Thursday, 3 July 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: The Judgment of the Supreme Court in Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India 2004 is related to which of the following ?

The correct answer is (b) Right against Custodial violence. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2023.

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: Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

The correct answer is (c) Precious metals are taxed at a rate of 1% under GST.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: भारत में ‘शहरी सहकारी बैंकों’ के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (b) केवल 2 और 3. This question appeared in GS1 2021.

Q: Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?

The correct answer is (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: Nkrumah was one of the five leaders, who comprised the core of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He was the leader of which country in Africa?

The correct answer is (c) Uganda. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: NIDHI is an umbrella scheme for the promotion of

The correct answer is (a) young and aspiring innovators.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: अटल नवाचार (Innovation) मिशन किसके अधीन स्थापित किया गया है?

The correct answer is (c) नीति (NITI) आयोग. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2019.

Q: Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (a) NLP was launched in 2022. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2024.

Q: ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’, often seen in the news, is

The correct answer is (c) an agenda for women’s empowerment, an outcome of a World Conference convened by the United Nations. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2015.

15 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 6GS-3: 6

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Custodial Deaths Highlight Need for Police Reforms (Police Reforms)

NDTVcustodial deaths · NHRC data · Anti-Torture law

What & Where

Definition Custodial death means death in police, judicial or military custody pre-trial, during trial or post-conviction

Coverage Includes natural causes like illness and unnatural causes like torture, assault or negligence

Hotspot Tamil Nadu leads south; 490 deaths 2016-22, Sivaganga case drew Madras HC ire

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Absence Standalone anti-torture law despite 273rd Law Commission draft 2017
Status India signed but not ratified UN Convention Against Torture limiting global accountability
Judgments DK Basu 1996, Nilabati Behera 1993, PUCL 2005 mandated arrest memo, compensation, CCTV respectively

Accountability & Oversight

Opaque Investigations evidence destruction, shifted post-mortems, missing CCTV in Ajith Sivaganga case
Disciplinary-Gap Only 0.23 % NHRC cases saw police punishment; convictions almost nil nationwide
Internal Control weak; arrests sans FIR, unofficial detention, rank-and-file cover-ups prevalent

Social Concerns

Marginalisation SCs over-represented in preventive detention; reflects structural bias in policing
Health Risk overcrowded understaffed prisons foster suicide, untreated illness, mental distress deaths
Public Perception Madras HC termed recent torture “more brutal than murder”, flagging constitutional disregard

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NHRC judicial-custody deaths 2021-22	2,150
NHRC police-custody deaths 2021-22	155
NHRC disciplinary action rate	0.23 % (21 cases)
NCRB deaths 2000-2020	1,888
NCRB police convictions 2000-2020	26
Judicial inquiries 2017-22	345
Convictions 2017-22	0
Tamil Nadu deaths 2016-22	490
SCs share preventive detenues TN	38.5 %
TN SC population share	20 %
Key judgment DK Basu year	1996
UNCAT status India	Signed, not ratified

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 1

The Judgment of the Supreme Court in Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India 2004 is related to which of the following ?

GS-3Editorial

2.GST Achievements and Challenges After Eight Years (Indirect Tax Reform)

Economic TimesGST · revenue growth · e-invoicing

Illustration for GST Achievements and Challenges After Eight Years (Indirect Tax Reform)

What & Where

Goods & Services Tax: destination-based, value-added levy on all supplies across India

Dual model: CGST + SGST for intra-state; IGST for inter-state and imports

Anchored in 101st Constitutional Amendment; rolled out nationwide on 1 July 2017

Quick Facts for MCQs

Revenue Trend

Record ₹22.08 lakh cr FY25 collections outpaced nominal GDP growth
Average ₹1.84 lakh cr monthly inflow signals heightened compliance
Registrations surged to 1.51 cr from 65 lakh in 2017

Digital & Compliance

E-invoicing, e-way bills, real-time credit matching curb fraud and errors
Automated IGST refunds credited within a week, easing exporter liquidity
Planned AI-based single window linking GSTN, ICEGATE, DGFT, MCA

Structural Challenges

Five slabs + special rates trigger classification disputes, inverted duty pains
Petroleum & alcohol exclusion causes tax cascading, state revenue concerns
GSTAT vacancies pile appeals; ambiguities on intermediary, employee services

Reform Agenda

Phase inclusion of natural gas & ATF; compensate states temporarily
Target three-rate structure, merge/phase out compensation cess
Fast-track GSTAT appointments; offer amnesty on minor procedural lapses

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	1 July 2017
Constitutional backing	101st Amendment Act, 2016
FY 2024-25 gross mop-up	₹22.08 lakh crore
Avg monthly FY25	₹1.84 lakh crore
Active GST registrations (Apr 2025)	1.51 crore
Standard rate slabs	0, 5, 12, 18, 28 %
Special rates	0.25 %, 1 %, 3 % (precious metals)
Items outside GST	Petroleum products, potable alcohol
IGST refund timeline	≤ 1 week via ICEGATE
Governing body	GST Council

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 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

GS-3Economy

3.Voluntary Amalgamation Scheme for Urban Cooperative Banks (Co-operative Bank Merger)

LiveMintRBI · UCB · voluntary amalgamation

Illustration for Voluntary Amalgamation Scheme for Urban Cooperative Banks (Co-operative Bank Merger)

What & Where

Voluntary Amalgamation Scheme: RBI master-direction (2020) permitting merger of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).

Coverage: all primary (single-state & multi-state) UCBs operating across India.

Structure: weaker “amalgamated” bank’s assets & liabilities shift to stronger “amalgamating” bank to safeguard depositors.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

RBI empowered to direct, approve or reject UCB mergers to uphold financial stability & depositor interest.
Extension of Prompt Corrective Action to UCBs effective April 2025.
National Co-operative Policy 2025⁠–⁠2045 envisages one co-op per village, 2 lakh new PACS.

Operational Conditions

Positive net worth case: merger allowed with full depositor protection by acquiring bank.
Negative net worth cases: allowed with voluntary protection or state-government support.
Core Banking System adoption mandated for all UCBs by Mar 2025.

Regulatory Oversight

FY 24-25: RBI issued 215 penalties, cancelled 7 licences, restricted 23 UCBs for KYC, NPA & fraud breaches.
Revised prudential norms raised loan ceilings, eased provisioning timelines, tweaked real-estate exposure.
Master Direction on Fraud Management 2024 installs early-warning flags & accountability ladders.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Governing law sections	35A, 44A, 56 of Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Supporting amendment	Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020
Board nod threshold	≥ ⅔ of total directors of each UCB
Shareholder nod threshold	≥ ⅔ of members (number & value) present in person
Master Direction release year	2020
Priority Sector Lending ask for UCBs FY 24-25	65 % of ANBC (target 75 % by Mar 2026)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2021PYQ 1

भारत में ‘शहरी सहकारी बैंकों’ के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS1 2017PYQ 2

Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?

GS-1History

4.Gaden Phodrang Trust Reincarnation Authority (Tibetan Buddhism)

Indian ExpressDalai Lama · Gaden Phodrang · Dharamshala

Illustration for Gaden Phodrang Trust Reincarnation Authority (Tibetan Buddhism)

What & Where

Gaden Phodrang Trust: Dharamshala-based nonprofit overseeing recognition of future Dalai Lamas.

Core process: validates reincarnation via traditional visions, divinations, high-lama consultations.

Geography: Originated at Drepung Monastery, Lhasa; functions from Dalai Lama’s office, Himachal Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Context

Emergence: Became spiritual-political seat of Dalai Lamas from 1642 under Fifth Dalai Lama.
Transition: Lost governmental role post-1959 exile; reoriented to spiritual guardianship in India.
Continuity: Upholds Tibetan Buddhist lineage amid diaspora conditions.

Institutional Structure

Governance: Chaired by Dalai Lama, managed by close monastic-lay aides.
Collaboration: Coordinates charitable, outreach work with Delhi & Zurich sister bodies.
Legal base: Indian trust law ensures operational autonomy.

Succession Process

Indicators: Dreams, omens, oracle pronouncements, sacred-site divinations guide search.
Validation: Final recognition decision vested exclusively in Gaden Phodrang trustees.
Safeguard: Codified 2011 statement reiterated June 2024 before Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.

Security Dimension

Assertion: Trust’s exclusivity counters state-backed Chinese plans to appoint rival reincarnate.
Autonomy: Reaffirmed religious self-determination aligns with 2011 Dalai Lama decree.
Vigilance: International attention expected during eventual transition phase.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Registration year	2011
Legal form	Indian non-profit trust
Headquarters	Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Chairperson	14th Dalai Lama
Key aide	Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche
Primary mandate	Sole authority to recognise 15th Dalai Lama & successors
Historical seat span	17th century – 1959 in Tibet
Linked bodies	Dalai Lama Trust (Delhi), Gaden Phodrang Foundation (Zurich)
Protection focus	Insulates succession from external, notably Chinese, interference

GS-3Environment

5.RECLAIM Framework for Just Mine Closure Transition (Mine Closure Transition)

ET EnergyRECLAIM · Ministry of Coal · community engagement

Illustration for RECLAIM Framework for Just Mine Closure Transition (Mine Closure Transition)

What & Where

Acronym RECLAIM = structured Community Engagement & Development Framework guiding mine closure and repurposing

Launched by Ministry of Coal with Coal Controller Organisation & Heartfulness Institute across Indian coalfields

Step-wise guide enabling just, inclusive social-ecological transitions in post-mining regions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Novelty: First-of-its-kind people-centric closure policy in Indian coal sector
Accountability: Institutionalised community consultation across planning, execution, monitoring
Alignment: Integrates national climate adaptation and net-zero targets

Environmental Impact

Reclamation: Focus on land reshaping, water-table recharge, afforestation
Resilience: Enhances climate adaptation, biodiversity in degraded mining zones
Metrics: Ecological indicators fixed for post-closure audits

Social Concerns

Participation: Gram sabhas, social audits, grievance systems embedded
Inclusion: Mandatory seats for women, SC/ST, vulnerable groups
Livelihood: Skilling and alternate enterprise programmes cushion job losses

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Acronym meaning	Community Engagement & Development Framework for mine closure
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Coal
Key collaborators	Coal Controller Organisation; Heartfulness Institute
Policy nature	Voluntary yet structured mine-closure community roadmap
Equity focus	Women & vulnerable groups representation mandatory
Governance link	Panchayati Raj Institutions embedded in planning
Environmental actions	Reclamation, water-table renewal, afforestation
Socio-economic tools	Alternate livelihood, skilling, capacity building
Toolkit offer	Ready templates & field-tested models
National first	India’s debut people-centric coal-closure framework

GS-3Environment

6.Model Rules Simplify Tree Felling on Farmland (Agroforestry Regulations)

PIBMoEFCC · NTMS portal · tree felling

What & Where

Model Rules for Felling Trees in Agricultural Lands 2025; MoEFCC guide easing tree harvest on non-forest farms

Lays down online processes for plantation registration, felling permission, timber transit via National Timber Management System (NTMS)

Pan-India reference; states adopt voluntarily, echoing National Agroforestry Policy 2014

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Alignment with Forest (Conservation) Act exemptions for private farmland
Provides model; states free to tweak species lists, fee, timelines
Mandates periodic MoEFCC review for uniformity and compliance

Tech & Schemes

Digital registration, GPS coordinates, geotagged photos ensure traceability
Google Earth imagery used to project timber yield, detect illegal felling
NTMS integration planned with e-Transit Pass and wood-based industry databases

Economic Angle

Incentivises high-value trees like teak, sandalwood, poplar boosting farm income
Domestic timber supply augmentation aims to curb costly imports
Creates rural jobs in nursery, harvesting, transport, wood processing

Environmental Impact

Enhances carbon sequestration aiding Paris targets and NDC sink goals
Promotes on-farm biodiversity, water retention, soil health resilience
Reduces extraction pressure on natural forests through farm-grown wood

Implementation Challenges

Portal development lag and patchy internet hinder early rollout
Low digital literacy among smallholders may spur middlemen dependency
Potential timber-lobby misuse if state monitoring stays weak

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Notification year	2025
Issuing ministry	MoEFCC
Land category	Non-forest agricultural lands
Portal name	National Timber Management System
Trees ≤10	Photo upload; auto NOC
Trees >10	Online form + field verification
State oversight body	State-Level Committee
Third-party role	Empanelled verification agencies
India’s wood import bill	≈ US $2 billion/yr
Policy linkage	National Agroforestry Policy 2014

GS-2Editorial

7.India Ghana Relations Strengthen Via State Visit (India-Ghana Ties)

PIBstate visit · Order of the Star · trade cooperation

Illustration for India Ghana Relations Strengthen Via State Visit (India-Ghana Ties)

What & Where

Ghana – West African republic; borders Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo; opens to Gulf of Guinea/Atlantic

Lake Volta – among world’s largest man-made lakes; spans central Ghana, within Volta River basin

2025 Modi visit – first Indian PM trip in 30 yrs; ties elevated to Comprehensive Partnership

Quick Facts for MCQs

Bilateral Agreements

MoUs cover Cultural Exchange, Standards, Ayurveda-Traditional Medicine, Joint Commission institutionalisation
Partnership upgrade labelled Comprehensive; digital public infrastructure sharing incl. UPI offered
Ghana backed India as Global South voice; India thanked for multilateral alignment

Economic Angle

Ghana exports gold, cocoa, cashew; India supplies pharma, agri-machinery, textiles; balance favours Ghana
Indian companies crucial in healthcare supply chains via affordable generics
Africa overall: Indian investments USD 75 billion; target to double by 2030

Development & Tech Cooperation

Concessional credits finance rural electrification, sugar, fish processing, rail connectivity
Digital initiatives: Pan-African e-Network, e-VBAB scholarships, over 1,100 Ghanaians trained under ITEC
India pledged USD 2 billion for African solar projects through International Solar Alliance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ghana capital	Accra
Independence year	1957
Civilian award to PM	Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana
India–Ghana trade 2024-25	USD 3 billion
Ghana export share in Indian imports	Gold ≈ 70 %
Indian investment projects	≈ 900 worth USD 2 billion
Indian LoCs to Ghana	USD 450 million
Key rail project	Tema–Mpakadan incl. 300 m Volta bridge
Ghana–India ICT hub	Kofi Annan Centre (2003)
India–Africa trade 2025	USD 100 billion

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

Nkrumah was one of the five leaders, who comprised the core of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He was the leader of which country in Africa?

GS-2Economy

8.Seville Financing for Development Conference Global Finance Reform (Global Finance Reforms)

Down to EarthFfD4 · UNDESA · Seville Commitment

What & Where

Fourth International Financing for Development Conference (FfD4); UN forum on sustainable-development finance reform.

Scheduled 2025, Seville, Andalusia, Spain; convened by UN Department of Economic & Social Affairs.

Targets equitable financial architecture aligned with climate goals before COP30 (Belém, 2025).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance Reforms

MDBs: call for capital-adequacy review, mission expansion toward climate-development nexus.
Debt: advocates sustainable restructuring mechanisms to avoid future fiscal crises.
Taxation: pushes global rules curbing illicit flows, boosting domestic revenues.

Climate Finance Targets

USD 1.3 trn: proposed yearly mobilisation by 2035 via B2B roadmap.
Implementation: COP30 leaders demand delivery mechanisms, not fresh negotiations.
Levies: solidarity taxes on private jets, cross-border finance to raise grant-based funds.

Equity & Inclusion

Emissions: top 1 % blamed for half of output; accountability sought.
Participation: indigenous, women, youth requested guaranteed roles in future COPs.
South-South: conference backs India’s G20 call for fair, non-loan climate finance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Conference edition	Fourth (FfD4)
Host city / year	Seville, Spain / 2025
Lead UN body	UN DESA
Key roadmap name	“Baku to Belém” (B2B)
Annual climate-finance goal	USD 1.3 trillion by 2035
Focus institutions	Multilateral Development Banks
Proposed revenue tool	Global Solidarity Levies (tax private jets, financial flows)
Equity statistic	Richest 1 % causes ~50 % global emissions

GS-3S&T

9.Financial Fraud Risk Indicator for Mobile Numbers (Cyber Fraud Prevention)

Business StandardFRI · DoT · mobile risk

What & Where

Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) = mobile-number risk-classification tool to curb cyber-enabled financial frauds.

Developed by Digital Intelligence Unit, Department of Telecommunications; advised for adoption by RBI across Indian banks.

Operational nationwide since May 2025; hooks into banking & UPI transaction rails.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

API architecture enables instant delay, decline or flag of suspect transactions.
MNRL circulates disconnected/deactivated fraud numbers to stakeholders.
FRI complements DoT’s Chakshu crowdsourced reporting platform.

Security Dimension

Risk tagging triggers secondary KYC or customer warning for High/Very High categories.
Shared intelligence loop among DoT, RBI, banks reduces social-engineering and mule-account frauds.
Aims to bolster public trust in world-leading Indian real-time payments volume.

Stakeholder Network

Core triad: DoT (data), RBI (regulatory push), Banks/UPI players (execution).
Collaborative surveillance model mirrors public-private partnership ethos.

Operational Mechanism

Inputs funnelled from NCRP FIRs, user complaints, bank incident logs.
Continuous scoring allows proactive blocking before funds leave victim’s account.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Primary objective	Real-time flagging of fraud-linked mobile numbers
Launch month/year	May 2025
Developing body	Digital Intelligence Unit (DoT)
Current regulator push	RBI advisory to all banks
Risk tiers	Medium, High, Very High
Integration mode	API into banking/UPI systems
Key data sources	NCRP, Chakshu, banks/UPI reports
Revocation list name	Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL)
Sample private adopters	PhonePe, Paytm, HDFC, ICICI, PNB
Supports national vision	Digital India & secure UPI ecosystem

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

10.NCB Operation MED MAX Busts Global Cartel (Transnational Drug Cartel)

The HinduOperation MED MAX · NCB · NDPS Act 1985

What & Where

Operation MED MAX: NCB–led crackdown dismantling a transnational drug cartel.

Narcotics Control Bureau: apex drug-law enforcement/intel agency, formed 1986 under NDPS Act; HQ New Delhi.

Cartel footprint: >10 countries across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Article 47 mandates prohibition of intoxicants except medicinal use, guiding national narcotics policy.
Supplementary laws strengthen control over manufacture, traffic and forfeiture of drug proceeds.
Treaty commitments align domestic law with global narcotics control norms.

Security Dimension

NCB spearheads digital, maritime and air-cargo interdictions against organised drug syndicates.
MED MAX bust curtails terror-financing and organised crime links, boosting internal security.
Multilateral raids improve real-time intel flow and joint operational reach.

International Linkages

Ongoing coordination with US DEA, Interpol, other national agencies for synchronized sting operations.
Cartel’s four-continent network highlights necessity of transnational legal assistance.
UN convention membership eases extradition, evidence sharing and asset freezing.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent ministry	Ministry of Home Affairs
Establishment year	1986
Foundational Act	NDPS Act, 1985
HQ location	New Delhi
Constitutional basis	Article 47, DPSP
Major 2025 action	Operation MED MAX
Key partners	US DEA, Interpol
Parallel Acts	Drugs & Cosmetics 1940; PIT NDPS 1988
UN treaties signed	1961, 1971, 1988 Conventions

GS-2Scheme

11.Research Development Innovation Scheme Funding Boost (Innovation Funding)

PMIRDI Scheme · ₹1 lakh crore · DST

Illustration for Research Development Innovation Scheme Funding Boost (Innovation Funding)

What & Where

Government long-term financing scheme to spur private R&D, innovation and tech commercialisation

Nationwide roll-out; strategic direction by Anusandhan National Research Foundation chaired by PM

₹1 lakh crore corpus channelled via Special Purpose Fund to second-level fund managers

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Governance layered: ANRF strategic, EGoS oversight, DST nodal
Union Cabinet approval positions scheme under national innovation strategy
Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance goals

Funding Structure

Two-tier flow: Tier-1 Special Purpose Fund, Tier-2 sectoral fund managers
Instruments include low/nil interest loans, equity, risk capital
Deep-Tech Fund of Funds earmarked for AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotech

Objectives

Scale private R&D in sunrise and strategic sectors
Accelerate market-ready high-TRL technologies
Enable domestic development or acquisition of critical technologies

Significance

Bridges private R&D credit gap, reduces investment risk
Catalyses deep-tech innovation vital for economic growth
Supports defence tech, electronics, clean energy self-reliance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Corpus size	₹1 lakh crore
Nodal ministry	Department of Science & Technology
Strategic body	Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Policy oversight	Empowered Group of Secretaries, Cabinet Secretary
Financing nature	Low or zero interest long-term loans
Equity support	Available to startups and MSMEs
Dedicated FoF	Deep-Tech Fund of Funds
Priority stage	High Technology Readiness Level projects
Tech acquisition aid	Critical foreign technologies eligible

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 1

NIDHI is an umbrella scheme for the promotion of

CDS_GK, GS1 2019PYQ 2

अटल नवाचार (Innovation) मिशन किसके अधीन स्थापित किया गया है?

GS-2Scheme

12.SPREE 2025 Expands ESI Social Security Coverage (ESI Coverage Expansion)

DD NewsSPREE 2025 · ESIC · Labour Ministry

What & Where

SPREE 2025 = one-time amnesty scheme to onboard unregistered employers & workers to Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) net

Launched pan-India by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation under Ministry of Labour & Employment

Operates via ESIC, Shram Suvidha & MCA online portals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Digital-first; end-to-end registration through three integrated government portals
Removes offline paperwork, enabling rapid employer onboarding
Aligns with broader e-Shram, MCA compliance initiatives

Legal & Policy

Amnesty; shields from retrospective contribution, inspection, litigation
Encourages self-declaration; validity begins once employer states joining date
Complements Code on Social Security push for universal coverage

Social Concerns

Formalisation; draws informal workers into contributory health insurance & cash benefits
Enhances access to healthcare, maternity, disability & dependent support
Targets ~90% workforce presently outside organised social-security net

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full name	Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees 2025
Launching body	Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Parent ministry	Labour & Employment
Coverage aim	Contractual, temporary, unorganised workers
Core benefit	Zero penalty, inspection, or legal demand for pre-registration period
Registration validity	From date self-declared by employer
Nature	One-time voluntary compliance window
Registration modes	ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha portal, MCA portal
Key objective	Labour formalisation & social-security expansion
Duration tag	Labeled “2025”; single-window enrolment drive

GS-2Scheme

13.National Sports Policy 2025 Aims Olympic Excellence (Sports Governance Policy)

PIBNational Sports Policy 2025 · Khelo Bharat Niti · 2036 Olympics

Illustration for National Sports Policy 2025 Aims Olympic Excellence (Sports Governance Policy)

What & Where

Policy: National Sports Policy 2025 (Khelo Bharat Niti) supersedes NSP 2001 to transform India into a global sporting leader

Scope: five-pillar roadmap covering grassroots-to-podium excellence, economy, social inclusion, people’s movement, education linkage

Geography: pan-India template; serves as model for all States & UTs; Olympic horizon set for 2036

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Framework: draft sports law envisaged for transparency, accountability and NSF term limits
Alignment: synchronises with NEP 2020, Sports Code 2011, Fit India and Khelo India mandates
Model-policy: States urged to revise statutes in line with NSP 2025 standards

Economic Angle

Investment: incentivises sports startups, equipment clusters and broadcast-driven leagues
Tourism: targets mega-events, heritage games circuits to boost local economies
Manufacturing: leverages hubs like Meerut, Jalandhar for Make-in-India sports goods

Social Concerns

Inclusion: special quotas, safe facilities for women, tribal and PwD athletes
Culture: mass-participation campaigns and institutional fitness indices to shift academic bias
Tradition: revival of indigenous games to strengthen community identity

Tech & Schemes

Technology: AI, wearables, data analytics mandated for training, injury prevention, officiating
Science: national and zonal sports science centres for nutrition, biomechanics, psychology support
Schemes: synergy between TOPS elite support and Khelo India grassroots scouting

Governance Challenges

Issues: politicisation, red tape, ethical lapses evidenced by WFI and IOA controversies
Representation: Olympic contingent size still low versus USA 594, France 572, Australia 460
Market skew: cricket held 87 % sponsorship share in 2023, starving other disciplines

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Union Cabinet nod	July 2025
Previous policy replaced	National Sports Policy 2001
Long-term milestone	2036 Olympic Games bid
Pillars count	5 (Excellence, Economic, Social, People, Education)
Lead ministry	Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Monitoring tool	KPIs with time-bound targets
Private funding routes	PPPs and CSR investments
Flagship feeder schemes	Khelo India 2017; TOPS 2014

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

GS-1Editorial

14.UN Women Warns of Global Gender Setbacks (Global Gender Equality)

Down to EarthUN Women · Beijing Declaration · WPS Resolution 1325

Illustration for UN Women Warns of Global Gender Setbacks (Global Gender Equality)

What & Where

Beijing Declaration & Platform for Action 1995 Beijing; global roadmap on 12 critical areas for gender equality

UNSC Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace & Security; four pillars—participation, protection, prevention, relief-recovery

UN Women created 2010 via UNGA; merges DAW, INSTRAW, OSAGI, UNIFEM; mandate gender equality & women’s empowerment

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Backlash 2024 reported by 1 in 4 countries against women’s rights
Discriminatory labour laws restrict equal job access in half the world
Only 4 % global aid earmarked for gender equality initiatives

Violence & Security

One woman or girl killed every 10 minutes by partner or relative
2020-23 peace talks 80 % and mediations 70 % excluded women
UNSC 1325 insists on gender-inclusive peacebuilding and protection from sexual violence

Economic Angle

Wage inequality 20 % global, India urban gap 29.4 %, rural 51.3 %
Women perform 2.5 × unpaid care; proposed care infrastructure may add 300 million jobs by 2035
Majority (81 %) of Indian working women situated in informal sector without social security

Social Concerns

Digital divide India: mobile ownership 54 % women vs 82 % men; internet use 33 % vs 57 %
Domestic work India: women 236 min/day vs men 24 min/day limiting skilling and income
Maternal health: nearly 800 women die daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes globally

Climate & Environment

Climate change may push extra 158 million women into extreme poverty by 2050
Women hold only 28 % of environment ministerial posts worldwide

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Women’s legal rights vs men	64 % parity only
Countries limiting women’s jobs	51 %
Global lawmakers male	~75 %
ODA targeting gender equality (2021-22)	4 %
Women intentionally killed 2023	85,000
Pay gap globally	20 % less for equal work
Unpaid care work ratio	2.5 × more by women
Women facing food insecurity	47.8 million more than men
Girls out of school	119 million
Indian FLFPR 2023-24	41.7 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2015PYQ 1

‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’, often seen in the news, is

GEO_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements with reference to a Report titled 'The Paths to Equal', published in 2023, prepared by 'UN Women' and 'UNDP' (United Nations Development Programme):

GS-1Scheme

15.Savitribai Phule Women and Child Development Institute (Women & Child Welfare)

New Indian ExpressNIPCCD rename · Savitribai Phule · Ministry WCD

What & Where

Premier autonomous institute under Ministry of Women & Child Development, renamed Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women & Child Development (SP-NIWCD)

Mandate: training, research, capacity-building for women, child, adolescent welfare schemes

HQ New Delhi; five existing regional centres + new Ranchi centre for Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Renaming signals government recognition of gender-inclusive reform legacy
Institute supplies evidence-based inputs to strengthen WCD scheme guidelines
Supports Panchayat-level governance through capacity modules

Regional Outreach

Ranchi centre decentralises training, cuts travel for Eastern India staff
Region-specific interventions adapt to tribal, rural nutritional needs
Enhances last-mile delivery via local language counselling material

Operational Functions

Training covers induction & refresher for ICDS, Poshan, Mission Shakti staff
Research wing tackles gender, adolescent mental health, nutrition studies
Digital documentation archives best practices, creates e-modules for Anganwadi workers

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Old name	National Institute of Public Cooperation & Child Development (NIPCCD)
Honouree	Savitribai Phule, pioneer woman educationist & reformer
Parent ministry	Women & Child Development
Legal status	Autonomous body, national apex institute
Headquarters	New Delhi
Existing centres	Bengaluru, Guwahati, Lucknow, Indore, Mohali
New centre	Ranchi (Eastern India focus)
Key missions linked	Mission Shakti, Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0
Frontline workers served	≈ 7 lakh
Sample diploma offered	Child Guidance & Counselling
Core functions	Training, research, policy support, documentation, innovation

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