Monday, 4 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

The correct answer is (a) NITI Aayog. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization of the States:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

The correct answer is (a) States Reorganization Act : Andhra Pradesh. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2006.

Q: Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

The correct answer is (a) Bhitarkanika. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

Q: Which one of the following statements is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) Mahanadi River rises in Chhattisgarh. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: भारत वन स्थिति रिपोर्ट 2021 के अनुसार, निम्नलिखित में से किस हिमालयी राज्य में इसके भौगोलिक क्षेत्र का सर्वाधिक प्रतिशत वन है?

The correct answer is (a) अरुणाचल प्रदेश. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Gepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

The correct answer is (a) Jammu & Kashmir. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: महासागर औसत तापमान (Ocean Mean Temperature/OMT) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (b) केवल 2. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2020.

Q: The uplift mechanism that takes place when lighter warm moist air mass rises after encountering a colder and denser air mass causes

The correct answer is (a) convectional precipitation. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2023.

Q: भारत ने EFTA, जो कि चार देशों का एक क्षेत्रीय समूह है, के साथ व्यापार और आर्थिक भागीदारी करार (TEPA) पर हस्ताक्षर किया है। निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा देश इस समूह का सदस्य नहीं है?

The correct answer is (a) स्विट्ज़रलैंड. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

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

0/15 done

GS-2Editorial

1.India's Right to Repair Initiative (Consumer Rights)

The HinduRepairability Index · Circular Economy · Consumer Affairs Portal

Illustration for India's Right to Repair Initiative (Consumer Rights)

What & Where

Right to Repair: consumer entitlement to access parts, manuals, independent repair for owned products

Repairability Index: proposed India-wide label grading electronic devices on ease, cost, availability of repair

Informal hubs: Karol Bagh-Delhi & Ritchie Street-Chennai showcase tacit, generational repair know-how

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

ConsumerAffairs: portal operational but no statutory backing yet
IndexProposal: India agrees to introduce repairability scoring for electronics via BIS standards
Gap: informal repairers excluded from labour codes, certification frameworks

Informal Economy

Workforce: lakhs of unorganised technicians rely on tacit mentorship, not formal skilling
Identity: regional jugaad methods form intangible technological heritage
Risk: sealed designs & disposable goods erode repair literacy, livelihoods

Digital Policy Gaps

PMKVY: rigid curricula mismatch improvisational diagnostics needed in field
DPI & AI policies: centre on structured datasets, ignore human repair insights
NEP 2020: espouses experiential learning yet omits repair craft recognition

Sustainability Angle

CircularEconomy: repair first, recycle later prolongs device life, cuts e-waste volumes
Climate: aligns with Mission LiFE to reduce material extraction, emission footprint
GlobalPositioning: inclusive repair framework could make India circular economy showcase

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Right to Repair portal launch	July 2023 by Dept. of Consumer Affairs
Sectors covered	Electronics, automobiles, farming equipment
Key global push	EU Directive & multiple U.S. states mandate spare-part access
Relevant SDG	SDG 12 Responsible Consumption & Production
E-Waste (Mgmt) Rules 2022 focus	Recycling; no explicit repair mandate
Flagship repair culture slogan	Mission LiFE promotes reuse, longevity

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

GS-2Polity

2.Single Window for DGP Appointments (Police Reforms)

The HinduPrakash Singh Case · MHA Guidelines · Eligibility Certification

What & Where

Single Window System (SWS): online mechanism to standardise proposals for appointing State DGP/Head of Police Force.

Implemented by Union Home Ministry; applicable to all States/UTs for upcoming DGP vacancies.

Aligns with Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh (2006) police-reform directives.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SupremeCourt directives under Article 142 mandate merit-based, tenure-secure DGP appointments.
PoliceAct 1861 §3 affirms State superintendence despite Union guidelines.
SeventhSchedule allocation limits Union role to standard-setting, not direct appointment.

Administrative Process

Checklist captures service length, ACR grades, vigilance clearance for each IPS nominee.
Secretary certification and portal submission prevent last-minute ad-hoc extensions.
Timely, uniform data eases UPSC evaluation for final empanelment.

Federal Structure

Union-run SWS standardises procedure while leaving final selection to State Cabinet.
District policing retains colonial duality of DM oversight alongside SP command.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching authority	Union Government (MHA)
Compliance basis	SC case Prakash Singh vs UoI 2006
Minimum residual service	6 months
Proposal lead time	≥ 3 months before vacancy
Certifying official	State Secretary-rank officer
Core tool	Checklist + uniform formats
Constitutional list	Police under State List, 7th Schedule
Police Act clause	Section 3: superintendence with State Govt
District control	Dual: District Magistrate & Superintendent of Police
State police head rank	Director General of Police (DGP)

GS-2History

3.Linguistic Reorganisation of Indian States (State Reorganisation)

Indian ExpressStates Reorganisation Act 1956 · Potti Sreeramulu · Part A B C D

What & Where

1956 Reorganisation Act created 14 States, 6 UTs chiefly on linguistic lines

Key precursors: Dhar 1948, JVP 1949, Fazl Ali SRC 1953-55 recommending unity-oriented language re-mapping

Andhra State 1953 first linguistic unit, triggering nationwide boundary resets

Quick Facts for MCQs

Benefits & Integration

Accommodation: linguistic states channel regional identity, defusing secessionist pressures
Governance: common tongue eases schooling, courts; 2nd ARC cites efficiency gains
Politics: regional parties thrive yet join national coalitions, deepening federal democracy

Challenges & Critiques

Chauvinism: dominant language may sideline minorities; Maharashtra non-Marathi issue cited
Border disputes: Belagavi Maharashtra-Karnataka row persists over linguistic claims
Nationalism worry: serial new-state demands risk diluting pan-Indian identity

Policy Roadmap

Multilingualism: flexible Three-Language Formula, NEP 2020 mother-tongue schooling push
Safeguards: rigorously apply Articles 29-30 to protect intra-state linguistic minorities
Technology: expand Bhashini, multilingual signage and e-forms for inclusive governance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
1950 constitutional grouping	Parts A, B, C, D
Potti Sreeramulu sacrifice	1952 hunger strike
First linguistic state	Andhra State 1953
SRC setup / report	1953 / 1955
States Reorganisation Act	1 Nov 1956
Units formed 1956	14 States, 6 UTs
JVP Committee trio	Nehru, Patel, Sitaramayya
Minority-rights Articles	29 & 30

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization of the States:

GS1, NDA_GAT 2006PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

4.Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption (Indonesian Volcano)

Indian ExpressFlores Island · Ring of Fire · Stratovolcano

Illustration for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption (Indonesian Volcano)

What & Where

Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki – active stratovolcano on Flores Island, eastern Indonesia, inside Pacific Ring of Fire

Twin-peaked Lewotobi system: Lakilaki (male) & Perempuan (female) summit craters separated by <2 km

Ring of Fire – 40,000 km circum-Pacific belt hosting ≈75 % of world volcanoes and 90 % of earthquakes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geophysical Setting

Flores sits on Indo-Australian–Eurasian plate subduction zone
Stratovolcano built by alternating lava and pyroclastic layers
Volatile, gas-rich magma yields explosive eruptions

Recent Eruption Details

Ash plume penetrated stratosphere at ~18 km, triggering aviation alerts
Nearby villages coated with tephra; evacuation advisories issued
Listed among Indonesia’s biggest eruptions since 2010

Past Analogues

2010 Merapi event killed >350, displaced hundreds of thousands
Merapi infamous for frequent pyroclastic flows and highest national threat score
Experience prompted stronger early-warning systems and exclusion zones in Indonesia

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Volcano erupted	Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki
Island	Flores
Country	Indonesia
Volcano type	Stratovolcano
Twin system meaning	“Husband and wife”
Distance between craters	<2 km
Ash column height	≈18 km
Ring of Fire length	≈40,000 km
Global volcano share	≈75 %
Global earthquake share	≈90 %
Largest prior eruption	Mount Merapi 2010
Merapi 2010 deaths	>350

GS-1Mapping

5.Krasheninnikov Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula (Volcano Mapping)

Times of IndiaKamchatka Peninsula · Stratovolcano · Pacific Ring of Fire

Illustration for Krasheninnikov Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula (Volcano Mapping)

What & Where

Krasheninnikov; complex twin-cone stratovolcano within ancient caldera, named after explorer Stepan Krasheninnikov.

Located eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, inside Kronotsky Nature Reserve, south of Lake Kronotskoye.

Part of Pacific Ring of Fire; 2024 eruption came after nearby quake, first in ~600 years.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Volcanology & Petrology

Silica-rich dacite gives viscous magma, favouring explosive eruptions.
Plagioclase, quartz phenocrysts dominate dacite mineralogy.
Presence marks subduction-zone volcanic arc processes.

Geological Timeline

Caldera created by massive eruption ~39 kya.
Subsequent twin cones built over separate 4.5-kyr phases.
600-year dormancy ended with 2024 eruption.

Hazard & Monitoring

Orange aviation code warns aircraft of ash clouds up to 6 km.
Seismic quake days earlier likely stress-triggered magma ascent.
Part of seismically active Kamchatka cluster monitored by Russian Academy of Sciences.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Volcano type	Complex stratovolcano
Elevation	1,856 m
Caldera formation	~39,000 years ago
Southern cone growth	Began ~11 kya, lasted 4.5 kyr
Northern cone growth	Followed, similar duration
Dominant lava rock	Dacite (silica-rich)
Dacite silica content	63–69 % SiO₂
Last known eruption	1463–1550 CE
2024 alert level	Orange aviation code
Ash plume height	≈6,000 m
Tectonic setting	Pacific Ring of Fire, Russia

GS-1Mapping

6.Mahanadi River Basin and Tributaries (River Mapping)

Hindustan TimesNagri Sihawa · Hirakud Dam · Bay of Bengal

Illustration for Mahanadi River Basin and Tributaries (River Mapping)

What & Where

Mahanadi River: major east-flowing peninsular river, notorious for heavy silt, recurring floods, agrarian significance.

Origin: Nagri Sihawa Hills near Pharsiya, Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh, 442 m); meets Bay of Bengal near Paradip (Odisha).

Basin covers Chhattisgarh, Odisha; minor stretches in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure & Economy

Hirakud Dam enables flood control, irrigation, hydropower across lower basin.
Extensive delta sustains paddy, fisheries, Paradip-linked port economy.

Biodiversity & Ecology

Satkosia Gorge hosts crocodiles, >130 bird species; ecological hotspot within Eastern Ghats.
River supports rich fish diversity, adjoining tiger-reserve landscapes.

Legal & Policy

States move from tribunal litigation to negotiated sharing, signalling cooperative federalism.
ACWC-guided committee to provide hydrological data, craft equitable formula.
May become template for resolving other inter-state water disputes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total length	≈ 900 km
Basin area	≈ 1.32 lakh km²
Source altitude	≈ 442 m
Left-bank tributaries	Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, Ib
Right-bank tributaries	Ong, Tel, Jonk
Key dam	Hirakud; world’s longest earthen
Scenic gorge	Satkosia through Eastern Ghats
Delta partner	Brahmani River
Recent step	Odisha–Chhattisgarh opt for amicable settlement
Mediation body	ACWC-led Joint Committee proposed

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

GS1 2006PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

GS-3Environment

7.Wind Turbines Impact on Birds (Wind Turbine Avifauna)

The HinduGreat Indian Bustard · Jaisalmer · Wildlife Institute Study

Illustration for Wind Turbines Impact on Birds (Wind Turbine Avifauna)

What & Where

Wind-turbine–related avian mortality documented by Wildlife Institute of India in Jaisalmer district, Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Study over 3,000 sq km covers key Central Asian flyway used by migratory and resident raptors, bustards, cranes

Focus on onshore wind sector; India added 3.5 GW early 2025 amid 82 % year-on-year capacity growth

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Raptor vulnerability high due to slow reproduction and trophic-level importance
Bird loss alters pest control, threatening regional agriculture and ecosystem balance
Thar Desert classified as biodiversity hotspot intersecting a major migratory flyway

Legal & Policy

Onshore wind farms presently outside mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment purview
Clearance committees often overlook cumulative and regional biodiversity impacts
Poor MNRE–MoEFCC coordination delays adoption of ecological safeguard norms

Tech & Mitigation

Blade-painting (single black blade) improves visibility, lowers collision rates
Timed shutdowns during peak migration and smart turbine layout reduce strike risk
AVISTEP and radar-AI systems enable bird-sensitive zoning and real-time turbine control

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Study turbines sampled	90 units
Carcasses found	124 birds
Estimated annual mortality	4,464 birds/1,000 sq km
Control-site deaths	0
Most affected group	Raptors
Critically endangered at risk	Great Indian Bustard
Blade-collision sources	Turbine blades & power lines
Onshore EIA status	Exempt under present rules
Wind addition Jan-Mar 2025	3.5 GW
YoY growth same period	82 %

GS-3Environment

8.Climate-Resilient Indian Himalayan Region (Himalayan Sustainability)

Times of IndiaSupreme Court Concerns · Infrastructure Impact · Water Tower of India

Illustration for Climate-Resilient Indian Himalayan Region (Himalayan Sustainability)

What & Where

Indian Himalayan Region: 2,500-km mountain arc spanning 13 States/UTs from J-K to Arunachal.

Extent: 16.2 % of India; sustains 50 million hill residents and >600 million downstream water users.

Ecology: Tropical forests to alpine meadows; shelters snow leopard and 3,160+ endemic plant species.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Threats

Deforestation: 1,072 sq km loss accelerates erosion and habitat fragmentation.
Springs: Half of perennial sources vanishing, intensifying rural water insecurity.
Tourism: Carrying-capacity overshoot increases waste, traffic, wildlife disturbance.

Climate & Disaster Risks

Glacier retreat: Rapid melt creating expanding lakes, heightening outburst potential.
GLOFs: Cumulative toll exceeds 12,000 lives; frequency projected to rise.
Landslides: Infrastructure and slope cutting provoke events like Joshimath 2023 subsidence.

Policy & Schemes

Flagships: NMSHE, IHCAP, SECURE Himalaya, IHDP push adaptation, biodiversity and livelihood security.
Judiciary: Supreme Court demands ecologically sensitive governance for Himachal, broader Himalayas.
Planning: Hazard zoning, EIA strengthening, early-warning tech endorsed for all hill projects.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IHR length	≈2,500 km
Member States/UTs	13
Share of India’s area	16.2 %
Direct population supported	50 million
Forest loss 2019-21	1,072 sq km
Natural springs drying	≈50 %
Glaciers lost in Arunachal (32 yrs)	110
Historic GLOF deaths	>12,000
Rivers fed	10 incl. Ganga, Indus
Tourism share in hill GDP	>10 %
Hydropower example	13,000 MW Lohit Basin

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

भारत वन स्थिति रिपोर्ट 2021 के अनुसार, निम्नलिखित में से किस हिमालयी राज्य में इसके भौगोलिक क्षेत्र का सर्वाधिक प्रतिशत वन है?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Gepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

GS-3S&T

9.NRL Industrial 5G Private Network (Private 5G)

DD NewsBSNL · Numaligarh Refinery · CNPN

What & Where

First industrial-grade 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN); exclusive, private 5G for enterprise operations.

Location: Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Golaghat, Assam—India’s pioneer refinery deployment.

Partners: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) & NRL; unveiled at “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs”, Fin Min.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Indigenous-infrastructure; completely India-built, network-slicing ready.
URLLC permits instant analytics, autonomous robots, remote inspections.
AR/VR immersive training + Digital Twins enable predictive maintenance cycles.

Economic Angle

Operational-efficiency; automation cuts downtime, raises throughput, lowers costs.
North-East-boost; creates high-skill digital jobs, upgrades regional ICT ecosystem.
Replicable-model; template for steel, ports, mining PSUs.

Security Dimension

Cyber-resilience; private spectrum insulates mission-critical systems from external threats.
Privacy-enhancement; sensitive refinery data never exits enterprise perimeter.
Encrypted device-to-device communication secures safety, logistics, monitoring streams.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Network type	5G Captive Non-Public Network (private 5G)
Sector first	Refinery / oil & gas
Implementing CPSUs	BSNL + NRL
Spectrum use	Licensed / BSNL-allocated 5G bands
Key tech layer	Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC)
Digital tools	AR/VR, IoT sensors, Digital Twins
Latency goal	Sub-10 ms, real-time control
Security design	Isolated from public networks; cyber-resilient architecture
Geographic focus	Assam, North-East India
Policy context	Industry 4.0 digitalisation drive for CPSEs

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

10.Tropical Rain and Ocean Stability (Ocean Buoyancy)

The HinduCold Pools · Buoyancy Flux · Heavy Rain Effects

What & Where

Concept Rain‐induced buoyancy changes in tropical ocean surface layers; outcome depends on rainfall intensity and accompanying cold-pool dynamics.

Process Heavy rain plus cold pools cools, densifies surface, suppresses vertical mixing; light rain freshens, lightens surface, enhances mixing.

Geography Cold-rain zones Western Pacific & Indian Oceans; Hot-rain zone Central Pacific; strongest night-time effects in tropics.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ocean Dynamics

Cold pools Cold, dry downdrafts under convective clouds cool sea skin, overriding freshwater lightening effect.
Mixing control Balance between freshwater buoyancy gain and cold-pool heat loss decides stability outcome.
Buoyancy flux sign Positive → mixing; Negative → stratification.

Temporal Variation

Diurnal cycle Weaker solar heating at night makes rain-driven cooling dominate, fostering instability easier.
Daytime sunlight Adds surface warming, helping cold pools stabilize upper ocean under heavy rain.

Spatial Variation

Western Pacific & Indian Oceans High heat loss, frequent cold rain, thus stronger stratification episodes.
Central Pacific Warmer “hot rain” loses less heat, mixing prevails more often.

Climate Relevance

Weather models Need rain-type parameterisation to forecast SST changes and convection feedbacks accurately.
Climate regulation Vertical mixing moves heat, carbon, nutrients; misrepresentation skews long-term climate projections.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Light rainfall band	0.2 – 4 mm h⁻¹
Light rain effect	Positive buoyancy flux; surface instability; promotes mixing
Heavy rain effect	Negative buoyancy flux via cold pools; increases stability
Cold pool action	Blocks sunlight + extracts ocean heat to atmosphere
Night vs day	Night rain more prone to create instability
Cold-rain zones	Western Pacific & Indian Oceans
Hot-rain zone	Central Pacific

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

महासागर औसत तापमान (Ocean Mean Temperature/OMT) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

GEO_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 2

The uplift mechanism that takes place when lighter warm moist air mass rises after encountering a colder and denser air mass causes

GS-2Polity

11.Bangladesh July Declaration Draft Charter (Bangladesh Constitution)

Business StandardStudent Uprising 2024 · Interim Government · Second Republic

What & Where

Constitutional draft recognising Bangladesh’s 2024 July Uprising, called the “July Declaration”.

To be unveiled in Dhaka by interim government led by Muhammad Yunus on 5 Aug 2025.

Seeks a “Second Republic”, embedding student-led anti-authoritarian ideals into the supreme law.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Constitutionalisation grants formal legitimacy to protest movement without elected-parliament approval.
Reform roadmap promises civil-rights guarantees, institutional accountability, transparent governance.
Critics flag potential judicial challenges over extra-constitutional procedure.

Social Mobilisation

Youth mobilisation unprecedented since 1971, crossing rural-urban lines, sustaining pressure for declaration.
Grassroots networks expanded civic participation, linking labour, minority, farmer groups to student core.
Public rallies brand change as “Second Republic”, amplifying social expectations of inclusive rule.

Political Symbolism

Declaration likened to South-Africa post-apartheid charter, signalling fresh republican start.
Recognition reframes state sovereignty as people-driven, distancing from Awami-League legacy.
Adoption date matches first anniversary of Hasina ouster, reinforcing rupture message.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposed release date	5 August 2025
Drafting authority	Interim govt., Muhammad Yunus
Uprising recognised	July Uprising 2024
Lead movement	Students Against Discrimination
Primary objective	Break from authoritarianism, democratic renewal
Key ideology	Anti-fascism, inclusive governance
Criticism	Legality outside parliamentary channels
Public support base	Youth, nationwide grassroots

GS-2Economy

12.India-EFTA Trade Partnership Agreement (EFTA TEPA)

Hindustan TimesTEPA · USD 100 Billion Investment · EFTA Nations

What & Where

Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): India ↔ EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), signed 10 Mar 2024.

Enters 1 Oct 2025; cuts tariffs, opens services, seeks USD 100 bn EFTA investment.

21 negotiation rounds since 2008; 14-chapter coverage-–goods, services, IPR, dispute settlement.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

USD 100 bn EFTA FDI targets 1 mn Indian jobs; India may revoke perks if unmet.
Gold retains existing duty; Indian rice enters EFTA zero-duty.
Sovereign wealth funds exempted from standard FDI obligations.

Services & Mobility

Pact promises predictable market access in IT, education, culture, sports.
Framework for Mutual Recognition in nursing, accountancy, architecture.
Facilitates professional mobility, easing visas and business stays.

IPR & Safeguards

14-chapter pact curbs evergreening; protects generic drug production.
India allowed pre-emptive withdrawal of concessions if investment clauses breached.
Enhances customs cooperation and transparent dispute resolution.

Trade Balance

2024-25 trade USD 24.4 bn; imports 22.45, exports 1.96, large deficit.
Swiss gold (~USD 20.7 bn) remains main deficit driver.
Invest India-run India-EFTA Desk offers single-window investment facilitation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Signed	10 Mar 2024
Enforcement	1 Oct 2025
EFTA members	Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
Investment pledge	USD 100 bn over 15 yrs
Tariff lines EFTA offers	92.2 % = 99.6 % of India exports
Tariff lines India offers	82.7 % = 95.3 % of EFTA exports
Duty-free Indian product	Basmati & non-basmati rice
Excluded sectors	Dairy, soya, coal, PLI items
India’s rank for EFTA	5th-largest trade partner

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

भारत ने EFTA, जो कि चार देशों का एक क्षेत्रीय समूह है, के साथ व्यापार और आर्थिक भागीदारी करार (TEPA) पर हस्ताक्षर किया है। निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा देश इस समूह का सदस्य नहीं है?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

Recently, with which one of the following countries did India sign the 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement'?

GS-3Security

13.Airbus C-295 Tactical Transport Aircraft (Transport Aircraft)

News on AirC-295 · Avro Replacement · Airbus Defence

Illustration for Airbus C-295 Tactical Transport Aircraft (Transport Aircraft)

What & Where

C-295 : medium tactical transport aircraft for troop lift, surveillance, MEDEVAC, maritime patrol.

Built by Airbus Defence & Space; 16 imported from Spain, 40 to be assembled in Tata plant, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Will replace IAF’s ageing HS-748 Avro fleet, enabling operations on short, semi-prepared strips in NE, Ladakh, islands.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Features

Multirole capability: troop drop, disaster relief, maritime patrol, MEDEVAC.
FITS sensors, touchscreen nav, bubble windows give real-time situational awareness.
Long cabin integrates consoles while retaining cargo or 71 troops.

Make in India Push

First indigenous military aircraft programme led by private sector.
Vadodara line to localise fuselage, wings, avionics incrementally.
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and potential future exports.

Security Dimension

Strengthens rapid logistics to forward areas in NE, Ladakh, Andaman.
Replaces ageing Avros, reducing maintenance burden and downtime.
Enhances strategic airlift during humanitarian crises and border contingencies.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total IAF order	56 aircraft
Spain-built batch	16 units (final one arrived early)
India-built batch	40 units by Tata Advanced Systems
Tech-transfer level	~90 %; >13,000 parts indigenised
Endurance	11+ hours
Developer origin	CASA, Spain (1990s)
Main replacement	HS-748 Avro
Key mission suite	FITS, bubble windows, rear ramp
Runway requirement	Short / semi-prepared capable
First private aircraft project	Yes, under Make in India

GS-3Security

14.2015 Naga Framework Agreement (Naga Peace Accord)

New Indian ExpressNSCN-IM · Shared Sovereignty · RN Ravi

Illustration for 2015 Naga Framework Agreement (Naga Peace Accord)

What & Where

Framework Agreement (FA) = peace accord between GoI & NSCN-IM, signed 3 Aug 2015 in New Delhi

Seeks shared sovereignty & new political relationship across “Nagalim” (Naga-inhabited areas of Nagaland & adjoining NE states)

Forms core of ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, replacing pure security approach with negotiated settlement

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Recognition; FA treats Indo-Naga issue as political conflict, not law-and-order matter
Mutual-respect clause; affirms equality of Indian & Naga political institutions
Time-bound implementation promised, later stalled over constitutional safeguards

Security Dimension

Ends six-decade insurgency aim; offers demobilisation under negotiated autonomy
NSCN-IM vows to “defend” FA against dilution by GoI or NNPGs
Peace talks shifted insurgent narrative from secession to shared sovereignty

Governance Model

People-centric; sovereignty said to reside with Naga populace, enabling democratic self-rule
Proposes clear division: defence, foreign affairs with GoI; cultural, land, resources with Nagalim
Inclusive intent; envisages bringing all Naga-inhabited regions into consultative framework

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Signing date	3 August 2015
Venue	New Delhi (PM’s residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg)
GoI signatory	Prime Minister + interlocutor R N Ravi
Naga signatory	NSCN-IM (Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, Gen.-Secy. Th. Muivah)
Core recognition	Distinct political identity & unique history of Nagas
Governance idea	Shared sovereignty with separate yet cooperative jurisdictions
Follow-up instrument	Competency Clauses (yet to be publicly released)
Rival group bloc	NNPGs (Naga National Political Groups)

GS-2Scheme

15.Standardised Ayurveda Aahara List (Ayurveda Aahara)

PIBFSSAI · Ministry of Ayush · 2022 Regulations

Illustration for Standardised Ayurveda Aahara List (Ayurveda Aahara)

What & Where

Ayurveda Aahara: food items prepared per Ayurvedic dietary principles for balanced, seasonal, herbal nutrition.

Definitive product list issued nationwide by FSSAI in collaboration with Ministry of Ayush.

Governed under Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Regulations empower FSSAI to license, label, and monitor Ayurveda Aahara across India.
Schedule-A textual citations mandatory for authenticity of each listed formulation.
Structured pathway lets FBOs add new products after NIA scrutiny and FSSAI nod.

Industry Impact

Regulatory clarity cuts entry barriers, spurring innovation in Ayurveda-centric food market.
Start-ups gain defined framework for R&D, investment, export prospects.
Compliance guide simplifies audits, boosting confidence among supply-chain stakeholders.

Public Health

List promotes diet-based prevention, aligning with National Ayush Mission goals.
Encourages consumption of seasonal, herb-rich foods for holistic wellness.
Government endorsement increases consumer trust in evidence-backed traditional nutrition.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching bodies	FSSAI + Ministry of Ayush
Legal basis	Food Safety & Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022
Document released	Definitive List of Ayurveda Aahara Products
Validation source	Classical Ayurvedic texts in Schedule A
Nodal agency	National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Inclusion mechanism	FBO request with scripture reference; FSSAI approval
Primary beneficiaries	Food Business Operators & Ayurveda startups
Core objective	Mainstream traditional diet; preventive healthcare
Public-health focus	Digestion, immunity, long-term wellness
Key compliance gain	Clear manufacturing & labelling standards

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011?

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