cosmic balance.
Headgear: Distinct crowns differentiate pantheons, aiding immediate visual identification.
Composition: Equal limb distribution under Samabhanga conveys stability amidst depicted turmoil.

Historical Context

Medieval Karnataka: 15th-century coastal temples patronised syncretic art reflecting Vijayanagara influence.
Epigraphy: Kannada inscription authenticates date, donor, intercult unity.
Material culture: Ritual lamps central to temple nightly deepa-aradhana ceremonies.

Syncretic Traditions

Shaiva-Vaishnava overlap: Lamp embodies doctrinal coexistence rather than rivalry.
Folk-Brahmanical merge: Khadga Ravana-Mari presence shows integration of local deities.
Continuity: Present-day rituals still acknowledge lamp’s composite theology.

Cultural Continuity

Worship practice: Outer prakara maintains Khadga Ravana-Mari offerings alongside Vedic rites.
Pilgrimage draw: Unique artefact boosts heritage tourism in Udupi beyond famous Krishna Matha.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Donor inscription year	1456 CE
First face focus	Shiva as Nataraja in Pralaya Tandava
Second face focus	Vishnu as Anantapadmanabha calming Shiva
Gesture highlighted	Vismaya Mudra (one-handed, palm inward, fingers spread)
Common pose	Samabhanga (balanced posture)
Folk deity shown	Khadga Ravana seated on Goddess Mari
Supporting deities	Parvati, Ganapati, Bringi, Brahma, Indra, Agni, Varuna
Artistic hallmark	Dual religious symbolism on single ritual lamp
Temple prakara trait	Ongoing Khadga Ravana–Mari worship
Region	Tulunad, Coastal Karnataka

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting discovered at the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur in 1931?

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

6.Rhone Glacier Characteristics and Retreat (Alpine Glaciers)

The HinduRhone Glacier · Swiss Alps · Furka Pass

What & Where

Rhone Glacier: fifth-largest Swiss glacier in southern Alps, near Furka Pass and Italian border.

Source glacier of Rhône River, which traverses Switzerland, France and empties into Mediterranean Sea.

Alps: Europe’s highest fold mountains across eight nations; Mont Blanc (4,808 m) is tallest summit.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Climate Change Impact

Retreat: Rhone shrinking since 19th C, projected loss by 2100.
Instability: Warming drills Swiss-cheese holes, heightening collapse and avalanche hazards.
Disaster: Birch Glacier slide buried Blatten village parts in May 2025.

Physical Features

Accessibility: Rhone is Switzerland’s most reachable and heavily studied glacier.
Surface: Dominated by deep crevasses and extensive ice caves.
Hydrology: Meltwater crucial for perennial Rhône River flow.

Alpine Geography

Extent: Alps form ~1,200 km arc across eight European states.
Origin: Classic fold mountains from Alpine orogeny, highest chain in Europe.
Border peak: Mont Blanc straddles France–Italy frontier.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Glacier rank (Switzerland)	5th largest
Nearest mountain pass	Furka Pass
River sourced	Rhône
River outflow	Mediterranean Sea
Highest Alpine peak	Mont Blanc
Alpine countries	FR CH IT LI AT DE SI MC
Retreat duration	≈170 years
Predicted fate	Disappear by late 21st C
May 2025 event	Birch Glacier avalanche
Europe glacier leader	Switzerland hosts most

GS-3Environment

7.Male Mahadeshwara Hills Sanctuary Profile (Wildlife Sanctuary)

DHKarnataka · Eastern Ghats · Tiger Reserve Contiguity

What & Where

Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills WLS) – 906 sq km dry-moist deciduous landscape in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka

Sits at Eastern Ghats tri-junction with Kerala & Tamil Nadu; contiguous to BRT, Sathyamangalam & Cauvery PAs

Hilly, undulating terrain with altitude-driven micro-habitats hosting rising tiger population since 2013

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Ecology

Altitude variation creates micro-habitats supporting both dry deciduous and shola elements
Contiguity forms vital Eastern Ghats–Western Ghats linkage corridor for tigers and elephants
Valleys, hill ranges aid seasonal water availability, influencing herbivore distribution

Biodiversity

Apex predators: stable tiger numbers rising post-2013 protection upgrades
Omnivores: sloth bear, wild boar, honey badger sustain ecological balance through seed dispersal, scavenging
Avifauna & herpetofauna unreported here but benefit from mixed forest strata

Conservation Status

Proposal: upgrade to Tiger Reserve pending, would unlock NTCA funding & buffer regulations
Existing management under Wildlife Sanctuary rules limits dedicated tiger-centric monitoring capacity
Landscape critical for Eastern Ghats tiger gene-flow, making prompt notification priority

Conflict & Threats

Suspected poisoning incident highlights human-wildlife conflict around fringe villages & livestock depredation
Degraded scrub edges from fuel-wood collection enlarge interface zones, increasing retaliatory risks
Absence of tiger-reserve level staff strength hampers swift conflict mitigation and crime detection

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year declared WLS	2013
Administrative division	MM Hills Wildlife Division (ex-Kollegal)
District / State	Chamarajanagar, Karnataka
Total area	~906 sq km
Neighbouring protected areas	BRT TR, Sathyamangalam TR, Cauvery WLS
Dominant vegetation	Dry & moist deciduous; scrub on fringes
High-altitude pockets	Semi-evergreen, evergreen, shola
Key megafauna	Tiger, elephant, leopard, gaur, dhole
Key herbivores	Sambar, barking deer, chital, four-horned antelope
Tiger Reserve status	Yet to be notified despite suitability
Recent incident	Five tigers (mother + 4 cubs) found dead; suspected poisoning

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats ?

GS-3S&T

8.Silica Gel Desiccant Properties (Desiccant Material)

Down to EarthSilica Gel · Silicon Dioxide · Moisture Absorption

Illustration for Silica Gel Desiccant Properties (Desiccant Material)

What & Where

Silica gel = amorphous SiO₂ desiccant in paper/cloth sachets placed inside consumer & industrial packages worldwide.

Two main variants: plain (clear/white, non-toxic) and cobalt-chloride coated (blue→pink indicator, toxic).

Works via nanoscale pores enabling capillary condensation, keeping surroundings dry and mould-free.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Composition & Properties

High porosity: nanopores maximise water adsorption without swelling or dissolving.
Chemically inert: does not react with stored goods, extends shelf life.
Reusable: heat removes trapped moisture, restoring capacity.

Applications

Pharmaceuticals: sachets in pill/vitamin bottles prevent hydrolysis.
Industrial: safeguards camera lenses, precision instruments, lab reagents.
Logistics: inserted in shipping containers to curb condensation damage.

Toxicity & Safety

Choking risk: bead size poses hazard, especially to children/pets.
Cobalt-chloride gel restricted to industrial settings due to carcinogenic potential.
Ingestion of plain gel usually causes mild GI discomfort, not poisoning.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Chemical formula	SiO₂ (silicon dioxide)
Internal surface area	≈ 700 m² per gram
Hydrophilicity	Strong affinity, absorbs up to 40 % of its weight
Recharge temperature	115 – 125 °C (oven drying)
Indicator colour shift	Blue (dry) → Pink (wet) when cobalt chloride coated
Toxicity status	Base gel non-toxic; cobalt-chloride variant hazardous
Key consumer uses	Electronics, shoes, clothes, food packs
Key preservation uses	Libraries, museums, photo/film storage

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2000PYQ 1

A small pouch containing silica gel is often found in bottles of medicine in tablet or powder form because silica gel

GS1, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following is the best example of desiccant?

GS-3S&T

9.International Potato Centre South Asia Hub (Agricultural Research)

Indian ExpressInternational Potato Centre · CSARC Agra · CGIAR

What & Where

CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC): upcoming global potato R&D hub at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Parent body: International Potato Centre (CIP), a CGIAR research organisation on potato, sweet potato, Andean roots.

Coverage: India plus neighbouring South-Asian potato-growing nations.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Seed-innovation: access global germplasm to supply disease-free, high-yield seed locally.
Climate-research: breed heat-, drought-, late-blight tolerant potato & sweet-potato lines.
Post-harvest: develop storage, processing, packaging technologies to cut losses.

Economic Angle

Income-boost: value-addition and export-oriented processing to raise farmer earnings.
Seed-self-reliance: domestic production curtails import dependence on neighbouring nations.
Export-push: stronger value chains to tap global snack & frozen potato markets.

Food & Nutrition

Security-focus: nutrient-dense sweet potato and potato promoted for vulnerable, climate-hit regions.
Diversification: supports balanced diets beyond cereals in government schemes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
CIP HQ	Lima, Peru
CIP founded	1971; India work since 1975 (ICAR tie-up)
CSARC budget	₹171 cr (India ₹111.5 cr; CIP ₹60 cr)
Other CGIAR centre in India	IRRI-South Asia Hub, Varanasi
India’s potato output (2020)	51.3 million tonnes
Global production rank	2nd after China (78 MT)
Avg Indian yield	25 t/ha vs 50 t/ha potential
Top producing states	UP ~15 MT, WB ~15 MT, Bihar ~9 MT
Key CSARC goals	High-quality seed, climate-resilient varieties, post-harvest tech, farmer training
Cabinet approval site	Union Cabinet, GoI

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2021PYQ 1

In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:

GS-3S&T

10.Second Indian Astronaut on ISS (Human Spaceflight)

Indian ExpressShubhanshu Shukla · Axiom-4 Mission · International Space Station

What & Where

Mission Axiom-4 fourth private crewed flight by Axiom Space to ISS

Crew Multinational quartet visiting ISS conducting commercial and scientific activities

Orbit Low Earth ~400 km docking with largest habitable satellite

Quick Facts for MCQs

Crew & Roles

Commander Peggy Whitson US ex-NASA 675+ days experience
Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla India first Indian on ISS
Specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski Poland ESA reserve and Tibor Kapu Hungary

Scientific Payload

Microgravity research 60 experiments across materials biology Earth observation astrobiology
Agriculture trials six crops including moong dal plus cyanobacteria life-support studies
Human-factors test screens exposure impact on crew cognition and eyesight

Indian Benefits

Gaganyaan readiness via crew operations microgravity protocols and space biology insights
Strategy boost towards 2035 Indian station and 2040 human lunar mission
Economy push attracting private investment FDI and STEM talent

ISS Basics

Partnership five agencies NASA Roscosmos ESA JAXA CSA spanning 15 nations
Altitude about 400 km Low Earth Orbit continuous habitation since 2000
Research hub 3 000 plus experiments from over 108 countries microgravity advantage

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Mission code	Axiom-4 (Ax-4)
Launch nature	Commercial crewed flight
Operator	Axiom Space with NASA collaboration
Indian astronaut rank	IAF Group Captain
Indian order	2nd Indian in space; 1st on ISS
Crew size & nationalities	4 – USA, India, Poland, Hungary
Experiments count	~60 from 31 countries
Mission commander	Peggy Whitson, 675+ cumulative days
ISS orbit altitude	≈400 km LEO

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 1

Who among the following is India's first Space Tourist?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 2

India's maiden human space mission will be launched in 2023. What is its name?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.Favipiravir Against Chandipura Virus (Antiviral Drug)

The HinduFavipiravir · Chandipura Virus · ICMR-NIV Pune

What & Where

Chandipura virus (CHPV): neglected Vesiculovirus; negative-sense ssRNA arbovirus causing abrupt encephalitic illness in children.

Transmission: bites of Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies; Aedes aegypti occasionally implicated; replicates in insect salivary glands.

Geography: endemic rural/tribal belt of Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat; monsoon sandfly surge triggers outbreaks.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Epidemiology

Endemicity concentrated in central India; periodic spikes linked to sandfly ecology and rural exposure.
2024 resurgence confirms persistent circulation beyond historic 2003 Telangana outbreak.

Clinical Profile

Symptoms: influenza-like prodrome rapidly advancing to seizures, altered sensorium, respiratory distress, anaemia, bleeding.
Mortality: high without timely care due to swift neurological deterioration.

Therapeutics & R&D

Favipiravir: oral broad-spectrum antiviral earlier repurposed for Ebola, Zika, Covid-19.
NIV Pune mouse study shows promise; additional animal validation precedes human trials; no licensed antivirals yet.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Virus family	Rhabdoviridae
Genus	Vesiculovirus
Genome type	Negative-sense ssRNA
Discovery year/place	1965, Maharashtra
Major outbreak	2003 Telangana, >300 cases, >50 % CFR
2024 flare-up	Gujarat & Maharashtra
Primary vector	Phlebotomus papatasi sandfly
Secondary vector	Aedes aegypti
Peak season	Monsoon
High-risk group	Children <15 years
Clinical onset	Fever, headache → encephalitis
Specific vaccine	Absent
Investigational drug	Favipiravir
Drug mechanism	Inhibits viral RdRp
Preclinical outcome	Lower viral load, better mouse survival
Current care	Symptomatic & supportive

GS-2Polity

12.Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration (Civil Registration)

The HinduCRVS · UN ESCAP · Universal Registration 2030

What & Where

Definition: CRVS continuously records births deaths marriages divorces under law

Resolution: Third Ministerial Bangkok pledges universal birth death registration by 2030

Geography: Applies across 58 UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific members including India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Declaration: CRVS Decade extended to 2030 targeting 100 % birth death registration
Inclusion: Resolution urges cover for refugees LGBTQIA+ surrogate adopted children
Coordination: Calls unified work of health interior local bodies

Tech & Schemes

Digitisation: Promotes AI tools interoperable portals Digilocker certificates with encryption
Mobility: Recommends mobile registration units for islands Himalayas conflict zones
Mortality: WHO verbal autopsy rollout for high home-death nations

Social Concerns

Exclusion: 14 mn unregistered children miss education health social protection
Vulnerability: Lack of ID boosts trafficking child marriage slavery risks
Statelessness: Migrants minorities in Myanmar Pakistan Nepal face identity gaps

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Lead organisation	UN ESCAP
Target year universal registration	2030
SDG linkage	Target 16.9 Legal identity
Unregistered Asia-Pacific children	14 million
Countries ≥90 % birth registration	29
India birth registration coverage	86 %→96 % (2014-21)

GS-3Security

13.Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel Induction (Coast Guard Vessel)

Times of IndiaAdamya · Fast Patrol Vessel · Goa Shipyard Limited

Illustration for Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel Induction (Coast Guard Vessel)

What & Where

Adamya – high-speed Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) inducted into Indian Coast Guard for coastal & EEZ tasks.

Built by Goa Shipyard Limited; first unit of an 8-vessel FPV series.

Operates around Indian coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Propellers: Controllable-pitch design enables rapid acceleration, tight manoeuvres.
Systems: Integrated IBS-IPMS-APMS suite centralises navigation, machinery, power control.
Gearboxes: 100 % indigenous production advances Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Security Dimension

Response: High speed elevates SAR, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching readiness.
Firepower: 30 mm CRN-91 plus twin 12.7 mm RC guns deter coastal threats.
Endurance: EEZ patrol coverage safeguards shipping lanes and offshore assets.

Industrial Angle

Shipyard: Goa Shipyard Limited delivers first in eight-FPV series.
Employment: Contract supports domestic shipbuilding workforce and MSME supply chain.
Export: Indigenous FPV design opens potential foreign sales.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vessel class	Fast Patrol Vessel
Inducting force	Indian Coast Guard
Builder	Goa Shipyard Limited
Series size	8 vessels; Adamya is 1st
Propulsion	Controllable Pitch Propellers, indigenous gearboxes
Main armament	30 mm CRN-91 gun
Secondary armament	2 × 12.7 mm remote-control guns
Core systems	IBS, IPMS, APMS
Flagship initiative	Aatmanirbhar Bharat / Make in India
Primary roles	SAR, coastal surveillance, interdiction

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Where were the Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit launched?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

GS-2Scheme

14.Lakhpati Didi SHG Empowerment Initiative (Lakhpati Didi)

PIBSelf Help Groups · DAY-NRLM · MoRD-MSDE MoU

What & Where

Definition: Lakhpati Didi – DAY-NRLM SHG woman earning ≥ ₹1 lakh/yr (≈ ₹10,000+/month for 4 cycles); not a standalone scheme.

Process: MoRD-MSDE June 2025 MoU adds customised skilling & certification to scale SHG livelihoods; leverages SHG-Bank Linkage Programme (NABARD, 1992).

Geography: 91 lakh SHGs span all states; 1 crore Lakhpati Didis created till Jun 2024; target 3 crore by 2027-28.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Targets & Progress

Milestone: Interim Budget raised goal from 2 cr to 3 cr Lakhpati Didis; aim includes future “Millionaire Didis”.
Coverage: 8.9 mn SHGs accessed ₹2.54 lakh cr loans by Feb 2023, underscoring scaling potential.
Certification: MSDE will provide NSQF-aligned credentials boosting employability beyond traditional crafts.

Implementation Tools

Four-pillar support: Assets, Skills, Finance, Market; delivered via Community Resource Persons and digital livelihood planning apps.
Convergence: Taps Skill India, PM-SVANidhi, MGNREGA, CSR funds for technology, infra, working capital.
Market linkage: E-commerce, GeM, branding & packaging assistance to lift rural price realisations.

Financial Linkage

SHG-Bank models: I (bank-promoted), II (NGO-formed, bank-funded), III (NGO intermediary) enable collateral-free credit.
Products: Revolving funds, microcredit, term loans; micro-insurance proposed for health, crops, life.
Priority sector: Banks classify SHG lending under PSL, ensuring concessional rates and mandated quotas.

Challenges

Credit gap: Documentation hurdles, irregular savings spur fund shortages and defaults.
Managerial limits: Weak accounting, leadership conflicts, high dropout/migration threaten sustainability.
Market risks: Limited scale, competition from bigger firms, low innovation curb profit margins.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ministries in MoU	Rural Development & Skill Development/Entrepreneurship
MoU signed	June 2025
SHG size norm	10–20 members, mostly women
Current SHG coverage	10 crore women in 91 lakh SHGs (Jun 2025)
Loan repayment rate	> 96 % (Econ Survey 2022-23)
Credit disbursed 2023-24*	₹1.7 lakh cr (till Feb 2024)
Lakhpati Didi threshold	₹1 lakh annual sustainable income
Existing Lakhpati Didis	1 crore (Jun 2024)
Revised target	3 crore (Interim Budget 2024-25)
SHG-BLP launch year	1992 by NABARD

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana is NOT correct?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

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