Tuesday, 22 July 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (b) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2. This question appeared in GS1 2004.

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Speaker of Lok Sabha is not correct?

The correct answer is (d) While the office of the Speaker is vacant, the duties of the office shall be performed by the Deputy Speaker.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2022.

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Vice-President of India is not correct?

The correct answer is (b) He must not be less than 35 years of age.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: Which of the following statements about 'Good Governance Index' (GGI) is/are not correct?

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2024.

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji originally in Bengali. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (c) Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.. This question appeared in GS1 2021.

Q: NISAR satellite is manufactured jointly by Indian Space Research Organisation and:

The correct answer is (c) Russian Federal Space Agency. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023.

Q: Which one of the following satellites is to be launched from India in 1996?

The correct answer is (a) IRS-P2. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 1996.

Q: Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine ?

The correct answer is (a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2010.

15 topicsGS-1: 5GS-2: 6GS-3: 4

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Parliament Monsoon Session 2025 begins (Parliament Sessions)

PIBMonsoon Session · Article 85 · Prorogation

What & Where

Session: period between first sitting & prorogation of a House; Parliament normally meets thrice yearly in New Delhi

Regular sessions: Budget (Feb–May), Monsoon (Jul–Aug), Winter (Nov–Dec); Special Session for urgent, historic matters

Bills of Lading Bill 2025: modern maritime statute replacing Indian Bills of Lading Act 1856 for nationwide shipping documents

Quick Facts for MCQs

Parliamentary Terms

Summoning: President convenes each House; Constitution silent on exact number of yearly sessions
Adjournment: Presiding Officer suspends sitting; sine die leaves return date open, business resumes intact
Prorogation: President formally ends session; fresh summons required to meet again

Constitutional Limits

Dissolution: terminates Lok Sabha, lapsing pending business except RS-origin Bills, ministerial assurances
Special Session: can be called outside regular trio for crises such as 1962 India-China war
Quorum: one-tenth membership mandatory for valid sitting; ensures legislative legitimacy

Maritime Trade

Bill of Lading: evidence of goods loaded, document of title, transferable to endorsees/receivers
2025 Bill fixes rights & liabilities, grants conclusive evidentiary value, reduces litigation in shipping
Alignment: brings Indian law closer to UNCITRAL, boosts ease-of-doing-business in global maritime trade

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Summoning article	Article 85
Max gap between sessions	≤ 6 months
Quorum fraction	1/10th House strength
Quorum numbers	LS 55; RS 25
Authority to dissolve LS	President under Art 85(2)
LS normal tenure	5 years; extendable during Emergency
Business surviving dissolution	Rajya Sabha-origin Bills, Ministerial Assurances
Document modernised	Indian Bills of Lading Act 1856
Implementing ministry	Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Evidence status of BoL	Conclusive proof of shipment

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:

GS1 2004PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-2Polity

2.Vice-President resignation constitutional process (Vice-Presidency)

Indian ExpressArticle 67(a) · Vacancy Election · Deputy Chairman

Illustration for Vice-President resignation constitutional process (Vice-Presidency)

What & Where

Vice-President; second-highest constitutional office under Articles 63-71, ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Resignation; written to President per Article 67(a), no acting VP, Deputy Chairman presides in interim

Election; MPs of both Houses choose new VP by STV-PR, full five-year term regardless of predecessor balance

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

Article 64; VP doubles as Rajya Sabha Chairman, normally no vote
Article 68; fresh election mandatory on vacancy, successor serves full term
Oath; administered by President under Article 69, pledging constitutional fidelity

Election Process

Notification; issued by Election Commission under 1952 Act, RO rotates between House Secretaries
Nomination; 20 proposers + 20 seconders, ₹15,000 security deposit
Counting; Droop quota decides winner in single preferential tally

Powers & Functions

Discipline; Rule 256 allows Chairman to suspend disorderly members for session remainder
Committee referral; screens bills, motions, resolutions for detailed examination
No Money Bill role; certification power solely with Lok Sabha Speaker

Comparative Insight

Succession; US VP becomes President for full balance, Indian VP only interim six months
Executive role; US VP sits in Cabinet, Indian VP largely legislative and ceremonial

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional span	Articles 63-71
Resignation clause	Article 67(a)
Vacancy election limit	“As soon as possible”; no fixed days
Electoral college	All elected + nominated MPs, states excluded
Voting method	Proportional rep, single transferable, secret ballot
Minimum age	35 years
Eligibility	Rajya Sabha-qualifiable, no office of profit
Removal vote	RS effective majority + LS simple; 14-day notice
Acting as President	Up to 6 months, Article 65
Rajya Sabha vote	Only casting vote during tie

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about the Speaker of Lok Sabha is not correct?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about the Vice-President of India is not correct?

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

3.Good Governance Practices conference (Grievance Redressal)

PIBDARPG · CPGRAMS · Jeevan Pramaan

What & Where

National Conference on Good Governance Practices held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha; jointly by DARPG & Odisha Govt.

Focus on award-winning governance innovations under Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.

Showcased digital tools: CPGRAMS grievance portal & Jeevan Pramaan biometric life-certificate system.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

CPGRAMS links all central ministries & state depts for seamless grievance tracking.
Jeevan Pramaan eliminates physical presence, ensuring frictionless pension disbursal, fraud reduction.
Both tools cited as global governance models during conference.

Administrative Setup

DARPG oversees design, adoption and monitoring of good-governance digital platforms.
Prime Minister’s Awards initiatives serve as replicable templates for other jurisdictions.
Conference platform enables cross-state learning on administrative reforms.

Social Impact

Timely grievance redressal via CPGRAMS boosts citizen trust in public delivery.
Digital life certificates ease compliance burden for elderly pensioners.
Large-scale adoption indicates rising digital literacy among beneficiaries.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Conference year	2025
Organising Union dept	DARPG, Min. of Personnel
State partner	Odisha
Theme tagline	“Good Governance Practices”
CPGRAMS nature	24×7 online grievance redressal
CPGRAMS appeal provision	One appeal if reply unsatisfactory
CPGRAMS exclusions	RTI, sub-judice, religious issues, staff service matters
Jeevan Pramaan launch	2014
Verification mode	Aadhaar-based biometrics via app/web
Eligible pensioners	Central, State & other govt retirees
Life certificates submitted	10.31 crore (2014-2025)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about 'Good Governance Index' (GGI) is/are not correct?

GS-3Economy

4.GENIUS Act regulates stablecoins (Digital Currency)

TNStablecoins · GENIUS Act · USDT

What & Where

Stablecoins = blockchain tokens pegged to reference assets, chiefly USD, to keep near-fixed purchasing value.

Key types: fiat-collateralised (USDC), crypto-collateralised (DAI), algorithmic (TerraUSD, defunct), commodity-backed (PAX Gold).

USA: 2024 GENIUS Act gives first federal framework; Treasury + Federal Reserve supervise issuers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

GENIUS Act excludes regulated stablecoins from securities status; imposes Treasury–Fed licensing, consumer-first redemption.
Compliance: full cash/T-bill reserves, real-time disclosures, penalties for mis-management.

Technology & Mechanism

Public blockchains enable programmable, borderless, near-instant transfers and DeFi integration via smart contracts.
Peg upheld through issuance/redemption using fiat, crypto over-collateralisation, or algorithmic supply controls.

Economic Angle

Cross-border remittances: minutes settlement, sub-1 % fees, bypass traditional correspondent banking.
Volatility hedge: investors park value in stablecoins during crypto downturns to retain dollar exposure.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
US law name	GENIUS Act (signed 2024)
Mandatory reserve ratio	100 % of outstanding tokens
Audit requirement	Independent monthly attestations
Typical peg	1 token ≈ 1 USD
Major issuers	Tether-USDT, Circle-USDC, MakerDAO-DAI
Failure case	TerraUSD collapse, May 2022
CBDC issuer	National central bank (not private)

GS-1History

5.Hatti tribe polyandry tradition (Tribal Customs)

NDTVHatti Tribe · Polyandry · Scheduled Tribe

Illustration for Hatti tribe polyandry tradition (Tribal Customs)

What & Where

Polyandry: Hatti custom Jodidara/Jajda where a woman marries two or more brothers.

Types: Fraternal (adelphic) among brothers; Non-fraternal among unrelated men by rotation.

Geography: Trans-Giri (Sirmaur, HP) & Jaunsar-Bawar (Dehradun, Uttarakhand) between Giri and Tons rivers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural Markers

Attire: Men wear white headgear; tribe named after trading in rural haats.
Social: Inter-clan marriages, strong joint-family bonds reinforced by polyandry.

Economic Logic

Landholding: Shared wives keep ancestral plots intact, avoiding costly subdivision.
Labour: Multiple husbands supply continuous manpower for terrace farming, livestock, and remote-area security.

Legal & Policy

Custom evidence: Section 13 Indian Evidence Act permits proving ancient tribal practices in court.
Limitation: HMA 1955 & SMA penalise bigamy; exemption stands until Centre notifies tribe otherwise.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Tribe status	Scheduled Tribe, Himachal Pradesh
Governing council	Khumbli
Polyandry term	Jodidara / Jajda
Marriage ritual	Seenj ceremony at groom’s house
Headgear	White pagri for men
Region rivers	Giri & Tons (Yamuna tributaries)
Main motive	Prevent land fragmentation
Penal provision	Section 82 BNS: bigamy
Act exemption	Hindu Marriage Act excludes STs

GS-1History

6.National Flag Day observance (Indian Flag)

Indian ExpressTiranga Adoption Day · Constituent Assembly 1947 · Pingali Venkayya

What & Where

Tiranga, India’s tricolour national flag, officially adopted by Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947.

National Flag Day (Tiranga Adoption Day) observed annually on 22 July across India.

Governed nationwide by Flag Code of India 2002 and Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

1904 Nivedita flag red-yellow with Vajra, lotus, “Bande Mataram”.
1906 Calcutta tricolour green-yellow-red; 1907 Bhikaji Cama flag green-saffron-red.
1931 Congress adopts saffron-white-green with spinning wheel; 1947 wheel replaced by Ashoka Chakra.

Symbolism

Saffron denotes strength, courage; White purity, truth, peace; Green fertility, prosperity.
Ashoka Chakra signifies dharma, motion; 24 spokes represent continuous progress.

Legal & Policy

Flag Code parts: I-description, II-public use, III-government display.
Code bars flag as drapery, clothes, vehicle covering; bans touching ground or water.
Citizens, institutions may hoist flag any day, respecting prescribed dignity.

Material & Manufacturing

Khadi monopoly ended 2021; polyester, cotton, wool, silk now approved.
BIS specifications govern dimensions, colour shades, fastness.
Manufacture still restricted to licensed units for quality compliance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Popular name	Tiranga (Tricolour)
Designer credited	Pingali Venkayya, 1921 draft
Adoption date	22 July 1947
Stripe order (top–bottom)	Saffron / White / Green
Centre emblem	Navy-blue Ashoka Chakra
Chakra spokes	24
Flag ratio	3 : 2 (length : height)
Constitutional duty	Art 51A(a) – respect flag & anthem
Core legislation	Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971
Flag Code in force	26 Jan 2002; amended 2021 & 2022
2021 change	Allowed polyester & machine-made flags
2022 change	Permitted 24×7 display when in open/home
Oldest surviving flag	Fort St George Museum, Chennai
Material idealised	Hand-spun khadi for self-reliance
National Flag Day	22 July each year

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct?

GS1 2021PYQ 2

With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

7.Kamchatka Peninsula seismic hotspot (Pacific Ring Fire)

LiveMintKamchatka Peninsula · Magnitude 7.4 · Pacific Ring of Fire

Illustration for Kamchatka Peninsula seismic hotspot (Pacific Ring Fire)

What & Where

Russian Far-East peninsula on Pacific Ring of Fire, between Sea of Okhotsk (W) and Pacific/Bering Sea (E).

Sits on Pacific–North American plate boundary; intense quakes, >150 volcanoes with 29 active.

Relief dominated by Sredinny & Vostochny ranges; Kamchatka River is principal drainage.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Seismic Activity

Five quakes July 2025; strongest 7.4 Mw off east coast.
Driven by Pacific plate subduction; shallow focus increases surface impact.
Part of Pacific Ring of Fire, ranking among world’s highest seismic zones.

Volcanism

>150 volcanoes; 29 active form UNESCO World Heritage site.
Klyuchevskoy ~4,750 m, tallest and most active stratovolcano.
Significant geothermal fields suitable for renewable energy.

Climate & Population

Predominantly tundra; long, harsh winters limit agriculture.
Low population density; settlements clustered near coasts and river valleys.
Wildlife habitats relatively undisturbed due to sparse human footprint.

Geopolitics

Kuril Archipelago extends southward; sovereignty tussle Russia–Japan since 1945.
Peninsula offers Russia strategic Pacific naval access.
Harsh climate impedes extensive military and civilian infrastructure.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Strongest July 2025 quake	7.4 Mw
Number of quakes (Jul 2025)	Five
Plate junction	Pacific & North American
UNESCO tag	Volcanoes of Kamchatka
Total volcanoes	150 +
Active volcanoes	29
Highest/most active volcano	Klyuchevskoy
Main river	Kamchatka River
Mountain ranges	Sredinny, Vostochny
Climate type	Tundra
Western water body	Sea of Okhotsk
Eastern water bodies	Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea
Disputed nearby islands	Kuril Archipelago (Russia–Japan)

GS-1Mapping

8.Bitra Island location and features (Lakshadweep Isle)

Hindustan TimesBitra Island · Lakshadweep · Coral Lagoon

Illustration for Bitra Island location and features (Lakshadweep Isle)

What & Where

Identity: smallest inhabited Lakshadweep atoll; land 0.105 sq km within 45.61 sq km lagoon

Location: 11°36′N 72°11′E, ~483 km west of Kochi; coral-reef-ringed

Significance: hosts Malik Mulla shrine; now notified for defence acquisition citing strategic Arabian-Sea lanes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Shipping lanes: overlooks busy Arabian Sea traffic near Hormuz–Malacca linkage
Defence plan: convert into naval outpost enhancing maritime domain awareness
Force posture: complements INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti) and planned INS Jatayu (Minicoy)

Legal & Policy

Framework: land notified under Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act 2013
SIA: Lakshadweep Collector orders social-impact survey to finish within two months
Precedent: marks third defence-related land move inside Lakshadweep archipelago

Social Concerns

Mobilisation: “Save Bitra Island” protests and online campaigns by residents
Livelihood fear: fishing, coconut farming and shrine-linked tourism may suffer
Rights debate: tension between national security objectives and indigenous consent

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Land area	0.105 sq km
Lagoon area	45.61 sq km
Coordinates	11°36′N 72°11′E
Distance from Kochi	≈483 km west
Population (2011)	271 persons
Annual rainfall	~1600 mm
Administration	UT of Lakshadweep
Acquisition law	LARR Act 2013

GS-3S&T

9.NISAR dual-frequency SAR satellite (Earth Observation)

The HinduNISAR · NASA-ISRO · L-band S-band

Illustration for NISAR dual-frequency SAR satellite (Earth Observation)

What & Where

NISAR = first NASA-ISRO dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar Earth-observation satellite

Operates L-band (NASA) + S-band (ISRO) SAR for all-weather, day-night surface imaging

To be launched from SDSC Sriharikota aboard GSLV-F16 on 30 Jul 2025 into near-polar Sun-synchronous orbit

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology Specs

Dual-frequency SAR enables deeper penetration through vegetation, ice, soil
SweepSAR provides wide swath while maintaining high resolution
Ku-band downlink planned for rapid data transfer

Applications

Monitoring land deformation, glacier flow, coastal subsidence, crop biomass
Inputs for disaster response: earthquakes, landslides, floods
Supports SDG metrics via soil moisture, forest carbon, wetland extent mapping

International Cooperation

2014 NASA–ISRO MoU formalised cost and hardware sharing
First US radar payload to fly on an Indian launch vehicle
Data policy: free and open global science access after standard latency

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
Launch date	30 July 2025 (target)
Launch vehicle	GSLV-F16
Orbit	747 km Sun-synchronous, 12-day repeat
Swath width	242 km
Antenna type	12 m unfurlable mesh reflector
Detectable change	< 1 cm surface displacement
Indian hardware	S-band radar, modified I-3K bus
US hardware	L-band radar, GPS, telecom, data systems
Key tech	SweepSAR dual-frequency imaging

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 1

NISAR satellite is manufactured jointly by Indian Space Research Organisation and:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 1996PYQ 2

Which one of the following satellites is to be launched from India in 1996?

GS-3S&T

10.AdFalciVax multistage malaria vaccine (Vaccine Development)

DD NewsAdFalciVax · ICMR · Chimeric Vaccine

What & Where

AdFalciVax; multistage chimeric malaria vaccine under ICMR; employs Lactococcus lactis vector

Targets Plasmodium falciparum liver (pre-erythrocytic) and sexual (mosquito-stage) phases

Malaria belts: sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South America; India chasing elimination by 2030

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Make-in-India push; AdFalciVax conceived for domestic production and export
Chimeric design fuses multiple parasite antigens boosting breadth of immunity
Food-grade bacterial vector promises high safety and easier cold-chain

Epidemiological Trend

Malaria burden cut ~80 % between 2015 and 2023 per World Malaria Report 2024
India removed from WHO High Burden to High Impact cohort in 2024
Elimination roadmap targets zero indigenous cases nationally by 2030

Treatment & Prevention

Licensed pediatric vaccines: RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M validated as safe and efficacious
Standard therapeutics include chloroquine and artemisinin; latter earned Nobel for Youyou Tu
Parasite sequence: liver infection precedes red-blood-cell invasion causing fever, chills, headache

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vaccine name	AdFalciVax
Vaccine nature	Chimeric multistage
Lead agency	ICMR India
Vector platform	Lactococcus lactis
Parasite species	Plasmodium falciparum
Stages hit	Liver & sexual
Other WHO-cleared vaccines	RTS,S; R21/Matrix-M
India cases 2015	11.69 lakh
India cases 2023	2.27 lakh
HBHI list status 2024	India exited
National zero-malaria goal	Year 2030
Artemisinin discoverer	Youyou Tu (Nobel)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2010PYQ 1

Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine ?

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured in India, is

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.International Moon Day celebration (Lunar Missions)

The HinduInternational Moon Day · Apollo 11 · UNGA 2021

What & Where

International Moon Day: UN-recognised observance on 20 July, commemorates Apollo 11’s 1969 first human lunar landing.

Origin: Proposed by UN COPUOS; formal adoption by UNGA in 2021 to foster global space-exploration cooperation.

Geography: Highlights Moon’s South Pole after India’s Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing, expanding exploration beyond near-equatorial Apollo sites.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Missions

Apollo Program: Six successful landings, last being Apollo 17 in 1972.
Landmark: Apollo 11 proved crewed lunar return feasibility, inspiring international follow-up missions.

Indian Missions

Chandrayaan-series: Progressive agenda from remote sensing (-1) to landing (-3) to sample-return (-4).
Technology: Chandrayaan-3 used indigenous lander-rover combo, validating soft-landing, hazard-detection algorithms.

UN & Cooperation

Resolution: UNGA urged educational outreach on Moon science, especially for developing nations.
Collaboration: LUPEX exemplifies Asia-Pacific synergy, merging ISRO lander with JAXA rover for polar exploration.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Observance date	20 July, annually
UNGA recognition year	2021
Recommending body	COPUOS
Apollo 11 launch	16 Jul 1969
First Moonwalk	20 Jul 1969
Apollo crew on surface	Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin
Command-module astronaut	Michael Collins
Total Apollo surface missions	6 (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17)
India’s first lunar mission	Chandrayaan-1 (2008)
Key Chandrayaan-1 finding	Water molecules on Moon
Chandrayaan-2 status	Orbiter active; lander failed (2019)
Chandrayaan-3 feat	First soft-landing at lunar South Pole, 2023
India’s global rank in lunar landings	4th nation
Upcoming Chandrayaan-4	Sample-return, target 2027
LUPEX (Chandrayaan-5) partners	ISRO & JAXA
LUPEX focus	Polar water-ice exploration
LUPEX tentative window	2027–28

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier ?

GS-2Editorial

12.India deepens engagement with Taliban (India-Afghanistan)

FFTaliban Talks · Russia Recognition · Soft Power Aid

Illustration for India deepens engagement with Taliban (India-Afghanistan)

What & Where

India–Taliban 2.0: post-Aug 2021 calibrated contacts between New Delhi and Taliban rulers in Kabul

Process: humanitarian aid, Foreign Secretary-level talks, EAM Jaishankar–Muttaqi call, no formal recognition yet

Geography: Afghanistan sits in India’s “first ring” buffer, linking South Asia to Central Asia via Iran’s Chabahar

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geopolitical Context

Hostility 1996-2001 shifted to pragmatic dialogue after 2021 withdrawal
Pakistan influence eroding; India, Russia, Iran filling vacuum
Afghanistan viewed as insulating state per Buzan, critical for regional order

Strategic Interests

Counter-terror: secure promise against anti-India groups operating from Afghan soil
Connectivity: land bridge to Central Asia bypassing Pakistan, supports energy security
China-Pakistan containment: alternate routes dilute CPEC strategic depth

Challenges

Legitimacy: engaging a UN-sanctioned regime sensitive for democratic India
Human rights: Taliban curbs on women, minorities strain India’s normative stance
Multipolar contest: China investments, Pakistan proxies complicate Indian leverage

Policy Pathways

De facto engagement: aid, talks, projects minus formal recognition
Layered diplomacy: channel support through UN, NGOs to Afghan civil society
Regional hedging: tighter coordination with Iran, Central Asian republics, Russia

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taliban first regime	1996 – 2001
Taliban retook Kabul	August 2021
Indian aid to Afghanistan	USD 3 billion + (dams, hospitals, Parliament)
Key connectivity asset	Chabahar port–Zaranj/Delaram corridor
Russia’s stance Oct 2023	Formal recognition of Taliban government
Main Pak-Taliban rift	Taliban refusal to curb Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
Shafiee “ring” category	Afghanistan in India’s First Ring
Taliban status at UN	Under sanctions, no global recognition

GS-2Scheme

13.Meri Panchayat rural governance app (Digital Governance)

PIBMeri Panchayat · m-Governance · NIC

Illustration for Meri Panchayat rural governance app (Digital Governance)

What & Where

Meri Panchayat: mobile-based m-Governance platform for Gram Panchayats across rural India.

Provides transparent, interactive access to Panchayat budgets, plans, assets, feedback.

Jointly built by Ministry of Panchayati Raj & NIC (MeitY).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Real-time dashboards expose Panchayat budgets, payments, GPDP progress.
Geo-tools monitor project location, allow location-based grievance redressal.
Multilingual interface ensures digital inclusion across diverse rural users.

Governance Impact

Social-audit features track fund utilisation, heightening accountability.
Civic module lets villagers propose projects, rate completed works, submit feedback.
App narrows knowledge divide, strengthening participatory democracy in Gram Sabhas.

International Recognition

Bagged WSIS Champion Award 2025 for cultural and linguistic diversity.
Recognised in Geneva as model of citizen-centric rural e-governance.
Endorsed by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD for grassroots digital inclusion.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch entity	Ministry of Panchayati Raj + National Informatics Centre
Platform nature	Mobile m-Governance application
Core users	Rural citizens & Panchayati Raj Institutions
Languages supported	12 plus Indian languages
Key tech tools	Geo-tagging, geo-fencing, social-audit modules
Real-time data	Budgets, payments, GPDPs, weather, civic assets
Award year	WSIS Prizes 2025
Award category	Cultural Diversity & Local Content
Award venue	WSIS+20 High-Level Event, Geneva
Host organisations	ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD

GS-2Scheme

14.SASCI iconic tourism investment scheme (Tourism Infrastructure)

DD NewsSASCI · Iconic Tourist Centres · Capital Investment

Illustration for SASCI iconic tourism investment scheme (Tourism Infrastructure)

What & Where

SASCI: centrally funded scheme upgrading iconic Indian tourist sites to global benchmark by 2026

Implemented by Ministry of Tourism; state governments propose and execute projects

Nationwide coverage; every sanctioned project must finish within 24 months

Quick Facts for MCQs

Development Components

Coverage spans connectivity, ecological safeguards, carrying capacity, branding, site operations
Upgrades include last-mile roads, visitor amenities, heritage interpretation, smart tech features
Digital promotion through social media, global roadshows, Incredible India branding

Funding & Timeline

Central grants released against state-submitted detailed project reports and milestones
Two-year deadline enforced; funds reallocated if targets missed
Monitoring via Ministry review, periodic progress reports, on-site inspections

Economic Angle

Local jobs expected in hospitality, guides, transport, handicrafts
Catalyses private investment along tourism value chain, boosts state revenues
Elevates India’s image as infrastructure-ready, culturally vibrant long-haul destination

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment
Tagline	Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale
Implementing ministry	Ministry of Tourism, GoI
Execution model	State-led, Centre-funded capital investment
Completion window	24 months from project approval
Core focus	Infrastructure, services, immersive experiences, sustainability
Promotion mode	Integrated domestic & global digital campaigns
Intended outcomes	World-class sites, higher tourist footfall, investment, jobs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

The scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) provides assistance for

GS-1Editorial

15.India female labour participation paradox (Female Employment)

EPWPLFS 2023-24 · FLFPR · Urban-Rural Gap

What & Where

Definition: Female Labour Force Participation Rate share of women 15 + employed or actively seeking work in economy

Data: Measurements from Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24 and World Bank 2024 datasets

Geography: Comparison across Indian rural agrarian belts versus urban service-sector centres

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structural Causes

Inflexibility: Urban service jobs rigid hours deter workers with caregiving duties
Safety: Limited safe transport and public spaces reduce female job access
Care penalty: No crèches or re-entry schemes leads to post-maternity dropouts

Rural–Urban Contrast

Flexibility: Farm and self-employment near home sustains rural women’s work
Kinship: Extended families in villages provide informal childcare support
Status: Rising urban incomes revive homemaker norm despite higher literacy

Policy Prescriptions

Childcare: Scale anganwadis and mandate employer-linked crèches in cities
Flexiwork: Promote part-time, gig and remote models through labour-code tweaks
Infrastructure: Invest in safe transport, lighting and women-friendly facilities

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Urban female literacy	84.9 %
Urban FLFPR	28 %
Rural literacy–FLFPR gap	~22 pp
Urban literacy–FLFPR gap	~57 pp
National female literacy	74.6 %
National employment gap	33 pp
Gap in developed nations	~40 pp
Gap in developing nations	~25 pp
Urban nuclear households	61.3 % (NFHS-5)
PLFS edition used	2023-24

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report 2023–24 by the National Statistical Organization (NSO):

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about employment situation in India according to Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct?

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