Wednesday, 16 July 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: यदि किसी विशिष्ट क्षेत्र को भारत के संविधान की पाँचवीं अनुसूची के अन्तर्गत लाया जाए, तो निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा एक, इसके परिणाम के रूप में स्वतः ही परिलक्षित होता है?

The correct answer is (a) इससे जनजातीय लोगों की जमीनें गैर-जनजातीय लोगों को अन्तरण करने पर रोक लगेगी।. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

The correct answer is (a) 70 GW. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026.

Q: India’s key climate targets include

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025.

Q: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

The correct answer is (d) Power plants using fossil fuels. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

Q: Cheetahs, brought from Namibia, were introduced in India to which one of the following National Parks?

The correct answer is (b) Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023.

Q: Which one of the following national parks has become the first national park in India to be equipped with satellite phones?

The correct answer is (c) Desert National Park in Rajasthan. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022.

Q: भारत में विकसित आनुवंशिकतः संशोधित सरसों (जेनेटिकली मॉडिफाइड सरसों / GM सरसों) के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

The correct answer is (b) केवल 2. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

Q: The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?

The correct answer is (a) Bacillus subtilis. This question appeared in GS1 2001.

Q: प्रधान मंत्री कौशल विकास योजना के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

The correct answer is (c) केवल 2 और 3. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2018.

Q: Which one among the following schemes focuses on developing modern infrastructure and optimizing supply chain from farm to retail in Indian agriculture sector?

The correct answer is (a) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025.

13 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 4GS-3: 8

0/13 done

GS-2Editorial

1.Supreme Court Warning on Regionalism (Regionalism)

Times of Indiaregionalism · Supreme Court · communalism comparison

What & Where

Definition: Regionalism prioritises specific regional interests over national integration, can become divisive in politics

Manifestations: autonomy demands (Gorkhaland, Bodoland), language agitations (Tamil Nadu), local-jobs quota (Haryana 75% rule)

Hotspots: Telangana, Vidarbha, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir—frequent centres of regionalist mobilisation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SupremeCourt: political promotion of regionalism violates constitutional unity, warrants judicial vigilance against divisive speeches
ElectionCommission: tasked to scrutinise manifestos for regional or communal polarisation, enforce Model Code
Article19: regional discrimination infringes free movement, residence, employment rights

Drivers

DevelopmentalDisparities: lopsided industrial growth breeds resentment, seen in Bihar–Jharkhand, Telangana demands
CulturalAssertion: fear of extinction amid migration sparks Marathi-NorthIndian friction, Dravidian linguistic pride
ElectoralMobilisation: parties like early ShivSena, AIMIM amplify identity for vote banks

Risks

NationalUnity: fragmentation narrative undermines idea of one India
Violence: migrants targeted, e.g., Bihari workers in Assam, Gujarat
GovernanceDeficit: populist identity politics diverts focus from inclusive development, stalls infrastructure

Prescriptions

BalancedDevelopment: equitable fiscal allocation to backward regions to pre-empt grievances
IntegrationPrograms: expand youth exchanges under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
PluralNationalism: celebrate regional identities within cooperative federalism, not against it

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
SC warning	Regionalism as dangerous as communalism
Constitutional right impacted	Article 19 (movement, residence, employment)
Recent local-jobs quota	Haryana 75% private posts for locals
Union integration scheme	Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Classic autonomy demand	Gorkhaland movement, West Bengal
Language-based protest	Anti-Hindi agitations, Tamil Nadu
Development disparity case	Bihar vs Jharkhand industrial gap
Early regionalist party	Shiv Sena, Maharashtra

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

यदि किसी विशिष्ट क्षेत्र को भारत के संविधान की पाँचवीं अनुसूची के अन्तर्गत लाया जाए, तो निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा एक, इसके परिणाम के रूप में स्वतः ही परिलक्षित होता है?

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

2.ACC Appoints New NMC Chairperson (ACC Appointments)

Indian ExpressAppointments Committee · National Medical Commission · Cabinet Committees

What & Where

ACC: high-level Union committee deciding top civil-service, departmental-head, PSU appointments across India

NMC: apex regulator of medical education & practice, constituted under 2019 Act, headquartered at New Delhi

Cabinet Committees: eight extra-constitutional bodies created via Transaction of Business Rules, 1961 for specialised executive work distribution

Quick Facts for MCQs

Executive Structure

ACC handles senior appointments in civil services, PSUs, constitutional bodies requiring Cabinet approval
Parliamentary Affairs committee dubbed Super-Cabinet, coordinates legislative business across ministries
Cabinet Committees streamline decision-making, their recommendations later ratified by Union Cabinet

Regulatory Body Details

NMC membership includes ex-officio Health Secretary, DGHS, DG-ICMR, plus part-time state representatives
Mandate covers affordable quality medical education, national medical register maintenance, ethics oversight
Promotes skilled workforce, universal healthcare reach, and clinical research through transparent assessments

Legal & Policy

Cabinet Committees derive authority from Article 77(3) empowering President to make rules for government business
NMC replaced Medical Council of India to curb corruption and modernise medical governance
Extra-constitutional bodies hold executive legitimacy once decisions are confirmed by full Cabinet

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
New NMC Chairperson	Dr. Abhijat Sheth
ACC Membership	2 members – Prime Minister (Chair) + Home Minister
Cabinet Committees Count	8 (incl. ACC, CCEA, CCS, etc.)
Legal Basis for Committees	Transaction of Business Rules 1961, Article 77(3)
NMC Establishing Act	National Medical Commission Act 2019
NMC Total Members	33 (Chair + 4 Board Presidents + others)

GS-3Infrastructure

3.E10 Shinkansen High-Speed Rail Project (High-Speed Rail)

ITVE10 Shinkansen · Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor · JR East

Illustration for E10 Shinkansen High-Speed Rail Project (High-Speed Rail)

What & Where

E10 Shinkansen — next-gen Japanese bullet train to replace E2/E5 series.

Selected for Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail; India first overseas operator.

Corridor features 21-km BKC–Thane tunnel, India’s maiden under-sea rail section.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Design

Cherry-blossom-inspired nose, flowing green livery integrates nature with tech.
Energy efficiency boosted via blowerless motor, reducing maintenance costs.
Spacious interiors prioritise comfort; adaptable car for freight envisaged.

Safety Measures

L-shaped guides prevent derailment during seismic events.
Lateral dampers cut shake; advanced brakes shorten stopping distance.
Autonomous-ready systems aim for consistent, human-error-free operations.

India-Japan Partnership

MAHSR marks first E10 deployment outside Japan, symbolising deep tech collaboration.
Japan supplies funding, know-how, rolling stock; India handles civil works.
Viaducts, stations, tunnels progressing rapidly toward 2030 launch.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Designers	JR East & UK firm Tangerine
Aesthetic shades	“Tsugaru Green” + “Evening Elm”
Earthquake guard	L-shaped guides
Vibration control	Lateral dampers + advanced brakes
Traction	Blowerless induction motor
Seating layout	Two seats per row
Future-ready	Autonomous operation & cargo space
Indian completion target	2030
Under-sea tunnel length	21 km (BKC–Thane)
Funding model	Japanese loans, Indian execution via NHSRCL

GS-3Environment

4.India’s 50% Non-Fossil Electricity Capacity (Renewable Capacity)

Financial Expressnon-fossil capacity · NDC target · renewable energy

Illustration for India’s 50% Non-Fossil Electricity Capacity (Renewable Capacity)

What & Where

50 % Non-Fossil Capacity Milestone: half of India’s 484.82 GW installed power now from renewables, large hydro and nuclear.

Geography: nationwide mix; key pioneering states – Gujarat (solar parks), Tamil Nadu (wind corridors).

Timeline: target year 2030 (Paris NDC); achieved June 30 2025, five years early.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political & Market Drivers

Political-leadership provided stable policies, incentives, budgetary support via MNRE and PM-level directives.
Private-investment, domestic and foreign, accelerated solar-wind-hybrid deployment with cost innovation.
State-initiatives like solar parks, wind corridors catalysed site availability and streamlined clearances.

Infrastructure Challenges

Grid-variability stresses frequency control; storage and demand response essential.
Land-conflicts over farms, forests and community holdings create social-environmental pushback.
Storage-deficit: limited BESS and pumped hydro hinder 24×7 renewable supply.

Forward Roadmap

Grid-modernisation with AI forecasting, two-way smart meters for distributed management.
Storage-scaling through BESS, pumped hydro; circular-economy recycling for panels, batteries, turbines.
Green-hydrogen expansion to decarbonise transport, refineries, heavy industry.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total installed capacity	484.82 GW
Non-fossil share (June 2025)	50.08 %
Fossil-based share	49.92 % (241.04 GW)
Renewable energy (solar, wind etc.)	184.62 GW
Large hydro capacity	49.38 GW
Nuclear capacity	8.78 GW
Early achievement gap	5 years before 2030 NDC
Lead ministries	MNRE, Power
Key global partnerships	ISA, JETP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

India’s key climate targets include

GS-3Environment

5.FGD Installation Exemption for Thermal Plants (Air Pollution Control)

The HinduFGD · sulphur dioxide · MOEFCC

What & Where

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD): end-of-pipe system at coal-fired thermal plants removing sulphur dioxide from exhaust gases.

Process: limestone/lime/ammonia reagent reacts in absorber tower, producing gypsum-type by-products for disposal or sale.

Scope: July 2025 MoEFCC order exempts 78 % of national coal fleet; only NCR, dense or critically-polluted clusters targeted.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

2015 MoEFCC norms mandated universal FGD; July 2025 amendment shifts to location-based requirement.
Exemption based on Principal Scientific Adviser panel citing low-sulphur Indian coal, adequate ambient compliance.
Decision released without public consultation, drawing procedural criticism.

Tech Details

Reagents limestone, lime, ammonia chosen for high SO₂ affinity and easy Indian availability.
Limited domestic suppliers and Covid-period import delays slowed tendering and erection.
By-product gypsum marketability varies, affecting plant economics.

Environmental & Health Impact

SO₂ converts to secondary sulphate PM2.5, aggravating respiratory and cardiac disease.
Tall stacks disperse pollutants but do not cut overall mass emissions.
Experts warn rollback could offset urban air-quality gains from other sectors.

Economic Angle

Installation deemed capital-intensive; utilities flagged tariff impacts and financing hurdles.
MoEFCC cites cost-benefit imbalance where ambient SO₂ already below limits.
Exemption expected to accelerate stalled coal capacity additions without FGD burden.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Plants now compulsory FGD (Category A)	11 % units; within 10 km NCR or dense population
Plants possible FGD (Category B)	11 % units near critically polluted / non-attainment cities
Exempt plants (Category C)	78 % units nationwide
Original FGD deadline	2017 notification (issued 2015)
Actual compliance till 2025	≈ 8 % units
Ambient SO₂ Indian average	10–20 µg/m³ vs 80 µg/m³ CPCB limit
Coal share in PM2.5 load	~15 % of national total
Health impact radius	Up to 200 km downwind

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

GS-3Species

6.Kaziranga Grassland Bird Diversity Survey (Grassland Birds)

The HinduKaziranga National Park · Bengal florican · Finn’s weaver

What & Where

Kaziranga National Park, floodplain of Brahmaputra, Assam; UNESCO World Heritage Site & Tiger Reserve.

July 2025 first grassland-bird survey logged 43 species, many globally threatened.

Grassland avifaunal richness now comparable to Gujarat & Rajasthan savanna-grasslands.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity Highlights

Survey confirms Kaziranga as Northeast India’s richest grassland-bird hotspot.
Presence of florican & babblers elevates site’s global conservation priority.
Successful Finn’s weaver nesting signals intact tall-grass mosaics.

Designations & Timeline

1908 Reserve Forest → 1950 Wildlife Sanctuary → 1974 National Park → 1985 WHS → 2007 Tiger Reserve.
Original motive: protect Indian one-horned rhinoceros; now multi-species focus.

Geographical Setting

Annual Brahmaputra floods deposit nutrients, sustain grasslands, yet cause bank erosion & habitat loss.
Park divided into three wildlife divisions, all surveyed for avifauna.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State & river	Assam; along Brahmaputra
Total area	1,174 sq km
UNESCO tag	1985
Tiger Reserve notification	2007
First grassland-bird survey	2025
Grassland bird species recorded	43
Critically Endangered present	Bengal florican
Endangered present	Finn’s weaver, Swamp grass babbler
Vulnerable species count	6 (incl. Black-breasted parrotbill)
Finn’s weaver breeding status	Confirmed successful
Park’s “Big Five”	Rhino, Tiger, Elephant, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Eastern Swamp Deer
Eastern Swamp Deer population share	Nearly entire global population

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 1

Cheetahs, brought from Namibia, were introduced in India to which one of the following National Parks?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following national parks has become the first national park in India to be equipped with satellite phones?

GS-3Editorial

7.Ethical Governance of Data Ecosystems (Data Governance)

CWdata ethics · ownership · transparency

Illustration for Ethical Governance of Data Ecosystems (Data Governance)

What & Where

Concept: Data ethics governs responsible collection, use, storage, sharing, analysis of personal and sensitive data

Event: Three-day regional workshop on Data Ethics, Governance & Quality hosted by MoSPI with UN SIAP

Geography: Focus on Asia-Pacific statistical systems amid a rapidly changing data ecosystem

Quick Facts for MCQs

Core Principles

Ownership–Transparency–Privacy ensure consent, clear data use, PII protection
Intention–Fairness require legitimate purpose and non-discriminatory algorithmic outcomes

Need Drivers

Trust: 57 % users quit brands after misuse; ethics sustains digital economy
Compliance: GDPR and DPDP Act mandate lawful, accountable, explainable processing

Challenges

Black-boxes and consent fatigue erode accountability and user control
Data monopolies and biased datasets embed discrimination in policing, hiring

Way Ahead

Ethical-by-design, XAI, external audits embed fairness and accountability
Awareness drives and global norms reinforce rights and cross-border governance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Workshop hosts	MoSPI + UN Statistical Institute for Asia & the Pacific
Workshop type	Regional (Asia-Pacific) capacity-building
Duration	3 days
Key principle count	5 – Ownership, Transparency, Privacy, Intention, Fairness
Trust loss statistic	57 % users disengage after data misuse (Accenture)
Indian statute	Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Mitigation tool	Explainable AI (XAI)

GS-3S&T

8.Aspergillosis Fungal Respiratory Infection (Fungal Disease)

New Indian ExpressAspergillus fumigatus · airborne spores · respiratory infection

Illustration for Aspergillosis Fungal Respiratory Infection (Fungal Disease)

What & Where

Aspergillosis – respiratory infection by inhaling Aspergillus spores, chiefly A. fumigatus

Geography – ubiquitous worldwide; urban Indian cases wrongly linked to Blue Rock Pigeon presence

Habitat – spores flourish in moist, decaying matter, poorly ventilated or dusty sites

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Sources

Reservoirs – Soil, rotting vegetation, old grains, compost heaps store high spore loads
Urban sites – Air ducts, damp walls, poorly ventilated rooms amplify fungal growth
Pigeons – Droppings only incidental spore carriers, not principal infection origin

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms – Persistent cough, wheeze, fever, dyspnoea, chest pain after heavy spore exposure
Chronic stage – Haemoptysis signals chronic pulmonary aspergillosis needing long therapy

Treatment & Control

Therapy – Azole antifungals voriconazole or itraconazole form mainstay of care
Surgery – Lobectomy or cavity debridement reserved for invasive, drug-refractory disease
Prevention – Dry ventilation, prompt removal of damp organic waste curb spore density

Social Concerns

Misconception – Public wrongly blames city pigeons for rising aspergillosis incidence
Impact – Unfounded fear risks unnecessary bird bans and distracts from true environmental fixes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Causative genus	Aspergillus (mold)
Dominant species	A. fumigatus
Person-to-person spread	Absent
Main reservoirs	Soil, compost, damp walls, bird droppings
Key symptom	Persistent cough with chest pain
First-line drug	Voriconazole

GS-3S&T

9.GM Maize Confined Field Trials (GM Crops)

Times of IndiaGM maize · herbicide tolerance · insect resistance

What & Where

Trial: GM maize (HT + BT) biosafety BRL-I/II at PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab

Developer: Bayer; Implementer: Punjab Agricultural University; Regulator: Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India

Purpose: Evaluate agronomic performance & environmental biosafety under confined, non-commercial conditions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Framework: Rules 1989 under Environment Act mandate BRL-I/II trials before GEAC commercial decision
Approval: State-level multi-institutional committee issued NoC; activists seek its withdrawal
Oversight: DBT monitors compliance with biosafety guidelines, data submission timelines

Technological Traits

Stack: Single event combines HT gene + Cry (Bt) toxin genes for dual weed and pest control
Precedent: PAU earlier evaluated Bt cotton using similar biosafety protocols
Confined design: Border rows, isolation distance, post-harvest monitoring prevent gene escape

Social Concerns

Opposition: Environmental NGOs and farmer groups fear herbicide overuse, biodiversity loss
Transparency: University asserts data-driven research, periodic public reporting, no commercialization intent
Balance: Debate reflects productivity needs versus ecological prudence in Punjab’s intensive maize belt

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Crop under test	Genetically modified maize
Trait package	Herbicide tolerance + Bt insect resistance
Technology owner	Bayer
Field site	PAU campus, Ludhiana
Regulatory phase	BRL-I and BRL-II trials
Central authority	Department of Biotechnology
Trial nature	Non-commercial, confined
Primary objective	Evidence for policymakers, not market release

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

भारत में विकसित आनुवंशिकतः संशोधित सरसों (जेनेटिकली मॉडिफाइड सरसों / GM सरसों) के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS1 2001PYQ 2

The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?

GS-3S&T

10.Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells Breakthrough (Solar Cell Tech)

PIBtandem solar cell · perovskite · 29.8% efficiency

What & Where

Definition Tandem solar cell stacks silicon and perovskite layers to capture wider solar spectrum

Type 4-terminal Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite architecture with record 29.8 % lab efficiency

Geography Developed by ART-PV India, IIT Bombay incubated; showcased by MNRE in India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Specs

Layering Silicon bottom cell plus perovskite top cell maximises photon absorption
CdTe interlayer used to optimise band-gap alignment and voltage output
Four-terminal design permits independent optimisation of each sub-cell

Economic Angle

Indigenous manufacturing slashes import reliance on Chinese PV modules
Higher efficiency cuts land area per MW, reducing balance-of-system costs
Export potential boosts Make in India clean-tech revenues

Policy Alignment

Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat through home-grown advanced photovoltaics
Aids Net Zero 2070 roadmap by providing cost-effective renewable capacity
Complements PLI scheme for solar modules, fostering domestic supply chain

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Latest efficiency	29.8 %
Cell configuration	4-terminal Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite
Developer	ART-PV India startup
Incubation hub	IIT Bombay-based NCPRE
Union ministry	MNRE
Cost aspect	Lower production cost, higher energy yield
Target efficiency	>30 % feasible
Key applications	Rooftop, utility parks, EV charging

GS-2Scheme

11.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Milestones (Skill Development)

DD NewsPMKVY · Skill India Mission · MSDE

What & Where

Scheme; Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana under Skill India Mission, skilling youth in industry-relevant jobs

Processes; Short-Term Training, Recognition of Prior Learning, digital credit-linked certifications

Geography; Pan-India coverage via MSDE and 30 + sector skill councils

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration; AI analytics tracks outcomes, credits stored in Academic Bank for lifelong mobility
Skill Hubs; vocational modules embedded in schools for early skilling pipeline
Digital Hub; single platform for enrolment, assessment, placement tracking

Social Inclusion

Gender; nearly half trainees women, promoting female workforce entry
Equity; strong representation from SC, ST, OBC categories via targeted outreach
RPL; formal certification uplifts informal sector workers’ wages and dignity

Performance Metrics

Training scale; average 16 lakh youth added annually since 2015
Placement support; scheme mandates post-training placement assistance and wage monitoring
Alignment; sectors mapped to Make in India, Digital India, emerging tech demand

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2015
Parent ministry	MSDE
Mission umbrella	Skill India Mission
Current phase	PMKVY 4.0 (FY 2022-25)
Total trained (all phases)	1.63 crore
STT course length	3–6 months
Women share	≈ 45 % beneficiaries
Trained under PMKVY 4.0	25 lakh
RPL focus group	Artisans / weavers / craftsmen
Digital tools	AI analytics, Academic Bank of Credits, Skill India Digital Hub
Emerging skills covered	AI, IoT, drones, mechatronics
COVID Warriors trained	1.2 lakh
Make in India link	1.10 crore trained under PMKVY 2.0
Other MSDE schemes trained	6 crore+ since 2014

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2018PYQ 1

प्रधान मंत्री कौशल विकास योजना के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Which one among the following schemes focuses on developing modern infrastructure and optimizing supply chain from farm to retail in Indian agriculture sector?

GS-2Scheme

12.ADEETIE Industrial Energy Efficiency Scheme (Energy Efficiency)

ET EnergyADEETIE · Bureau of Energy Efficiency · interest subvention

Illustration for ADEETIE Industrial Energy Efficiency Scheme (Energy Efficiency)

What & Where

ADEETIE: Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments; MoP–BEE flagship for low-carbon MSME growth.

National rollout; launch at Panipat, Haryana; targets identified industrial clusters across India.

Focus: subsidised EE tech adoption via audits, DPRs, loans, digital portal.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Components: Investment-grade energy audits, DPR drafting, post-installation M&V.
Dedicated online portal manages applications, tracking, disbursement.
Cluster strategy aids scalable deployment in energy-intensive sectors.

Financial Support

Soft-loan interest buy-down delivered through partner FIs.
Early adopters & high-energy MSMEs prioritised for faster sanction.
Scheme aims to improve power-productivity ratio alongside credit access.

Environmental Impact

Direct CO₂ mitigation via reduced industrial electricity demand.
Contributes to Net-Zero 2070 & Viksit Bharat milestones.
Promotes clean-tech market expansion within domestic supply chains.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scheme window	FY 2025-26 – FY 2027-28
Total budget	₹1000 cr
Interest subvention	5 % Micro/Small; 3 % Medium
Interest-subvention corpus	₹875 cr
Audit allocation	₹50 cr
Handholding allocation	₹75 cr
Phase-I clusters	60
Phase-II clusters	100
Expected catalysed investment	₹9000 cr (₹6750 cr MSME loans)
Potential energy cut	Up to 50 % per tech

GS-1Editorial

13.Rising Dowry Deaths Across India (Dowry Deaths)

The Hindudowry death · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita · Section 80

What & Where

Dowry death = woman’s unnatural demise within 7 yrs of marriage after dowry-linked cruelty; defined under Section 80 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Cruelty under Section 86 BNS covers willful conduct or harassment for unlawful money/property demands; cognisable, non-bailable.

Hotspot belt: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana account for ~80 % cases.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 + BNS 2023 collectively criminalise giving, taking, demanding dowry.
Supreme Court 2011 (Sanjay Kumar Jain) termed dowry a societal curse needing eradication.
Proposal: dedicated fast-track courts to shorten trial cycle.

Judicial Bottlenecks

Charge-sheet delay: 70 % filed after ≥2 months, evidence degrades.
>90 % cases languish in courts, conviction rare, impunity rises.
Police-led “mediation” often replaces FIR, diluting legal deterrence.

Socio-Economic Drivers

Cultural entitlement masks dowry as “gifts,” sustaining illegality.
Consumerism, social-media weddings inflate monetary expectations.
Patriarchal mindset commodifies brides, legitimising control & abuse.

Mitigation Measures

Tech helplines, WhatsApp channels enable anonymous dowry complaints.
Schemes: Beti Bachao, Sukanya, Mudra, Skill Mission boost female financial autonomy.
District shelters with cash, legal aid create real exit pathways.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
BNS clause-Dowry death	Section 80
BNS clause-Cruelty	Section 86
Minimum punishment	7 yrs imprisonment
Maximum punishment	Life imprisonment
Avg dowry deaths (2017-22)	≈7,000/yr
Charge-sheeted cases	≈4,500/yr
Annual convictions	≈100
Probes pending >6 months (2022)	67 %
Rural marriages with dowry (1960-2008)	95 %
States giving 80 % deaths	WB, OD, BR, JK, UP, MP, RJ, HR

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