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15 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 7GS-3: 7
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GS-2Polity

1.Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill (Shipping Legislation)

LiveMint

What & Where

Legislation; Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 modernises India’s maritime cargo law.

Process; codifies carrier-cargo liabilities in line with Hague–Visby Rules for bills of lading.

Geography; applies to shipments entering, leaving or transiting Indian ports.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Repeal; eliminates obsolete colonial provisions, creating future-ready framework.
  • Codification; lists carrier duties, immunities, limitation of liability.
  • Notification; executive may swiftly mirror new global maritime conventions.

Economic Angle

  • Competitiveness; modern law aimed at positioning India as regional maritime trade hub.
  • Compliance; simpler, uniform rules expected to cut dispute resolution costs.

International Examples

  • Hague–Visby; formal title “International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law Relating to Bills of Lading.”
  • Convention updates; Visby Protocol 1968, SDR Protocol 1979 set liability limits in Special Drawing Rights.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Passed inParliament, 2025 Session
ReplacesCarriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925
Colonial-era act age~100 years
Aligns withHague–Visby Rules (1968, 1979 SDR update)
Key objectiveEase of Doing Business via clearer liabilities
Government powerAdopt future conventions by notification
Oversight modeParliamentary scrutiny of such notifications
Core subjectBills of lading & carrier liability
GS-3Economy

2.Bhalukona–Jamnidih Critical Mineral Block (Critical Minerals)

Hindustan Times

What & Where

Bhalukona–Jamnidih block, Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt, Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh) ~70 km E of Raipur

Disseminated Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide mineralisation hosted in gabbro, pyroxenite, meta-olivine websterite intrusives

Mining licence: Deccan Gold Mining Ltd; contiguous Kelwardabri block with Vedanta forming emerging critical-mineral hub

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Features

  • Mafic-ultramafic intrusions suggest mantle magmas with sulphide saturation potential
  • Volcano-sedimentary evolution indicates complex Neo-Archaean tectonic history
  • High prospect for Ni–PGE–Cr–Cu along 700 m geophysical anomaly

Exploration & Surveys

  • GSI G4 work validated mineral presence; G3/G2 drilling next
  • IP plus drone magnetics delineated continuous conductive zone
  • Boreholes show disseminated and bleb sulphides down to 300 m

Strategic Importance

  • Ni, Cu, PGE vital for EV batteries, fuel cells, defence electronics
  • Discovery aligns with India’s Critical Minerals Strategy and net-zero goals
  • Central-India cluster may reduce import dependence for clean-energy metals

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CratonBastar Craton
Greenstone belt ageNeo-Archaean
District & StateMahasamund, Chhattisgarh
Exploration stageG4 (reconnaissance) by GSI
Survey toolsInduced-Polarisation & drone magnetic
Mineralised strike length~700 m
Depth tracedUp to 300 m
Dominant sulphidesPyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite
Licence holderDeccan Gold Mining Ltd
Adjacent block ownerVedanta Ltd

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

In which one of the following areas in the given map was there a recent discovery of copper deposits by the Atomic Minerals Division of Department of Atomic Energy?

GS1 2010PYQ 2

With reference to the mineral resources of India, consider the following pairs:

GS-1History

3.Sarnath UNESCO Nomination (Sarnath Heritage)

DH
Illustration for Sarnath UNESCO Nomination (Sarnath Heritage)

What & Where

Ancient Buddhist site Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; India’s 2025-26 UNESCO World Heritage nominee.

Venue of Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana); one of Buddhism’s four prime pilgrimage spots.

Ruins span Mauryan-Kushan-Gupta-Gahadavala eras; two clusters—Chaukhandi zone & Dhamek-Ashokan pillar zone.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Architecture

  • Brick stupas with Gupta floral stone facing; polished sandstone Ashokan pillar topped by four-lion capital.
  • Monasteries, temples & >100 votive stupas evidence unbroken ritual use (3rd BCE–12th CE).
  • Site shows transition from Mauryan plain brick to ornate Gupta décor.

Restorations & Invasions

  • Kushan, Gupta, Harsha patrons expanded site; Huna damage promptly repaired.
  • 1017 CE Mahmud of Ghazni plunder; Pala king Mahipala rebuilt core shrines.
  • Gahadavala queen Kumaradevi erected Dharmachakra Jina Vihara, final large addition.

UNESCO Mechanics

  • One nomination per State Party annually; ASI prepares Indian dossier.
  • ICOMOS evaluates cultural OUV; 21-member Committee decides—India member 2021-25.
  • Ten integrated criteria list adopted 2005, replacing 6 cultural + 4 natural split.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tentative-list entry1998
Nomination cycle2025-26
River proximityVaruna–Ganga
Group A highlightChaukhandi Stupa, 5th CE; octagonal tower 1588
Group B highlightDhamek Stupa, ~500 CE
Mauryan relicDharmarajika Stupa, 3rd BCE
National Emblem sourceAshokan Lion Capital
Lion Capital excavatorF. O. Oertel, 1904-05
First ASI digSir A. Cunningham, 1834-36
Post-Ghazni restorerMahipala, Pala dynasty
Last major monumentDharmachakra Jina Vihara, 11th CE
Nodal UNESCO agencyArchaeological Survey of India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

यूनेस्को (UNESCO) द्वारा जारी विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल की गई निम्नलिखित संपदाओं पर विचार कीजिए :

GS1 2006PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

GS-3Environment

4.Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre (Wildlife Rehabilitation)

New Indian Express
Illustration for Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre (Wildlife Rehabilitation)

What & Where

Vantara – Star of the Forest; India’s largest private wildlife rescue & rehabilitation centre

Situated inside Jamnagar Refinery Township, Motikhavdi village, Jamnagar district, Gujarat

Spans 3,500 acres; core 650-acre Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure & Facilities

  • Dedicated enclosures for big cats, reptiles, birds, herbivores within GZRRC
  • In-house animal transport, 24×7 CCTV, species-specific quarantine ensure biosafety
  • No safari or zoo component; future educational tours only in limited, guided format

Conservation Model

  • Corporate philanthropy model positions private sector in frontline wildlife welfare
  • Focus on rescue of trafficked, injured or orphaned fauna, not breeding for display
  • Recognition via Prani Mitra Award underscores state approval of the model

Species Diversity

  • Houses elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, leopards, numerous exotic bird taxa
  • Elephant Madhuri relocation from Kolhapur triggered public scrutiny and policy dialogue
  • Capacity enables large-scale multi-taxa rehabilitation unprecedented in Indian context

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
PromoterReliance Foundation (Anant Ambani initiative)
NaturePrivate, non-commercial, no regular public entry
MissionCare, conservation, rehabilitation of injured/abandoned wildlife
Total area3,500 acres
GZRRC area~650 acres
Planned openingMarch 2025
Species held2,000 species
Individual animals1.5 lakh +
Special unitElephant Centre with hydrotherapy, imaging, recovery zones
Key infrastructureOn-campus transport, quarantine, CCTV enclosures
AwardPrani Mitra Award – Animal Welfare Board of India
Tagline claimLargest privately managed biodiversity rescue facility in India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

‘नीलगिरि’, ‘सूट्र’ और ‘वायशार्क’ के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही है?

GS-3S&T

5.WHO Classifies HDV Carcinogenic (Hepatitis D Virus)

Business Standard
Illustration for WHO Classifies HDV Carcinogenic (Hepatitis D Virus)

What & Where

Hepatitis D virus (HDV): blood-borne, needs Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication; can co-infect or super-infect HBV carriers.

WHO-IARC (Lyon) now lists HDV as Group 1 human carcinogen—proven cause of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Highest prevalence belts: Central/West Africa, Central/South-East Asia, Amazon Basin; pockets in IV-drug users & dialysis units.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Carcinogenic Evidence

  • HDV hijacks HBV polymerase, amplifies oncogenic load leading to earlier fibrosis and liver failure.
  • Aggressive progression noted even in younger age cohorts.
  • Co-infection accelerates liver-cancer pathway relative to HBV or HCV monoinfection.

Disease Burden

  • ~5 % of 257 million chronic HBV carriers are co/ super-infected with HDV.
  • Endemic clusters linked to poor sterilisation and high HBV baseline.
  • Mortality chiefly via cirrhosis complications and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Treatment & Prevention

  • No HDV-specific vaccine; HBV immunisation only preventive shield.
  • Bulevirtide + pegylated interferon used; costs high, access limited.
  • Lifelong nucleos(t)ide analogues control HBV but spare effect on HDV.

Transmission & Risk Groups

  • High risk: injection-drug users, haemodialysis patients, HBV-positive mothers-to-child.
  • Unsafe medical injections and transfusions major spread routes in low-resource settings.
  • Sexual transmission prominent where HBV prevalence already high.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Carcinogen classGroup 1 (WHO–IARC)
Global infections≈12 million; ~5 % of chronic HBV cases
Cancer risk vs HBV alone2–6 times higher
Cirrhosis within 15 yrs75 % HDV-HBV vs 50 % HBV only
Vaccine availabilityNone for HDV; HBV vaccine protective
First-in-class drugBulevirtide (EU approval)
Diagnosed HBV cases (2022)13 % worldwide
HBV treatment coverage~3 % worldwide
HDV transmission modesBlood, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, perinatal
Key symptomsFatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2019PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

GS-3S&T

6.Ectopic Pregnancy Overview (Ectopic Pregnancy)

The Hindu
Illustration for Ectopic Pregnancy Overview (Ectopic Pregnancy)

What & Where

Ectopic pregnancy = fertilised egg implants outside uterus; foetus cannot develop normally.

Main sites: fallopian tube, ovary, abdominal cavity, cervix; hepatic location extremely rare.

2024 intrahepatic ectopic reported from Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Symptoms

  • Early signs mimic normal pregnancy: missed period, breast tenderness.
  • Danger indicators: sharp pelvic pain, vaginal bleed, dizziness/fainting, shoulder-tip pain, low blood pressure.
  • Ruptured tube causes life-threatening intraperitoneal bleeding.

Diagnosis & Treatment

  • Diagnosis: serial serum β-hCG, urine test, transvaginal ultrasound before 12 weeks.
  • Medical route: methotrexate for small, unruptured, haemodynamically stable ectopics.
  • Surgical route: laparoscopy preferred; emergency laparotomy if rupture or instability.

Epidemiology

  • Indian hospital incidence 0.91–2.3 %; earlier ultrasound boosting detection.
  • Global burden declining yet concentrated in low-SDI regions (2025 study).
  • Tubal ectopics dominate; abdominal, ovarian, cervical, hepatic forms collectively rare.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Hospital incidence (India 2023)0.91 – 2.3 % pregnancies
Global trend 1990-2019Decline; peak in low-SDI nations
Commonest siteFallopian tube (~90 %)
Rare site highlightedLiver (intrahepatic)
Diagnostic gold-standardTransvaginal ultrasound
First-line drugMethotrexate
Key surgical optionLaparoscopic salpingostomy/salpingectomy
Life-threatening eventTube rupture with haemorrhage
GS-3S&T

7.ISRO LVM3 Semi-Cryogenic Stage (Semi-Cryogenic Engine)

The Hindu
Illustration for ISRO LVM3 Semi-Cryogenic Stage (Semi-Cryogenic Engine)

What & Where

LVM3 = ISRO’s 3-stage heavy-lift rocket, ex-GSLV Mk III.

Cryogenic stage uses LOX + LH2; semi-cryogenic uses LOX + RP-1 kerosene.

First semi-cryogenic LVM3 flight slated Q1 2027, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Propulsion Technology

  • Semi-cryogenic RP-1 offers higher density impulse, smaller tanks, 200-t SE2000 thrust.
  • Upgrade removes toxic UDMH/N₂O₄, improving ground safety and handling.
  • Enlarged C25 cryo stage grants extra delta-V for heavier payloads.

Economic Angle

  • 25 % cost cut sharpens ISRO competitiveness in commercial GTO market.
  • Indigenous semi-cryo tech lowers foreign engine dependence, boosting strategic autonomy.
  • Higher lift capacity enables lucrative rideshare of comsats and LEO constellations.

Mission Portfolio

  • Chandrayaan-2 (2019) and Chandrayaan-3 (2023) both lofted by LVM3.
  • Two OneWeb launches (2022-23) placed 72 Gen-1 LEO satellites.
  • CARE suborbital test (2014) validated crew-module re-entry for Gaganyaan.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Vehicle nickname changeGSLV Mk III → LVM3
Semi-cryo stage nameSC120
Semi-cryo engineSE2000, 200-t thrust
Semi-cryo propellantsLOX + RP-1
Upgraded GTO payload≈ 5,200 kg
C25 cryo stage capacity32 t propellant
Cost reduction~25 % per launch
First semi-cryo flight targetQ1 2027

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2018PYQ 1

भारत के उपग्रह प्रक्षेपित करने वाले वाहनों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

8.Ladakh Seeds Sent to ISS (Space Agriculture)

The Hindu
Illustration for Ladakh Seeds Sent to ISS (Space Agriculture)

What & Where

ISS experiment: Ladakh-origin seabuckthorn & Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat seeds flown on NASA Crew-11; return via Crew-10

Aim: test genetic resilience for extraterrestrial farming, integrate traditional Himalayan agri-knowledge

Native habitat: cold-desert Himalayas, Europe, Central Asia; thrives −43 °C to +40 °C, drought, high altitude

Quick Facts for MCQs

Space Mission & Collaboration

  • Payload: Emerging Space Nations' “Space for Agriculture & Agriculture for Space” initiative
  • Partners: NASA Crew-11 transport; Indian Ladakh institutes supply seeds

Environmental Benefits

  • Seabuckthorn: nitrogen-fixating root nodules enrich soil, halt erosion, combat desertification
  • Hardy traits: both crops endure cold, drought, supporting marginal land agriculture

Nutritional & Medicinal Value

  • Buckwheat: resistant starch, phenolics lower hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular risk
  • Seabuckthorn: fruits, leaves traditionally used for medicines, nutrition, biofuel, fencing

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Carrying missionNASA Crew-11
Return missionNASA Crew-10
Payload programmeEmerging Space Nations’ “Space for Agriculture & Agriculture for Space”
Plant 1 scientific nameHippophae rhamnoides L.
Seabuckthorn temp tolerance–43 °C to +40 °C
Ecological roleAtmospheric N₂ fixation & anti-erosion shrub
Plant 2 common nameHimalayan Tartary Buckwheat
Buckwheat key nutrientsResistant starch, proteins, minerals, phenolics
Regions cultivated BuckwheatChina, Bhutan, N India, Nepal, Central Europe
Health benefits BuckwheatMitigates hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease
GS-2Editorial

9.Techno-Capitalist World Order (Techno-Capitalism)

Indian Express
Illustration for Techno-Capitalist World Order (Techno-Capitalism)

What & Where

Techno-capitalism: state backs private tech monopolies; technology plus capital become chief power source.

Processes: AI/fintech deregulation, huge public-private funds, state-Silicon-Valley “broligarchy” alliances.

Core geography: US epicentre; China runs centralised variant; India navigating hybrid, slower model.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Deregulation: US trims AI, crypto rules to speed dominance.
  • India gap: No dedicated AI or crypto law beyond DPDP.
  • China model: Centralised mandates align tech with state security goals.

Economic Angle

  • Investment flow: US pours billions via DoD, venture capital; India capital-starved.
  • Automation threat: Generative-AI endangers IT-BPO export jobs.
  • Start-up scale: Exit barriers and shallow markets stunt Indian unicorns.

International Examples

  • Space sector: NASA → SpaceX (US), CNSA (China), ISRO reforms (India).
  • Digital Silk Road: China exporting surveillance tech, 5G infra abroad.
  • US–India tech ties: Cold-War SITE idealism → ICET strategic realism.

Human Capital

  • Reskilling need: Proposed National AI Mission for 4 mn IT workers.
  • Visa strain: US techno-nationalism may curb Indian talent mobility.
  • Education link: Weak university–industry R&D collaboration lowers innovation output.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
US R&D-GDP~3.5 %
China R&D-GDP~2.4 %
India R&D-GDP<0.7 %
DPDP ActEnacted 2023
ICET revival2023 (Biden)
SITE projectBegan 1975
Critical sectorsAI, crypto, fintech, space
India tech visas riskH-1B tightening flagged

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 2

1990 के दशक के आरम्भिक वर्षों में नई आर्थिक नीति के अंतर्गत किए गए मुख्य आर्थिक सुधार कौन-से थे ?

GS-2Polity

10.Taiwan Great Recall Vote (Taiwan Recall)

The Hindu
Illustration for Taiwan Great Recall Vote (Taiwan Recall)

What & Where

Great Recall Vote: Taiwan-wide referendum to remove 31 Kuomintang (KMT) legislators, held in two rounds, July–Aug 2025.

Operates under Public Officials Election and Recall Act; biggest use of Taiwan’s constitutional recall clause.

Rooted in DPP–KMT rivalry; echoes 2024 Bluebird protest against perceived procedural bypasses.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Mechanism: three-step process ensures rising voter commitment before final recall.
  • Constitutional safeguard: empowers electorate but risks partisan overuse, prompting debate on thresholds.
  • Largest test: first time 30+ lawmakers simultaneously face recall, setting procedural precedent.

Political Context

  • Power split: DPP controls Executive Yuan, KMT-led majority dominates Legislative Yuan, causing policy gridlock.
  • Recall aim: DPP-leaning civic groups seek seat reversals to reclaim legislative majority.
  • Opposition stance: KMT labels exercise “politically motivated” retaliation, vows voter mobilisation.

Civil Movement

  • Bluebird Movement: student–civil society sit-ins after KMT fast-tracked reform bills, energising recall petition drive.
  • Mobilisation: social media, campus networks, labour unions collecting signatures district-wise.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CountryTaiwan (Republic of China)
Lawmakers targeted31 (all KMT)
Recall phasesJuly & August 2025
Governing statutePublic Officials Election and Recall Act
Signature to initiate1 % of district electorate
Support to call vote10 % electorate
Success threshold≥25 % turnout + simple majority for recall
Legislative balance (2024)KMT bloc 62 / DPP 51 of 113 seats
Presidency (2024)Won by DPP
Protest linkedBluebird Movement, May 2024
GS-2Economy

11.US Tariff Hike on India (Trade Tariffs)

The Hindu

What & Where

Measure: Extra US import tariff on Indian goods due to continued Russian oil purchases

Geography: India-US bilateral trade corridor; ripple across global supply chains

Process: Ongoing but stalled Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations affecting tariff rollback possibilities

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Tariff covers 65 % of Indian exports to US; lowers price competitiveness versus Vietnam, Indonesia
  • Stock markets saw sharp sell-off in 40+ export-oriented firms; margin squeeze likely
  • ADB trim indicates macro drag on FY 26 growth outlook

Sectoral Impact

  • Labour-intensive textiles & jewellery at high job-loss risk in US-centric clusters
  • Smartphones, chemicals, machinery brace for demand substitution by lower-tariff suppliers
  • SMEs flagged for targeted subsidies, faster duty refunds to cushion shock

Diplomatic & Policy

  • US cites high Indian tariffs, stalled agri/dairy liberalisation, Russian energy buys
  • India calls EU/US “double standards” as EU still top Russian LNG purchaser
  • Fast-tracking FTAs with EU, EFTA, GCC, East Asia positioned as hedge strategy

Energy Security

  • India defends Russian oil as market-driven affordability for 1.4 billion population
  • Suggested diversification toward Middle-East, Africa to cut over-reliance on Moscow
  • Domestic refining, renewable push framed as long-term resilience measure

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bilateral trade 2024-25USD 131.84 billion
US trade deficit with India~USD 45 billion
Indian crude-oil import dependence88 % of requirement
Share of Russian crude in India’s basket>35 %
EU share in Russian LNG buys (Dec 2022–Jun 2025)51 %
China share in Russian crude exports47 %
FDI inflow from US to India FY 2023-24USD 4.99 billion (3rd largest)
Goods hit by new tariff≈USD 87 billion (10 % of India’s US exports)
Sectors facing highest exposureElectronics, pharma, textiles, gems-jewellery, auto parts
ADB revised India GDP FY 266.5 % (down from 6.7 %)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

If India enters into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations, then the growth of exports of India would depend upon which of the following?

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

Since 2014-15, India has consistently run trade surplus with which one among the following countries?

GS-2Security

12.Russia Exits INF Treaty (INF Treaty)

NDTV
Illustration for Russia Exits INF Treaty (INF Treaty)

What & Where

Landmark 1987 US-USSR accord eliminating ground-launched ballistic/cruise missiles with 500–5,500 km range

Targeted immediate missile threat to Europe; treaty obligations applied to deployments worldwide

Russia now withdraws, citing Western missile placements endangering its security

Quick Facts for MCQs

Key Provisions

  • Ban: All ground-launched ballistic & cruise missiles within 500–5,500 km
  • Scope: Global application, not confined to European theatre
  • Innovation: First treaty eliminating an entire missile class, not merely limiting numbers

Verification & Trust

  • Mechanism: Reciprocal on-site inspections boosted transparency
  • Outcome: Thousands of missiles scrapped, majority Soviet origin
  • Effect: Became model for later arms-control verification regimes

Security Dimension

  • Post-exit: Legal cap on intermediate-range missiles in Europe/Asia removed
  • Risk: Fresh regional arms race, especially NATO-Russia and US-China theatres
  • Fragility: With INF gone, New START is sole remaining US-Russia strategic treaty

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Signing date8 Dec 1987
Original signatoriesUnited States & Soviet Union
Covered range500 km – 5,500 km
Launch platformGround-launched only
Warhead inclusionNuclear and conventional
Verification toolOn-site inspections
Share of missiles dismantled≈ 66 % Soviet, ≈ 34 % American
Remaining major arms pactNew START; expires 2026

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?

GS-3Security

13.Cryptocurrency Money Laundering (Crypto Laundering)

Times of India
Illustration for Cryptocurrency Money Laundering (Crypto Laundering)

What & Where

Definition: Laundering illicit funds by purchasing, moving, and cashing out cryptocurrencies to mask origin.

Key processes: Placement via lax exchanges, Layering through mixers/privacy coins, Integration via ATMs, real estate, shell firms.

Geography: ₹260 cr scam raided by ED across 11 sites in Delhi-NCR & Dehradun.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Anonymity: No physical ID needed to open wallets, enabling rapid cross-border transfers.
  • Hawala link: Laundered crypto often reconverted to cash through informal networks.
  • Terror finance risk: Untraceable flows can bankroll extremist entities undetected.

Operational Stages

  • Placement: Illicit cash swapped for crypto on low-compliance offshore exchanges.
  • Layering: Automated splitting into thousands of wallets, routed via mixers, NFT markets.
  • Integration: Cleaned crypto exchanged for fiat, luxury assets, overseas property.

Regulatory Gaps

  • Weak KYC: Decentralised exchanges evade customer verification requirements.
  • Jurisdiction clash: Uneven global crypto laws hinder coordinated enforcement.
  • Mixer loophole: Privacy services currently outside formal audit or licensing regimes.

Tech & Schemes

  • Blockchain analytics: AI tools can flag abnormal address clustering in real time.
  • Mandatory KYC proposal: Extend to every exchange, wallet, mixer operating in India.
  • DTAA leverage: Cross-border data sharing to trace wallet owners and seize assets.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scam amount₹260 crore
ED search sites11 (Delhi-NCR, Dehradun)
Main laundering instrumentsBitcoin, Monero, USDT
Money-laundering stagesPlacement → Layering → Integration
Key obfuscation toolsMixers (Tornado Cash), privacy coins (Monero, Zcash)
Indian PMLA convictions15 of 5,892 cases (till 2025)
High-risk conversion nodesCrypto ATMs, P2P platforms
Global AML standard setterFATF

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not correct in respect of Directorate of Enforcement?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

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

GS-2Scheme

14.SIGHT Scheme for Green Hydrogen (Green Hydrogen)

Economic Times
Illustration for SIGHT Scheme for Green Hydrogen (Green Hydrogen)

What & Where

SIGHT Scheme – flagship incentive arm of National Green Hydrogen Mission, implemented nationwide by MNRE + MoPNG

Three modes: Mode-1 competitive incentive, Mode-2A aggregated Green Ammonia, Mode-2B aggregated Green Hydrogen

First Mode-2A auction: ₹55.75 /kg green ammonia to Paradeep Phosphates, Paradip, Odisha

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Mode-wise design ensures lowest-cost discovery, fixed incentives for demand aggregation
  • Only hydrogen meeting notified Green Hydrogen standards qualifies for payouts
  • MNRE–MoPNG Joint Committee monitors progress, compliance, grievance redressal

Economic Angle

  • Record ₹55.75 /kg beats earlier domestic estimates, narrows gap with grey ammonia
  • Guaranteed 10-yr offtake spurs investor confidence, lowers financing risk for electrolyser projects
  • Potential export advantage as global green ammonia trades near USD 900+/MT

Environmental Impact

  • Green NH₃ cuts fertiliser sector CO₂ load, aids clean agriculture push
  • Supports maritime decarbonisation via low-carbon bunker fuel option
  • Aligns with India’s 2070 net-zero and 2030 50% non-fossil generation targets

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Mission budget₹19,744 crore
SIGHT outlay₹17,490 crore
Implementing ministriesMNRE and MoPNG
Mode-2B incentive Year 1₹50 /kg
Auction organiserSECI
Record price Green NH₃₹55.75 /kg
Allotted quantity75,000 MTPA
Supply tenure10 years
Offtaker companyParadeep Phosphates Ltd
Green NH₃ usesFertilisers, shipping fuel, chemicals

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Which of the statements given below is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following heavy industries:

GS-2Scheme

15.DBTL LPG Subsidy Scheme (LPG Direct Benefit)

The Hindu

What & Where

Definition DBTL/PAHAL transfers LPG subsidy post-delivery straight to beneficiary bank accounts across India

Process All cylinders sold at market price; subsidy reimbursed via Aadhaar Transfer Compliant or Bank Transfer Compliant modes

Coverage Nationwide scheme since 2015; overseen by Petroleum Ministry; 30.19 crore consumers enrolled

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • JAM trinity backbone enables high Aadhaar seeding and seamless ATC/BTC subsidy credits
  • DBT umbrella spans cash transfers (PM-KISAN, pensions) and in-kind aid (PDS, fertiliser)

Economic Angle

  • Leakages curbed; subsidies cut from 16 % to 9 % of expenditure, saving ₹3.48 lakh cr
  • Welfare Efficiency Index rose 0.32 → 0.91 (2014-23) signalling better inclusion and fiscal prudence

Operational Metrics

  • 4.08 crore bogus LPG accounts deactivated; 194 crore refills supplied yearly
  • Beneficiary growth–savings correlation positive 0.71, evidencing scale economies in DBT

Social Concerns

  • RDI survey: >90 % users satisfied; calls for stronger grievance redress and safety drives
  • Opt-out feature enables affluent households to surrender subsidy, improving targeting fairness

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2015
Implementing ministryPetroleum & Natural Gas
Fake/duplicate connections removed4.08 crore
Enrolled consumers (Jul 2024)30.19 crore
Aadhaar seeded share92.44 %
ATC compliance share86.78 %
Refills delivered 2024-25194 crore
Complaint rate0.08 %
Income eligibility ceiling₹10 lakh taxable income
DBT savings 2009-24₹3.48 lakh crore
Welfare Efficiency Index 20230.91

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2020PYQ 1

PAHAL, an initiative to transfer the subsidy to direct bank account of the beneficiaries, is related to

CAPF_GAI 2020PYQ 2

SAUBHAGYA, a Central Government scheme, is related to

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