Tuesday, 1 July 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a “Trade Mark” and a Geographical Indication is/are

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

Q: वस्तु एवं सेवा कर (Goods and Services Tax/GST) के क्रियान्वयन हेतु निम्नलिखित संभावित लाभ क्या है/हैं ?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2017.

Q: Following the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, the Parliament of India enacted quite a few GST Acts in the year 2017. Which one of the following does not fall in this category?

The correct answer is (b) The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23:

The correct answer is (a) I and II only. This question appeared in GS1 2025.

Q: Which one of the following groups of movements/revolts/rebellions/riots is in chronological order (starting from the earliest)?

The correct answer is (b) Kol rebellion, Santhal uprising, Deccan riots. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2020.

Q: After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2018.

Q: Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a platform for conducting joint naval exercises under QUAD. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2024.

Q: क्वाड (Quad) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

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

Q: With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) With the induction of Prithvi II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2003.

13 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 3GS-3: 8

0/13 done

GS-2Polity

1.Kolhapuri Chappal GI Controversy (Geographical Indications)

The HinduGI Act 1999 · Kolhapuri chappal · Prada misuse

Illustration for Kolhapuri Chappal GI Controversy (Geographical Indications)

What & Where

Geographical Indication (GI): IP tag linking product qualities/reputation to a specific origin

India’s regime: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, operational 2003 under TRIPS

Showcase row: Kolhapuri chappal (Maharashtra–Karnataka) GI 2019; Prada displayed look-alike footwear, Milan, June 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Provision: Act bars unauthorised use; civil, criminal remedies including fines, imprisonment
Alignment: Complies with TRIPS Article 22–24 on geographical indications
Limitation: Absence of multilateral GI treaty enables foreign mimicry without penalty

Economic Angle

Premium: Authentic GI goods fetch higher prices, boosting rural artisan/farmer incomes
Spill-overs: GI branding drives tourism; examples Darjeeling Tea estates, Mysore silk markets
Self-reliance: Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by valorising indigenous supply chains

International Examples

Basmati: Ricetec US patent attempt defeated via prior-art evidence, 1997
Turmeric & Neem: CSIR, Ayurveda data revoked US/EU patents in 1995 & 2000
Fashion: Prada Kolhapuri look-alike spotlights cultural appropriation in luxury sector

Gaps & Challenges

Database: No global searchable GI registry complicates brand due-diligence
Cost: Foreign GI filing lengthy, expensive for small producer groups
Awareness: Many artisans unaware of enforcement pathways, weakening deterrence

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Governing law	GI Act 1999 (in force 2003)
Registry location	Chennai, under CGPDTM
Protection term	10 years, unlimited renewals
Ownership model	Community/public property, non-transferable
International reach	Territorial only; no automatic overseas cover
Prada incident	Spring/Summer 2026 line, shown June 2025
Misappropriation precedents	Basmati 1997, Turmeric 1995, Neem 2000

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a “Trade Mark” and a Geographical Indication is/are

GS-3Economy

2.Eight Years of GST (GST Implementation)

Business StandardGST · IGST refunds · Constitution 101st Amendment

Illustration for Eight Years of GST (GST Implementation)

What & Where

GST: comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax replacing excise, VAT, service tax in India

Key processes: Dual levy CGST+SGST; seamless input-tax credit; zero-rated exports via refund or LUT

Nationwide coverage: rolled out 1 July 2017 under Constitution 101st Amendment Act 2016

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Revenue: average ₹1.65 lakh crore monthly FY25; record ₹2.10 lakh crore April 2025
Taxbase: registrations widened to >1.45 crore taxpayers by 2025
Logistics: unified GST reduced inter-state barriers and cascading taxes

Tech & Schemes

GSTN: digital portal for registration, return filing, credit matching
ICEGATE: customs automation clears IGST export refunds within one week; ₹1.18 lakh crore FY25
Integration plan: real-time data sharing between GSTN and Customs proposed

Challenges

Refunds: GST-portal claims may linger 90 days, straining exporter liquidity
Systems: mismatch between Customs and GST databases delays cross-verification
Compliance: frequent notifications, portal glitches, complex reconciliations burden MSMEs

Reform Path

Automation: extend quick workflows to all refund categories, not only IGST
MSME relief: graded reporting and single-page returns recommended
GST 2.0: rationalise rates, broaden base to fuel/alcohol, bolster appellate capacity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
GST launch date	1 July 2017
Constitutional base	101st Amendment Act 2016
Active taxpayers	>1.45 crore by 2025
Avg monthly collection FY25	₹1.65 lakh crore
Record monthly collection	₹2.10 lakh crore in Apr 2025
IGST refund time (automated)	≤7 days
IGST refunds issued FY25	₹1.18 lakh crore
Officer-handled refund time	≤90 days

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 1

वस्तु एवं सेवा कर (Goods and Services Tax/GST) के क्रियान्वयन हेतु निम्नलिखित संभावित लाभ क्या है/हैं ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Following the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016, the Parliament of India enacted quite a few GST Acts in the year 2017. Which one of the following does not fall in this category?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

3.National Turmeric Board Launch (Turmeric Value Chain)

The HinduNational Turmeric Board · Nizamabad · GI-tagged turmeric

What & Where

National Turmeric Board: new statutory body under Commerce & Industry to integrate turmeric value chain from farm to export.

Key functions: packaging, branding, marketing, GI-promotion, farmer training, middlemen reduction.

Geography: inaugurated at Nizamabad (Telangana); crop grown in 20+ Indian states, core belts Maharashtra-Telangana-Karnataka-Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Board launched 2025 by Union Home Minister; statutory backing via Commerce Ministry.
Mandate covers entire value chain, organic & GI promotion, capacity building.
Turmeric oversight shifted from multi-spice Spices Board to exclusive board.

Economic Angle

India dominates with 75 % production and 62 % exports globally.
Export earnings USD 207 mn (2022-23); roadmap targets USD 1 bn by 2030.
Principal markets: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia driving demand.

Agro-Climate

Crop thrives at 20-30 °C, >1500 mm rainfall, porous loam soils.
Cultivation spans 20+ states; Western & Southern belts lead output.
GI varieties Lakadong, Kandhamal, Erode valued for high curcumin content.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Plant part used	Underground rhizome
Botanical family	Zingiberaceae
Active compound	Curcumin
Major producers	MH, TS, KA, TN
Varieties grown	30 +
Cultivating states	20 +
Optimal temperature	20-30 °C
Required rainfall	> 1500 mm/yr
Preferred soil	Well-drained sandy/clay loam
India’s 2022-23 production share	75 % of world
India’s 2022-23 export share	62 % of world
FY 23 export value	USD 207.45 million
2030 export target	USD 1 billion
Top importers	Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia
GI-tagged types	Lakadong, Kandhamal, Erode
Parent ministry of Board	Commerce & Industry
Previous nodal body	Spices Board

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23:

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

4.Hul Diwas Commemoration (Santhal Uprising)

PIBSanthal Hul 1855 · Sidhu Kanhu · tribal revolt

What & Where

Santhal Hul: 1855 revolt; Rajmahal Hills, Damin-i-Koh; first organised tribal war vs British

Revolt process: Sidhu-Kanhu rallied 32 communities against land grab, bonded labour, zamindari exploitation

Geography spread: Present Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand; echoes across Bengal, Bihar, Odisha tribal belts

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1770 famine pushed Santhal migration from Birbhum-Manbhum to Damin-i-Koh
1855 Hul preceded 1857 Revolt, inspiring future anti-colonial mass actions

Legal & Policy

1876 SPT Act blocks Adivasi land alienation to outsiders within Santhal Parganas
1908 CNT Act limits Adivasi, Dalit land sale; intra-caste transfers need Collector nod

Tribal Culture

Festivals: Sohrai, Baha, Karam celebrate cattle, flowers, crops; reflect agro-based livelihood
Language: Santhali in Eighth Schedule; written in indigenous Ol Chiki script

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Date of launch	30 Jun 1855
Settlement trigger	1832 Damin-i-Koh
Core area	Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand
Lead siblings	Sidhu, Kanhu Murmu
Support leaders	Chand, Bhairav, Phulo, Jhano
United communities	32 castes/ethnic groups
Outcome Act	Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act 1876
Santhal tribe rank	3rd largest Scheduled Tribe

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following groups of movements/revolts/rebellions/riots is in chronological order (starting from the earliest)?

GEO_GS, GS1 2018PYQ 2

After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

GS-1Mapping

5.Ghana Geographic Profile (West Africa Mapping)

DD NewsGhana · Gulf of Guinea · Lake Volta

What & Where

Ghana: West-African nation on Gulf of Guinea; capital Accra; borders Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Atlantic Ocean.

Terrain: dissected Precambrian peneplains; uplands include Akwapim-Togo Ranges, Kwahu Plateau, Gambaga Scarp; peak — Mt Afadjato 885 m.

Hydrology: Volta River system plus Lake Volta (8,500 sq km, Akosombo Dam) dominates drainage and inland navigation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Precambrian peneplains rarely exceed 900 m, giving generally low-relief landscapes.
Akwapim-Togo Ranges run north-south along eastern border, sheltering coastal plains.
Kwahu Plateau acts as climatic divide between forest south and savanna north.

Hydrology

Lake Volta ranks among world’s largest artificial lakes, crucial for power, transport, irrigation.
Black, White Volta merge near Yeji before flowing to Akosombo reservoir.
Secondary rivers Pra, Ankobra, Tano drain southwestern forest belt.

Soil Profile

Lateritic soils widespread in humid forest and derived savanna; moderate fertility.
Ochrosols: well-drained, support cocoa, oil-palm along forested south-central belt.
Akuse clays enable irrigated rice schemes near lower Volta; Vleisols dominate drier coastal savanna.

Diplomatic Context

Upcoming visit: first Indian PM state visit to Ghana in over 30 years.
Engagement expected to bolster energy, mining, digital, and development cooperation agendas.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Accra
Regional setting	Gulf of Guinea, West Africa
Neighbours	Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo
Highest peak	Mount Afadjato – 885 m
Key upland	Kwahu Plateau
Major escarpment	Gambaga Scarp
Largest lake	Lake Volta – 8,500 sq km
Main dam	Akosombo Dam
Core river system	Volta with Black, White Volta & Oti
Dominant soils	Lateritic, Ochrosols, Akuse Clays, Vleisols

GS-3Species

6.Begonia nyishiorum Discovery (Endemic Begonia)

New Indian ExpressBegonia nyishiorum · Arunachal Pradesh · Eastern Himalayas

Illustration for Begonia nyishiorum Discovery (Endemic Begonia)

What & Where

Begonia nyishiorum – new Begoniaceae species, named after Nyishi tribe, described from Eastern Himalaya

Endemic to two high-altitude forest patches, East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh

Grows on moist, shaded mountain slopes at 1 500–3 000 m, often under early-winter snow cover

Quick Facts for MCQs

Morphology

Petiole: light-green stalk densely fringed with crimson, unprecedented in Asian begonias
Indumentum: thick hair layer aiding cold tolerance
Growth form: succulent herb adapted to steep, rocky slopes

Habitat & Range

Micro-sites: pristine, community-protected mixed forests, minimal human disturbance
Climate: sub-zero winters, high rainfall monsoon, prolonged moisture retention
Distribution: only two known contiguous patches, making population extremely localized

Conservation Significance

Indicator: underscores Eastern Himalaya as biodiversity hotspot, plant speciation cradle
Priority: limited range heightens vulnerability to logging, road projects, climate shifts
Recognition: adds to India’s tally of newly described taxa, boosting global botanical profile

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taxonomic family	Begoniaceae
Endemism	Exclusive to Arunachal Pradesh
Elevational range	1 500 m – 3 000 m
District located	East Kameng
Unique trait	Crimson-fringed petioles
Indumentum status	Densest hair cover among > 2 150 global begonias
Naming honour	Nyishi tribe

GS-3S&T

7.Kombucha Gut Benefits (Probiotic Beverage)

The HinduKombucha · SCOBY · probiotics

What & Where

Kombucha = fermented, lightly effervescent drink from sweetened black/green tea using SCOBY (symbiotic bacteria-yeast).

Classified functional food; consumed for probiotic, metabolic and immune support.

Marketed globally, incl. India’s health-beverage segment.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Composition & Fermentation

SCOBY metabolises sucrose → organic acids, CO₂, small ethanol; develops tangy flavour.
Polyphenol retention higher with green-tea base versus black-tea base.
Shelf stability varies; refrigeration slows continued fermentation.

Gut Microbiome Effects

Microbiota shift linked to improved insulin sensitivity, lower inflammation markers.
Reduced fungal dysbiosis complements bacterial rebalancing.
Phenolic-driven mucus layer strengthens intestinal barrier integrity.

Indian Context

Sold in urban retail & cafés as ready-to-drink functional beverage.
Labels emphasise probiotic count; FSSAI yet to frame kombucha-specific standards.
Adaptation of SCOBY to local microbes may alter flavour and health impact.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fermenting culture	SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria & Yeast)
Core ingredients	Sweetened black or green tea
Key bioactives	Probiotics, polyphenols, organic acids, vitamins, antioxidants
Carbonation nature	Naturally effervescent
Alcohol presence	Trace amounts from fermentation
Beneficial bacteria ↑	Akkermansiaceae, Prevotellaceae
Harmful bacteria ↓	Ruminococcus gnavus, Dorea
Fungi reduced	Rhodotorula, Exophiala
Gut barrier aid	Phenolics stimulate mucus secretion
Study source	The Journal of Nutrition, obesity cohort

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :

GS-3S&T

8.GOSAT-GW Climate Satellite (Climate Satellite)

WIONGOSAT-GW · JAXA · greenhouse gas monitoring

Illustration for GOSAT-GW Climate Satellite (Climate Satellite)

What & Where

GOSAT-GW: third Japanese satellite monitoring global greenhouse gases and water-cycle variables

Launched by H-2A liquid-fuel rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Operated by JAXA with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; positioned in low Earth orbit for worldwide climate observation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Dual-sensor design captures greenhouse gas and hydrological data concurrently
High-resolution optics enhance spatial and temporal climate mapping accuracy
Planned shift to cost-efficient H3 launcher for future missions

Environmental Impact

Continuous CO₂ and CH₄ mapping pinpoints emission hotspots for mitigation
Sea-surface temperature and cloud data refine predictive climate models
Outputs aid Paris Agreement global stock-take evaluations

International Cooperation

Open-access policy boosts transparency under UNFCCC frameworks
Real-time streams scheduled for NOAA and other partners
Mission strengthens multilateral climate science collaboration

Space Industry

50 successful H-2A launches highlight Japanese launch reliability
Retirement of H-2A pivots market toward newer H3 variant
Demonstrated capability reinforces Japan’s autonomous environmental surveillance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Acronym expansion	Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle
Series position	Third in GOSAT lineup
Developer	Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Launch vehicle	H-2A rocket (liquid + solid boosters)
Launch site	Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan
H-2A mission count	50th & final flight
Core measurements	CO₂, CH₄, sea-surface temp, clouds, precipitation
Data availability	Within one year post-deployment
Data access model	Open to global users
Key stakeholder	NOAA, United States

GS-3S&T

9.Chromium Antimonide Altermagnet (Altermagnetism)

PIBaltermagnet · CrSb · direction-dependent conduction

Illustration for Chromium Antimonide Altermagnet (Altermagnetism)

What & Where

Altermagnets = magnetic materials with antiferro spin ordering, ferromagnet-like utility, zero external magnetism

Chromium Antimonide (CrSb) shows Direction-Dependent Conduction Polarity: n-type in-plane, p-type cross-plane within one crystal

Phenomenon experimentally confirmed at S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Material Properties

Zero-field magnetism removes stray interference in circuits
High spin splitting ensures strong, temperature-robust spin signals
Thermal stability twice room temperature supports standard industrial conditions

Industrial Applications

Spintronics enables ultrafast, low-power memory and logic
Single material offering both polarities simplifies semiconductor fabrication, cuts doping steps
Thermoelectric devices gain bidirectional charge flow, improving conversion efficiency

Research Context

Discovery funded and supervised by Department of Science and Technology India
High-quality single crystals permitted direct measurement of anisotropic transport
Breakthrough positions India as early leader in altermagnet device exploration

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Material	Chromium Antimonide (CrSb)
Magnetic class	Altermagnet
Net external magnetism	Zero
Spin splitting	≈ 30 × room-temperature energy
Magnetic ordering temperature	≈ 2 × room temperature
Conduction polarity	n-type along layers; p-type across layers
Research institute	S N Bose NCBS, DST
Toxicity	Non-toxic, earth-abundant

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

10.Digital Fossil-Mining Squid Evolution (Squid Evolution)

The Hindudigital fossil mining · squids · Oegopsida

What & Where

Digital fossil-mining: non-destructive 3D scans, CT, AI, GIS applied to 110–70 Mya Cretaceous concretions in Japan

Key squid groups: Oegopsida (deep-sea) & Myopsida (coastal) traced back at least 100 Mya

Finding shifts squid marine dominance 30 million years earlier than prior estimates

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Methods

Digital fossil-mining enables virtual extraction, preserves fragile concretions
CT & AI rapidly reconstruct soft-tissue outlines invisible to naked eye

Biodiversity & Evolution

Presence of both pelagic Oegopsids and near-shore Myopsids indicates early ecological radiation
Revised timeline pushes deep-sea squid lineage back by additional 30 Myr

Behaviour & Adaptations

Chromatophores allow dynamic camouflage, signalling, predator evasion
Ink-spray, arm-tip autotomy and cooperative hunting (e.g., Humboldt squid) enhance survival

Habitat & Size Range

Distribution spans shallow coasts to ≈ 3 miles depth; body sizes from pygmy centimetres to giant 15 m+

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fossil age range	110–70 million years (Late Cretaceous)
Species digitally identified	≈ 40
Modern groups present	Oegopsida, Myopsida
Discovery location	Japanese Cretaceous concretions
Research tools	3D scanning, CT imaging, AI, GIS
Class	Cephalopoda
Hearts per squid	Three
Arms : tentacles	8 : 2
Max recorded glide	≈ 164 ft (“flying” squids)
Largest eye size	Volleyball-sized (giant squid)

GS-2Security

11.QUAD Maritime Observer Mission (QUAD Maritime Mission)

PIBQUAD · Wilmington Declaration · Coast Guard

Illustration for QUAD Maritime Observer Mission (QUAD Maritime Mission)

What & Where

QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission: first cross-embarkation Coast-Guard programme of India, USA, Japan, Australia.

Area: Indo-Pacific transit; inaugural leg on USCGC Stratton sailing Hawaii-Guam-Pacific isles.

Rooted in Wilmington Declaration 2024, advancing rules-based maritime order under India’s SAGAR/MAHASAGAR visions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Interoperability: common SOP drills, coordinated patrols, joint SAR enhancing quick multilateral response.
MDA: live data exchange via MAITRI, QUIN deters grey-zone activities.
Deterrence: collective Coast-Guard presence signals resolve against unilateral Indo-Pacific coercion.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Logistics: Quad Logistics Network integrates refuel, repair nodes across partner ports.
Ports: Ports of the Future Partnership pushes smart, green upgrades for regional harbours.
Fellowship: 2,200+ specialists funded for infrastructure capacity-building.

Tech & Climate

Semiconductors: joint R&D, supply-chain mapping for chip security.
Cybersecurity: QUIN enables rapid cross-national cyber-threat intelligence.
Climate: Q-CHAMP finances adaptation, uses Earth-Observation satellites for disaster response.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2025
Core members	India, Japan, USA, Australia
Parent summit	6th QUAD Leaders’ Summit, Delaware (2024)
Guiding document	Wilmington Declaration
First platform	USCGC Stratton (US Coast Guard)
Key aims	Interoperability, Maritime Domain Awareness, SAR
Linked doctrines	SAGAR, IPOI, MAHASAGAR
Gender aspect	Women officers in cross-embarkation teams
Associated mission	MAITRI maritime info-sharing
Expansion talk	QUAD-Plus: ROK, NZ, Vietnam joined dialogues

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 2

क्वाड (Quad) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-3Security

12.Akash Air Defence System (Akash Missile)

ANIAkash · surface-to-air missile · DRDO

Illustration for Akash Air Defence System (Akash Missile)

What & Where

Akash: indigenous mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system for point/area defence against aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles.

Developed under DRDO-BDL-BEL collaboration; deployed by Indian Air Force & Army, success shown in Operation Sindoor.

Export interest from Brazil ahead of 17th BRICS underscores India–South America defence linkage.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Architecture: single-stage solid-fuel missile, Rajendra radar, encrypted datalink, electro-thermal battery ignition.
Make-in-India: >85 % indigenous content, supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Production Policy 2020 targets.
Deployment: Group-mode allows simultaneous multi-target engagement through networked batteries.

Security Dimension

Gap-filler: complements S-400 long-range and VSHORAD short-range layers in Indian integrated air defence.
Versatility: protects airbases, coastal assets, mobile armored formations, strategic infrastructure.
Reaction time: launch readiness <30 seconds; reload time ~15 minutes enhances sustained defence.

International Angle

Brazil request: first potential Latin American buyer, may open $2-3 billion market for SAM exports.
BRICS synergy: technology transfer, joint training, possible licensed assembly eyed to deepen strategic ties.
Previous interest: Vietnam, Philippines, UAE explored Akash variants, boosting India’s credibility as net security provider.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Engagement range	4.5 km – 25 km
Altitude envelope	100 m – 20 km
Speed	Mach 1.8 – 2.5
Guidance	Command guidance via integrated radar
Platform mobility	Road & rail mobile launchers
Fire control	Fully automatic, quick-reaction
ECCM capability	In-built, high jamming immunity
IFF provision	Yes, Mk-XII compatible
Lead developer	DRDO; production by BDL & BEL
Recent combat test	Operation Sindoor interception, 100 % kill probability claimed

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2003PYQ 1

With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is correct?

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

The term ‘Terminal High Altitude Area Defense’, sometimes mentioned in news, refers to

GS-2Scheme

13.Decade of Digital India (Digital India)

PIBDigital India · BharatNet · UPI

What & Where

Digital India: 1 Jul 2015 mission to build a digitally-empowered, knowledge-based Indian economy

Nine pillars: broadband, universal mobile, public internet, e-Governance, e-Kranti, info-for-all, electronics mfg, IT-for-jobs, early-harvest

Core geography: pan-India, rural thrust via BharatNet reaching 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats

Quick Facts for MCQs

Digital Infrastructure

Connectivity: broadband users +1,452 %, internet users +285 % during 2014-25
Coverage: 5G in 99.6 % districts; 4G touches 6.15 lakh villages
Semiconductors: 6 fabs okayed worth ₹1.55 lakh cr with 50 % capital aid

Digital Finance

Payments: UPI processed 1,867.7 cr txns worth ₹24.77 lakh cr in Apr 2025
Commerce: ONDC adds lakhs of sellers; GeM hosts 22.5 lakh sellers, 1.6 lakh buyers
Inclusion: DBT purge removed 5.87 cr fake ration cards, 4.23 cr duplicate LPG accounts

Social Concerns

Divide: Rural internet penetration only 37 % (2023); digital literacy uneven
Security: 8 lakh cyber-security manpower gap, 13.91 lakh incidents (2022)
Privacy: 61 % firms breach consent despite DPDP Act 2023

Environmental Impact

E-waste: +74 % rise from 1.01 MT (2019-20) to 1.751 MT (2023-24)
Energy: data-centre load escalating, needs green standards
Policy: link Swachh Bharat with e-waste collection, extend PLI to eco-tech

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
10-year celebration	1 Jul 2025
Phone connections	93.3 cr (2014) → 120 cr (2025)
5G towers	4.74 lakh in 22 months
Data price	₹308 / GB (2014) → ₹9.34 / GB (2022)
BharatNet fibre	6.92 lakh km
UPI world share	49 % of real-time txns (2023)
Aadhaar issued	142 cr (Apr 2025)
DBT value	₹44 lakh cr till Apr 2025
Cyber incidents	13.91 lakh (2022)
E-waste volume	1.751 MT (2023-24)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2018PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से भारत सरकार की ‘Digital India’ योजना का/के उद्देश्य है/हैं?

ESE_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following is not the vision area of Digital India as a program to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy?

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