UPSC Current Affairs 9 August 2025

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of India is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (d) The concept of multiple-member Election Commission has been in operation since 1980. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2021.

Q: Article 324 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of which one of the following institutions in India?

The correct answer is (b) The Central Vigilance Commission. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2022.

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

The correct answer is (a) It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to FEMA in India?

The correct answer is (a) The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), was replaced by Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the year 2001. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2003.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding instruments of monetary policy:

The correct answer is (b) 2 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: Which of the following indicators is/are used to observe the monetary transmission mechanism in the economy?

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

Q: In the context of the Indian freedom struggle, 16th October 1905 is well known for which one of the following reasons?

The correct answer is (a) The formal proclamation of Swadeshi Movement was made in Calcutta town hall. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

Q: Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

The correct answer is (c) 1, 3 and 5 only. This question appeared in GS1 2013.

GS-2Polity

1.ECI Voter Roll Manipulation Allegations (Electoral Rolls)

TWElection Commission · Article 324 · duplicate voters

Illustration for ECI Voter Roll Manipulation Allegations (Electoral Rolls)

What & Where

Election Commission of India: constitutional, autonomous authority managing all Union, State & Panchayat/municipal polls.

Born 25 Jan 1950; headquarters — Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi; jurisdiction spans entire Republic of India.

Core processes: delimitation, electoral-roll preparation/revision, party recognition & symbol allotment, Model Code enforcement.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Adult-suffrage Article 326 ensures universal vote; Article 329 bars court interference during election process.
RPA 1951 defines corrupt practices, disqualifications; EC decisions quasi-judicial yet subject only to election petitions.
Model Code of Conduct, though non-statutory, gains legal teeth via Art 324 powers during poll period.

Operational Anomalies

Duplicate-entry: 11,900 names repeated; one voter listed in four booths within same constituency.
Fake-address: ~40,000 entries carried non-existent homes; random characters in father’s-name field indicated lax verification.
Multi-registration: single room showed 80 voters; brewery address held 68; individuals found on rolls of 2–3 states.

Reform Suggestions

Digital-rolls: machine-readable, publicly downloadable lists enable civil-society error hunting and transparency.
Independent-audit: neutral third parties to vet rolls pre-poll, bolstering credibility and spotting systemic gaps.
Penal-tightening: tougher, swifter RPA 1951 sanctions for fraudulent enrolment to deter vote theft.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment day	25 January 1950
HQ location	New Delhi
Constitutional base	Article 324
Related Articles	325–329
Composition	CEC + 2 Commissioners
Appointing authority	President of India
Tenure limit	6 yrs or 65 yrs age
Key statute	Representation of the People Act 1951
Form 6 use	First-time voter enrolment
Advisory articles	Art 103 (Parl), 192 (State)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about the Election Commission of India is NOT correct?

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Article 324 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of which one of the following institutions in India?

GS-3Economy

2.FAO Food Price Index (Food Prices)

FAOFFPI · FAO · 130.1 points

Illustration for FAO Food Price Index (Food Prices)

What & Where

Definition: FAO Food Price Index tracks monthly changes in international prices of five key food commodity groups

Coverage: Global export price data, weighted by 2014-2016 average export shares, published from Rome by FAO

Launch: Introduced 1996; methodology overhaul July 2020 to update base period and broaden commodity basket

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology & Metrics

Calculation: Laspeyres-type composite index combining nominal and real series
Data-source: Global trade quotations updated monthly via FAO Market and Trade Division
Comparative: Real index deflates nominal values for long-term trend assessment

Commodity Composition

Cereals sub-index: wheat, maize, barley, rice export prices
Vegetable-oil sub-index: palm, soy, rapeseed, sunflower global quotes
Separate indices allow pinpointing commodity-specific shocks

Policy Significance

Benchmark: Guides governments on inflation monitoring and food-security alerts
Utility: Supports trade policy, humanitarian response, market risk assessment
Users: Central banks, financial institutions, UN agencies track volatility indicators

Market Drivers

Influencers: Weather anomalies, geopolitical disruptions, biofuel demand, trade restrictions
July 2025 spike: Meat supply tightness, oilseed processing issues amplify prices
Offsetting factors: Large cereal harvest forecasts, subdued sugar demand restrained overall rise

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Publishing body	Food & Agriculture Organization (UN)
Frequency	Monthly
Latest peak (Jul 2025)	130.1 points, 2-year high
Commodity groups	Cereals, Vegetable oils, Dairy, Meat, Sugar
Weighting base years	2014-2016 export shares
Price basis	International export (not retail/wholesale)
First launch year	1996
Major revision	July 2020
July 2025 drivers ↑	Record meat, surge in vegetable oils
July 2025 drivers ↓	Cereals, dairy, sugar prices

GS-3Economy

3.Money Laundering Enforcement Challenges (PMLA Enforcement)

The HinduPMLA 2002 · Enforcement Directorate · 5892 cases

What & Where

Money laundering: concealing illicit proceeds via placement → layering → integration to appear legitimate.

Key techniques: smurfing, trade-based invoicing, shell firms, real-estate and crypto conversions.

India focus: PMLA 2002 (in force 2005) enforced nationwide by Enforcement Directorate & FIU-IND.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal Framework

PMLA enables attachment, seizure, confiscation of crime-linked assets after “scheduled offence” trigger.
ECIR substitutes FIR; initiates ED investigation without prior police case.
Section 45 reversal of bail onus upheld yet criticised for stringency.

Enforcement Record

5,892 probes vs 15 convictions reflects evidence gaps, slow trials, procedural challenges.
Section 5 provisional attachment often invoked pre-FIR, alleged for political targeting.
Informal cash sectors, jewellery, realty amplify laundering volumes.

Judicial Oversight

SC urges fast-track PMLA courts, strict rule-of-law compliance by ED.
P. Chidambaram 2019: Court termed laundering a sovereignty threat.
Vir Bhadra Singh 2017 affirmed ECIR sufficiency for proceedings.

International Cooperation

DTAAs facilitate cross-border data, yet limited real-time exchange impedes tracing.
FATF recommendations demand transparency, beneficial-ownership disclosure, crypto monitoring.
SC favours regulating, not banning, cryptocurrencies to curb misuse.

Security Dimension

Laundered funds bankroll organised crime, narcotics, terror networks.
Distorts monetary policy, inflates asset prices, deters FDI.
Diverts welfare resources, widens socio-economic inequality.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ED cases under PMLA since 2015	5,892
Convictions secured	15
Conviction rate	≈0.25 %
Core statute	Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Enforcement start year	1 July 2005
Bail governing section	Sec 45, “twin” conditions
Latest major SC ruling	Vijay Madanlal Chaudhury v UoI, 2022
2019 change	Rule 3A—Special Court notice to claimants
2023 change	Broader NGO & PEP disclosure, FATF-aligned
DTAA partners	85 + countries

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2003PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to FEMA in India?

GS-3Economy

4.RBI Liquidity Framework Reforms (Liquidity Management)

Business StandardLMF · LAF corridor · WACR

What & Where

Liquidity Management Framework (LMF): RBI toolkit to steer banking system cash and short-term rates

Core mechanism: liquidity adjustment facility corridor with repo–reverse repo around policy rate; overnight WACR as operating target

Geography: applies across India’s scheduled commercial banks and money market

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy Tools

WACR correlation with other overnight rates ensures efficient transmission
Supplementary instruments: OMO, CRR, SLR used for medium/long liquidity
SDF preference reflects market tilt toward shorter tenors

IWG Recommendations

Continuity: keep WACR as operating target
Shift: manage liquidity via 7-day repo/reverse repo, scrap 14-day VRR/VRRR primacy
Flexibility: allow ad-hoc same-day operations when liquidity spikes

Operational Protocols

Notice: mandatory 1-day advance for scheduled operations
Reserve discipline: maintain 90 % daily CRR compliance
Corridor: policy repo central, SDF/MSF define floor-ceiling around WACR

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Framework launch	Feb 2020
Operating target	Overnight Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR)
Recommended primary operations	7-day repo/reverse repo (overnight–14 day range)
Auctions to discontinue	14-day VRR / VRRR as main tools
Advance notice suggested	Minimum 1 day for repo / reverse repo
Daily CRR compliance	90 % of requirement

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding instruments of monetary policy:

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following indicators is/are used to observe the monetary transmission mechanism in the economy?

GS-3Infrastructure

5.Rudrastra Longest Freight Train (Rail Freight)

TNRudrastra · Indian Railways · 4.5 km train

Illustration for Rudrastra Longest Freight Train (Rail Freight)

What & Where

Rudrastra = 4.5 km long-haul freight train formed by coupling six standard rakes into one operational unit.

Trial run: Ganjkhwaja (Uttar Pradesh) ➜ Garhwa (Jharkhand); East Central Railway’s DDU Division with Dhanbad Division coordination.

Partly runs on Dedicated Freight Corridor, partly on conventional tracks within India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Distributed power configuration prevents coupler strain, enables smoother acceleration/deceleration.
Part-use of Dedicated Freight Corridor tests corridor interoperability with conventional lines.
Demonstrates Indian Railways’ long-haul initiative akin to South Africa’s Train-in-Train concept.

Economic Angle

Single run saves crew hours, path allocation, and fuel vis-à-vis six separate trains.
Reduced terminal handling lowers loading/unloading turnaround, boosting rolling-stock availability.
Higher payload per path increases revenue yield per train-kilometre.

International Examples

Australia’s 7.3 km train (Rio Tinto, Pilbara) remains global record; South Africa’s 4 km coal trains comparable.
Long-haul practice common on freight-only heavy-haul lines in USA, China for bulk commodities.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Train length	4.5 km (Asia’s longest, India’s first of this size)
Total wagons	354
Wagons capacity	~72 t each
Locomotives used	7 (2 front, rest distributed)
Average speed	40 km h⁻¹ over 209 km
Long-haul makeup	Three twin-train combos (2×3)
Operating division	Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU), ECR
Benchmark	Below Australia’s 7.3 km record train

GS-1History

6.Swadeshi Movement Legacy (Nationalist Movement)

PIBSwadeshi · Partition of Bengal · handloom

What & Where

National Handloom Day: 7 August; pan-India observance marking Swadeshi Movement launch (Calcutta Townhall, 1905).

Swadeshi Movement: boycott-cum-indigenous production campaign against Bengal Partition; spread by Lal-Bal-Pal, Tagore, samitis.

Handloom geography: largest cottage industry; 35 lakh workers, 72 % women; India supplies 95 % of world hand-woven fabric.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Movement

Trigger: Curzon’s Bengal Partition + Indian Universities Act; mass boycott of Manchester cloth, Liverpool salt.
Methods: samitis, national schools, festival mobilisations; Tagore’s Raksha Bandhan symbolised Hindu-Muslim unity.
Outcome: Imports dipped 1905-08; Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 introduced to placate unrest.

Economic Angle

Swadeshi spurred firms like Bengal Chemicals, Lakshmi Cotton Mills; focus shifted from petitions to indigenous enterprise.
Handloom sector ensures eco-friendly rural livelihoods; mats, rugs, scarves dominate US-led export basket.
Khadi sales up 447 %, jobs 1.94 crore (2013-25), reflecting cottage-industry revival.

Policy & Schemes

NHDP, RMSS, Workshed provide yarn subsidy, design support, workspace; 1.8 lakh weavers on GeM.
Social security via PMJJY, PMSBY, converged MGBBY; Mudra loans enable low-interest working capital.
14-sector PLI plus GI protection reinforce “vocal for local” manufacturing.

Contemporary Initiatives

Atmanirbhar Bharat revives Swadeshi ethos: local-for-global supply chains, defence export push, pandemic-era resilience.
Make in India lifted Ease-of-Doing rank, exports USD 437 bn (2024), India 39th in Global Innovation Index.
Economic nationalism tools: tariff shields, import substitution in defence, health, energy critical sectors.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Govt declaration of Handloom Day	2015
2025 official theme	“Weaving Innovation into Tradition”
Bengal Partition date	16 Oct 1905
Annulment year	1911 (Lord Hardinge)
INC first Swaraj resolution	Calcutta session 1906, presided by Dadabhai Naoroji
Women share in handloom workforce	72 %
Handloom exports FY23	USD 10.94 bn
Atmanirbhar stimulus size	₹20 lakh crore (~10 % GDP)
FDI inflow FY25 (Make in India era)	USD 81.04 bn
GI-tagged handloom products	104

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

In the context of the Indian freedom struggle, 16th October 1905 is well known for which one of the following reasons?

GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-1History

7.World War II Overview (Global Conflict)

Indian ExpressAxis Powers · Allied Powers · Hiroshima

Illustration for World War II Overview (Global Conflict)

What & Where

Definition World War II: 1939-45 worldwide conflict between Axis (Germany-Italy-Japan) and Allies (UK-USSR-USA-China-France).

Key actors/processes Axis expansionism, Allied coalition building, total war mobilisation of ≈100 million combatants.

Core geography Main theatres: Europe, North Africa, Atlantic, Pacific & East/Southeast Asia.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Causes

Versailles Treaty 1919 imposed reparations, disarmament; bred German revanchism enabling Nazi ascent.
Great Depression triggered mass unemployment; extremist regimes gained legitimacy via economic rescue promises.
League of Nations weakness; failure in Manchuria 1931 & Abyssinia 1935 emboldened aggressors.

Turning Points

Britain defended skies in Battle of Britain 1940 preventing Operation Sea Lion invasion.
Soviet victory at Stalingrad Feb 1943 broke German eastern momentum.
Allied North Africa win May 1943 opened Mediterranean route for Italy campaign.

Post-war Outcomes

United Nations founded Oct 1945 to replace League and avert future wars.
Marshall Plan 1948 channelled ≈US $13 bn for West European reconstruction.
Decolonisation wave; Asian-African colonies gained independence 1945-70s.

India & WWII

Political fallout INC ministries resigned 1939 protesting unilateral war declaration by Viceroy Linlithgow.
Economic strain wartime inflation, taxation, Bengal famine 1943 caused ≈3 million deaths.
Military legacy Returnee soldiers, INA trials, Quit India movement accelerated 1947 independence goal.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Formal start	1 Sept 1939, German invasion of Poland
End date	2 Sept 1945, Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri
Global deaths	70-85 million (≈3% world population)
Hiroshima strike	6 Aug 1945, “Little Boy”, uranium-235 bomb
Nagasaki strike	9 Aug 1945, “Fat Man”, plutonium-239 bomb
India’s troop strength	>2.5 million volunteers, world’s largest colonial army
INA formation	1942, Subhas Chandra Bose with Japanese support
Key Allied win	Battle of Midway, June 1942, halted Japanese advance
Nazi ideology term	Lebensraum = “living space” sought in Eastern Europe

GS-1Mapping

8.Sea of Galilee (Freshwater Lake)

WNSea of Galilee · Jordan River · Jordan Rift Valley

Illustration for Sea of Galilee (Freshwater Lake)

What & Where

Sea of Galilee = freshwater lake in Israel’s Jordan Rift Valley, fed chiefly by the Jordan River.

Alternate scriptural names: Lake of Gennesaret (NT), Sea of Chinnereth (OT).

Recent red tint from Botryococcus braunii algal bloom tied to warmer, nutrient-rich waters.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Algal bloom; sunlight blockage risks hypoxia, stressing native fish fauna.
Decomposition; oxygen depletion can disrupt entire freshwater food web.
Climate warming plus nutrient runoff identified as primary bloom drivers.

Geography & Climate

Rift-valley topography creates mild winters, hot summers enabling year-round agriculture.
Neighbouring plains: Gennesaret northwest, Bet Ẓayda northeast, Yarmūk valley southeast.
Semi-arid climate heightens sensitivity to temperature anomalies.

Cultural Significance

Biblical landmarks: Sermon on the Mount, ancient towns Tiberias, Capernaum fringe the lake.
Continuous pilgrimage inflow sustains local tourism economy.
Historical freshwater reliance shaped regional settlement patterns.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Surface area	166 sq km
Max depth	48 m
Length × width	13 mi × 7 mi
Altitude setting	Below sea level in Jordan Rift Valley
Western border	Lower Galilee hills
Eastern border	Golan Heights
Main inflow/outflow	Jordan River
Winter temp	~14 °C
Summer temp	~31 °C
Key crops	Bananas, dates, citrus, vegetables
Economic uses	Fishing, irrigation, tourism, National Water Carrier
Algae species	Botryococcus braunii
Pigment produced	Red carotenoids
2022 parallel	Dead Sea sinkhole algae reddening

GS-3Environment

9.Groundwater Contamination Crisis India (Water Pollution)

The HinduCGWB 2024 · nitrates · arsenic

What & Where

Definition: Groundwater contamination is the presence of nitrates, fluoride, arsenic, uranium, heavy metals, pathogens in aquifers.

Geography: CGWB 2024 report flags contamination in 440+ districts; worst pockets in Gangetic plain, Malwa, Deccan hard-rock belts.

Dependence: 85 % rural drinking water and 65 % irrigation drawn from groundwater, magnifying health‐security risk.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Contaminant Hotspots

Nitrates: Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka face Blue-Baby risk.
Fluoride: Desert & Deccan belts report dental/skeletal fluorosis.
Heavy-metals: Kanpur, Vapi industrial clusters show neurological toxicity threats.

Anthropogenic Sources

Fertilisers: Excess nitrogen, phosphate leach into shallow aquifers.
Industry: Lead, cadmium, mercury enter via untreated effluents.
Sewage: Leaky septic systems introduce pathogens in peri-urban zones.

Geogenic Sources

Fluoride: Elevated in granitic rocks, worsened by deep borewell pumping.
Arsenic: Released from Gangetic sediments under reducing conditions.
Uranium: Mobilised from siliceous formations; phosphate fertiliser synergy.

Governance Issues

Fragmentation: CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs act in silos, no single regulator.
Enforcement: Poor compliance, minimal penalties for illegal discharge.
Monitoring: Sparse stations, outdated kits, limited public disclosure.

Policy Prescriptions

Statutory: Grant CGWB regulatory powers; create National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework.
Technology: Deploy real-time sensors; link data with HMIS/IHIP health platforms.
Mitigation: Arsenic/fluoride removal units; Jal Jeevan Mission piped supply to cut well dependency.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
CGWB report year	2024
Districts affected	440 +
Rural drinking water share	85 %
Irrigation share	65 %
Major anthropogenic pollutant	Nitrates
Major geogenic pollutants	Fluoride, Arsenic, Uranium
Fluoride hotspot states	Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Arsenic hotspot states	Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh
Uranium hotspot	Punjab Malwa region
Governing statute gap	Water Act 1974 excludes groundwater

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2013PYQ 2

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

GS-3S&T

10.Third Sriharikota Launch Pad (Launch Infrastructure)

ITThird Launch Pad · SDSC · NGLV

Illustration for Third Sriharikota Launch Pad (Launch Infrastructure)

What & Where

Launch pad: third at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

Purpose: serve Next Generation Launch Vehicle, heavy-lift, human and deep-space missions

Timeline: civil works May 2028; full commissioning March 2029

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Capacity

NGLV: 91 m tall, higher thrust, new jet deflection system
Propellant: supports cryogenic and semi-cryogenic high-thrust operations
Modular: multiple work packages enable parallel construction and upgrades

Strategic Dimension

Redundancy: third pad avoids single-pad failure delays
Human spaceflight: cornerstone for Gaganyaan and later crewed station modules
Deep-space: vital for lunar landing and interplanetary mission assembly

Industry & Economy

Make in India: private, MSME firms contracted for civil, fluid, launch systems
Commercial: higher launch rate expands domestic and foreign customer base
Supply-chain: indigenisation of cryogenic, semi-cryogenic components stimulated

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Location	SDSC, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Designation	Third Launch Pad (TLP)
Commissioning target	March 2029
Civil works complete	May 2028
Fluid systems ready	July 2028
Launch systems ready	Sept 2028
Core vehicle	91 m Next Generation Launch Vehicle
Height comparison	NGLV ≈ 2 × LVM-3
Backup for	LVM-3 missions
Key mission support	Gaganyaan crewed flights
Propellant handling	Cryogenic and semi-cryogenic
Construction model	Multiple modular work packages
Private/MSME role	Infrastructure, systems supply
Strategic benefit	Eliminates single-pad dependency
Economic push	Boosts commercial launch capacity

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2018PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

India's maiden human space mission will be launched in 2023. What is its name?

GS-3S&T

11.Private Space Talent Shortage (Space Workforce)

LiveMinttalent crisis · propulsion experts · 8

What & Where

Private-space talent crisis: dearth of specialised engineers for rocketry, propulsion, photonics, sensors in India

Core process: startups hire cross-domain grads, then 6–12 month intensive upskilling

Geography: Indian aerospace hubs—Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune

Quick Facts for MCQs

Talent Supply Gap

Limited specialised courses constrain pipeline; only 0.5 % engineers trained annually
Brain-drain persists as overseas salaries outstrip domestic offers
Low student awareness of viable space careers

Training Burden

Startups spend up to a year making recruits project-ready, delaying R&D milestones
Cross-domain engineers need reskilling in rocketry, sensors, cryogenics

Government & Policy

IN-SPACe, AICTE drafting space-centric curricula; short-term certification modules launched
Liberalised FDI plus Make-in-India incentives to boost private R&D and manufacturing

Economic Angle

Private innovation vital for US$9 billion space economy ambition
Talent crunch threatens India’s share in global launch and satellite markets

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
UG aerospace institutes	175
PG aerospace institutes	75
Annual aerospace graduates	~8,000 (0.5 % of engineers)
Freshers in startup hiring	~30 %
Typical in-house training	6–12 months
Main lateral-hire sectors	Automotive, metallurgy
Space economy target (2030)	US$9 billion
Key missing specialisations	Photonics, cryogenics, optical engg
Gov-industry curriculum link	IN-SPACe-AICTE tie-up
FDI stance in space	Liberalised norms

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.Diabetes Prevalence Among Indians (Noncommunicable Disease)

Indian Expressdiabetes · Lancet Global Health · LASI study

What & Where

Diabetes chronic non-communicable disease marked by insulin deficit or resistance causing blood-sugar imbalance

Key types Type 1 autoimmune, Type 2 lifestyle-linked, Gestational pregnancy-related, new Type 5 malnutrition-induced in lean youth

India LASI-2019 shows 20 % diabetics among ≥45 yrs with 40 % undiagnosed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Statistics

LASI covers adults 45+ across 31 states / UTs yielding nationally representative diabetes data
Silent burden highlighted with two in five cases remaining undiagnosed

Types & Pathophysiology

Type 1 destroys pancreatic beta cells necessitating lifelong insulin
Type 2 shows insulin resistance or inadequate secretion, largely preventable by weight control and activity
Type 5 arises from protein-energy malnutrition damaging beta cells in lean adolescents

Government Initiatives

Fit India promotes physical activity and balanced diets to curb NCDs
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide population-based diabetes screening and early management
CBSE mandates sugar-content display boards to build dietary literacy in schools

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
LASI survey year	2019
Prevalence ≥45 yrs	1 in 5 Indians
Undiagnosed share	≈40 % of diabetics
Dominant type share	Type 2 >95 % cases
New Type 5 BMI cut-off	<18.5 kg/m²
Core hormone	Insulin
Screening platform	Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Lifestyle push	Fit India Movement
School awareness tool	CBSE ‘sugar boards’

GS-2Security

13.India-UAE Defence Cooperation Meeting (India-UAE Defence)

PIBJDCC · maritime security · ICG-UAE MoU

What & Where

JDCC: bilateral India-UAE forum reviewing & planning defence cooperation; 13th meet held Aug 2025, New Delhi.

MoU: Indian Coast Guard–UAE National Guard pact covering maritime security, SAR, anti-piracy, pollution response across Indian Ocean Region.

Geography: Cooperation spans Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, wider IOR; manufacturing tie-ups target both Indian & UAE defence hubs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence Cooperation

Training: Enhanced inter-service exercises, SME exchanges, aim for full tri-service interoperability.
Industry: Co-development of AI tools, shipbuilding refits, maintenance of shared platforms envisaged.
Maritime: Real-time info-sharing grid for piracy, SAR, spill response across IOR chokepoints.

Economic Ties

Trade: Petroleum, gems, agri, textiles, chemicals, engineering goods dominate bilateral basket.
Finance: Integrated payment & LCS system to cut forex costs, speed cross-border transactions.
Manufacturing: Small-arms JV signals shift from buyer-seller to joint producer model.

Strategic Platforms

I2U2: India-UAE-USA-Israel grouping leverages UAE capital for Indian projects.
IMEC: Emirati participation in India-Europe corridor boosts connectivity and supply-chain resilience.
Abraham Accords: UAE-Israel normalisation widens trilateral tech & energy opportunities for India.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
JDCC edition/year	13th / 2025
Venue	New Delhi
UAE rank in India’s trade	3rd overall, 2nd for exports
India rank in UAE’s trade	2nd
Indian diaspora in UAE	≈3.5 million
New defence MoU parties	Indian Coast Guard & UAE National Guard
Key joint industry tie-up	ICOMM–CARACAL small arms manufacturing
Strategic petroleum role	UAE supplies SPR crude to India
Currency settlement pact	Local Currency Settlement System (rupee–dirham)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to the outcomes of the talks between the Prime Minister of India and the President of UAE held in February, 2024 is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 2

'Naseem-Al-Bahr' is a bilateral naval exercise between India and

GS-2Scheme

14.SHINE Science Outreach Programme (Science Outreach)

Economic TimesSHINE · ICMR · DHR

Illustration for SHINE Science Outreach Programme (Science Outreach)

What & Where

SHINE = Science, Health & Innovation for Nextgen Explorers; nationwide science-outreach programme.

Launched 2024 by Indian Council of Medical Research with Department of Health Research.

Conducted across 39 districts in 16 States/UTs via ICMR institutes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives

Inspiration; spark curiosity toward biomedical research careers.
Familiarisation; showcase real-world health science applications.
Innovation; nurture problem-solving mindset for public-health challenges.

Outreach Scale

Nationwide; simultaneous events at 16 ICMR institutes.
Inclusive; urban-rural mix spanning 39 districts.
Large-volume engagement; >13 k students on single open day.

Content & Tools

Experiential; lab walkthroughs, live research demonstrations.
Audio-visual; short films on Covaxin, iDRONE, TB mission.
Branding; Dr. Curio mascot simplifies complex science for teens.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers
Launch year	2024
Nodal bodies	ICMR + Department of Health Research
Target classes	Grades 9-12
Students reached (1st open day)	13,150
Schools covered	300 +
Districts / States-UTs	39 / 16
Key activities	Lab tours, exhibitions, poster walks, live demos
Career interface	Direct interactions with ICMR scientists
Engagement mascot	“Dr. Curio”
Flagship films shown	Covaxin, iDRONE, TB elimination, pandemic drills
Core aim	Spark curiosity & pipeline for biomedical research careers

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

“Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge” (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to:

GS-2Scheme

15.Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Clean Cooking)

The HinduPMUY · ₹300 subsidy · LPG connections

What & Where

Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana—deposit-free LPG links for poor women.

Geography: Pan-India rollout by Oil Marketing Companies under MoPNG.

Aim: Replace solid fuels with clean LPG for health, environment, gender gains.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Continuation: Cabinet cleared FY 2025-26 ₹300-per-cylinder subsidy for PMUY cohort.
Identification: SECC-2011 list + Aadhaar + bank linkage mandatory.
Expansion: Extra 75 lakh new connections sanctioned.

Social Concerns

Health: Lower indoor air pollution cuts respiratory disease burden.
Gender: LPG access trims fuel-gathering drudgery, frees time for education/earning.
Migration: Address-proof waiver eases urban migrant inclusion.

Environmental Impact

Deforestation: Reduced firewood demand safeguards forest biomass.
Emissions: LPG combustion slashes particulates & CO₂ versus solid fuels.
Tagline: “Swachh Indhan Behtar Jeevan” stresses sustainability message.

Economic Angle

Fiscal: Subsidy buffers poor households from market LPG price spikes.
Industry: Higher LPG adoption stokes stove, cylinder, logistics demand.
DBT: Direct transfer curbs leakage, heightens subsidy efficiency.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch	May 2016, Ballia (Uttar Pradesh)
Nodal Ministry	Petroleum & Natural Gas
Core Beneficiary	Adult BPL woman (SECC-2011)
Connection Charge	₹0 security deposit
Stove Aid	One-time govt assistance
Current Subsidy	₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder
Refill Limit	9 subsidised refills/year
5 kg Cylinder	Subsidy proportionate
Delivery Mode	DBT into Aadhaar-linked bank
Implementation	PMUY 1.0, 2.0, +75 lakh add-on
Aggregate Target	10.35 crore connections
Migrant Clause	No address proof needed (2.0)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Saubhagya, a Government of India Scheme, relates to which of the following areas?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

SAUBHAGYA, a Central Government scheme, is related to

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

16.MANAS Anti-Drug Helpline (Drug Control)

PIBMANAS · NCB · NDPS Act

What & Where

MANAS Helpline = Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra, secure anonymous portal to report NDPS-Act drug offences & seek help

Nationwide coverage; operated online & call-based by Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs

Focus areas : crime-reporting, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation of substance abuse

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Platform features : end-to-end encryption, caller anonymity, 24×7 multilingual support
Integrates with NIDAAN for real-time offender mapping
Offers referral links to govt-run de-addiction centres

Legal & Policy

NDPS Act empowers NCB to investigate, seize, prosecute narcotics offences
PITNDPS Act enables preventive detention of traffickers for up to two years
State governments derive power from Article 47 to impose prohibition measures

International Framework

India’s treaty obligations mandate scheduling, control, and reporting of narcotic & psychotropic substances
Helpline data aids annual compliance report to INCB (UN body)
Conventions facilitate cross-border intelligence sharing against drug trafficking

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch month	July 2024
First-year reports	70,000 + citizen inputs
Implementing body	Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Parent ministry	Home Affairs
Constitutional backing	Article 47—State duty to curb intoxicants
Core law	NDPS Act 1985
Supplementary laws	Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940; PITNDPS Act 1988
Key international pacts	1961 Single Convention; 1971 Psychotropic Convention; 1988 UN Illicit Traffic Convention
Related portals	NIDAAN
Mass campaign	Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about Tele MANAS App is correct?