Wednesday, 9 July 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following pairs of countries joined the European Union in 2007?

The correct answer is (a) Bulgaria and Romania. This question appeared in GS1 2007.

Q: Consider the following countries :

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (a) The 'Global Stocktake' is the central outcome of COP28. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024.

Q: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was first signed during

The correct answer is (a) the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, 1972. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026.

Q: What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India?

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2016.

Q: Recently, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) has developed the world's first genome-edited rice varieties. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the developed products?

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

The correct answer is (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2019.

Q: Recently the Government of India entered into an agreement for a lithium exploration and mining project with which one among the following countries?

The correct answer is (a) Brazil. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the ‘Legion of Merit’ award?

The correct answer is (a) This award is conferred by the President of the United States of America. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: Ministry of Defence signed contract with which one of the following organizations for Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and other equipment for around 3000 crores?

The correct answer is (a) DRDO. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

17 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 4GS-3: 10

0/17 done

GS-2Polity

1.Admiralty Act 2017 Maritime Jurisdiction (Admiralty Law)

Indian ExpressAdmiralty Act 2017 · ship arrest · maritime claims

What & Where

Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017: central law for maritime claims, ship arrest, liens.

Invoked by Kerala High Court to arrest Liberian ship MSC Akiteta II for alleged marine-ecosystem damage in state waters.

Maritime jurisdiction now spans High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Jurisdiction-expansion empowers non-colonial ports’ High Courts, ensuring uniform admiralty adjudication.
Ship arrest possible even for sister ships sharing ownership, securing claims pre-judgment.
Act expressly recognises environmental damage as a standalone maritime claim.

Environmental Impact

Oil-spill or hazardous discharge treated at par with cargo or collision claims.
State can quantify ecosystem loss, seek restitution under Section 4(k).
Provision deters negligent navigation in ecologically sensitive coastal zones.

Economic Angle

Predictable dispute mechanism boosts investor confidence for Sagarmala, port SEZs.
Quick arrest remedy pressures foreign owners to settle, limiting port congestion costs.
Compensation flow safeguards coastal livelihoods, sustaining blue-economy growth.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enactment year	2017
Colonial laws replaced	1861 & 1890 Admiralty Acts
Section on claim types	Section 4
Section on vessel arrest	Section 5
Kerala’s total compensation demand	₹9,531 crore
Claim earmarked for fishermen	₹526 crore
Nature of jurisdiction	In rem & in personam
International alignment	UNCLOS + IMO conventions
Vessel’s flag state	Liberia
Newly added HC jurisdictions	Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

GS-1Environment

2.Melting Glaciers Boost Volcanic Activity Risk (Subglacial Volcanoes)

Indian ExpressWest Antarctica · subglaciated volcanoes · pressure unloading

What & Where

Subglaciated volcanoes – magma systems buried beneath ice in Iceland, British Columbia, Antarctica, NZ, Russia.

Glacial unloading – melting ice lessens overburden, gases expand, eruption odds rise.

West Antarctic Ice Sheet hosts ~100 such volcanoes, flagged as highest future hazard.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mechanism & Triggers

Glacial unloading removes kilometres-thick pressure, letting magma and volatiles expand explosively.
Climate-enhanced precipitation percolates rock, alters magma chemistry, possibly initiating eruptions.
Hypothesis first floated 1970s; modern geochemical models provide quantitative backing.

Regional Hotspots

West Antarctica predicted to transition into multi-decade eruptive phase as ice retreats.
Additional danger zones: Iceland, British Columbia, North American Cordillera, New Zealand, Russian arcs.
Antarctic volcanic edifices currently blanketed by kilometres of ice, heightening sensitivity to melt.

Climate Feedbacks

Sulfur-rich eruptions form stratospheric sulfate aerosols, reflecting sunlight, causing short-term cooling.
Repeated eruptions emit CO₂, CH₄, reinforcing long-term warming and glacier loss.
Feedback loop: melt lowers pressure, eruption frequency increases, greenhouse release accelerates further melt.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
2025 Goldschmidt venue	Prague
Subglaciated volcanoes under WAIS	≈100
Iceland deglaciation eruption jump	30–50 × present
Land area with glacial ice	~10 %
Sea-level rise if total melt	>60 m (195 ft)
Mt Pinatubo 1991 cooling	~0.5 °C for >1 yr

GS-1Mapping

3.Bulgaria Geography and Eurozone Accession (European Geography)

NBCDanube River · Balkan Mountains · Black Sea Coast

What & Where

Eurozone – monetary union of EU nations using the euro; physical currency launched 2002.

Bulgaria – southeastern Balkan state cleared to adopt euro from 1 Jan 2026, becoming 21st eurozone member.

Borders – Romania (Danube), Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey; Black Sea to east.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Danube forms entire northern boundary; supports shipping, farming, tourism.
Balkan Mountains run east-west mid-country, creating north–south divide.
Black Sea littoral hosts resorts Sunny Beach, cities Varna, Burgas.

Economic Angle

Single currency removes FX risk, easing Bulgaria-EU trade & travel.
ECB sets interest rates; inflation targeting applies uniformly.
Stability tools: European Stability Mechanism, fiscal oversight frameworks.

Eligibility & Process

Maastricht criteria demand low inflation, stable exchange rate, sound deficits-debt.
Eurogroup, Ecofin ministers grant final accession approval.
Bulgarian National Bank to join Eurosystem; euro coins/notes circulate 2026.

Cultural Mosaic

Heritage blends Slavic, Ottoman, Greek, Thracian strands.
Landmarks: Orthodox churches, Ottoman mosques, Roman ruins.
Signature foods: yogurt, banitsa pastry, grilled kebapche.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Eurozone members (pre-Bulgaria)	20
Bulgaria’s euro entry date	1 Jan 2026
Most recent entrant earlier	Croatia (2023)
Euro physical launch	2002
Governing bank	European Central Bank
Bulgaria’s capital	Sofia
Major border river	Danube
Highest Balkan peak	Musala (Rila Range)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2007PYQ 1

Which one of the following pairs of countries joined the European Union in 2007?

GS1 2009PYQ 2

Consider the following countries :

GS-3Editorial

4.Reforming UNFCCC Process before COP30 (UNFCCC Reform)

Indian ExpressUNFCCC · COP30 Brazil · NDC shortfalls

What & Where

UNFCCC = 1992 Rio Earth-Summit treaty; HQ Bonn; near-universal 198 Parties.

Core processes: annual COP, SBSTA & SBI reviews, NDC reporting, Green Climate Fund finance flow.

COP-30 scheduled 2025, Belém-Brazil; reform push targets decision rules, finance, accountability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Weakness

Consensus rule grants every party veto, often yields diluted texts.
Secretariat lacks enforcement; defaulters face no sanctions.
Complex, agenda-heavy sessions impede timely decisions.

Climate Finance

Developed-world USD 100 bn pledge still unmet; mistrust deepens.
Loss & Damage Fund underfunded; liability debates stall payouts.
Proposal: tie Green Climate Fund disbursal to transparent, measurable results.

Proposed Reforms

Majority-voting trigger after failed consensus period.
Independent technical body to audit NDC credibility and progress.
Human-needs framing to align mitigation with housing, food, mobility goals.

Fossil-Fuel Influence

COP-28 first to mention fossil exit, yet hosted by petro-state Dubai.
Future hosts (e.g., Baku) spark greenwashing concerns.
Civil-society demands conflict-of-interest guidelines for presidency selection.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Paris-Agreement legal nature	Voluntary NDCs, not legally binding
Parties submitting 2035 NDCs (May 2025)	21 countries ≈ 11 %
Historical emission rise 1997-2012	+44 % despite Kyoto
SIDS emission share	< 1 % of global total
Projected SIDS annual loss @ 2 °C	USD 75 billion by 2050
COP-28 shortfall	No binding finance timeline for Loss & Damage Fund
UNFCCC guiding principle	Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is NOT correct?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 2

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was first signed during

GS-3Environment

5.Great Nicobar Project Seismic Risk Concerns (Great Nicobar Project)

The HinduIIT-Kanpur report · mega earthquake · tsunami history

What & Where

Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP): 2021-launched ₹72,000 cr port–airport–township initiative.

Site: Great Nicobar Island, southern tip of Andaman & Nicobar; abuts Malacca Strait, Indira Point.

Zone: High seismicity; source area of 2004 M 9.1 Indian-Ocean tsunami.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Deforestation 130 sq km; compensatory afforestation in Haryana & MP fails biodiversity equivalence
Leatherback turtle nesting zone lost after 2021 de-notification of Galathea Bay WLS
CRZ-1A coastline faces ship-repair, dredging, coral and reef degradation risks

Seismic Risk

IIT-Kanpur: sandstone–shale over volcanics amplifies shaking, liquefaction probability high
Sediments at Badabalu show seven paleo-tsunamis in 8 kyr, underscoring frequent megathrust events
Site-specific seismic & tsunami modelling still absent for Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar

Strategic & Economic

ICTT targets import–export transhipment autonomy, aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 & Amrit Kaal 2047
Greenfield airport boosts tri-service deployment, supports Act East and QUAD maritime surveillance
Location near Malacca, Sunda, Lombok enables oversight of 60% global energy traffic

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Estimated cost	₹72,000 crore
Launch year	2021
Executing agency	ANIIDCO
Core assets	ICTT, greenfield airport, township, tourism hub, gas plant
Strategic chokepoint	Malacca Strait (also Sunda & Lombok)
Forest diversion	130 sq km primary rainforest
Potential trees felled	Up to 10 million
Coastline category	CRZ-1A
2004 quake magnitude	9.1
Mega-quake return period	420–750 years
Large (≥7.5) quake period	80–120 years
Island national parks	Campbell Bay, Galathea
Southernmost point of India	Indira Point
Tribal groups	Shompen, Nicobarese, Onge, Andamanese

GS-3Species

6.Kharai Camel Swimming Breed of Gujarat (Kharai Camel)

Times of IndiaKharai camel · swimming ability · Kutch mangroves

Illustration for Kharai Camel Swimming Breed of Gujarat (Kharai Camel)

What & Where

Kharai camel – India’s 9th recognised camel breed, uniquely able to swim for mangrove grazing.

Core range – coastal Kutch districts (Bhachau, Abdasa, Lakhpat) plus Devbhumi Dwarka & Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Lives in saline marsh & mangrove islands of Arabian Sea’s inter-tidal zone.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Traits

Muscular build, salt-tolerant physiology enabling survival on halophytic plants.
Thick, water-resistant coat aids long seawater exposure.
Extended nostril closure minimises saline water intake while swimming.

Pastoral Communities

Rabari, Fakirani Jat & broader Maldhari groups practise mobile herding with traditional knowledge.
Camels supply milk, manure and limited transport; not primarily slaughtered for meat.
Seasonal migration synchronized with tidal charts and mangrove phenology.

Conservation Significance

Grazing maintains mangrove understorey, reducing fire risk and enhancing biodiversity niches.
Represents climate-resilient livestock suitable for rising salinity and shrinking rangelands.
Population decline from coastal industrialisation prompts need for breed conservation programmes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Recognition rank	9th Indian camel breed
Camel type	Single-humped (dromedary)
Total population (Gujarat)	≈ 4,000 animals
In coastal Kutch alone	≈ 2,000 animals
Maximum swim distance	Up to 3 km in sea
Adult weight	Around 500 kg
Name origin	Gujarati khara = salty
Main diet	Mangrove species
Key handler groups	Rabari & Fakirani Jat
Peak grazing season	Monsoon weeks on islands

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India?

GS-3S&T

7.Coartem Baby Pediatric Malaria Drug (Malaria Treatment)

Times of IndiaCoartem Baby · artemether-lumefantrine · Novartis

What & Where

Definition: Coartem Baby, first artemether-lumefantrine antimalarial for 2–5 kg infants in endemic areas

Origin: Novartis & Medicines for Malaria Venture; cleared by Swissmedic’s Global Health Products pathway

Geography: Fast-track filings in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Formulation

Palatability: cherry flavour, dissolves in milk boosting adherence
Fixed-dose: removes need for tablet-splitting, lowers dosing error
Infant-specific packaging reduces caregiver confusion

Public Health Gap

Vulnerability: newborns lack vaccine cover and prior trial data
Safety: replaces off-label adult dosing, mitigating toxicity/underdose risks
Potential: targets high neonatal mortality pockets in sub-Saharan Africa

Regulatory & Rollout

Swissmedic Global Health pathway accelerates LMIC access
Eight African states using reliance mechanisms for swift licensure
Novartis to supply near-cost through public channels

International Context

Partnership: MMV coordinated R&D funding and access planning
Alignment: aids WHO 2030 goal of 90 % malaria mortality cut
Example: showcases alternative licencing when FDA/EMA routes slow

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Drug name	Coartem Baby
API combo	Artemether + Lumefantrine
Eligible weight	2–5 kg (newborn – <6 months)
Form & taste	Dispersible, cherry-flavoured; dissolves in breast milk
Dose design	Ratio adjusted for immature liver function
First approval	Swissmedic, Switzerland
Pricing model	Largely not-for-profit in endemic nations
Annual infants at risk	≈30 million in Africa
Earlier gap	No licensed drug for <4.5 kg babies

GS-3S&T

8.Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Dating Technique (Radiocarbon Dating)

The HinduAMS · Carbon-14 · Beta Analytic

What & Where

AMS Dating: high-precision radiocarbon method that counts individual C-14 atoms instead of measuring radioactive decay.

Handles micro-samples (~20 mg), enabling near-non-destructive dating of fragile archaeological materials.

Tamil Nadu Archaeology sent 23 charcoal samples from 7 sites to Beta Analytic Lab, USA for AMS dating.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Process

Ionization: cesium beam sputters graphite, yielding C⁻ ions for acceleration.
Tandem-accelerator: stripper foils create C⁺ ions; magnets split C-12/C-13/C-14 masses.
Detection: direct C-14 atom counting drastically cuts background noise, raising precision.

Archaeological Usage

Charcoal, bone, potsherd dating refines Sangam-era and other Tamil site chronologies.
Micro-sample capability conserves priceless artifacts for future multidisciplinary analyses.

Global Collaboration

Beta Analytic chosen due to ISO-accredited AMS facilities and quick turnaround.
Beyond archaeology, AMS supports sediment studies, ocean carbon mapping, and biomedical microdosing research.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	Accelerator Mass Spectrometry
Primary isotope	Carbon-14
Minimum sample need	≈ 20 mg
Sample prep	Chemical cleaning → graphite target
Ion source	Cesium sputter beam (negative ions)
Accelerator type	Tandem electrostatic
Key advantage	1,000 × less sample than radiometric
Typical result time	Hours (vs days)
TN nodal agency	State Dept. of Archaeology (TNSDA)
Foreign lab	Beta Analytic, Florida, USA

GS-3S&T

9.CRISPR-Enhanced Japonica Rice Phosphate Efficiency (CRISPR Agriculture)

The HinduCRISPR-Cas9 · OsPHO1;2 gene · phosphate uptake

What & Where

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing applied to Indian-grown japonica rice cultivars.

Key locus OsPHO1;2 tweaked to enhance root-to-shoot phosphate transport.

Field trials in India; aims at low-input, high-yield rice cultivation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Mechanism

Repressor site deletion boosts OsPHO1;2 expression without foreign DNA insertion.
Cas9 creates double-strand break; cell repairs, omitting repressor sequence.
Classified as “gene-edited”, not transgenic; may ease regulatory hurdles.

Agronomic Impact

40 % yield gain achieved under one-tenth phosphate input.
Lower fertiliser need cuts input costs and mitigates eutrophication risk.
Potential scalability to indica rice and other cereals.

Economic Angle

Reduced dependence on costly phosphate imports strengthens fertiliser self-reliance.
Savings on subsidy outgo; phosphate is entirely imported as raw rock.
Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable agriculture targets.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Editing tool	CRISPR-Cas9 (Cas9 endonuclease as “molecular scissors”)
Target gene	OsPHO1;2 promoter (repressor-binding site removed)
Yield change	+40 % grain yield
Phosphate applied	10 % of standard fertiliser recommendation
India’s phosphate fertiliser import	> 4.5 million tonnes / yr
Indian soils low in organic C	85 % of samples (CSE 2022)
N deficiency in soils	97 % samples
P deficiency in soils	83 % samples
K deficiency in soils	71 % samples
Micronutrient shortfalls	B 47 %, Zn 39 %, Fe 37 %, S 36 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Recently, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) has developed the world's first genome-edited rice varieties. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the developed products?

CDS_GK, GS1 2019PYQ 2

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

GS-3S&T

10.Phenome India National Biobank Launch (National Biobank)

PIBPhenome India · CSIR-IGIB · longitudinal health data

What & Where

Biobank – repository storing blood, tissue, DNA plus linked health data for research.

National Biobank housed at CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi.

Process – longitudinal collection of genomic, lifestyle, clinical metrics from 10,000 diverse Indians.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Infrastructure – cryogenic storage, digital registry linking samples with anonymised metadata.
Data-layer – genomic sequencing, electronic health records, lifestyle questionnaires integrated.
Compliance – ethical approvals and data-protection protocols aligned with national guidelines.

Health Goals

Prevention – early-risk stratification enabling timely interventions.
Therapy – discovery of India-specific drug targets and tailored treatment regimens.
Policy – evidence base for population-specific health programmes.

Research Scope

Gene-environment interaction studies on cardio-metabolic disorders.
Development of risk-prediction models calibrated to Indian phenotypes.
Resource for studying chronic, infectious and rare diseases.

International Examples

UK Biobank showcases biobank-driven insights into population health, guiding Indian adaptation.
Other global cohorts (e.g., FinnGen) emphasise longitudinal design and open researcher access.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent project	Phenome India–CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CHeCK)
Launch year	2025 (Biobank); 2023 (Phenome India)
Implementing body	Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
Target participants	10,000 individuals across regions, ages, socio-economic strata
Core aim	Enable data-driven personalised medicine for Indian population
Key disease focus	Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, rare genetic disorders
Global model	Inspired by UK Biobank
Term “Phenome”	Complete set of observable traits shaped by gene-environment interaction

GS-3S&T

11.Smart Mosquito Surveillance System Andhra (Mosquito Surveillance)

Indian ExpressSMoSS · AI sensors · drones

What & Where

Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS) = AI-IoT network for continuous mosquito detection and vector-control decisions.

Integrates sensors, drones, weather feeds; reports species, gender, density; issues real-time spray alerts.

Rolled out across Andhra Pradesh urban areas to replace blanket fogging with pinpoint larvicide actions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

AI sensors classify species, gender, density in real time.
Central dashboard streams live field data enabling geo-fenced spray orders.
Drones reduce manpower cost, allow precise larvicide deposition.

Disease Profiles

Dengue: four serotypes DEN-1-4; 2024 India 2.3 lakh cases, 297 deaths; diagnosis via blood test.
Zika: Aedes-borne flavivirus; maternal infection linked to microcephaly, congenital defects.
Yellow fever: hemorrhagic; ~30 000 global deaths annually; 17D vaccine effective lifelong.

Implementation & Governance

Specialised agencies operate SMoSS; performance tracked through mobile app dashboards.
Accountability metrics logged real time to curb ineffective blanket spraying.
Data-driven approach aligns with National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme goals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch state	Andhra Pradesh
Core tech	AI sensors + IoT + drones
Drone role	Cost-effective larvicide spraying
Alert trigger	Density crosses safe limit
Primary vector tracked	Aedes aegypti
India dengue cases 2024	≈ 2.3 lakh
India dengue deaths 2024	297
Yellow fever annual deaths	≈ 30 000 (global)
Yellow fever vaccine	17D, WHO-endorsed
Diseases in focus	Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever

GS-2Editorial

12.India-Argentina Strategic Partnership Highlights (India-Argentina Ties)

Indian ExpressMERCOSUR PTA · lithium cooperation · shale energy

What & Where

Argentina – 8th largest country; capital Buenos Aires; borders Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay & Atlantic Ocean.

2025 Indian PM’s first Argentina visit in 57 yrs marks 75 yrs ties & 5 yrs Strategic Partnership.

Partnership pillars: trade, energy, critical minerals, defence co-development, digital public infrastructure.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Trade: bilateral commerce aims diversification; PTA expansion with MERCOSUR eyed as FTA precursor.
Council: India-Argentina Business Council drives investment; Goldilocks market fits between US/EU stringency & African competition.

Energy & Minerals

Shale: ONGC Videsh–YPF cooperation sought for gas/oil supply security.
Lithium: Triangle membership gives India cleaner-energy inputs, lowering external dependence.

Defence & Digital

Defence: co-development, tech transfer; existing HAL-Argentine Air Force collaborations cited.
Digital: UPI, telemedicine, digital-health platforms to be deployed as India Stack showcase.

Cultural Links

Yoga Day, Ayurveda Day, Gandhi@150 events draw large Argentine turnout; ISKCON, Art of Living active.
Tagore-Ocampo 1924 encounter spurred Argentine interest in Indian arts, philosophy.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital of Argentina	Buenos Aires
Global area rank	8th largest
India–Argentina trade (2024)	USD 5.2 billion
Trade growth 2025	53.9 % YoY
India’s rank in Arg. trade	4th largest partner
Shale gas reserve rank	2nd largest worldwide
Shale oil reserve rank	4th largest worldwide
India–MERCOSUR PTA operational	2009
KABIL’s lithium concessions	Catamarca & Salta, Argentina
Indira Gandhi Argentina visit	1968
Tagore’s work in BA	“Purabi” dedication to Victoria Ocampo

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Recently the Government of India entered into an agreement for a lithium exploration and mining project with which one among the following countries?

GS-2Misc

13.Brazilian Grand Collar Honour to PM (Brazilian Honor)

News on AirNational Order of the Southern Cross · Grand Collar · Brazil

Illustration for Brazilian Grand Collar Honour to PM (Brazilian Honor)

What & Where

Award: Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest civilian honour for foreign dignitaries

Process: Conferred by the President of Brazil, who is ex-officio Grand Master, via presidential decree in Brasília

Origin: Instituted 1 Dec 1822 by Emperor Pedro I; re-established 1932 by President Getúlio Vargas

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Context

Independence: Order commemorates 1822 separation from Portugal and coronation of Pedro I
Republic: 1932 relaunch positioned it as civilian diplomatic order
Soft-power: Tool for Brazil’s Global South outreach

Defence & Security

Pact: Joint action announced against terrorism and transnational organised crime
Classified: Framework inked for mutual protection of sensitive defence-science information
Monitoring: New ministerial mechanism tracks trade and strategic security cooperation

Tech & Schemes

Digital: MoU to share digital public goods; Brazil exploring India-style UPI payments
IP: DPIIT–Brazil Commerce Ministry pact to exchange patent, trademark best practices
Innovation: Cooperation channel for startups and advanced technology transfer

Energy & Environment

Renewables: Agreement on biofuels, solar, green hydrogen, overall energy transition
Sustainability: Collaborative R&D on low-carbon tech and circular economy models
Forums: Commitment to coordinate positions within ISA and IRENA

Agriculture & Food

Research: ICAR-EMBRAPA MoU on seed R&D, precision farming, agri-tech
Resilience: Focus on drought-tolerant, climate-smart crop varieties
Market: Aim to diversify bilateral agri-trade and buffer supply shocks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Country	Brazil
Award rank	Highest civilian decoration
Eligibility	Foreign heads of state & eminent dignitaries
Founded on	1 December 1822
Re-established	1932 (Republican era)
Conferred by	President of Brazil
Current Indian recipient	Prime Minister of India, 2024 visit
Symbolism	Independence commemoration & diplomatic goodwill
Motto colour	Southern Cross constellation on blue-white ribbon

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the ‘Legion of Merit’ award?

GS-3Security

14.Indigenous ATAGS Artillery Gun System (Artillery Modernisation)

New Indian ExpressATAGS · 155mm/52 calibre · DRDO

Illustration for Indigenous ATAGS Artillery Gun System (Artillery Modernisation)

What & Where

ATAGS = Indigenous 155 mm/52-cal long-range towed artillery gun for precision firepower.

Developed by DRDO with Tata Advanced Systems & Bharat Forge; executed under Make-in-India artillery mission.

First regiment to join Indian Army, boosting fire support across varied Indian operational theatres.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Automation upgrade: electric drives cut maintenance, enhance reliability over legacy hydraulic guns
Design collaboration: DRDO-led consortium showcases private–public model under MoD’s DAP-2020 & Atmanirbhar push
Wider firing arc provides greater destructive envelope, aligning with network-centric warfare needs

Security Dimension

Range-plus-accuracy combo strengthens Indian Army’s counter-bombardment and deep-strike capabilities along sensitive borders
Rapid 90-s deployment enables quick “shoot-shift-mask”, reducing vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire
Indigenous system lowers supply risk during prolonged conflicts, ensuring assured spares & ammunition compatibility

Industrial Angle

>80 % local content spurs domestic metallurgy, gun-barrel forging, electronics and servo-drive sectors
Orders for first regiment open pipeline for 150+ guns, creating high-skill jobs and SME opportunities
Export potential arises as cost-competitive alternative to FH-77, M777 and Caesar systems

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Calibre	155 mm/52
Proven range	≈ 48 km
Deployment time	≤ 90 seconds
Firing modes	Burst / Intense / Sustained
Drive system	Fully electric, no hydraulics
Ammunition handling	Automatic loader + onboard crane
Indigenous content	> 80 % components
Future variant	Mounted Gun System (MGS) for shoot-and-scoot

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Ministry of Defence signed contract with which one of the following organizations for Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and other equipment for around 3000 crores?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following is correct about ‘Pinaka’?

GS-3Security

15.FATF 2025 Terrorist Financing Update (Terrorist Financing)

The HinduFATF report 2025 · crypto assets · e-commerce abuse

What & Where

Terror-financing: routing value to extremist entities via digital payments, crypto assets, e-commerce, VPNs, crowdfunding

Key processes: online procurement of bomb materials, anonymous transfers through mixers, trade invoice manipulation, third-party gateways

Geography: FATF flags South Asia—India, West Africa, Sahel, Middle East—as top emerging digital-terror hubs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Digital Modus Operandi

E-commerce abuse: covert purchase of dual-use chemicals and components
Cryptocurrency use: unregulated exchanges, mixers enable borderless pseudonymous transfers
VPNs & encrypted apps: mask location, secure coordination away from interception

Investigation Challenges

Jurisdictional gaps: cross-border data hosting delays MLAT access
Weak KYC norms: fintech platforms allow fake identities, hamper attribution
Rapid tech shifts: terror groups outpace legacy AML-CTF regulations

FATF Recommendations

Strengthen digital KYC: mandatory verification for wallets, gateways, marketplaces
Real-time monitoring: AI/ML to flag abnormal patterns linked to explosive materials
Crypto regulation: exchanges to file STRs and maintain immutable audit trails

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
FATF update year	2025
Report title	Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks
Indian case studies	Pulwama bombing, Gorakhnath Temple attack
E-commerce item bought	Aluminium powder via Amazon
Payment tool in Gorakhnath case	PayPal masked with VPN
Rising threat profile	Lone actors funded by online crowdfunding
High-risk regions	South Asia, West Africa, Sahel, Middle East
Main regulatory gap	Weak digital KYC/AML compliance

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

हाल ही, 'अविनिमेय (Non-Fungible) टोकन्स' की चर्चा निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंध में की जाती है?

GS-2Scheme

16.Cooperative Stack Digital Framework via PACS (Cooperative Stack)

Economic TimesPACS · digital welfare delivery · financial inclusion

What & Where

Cooperative Stack: AI-enabled digital framework delivering credit, subsidies, advisories via Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

Core process: Integrates welfare schemes with PACS-linked platforms for direct, leakage-free rural benefit transfer.

Geography: Targets all 1.08 lakh PACS across rural India under State Cooperative Acts.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

AI-driven tools: automated weather advisories, precision subsidy transfer, integrated credit scoring.
Digital platform: single stack interfaces with banking, welfare, insurance modules.
Financial inclusion: direct benefit routing reduces leakages, boosts rural credit uptake.

Legal & Policy

Registration: PACS governed by respective State Cooperative Societies Acts.
Position: PACS form grassroots tier below DCCBs and SCBs in cooperative credit hierarchy.
Framework conceptualised by Government of India to streamline rural scheme delivery.

Implementation Status

Computerisation: 63,000 PACS already on core banking software.
Target: full digitisation planned for 80,000 societies.
Scale: stack expected to cover 1.08 lakh PACS nationwide.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Anchor institution	Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
Total PACS nationwide	≈ 1.08 lakh
PACS in advanced computerisation	≈ 63,000
Digitisation goal	80,000 PACS fully online
Credit hierarchy	3-tier: PACS → DCCB → SCB

GS-1Editorial

17.India Digital Divide Survey Insights (Digital Divide)

The HinduNSS CMS 2025 · mobile ownership gap · internet usage patterns

What & Where

Digital divide = unequal access, usage, skills & autonomy in ICT across demographics.

Key gaps: Access, Usage, Skill, Gender (women lag in ownership/skills).

Scope: CMS-NSS “Telecom 2025” survey; youth (15-29 yrs), urban-rural India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Access Trends

Coverage: BharatNet to 1.7 lakh GPs; mobile signal near-universal, broadband still sparse.
Ownership gap: Rural women trail rural men by 24 pp, limiting private access.
Infrastructure: Fibre adoption <10 %, choking high-bandwidth services.

Usage & Skills

Consumption bias: One-third youth online only for entertainment.
Creation skills: <33 % made slides; <23 % drafted docs—low productivity capacity.
Financial tech: UPI mass-adopted, yet multimodal banking literacy just 18.8 %.

Policy & Schemes

First-gen tools: Digital India, PMGDISHA, UPI, JAM pushed basic inclusion.
Next-gen needs: Women-centric training, school ICT curriculum, local-language awareness.
Civic tech gap: <27 % know cyber-complaint process; highlights urgency for cyber-hygiene drives.

Gender Dimension

Usage parity rising: Female Internet use now 91.3 %, yet device control lags.
Dependency issue: Shared family phones curb privacy, limit empowerment.
SHG potential: Targeted digital skilling can convert access into income avenues.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Youth using mobiles	97.1 %
Youth owning mobiles	73.4 %
Urban youth ownership	82 %
Rural youth ownership	69.3 %
Male youth ownership	83.3 %
Female youth ownership	63 %
Rural female ownership	56.9 %
Fibre-optic households	7.2 % (rural 3.2 %)
Households with Internet	Urban 91.6 % ; Rural 83.3 %
Young women Internet use	91.3 % (↑ from 77.1 % in 2022)
Internet only-entertainment	30.4 % (females 36 %)
Can send email attachment	85.1 % youth
Created presentation	32.2 % youth
Drafted document	22.9 % youth
UPI usage among youth	80.7 %
Net-banking usage	0.7 %
Both UPI & Net-banking	18.8 %
Cyber-crime complaint aware	26.9 % youth

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

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?

ESE_GS, GS1 2018PYQ 2

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

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