Thursday, 14 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?

The correct answer is (a) Jute. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: “This crop is of tropical origin. For its development it requires about 210 frost-free days and 50–100 centimetres of rainfall annually. Its adaptability to moist, deep, well-drained soils makes it ideally suited for plantation agriculture.” Which one of the following crops is described in the above passage?

The correct answer is (a) Cotton. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

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, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी एजेंसी ‘SAFE आवास : वित्तीय विकास के लिए श्रमिक आवास सुविधाएँ’ पर रिपोर्ट जारी करती है?

The correct answer is (a) भारतीय रिज़र्व बैंक (RBI). This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project was recently launched by which organization?

The correct answer is (a) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This question appeared in ESE_GS 2026.

Q: In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

The correct answer is (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

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

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

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

The correct answer is (c) South Africa. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP):

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

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

The correct answer is (a) Enlarging MFN (Most Favored Nations). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

14 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 5GS-3: 6

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.AI SabhaSaar Gram Sabha Tool (Local Governance)

DHMinistry of Panchayati Raj · Bhashini · Artificial Intelligence

What & Where

SabhaSaar: AI-driven tool auto-transcribes video/audio of Gram Sabha meetings into structured, official-ready minutes.

Built by Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj; plugged into Bhashini National Language Translation Mission platform.

Pilot launch in Tripura; slated for nationwide use, incl. Special Gram Sabhas on national days.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

NLP engine converts multilingual speech to text; summariser flags decisions and action items.
Cloud architecture enables scalable deployment across 2.6 lakh Gram Panchayats.
Output formatted to statutory template, ready for digital signature and archival.

Governance Efficiency

Automation cuts several man-hours per meeting; frees officials for developmental tasks.
Standardised minutes promote uniform record-keeping across diverse Panchayats.
Instant availability accelerates follow-up on sanctioned works and fund releases.

Transparency & Inclusion

Tamper-proof digital records curb later alterations and disputes.
13-language support empowers non-English/Hindi functionaries and local communities.
Public access to authenticated minutes strengthens social audit and accountability.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer	Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Core Tech	Artificial Intelligence + NLP
Integration	Bhashini (National Language Translation Mission)
Supported languages	13 (incl. Kannada, English)
Initial roll-out state	Tripura
Primary user level	Gram Sabha / Panchayat officials
Main deliverable	Structured minutes with decisions, resolutions, action points
Key benefits	Time-saving, transparency, standardisation
Planned coverage	All states; nationwide scaling
Usage occasions	Regular & Special Gram Sabhas on national days

GS-2Polity

2.Overseas Citizen of India Scheme (Citizenship Policy)

Hindustan TimesOCI Card · Citizenship Act · MHA Rules

What & Where

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI): quasi-citizenship status for persons of Indian origin to reside, work, travel visa-free in India.

Governed by Citizenship Act, 1955; latest MHA rules tighten cancellation criteria for criminal offences anywhere worldwide.

Applies globally to eligible diaspora except those with Pakistani/Bangladeshi citizenship in self or ancestry.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment empowers Centre to cancel OCI upon mere charge-sheet, not just conviction, for serious offences.
Cancellation discretionary yet follows principles of natural justice under Citizenship Rules.
Strengthens state oversight over diaspora residency privileges.

Eligibility & Rights

Eligibility spans citizens of India post-26 Jan 1950, their children/grandchildren, minor children of such persons.
Enjoys economic, educational parity with NRIs minus political participation.
Aligns with India’s diaspora engagement strategy without diluting sovereign control.

Security Dimension

New rules plug security gaps by recognising foreign convictions/charges under equivalent Indian offences.
Places OCI holders under similar criminal scrutiny thresholds as foreign visa applicants.
Facilitates swift action against transnational crime or activities hurting India’s integrity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2005
Nodal ministry	Home Affairs
Governing law	Citizenship Act, 1955
Relevant section	7D clause (da)
Visa benefit	Lifelong, multiple-entry
Conviction term cut-off	≥ 2 years jail
Charge-sheet bar	Offence punishable ≥ 7 years
Jurisdiction reach	India & abroad if offence mirrors Indian law
Property bar	No agricultural/plantation land
Political rights	No voting/constitutional posts
Excluded nationalities	Pakistan, Bangladesh
Cancellation old grounds	Fraud, disaffection, enemy trade, sovereignty threats

GS-2Scheme

3.Fast Track Special Courts Scheme (Judicial Reforms)

PIBPOCSO Act · Expedited Trials · Cabinet Approval

Illustration for Fast Track Special Courts Scheme (Judicial Reforms)

What & Where

Definition: Fast Track Special Courts expedite rape & POCSO trials for swifter victim justice

Scheme-type: Centrally Sponsored, created Aug 2019 under Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice

Coverage: 761 courts (414 POCSO-exclusive) functional across 30 States/UTs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Enactment: 2018 amendment added death penalty for rape, necessitating dedicated courts
Directive: Supreme Court 2019 ordered swift POCSO disposal leading to scheme formulation
Approval: Union Cabinet Nov 2023 okayed three-year continuation with central funding

Performance Metrics

Disposal: 1.95 lakh cases cleared, yet huge backlog persists
Rate-gap: Designed 165 vs realised 28 cases per court annually
Conviction: Only 3.3 % conviction from total trials, raising efficacy concerns

Operational Challenges

Infrastructure: Courts mostly redesignated, lacking separate buildings, staff, tech
Pendency: States like UP, Bihar may need 21-30 years to clear dockets
Human-resource: 23 % judge vacancies, minimal specialised training for sexual-offence handling

Reform Suggestions

Investment: Allocate funds for courtrooms, e-tools, support staff
Case-flow: Enforce strict schedules, curb adjournments, fast evidence recording
Staffing: Fill vacancies swiftly, post judges trained in child & sexual-crime law

Related Schemes

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao focuses on girl survival, education, empowerment
Juvenile Justice Act 2015 governs child protection, care, rehabilitation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Cabinet extension	Up to 31 Mar 2026
Initial launch	Oct 2019 (1-year pilot)
Legal basis	Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2018
Supreme Court trigger	Suo-motu Writ (Criminal) 2019
Total cases disposed	≈ 1.95 lakh
Pending POCSO cases	2.43 lakh (31 Jan 2023)
Operational courts	761; of these 414 exclusive POCSO
Average yearly clearance	28 cases per court vs target 165
Convictions achieved	8,909 of 2.68 lakh trials
Judiciary vacancy rate	23 % in lower courts (2022)

GS-3Economy

4.Jute Fibre Import Restrictions (Jute Industry)

News on AirGolden Fibre · West Bengal · Bangladesh Imports

Illustration for Jute Fibre Import Restrictions (Jute Industry)

What & Where

Fibre: Long, lustrous bast strands from Corchorus genus; called the Golden Fibre.

Process: Water-retting of stalks, then spinning into coarse, high-strength yarn.

Core belt: Ganga–Brahmaputra delta; West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trade & Policy

Ban: Selected Bangladeshi jute goods, ropes barred via land crossings.
Checkpoint: Nhava Sheva sole entry to enforce BIS quality norms.
Objective: Shield domestic mills, curb sub-standard imports.

Geography & Climate

Delta plains ensure waterlogging vital for retting.
Sowing March–May; harvest July–Sept aligned with monsoon peak.
Secondary belts: Assam valley, coastal Odisha, north Andhra.

Industrial History

British-era Calcutta mills anchored global jute trade.
Post-1947 industry key for rural jobs, export earnings.
Recent diversification into geotextiles, composites to revive demand.

Material Properties

Biodegradable, renewable; supports plastic-substitution drives.
High tensile strength fits sacking, erosion-control, ropes.
Six-month crop cycle offers quick biomass turnover.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
India’s world share	≈70 % of output
Dominant state	West Bengal
Ideal climate	Warm, humid, heavy rain
Best soil	Deltaic alluvium
Botanical family	Malvaceae
New import rule	Only via Nhava Sheva seaport
Banned routes	All land borders with Bangladesh
Popular alias	Golden Fibre
Earliest use	Indus Valley ropes, mats
Colonial mill hub	Hooghly belt, Bengal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?

GS1 2020PYQ 2

“This crop is of tropical origin. For its development it requires about 210 frost-free days and 50–100 centimetres of rainfall annually. Its adaptability to moist, deep, well-drained soils makes it ideally suited for plantation agriculture.” Which one of the following crops is described in the above passage?

GS-3Economy

5.RBI Framework for Ethical AI Adoption (Responsible AI)

Indian ExpressFREE-AI · Seven Sutras · RBI Committee

Illustration for RBI Framework for Ethical AI Adoption (Responsible AI)

What & Where

Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE-AI) — RBI committee blueprint for banking & financial services.

Scope: Indian regulated entities (banks, NBFCs, payments, insurers) using AI/ML across credit, risk, compliance, consumer interface.

Geography: Pan-India; aligns with RBI policy statement dated 6 Dec 2024.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Guiding Sutras

Trust-foundation; transparency & reliability prioritized.
People-first; AI assists, not replaces, human judgment.
Understandable-by-design; explainability mandatory to avoid “black-box” decisions.

Key Recommendations

Governance: Board-approved AI policy covering lifecycle, audits, grievance redress.
Product rollout: Include AI-specific risk tests in RBI product-approval process.
Cybersecurity: Mandatory AI incident reporting; resilient, sustainable architectures.

Challenges

Bias risk; skewed datasets may trigger discriminatory credit/fraud flags.
Privacy vulnerabilities; large-scale financial data attractive to cyber-attacks.
High costs; compute infrastructure and skilled talent raise entry barriers.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constituting body	Reserve Bank of India
Committee name	FREE-AI Committee
Chairperson	Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya
Formation reference	Monetary Policy Statement, 6 Dec 2024
Deliverables	7 “Sutras” + 26 recommendations under 6 pillars
Central aim	Balance innovation with transparency, fairness, accountability
AI Innovation Sandbox	Recommended controlled test environment
Shared infra proposal	Common data & compute layer for all regulated entities

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 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?

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी एजेंसी ‘SAFE आवास : वित्तीय विकास के लिए श्रमिक आवास सुविधाएँ’ पर रिपोर्ट जारी करती है?

GS-3Infrastructure

6.TRAI Digital Connectivity Rating Framework (Digital Infrastructure)

LiveMintTRAI · Rating Regulations 2024 · Fibre Readiness

Illustration for TRAI Digital Connectivity Rating Framework (Digital Infrastructure)

What & Where

National framework to rate real-estate on digital-connectivity readiness and performance.

Assesses fibre readiness, indoor mobile coverage, Wi-Fi, broadband speed and overall user experience with measurable metrics.

Applicable across India; released 2024 by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), New Delhi.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Metrics include fibre availability, signal attenuation, Wi-Fi density, throughput, latency-based UX scoring.
Manual provides uniform protocol for accredited Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies across property categories.

Legal & Policy

2024 regulations give statutory status; ratings voluntary but may guide future building codes & municipal approvals.
Supports Digital India by encouraging transparent, competition-friendly disclosure of property-level connectivity quality.

Consumer & Developer Impact

Buyers/tenants get pre-purchase clarity, aiding remote work, e-learning, telehealth, online services adoption.
Early design integration of ducts & in-building solutions lowers retrofit costs, boosting developer incentives.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching body	TRAI
Framework name	Property Rating Framework for Digital Connectivity
Legal backing	Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024
Core evaluation aspects	Fibre, indoor 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, broadband speed, UX
Target users	Buyers, tenants, enterprises, developers
TRAI set-up date	20 Feb 1997
TRAI headquarters	New Delhi
Related tribunal	TDSAT, created 2000 on TRAI advice

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project was recently launched by which organization?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

7.Goa Dhirio Bull Fighting Tradition (Traditional Sport)

Indian ExpressDhirio · Portuguese Era · Legal Ban

What & Where

Dhirio / Dhiri = non-lethal bull-versus-bull strength contest rooted in Goa, India.

Originates from Portuguese era; practised mainly in coastal villages despite legal ban.

Fights held on paddy fields or football grounds during village feasts or post-harvest events.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

1997 Bombay HC ban invoked Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
Supreme Court upheld ban same year sustaining nationwide illegality
Fresh legalization demand cites SC 2023 cultural exemption granted to Jallikattu

Cultural Context

Integral to Goan church feasts and post-harvest village celebrations
Seen as community attraction with potential tourism draw
Maintains devoted local following despite prohibition

Sport Mechanics

Two specially bred, trained bulls pushed to test strength until one withdraws
Events staged on makeshift arenas in paddy fields or football grounds
Lacks matadors or ritual killing unlike Spanish bullfighting

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sport nature	Bull-on-bull strength contest
Matador / killing	Absent
Primary state	Goa
Period of origin	Portuguese era
Banning court & year	Bombay High Court 1997
Statutory basis	Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
Supreme Court stance	Ban upheld 1997
Cultural link	Church feasts & agrarian celebrations
Current practice	Continues illegally in some villages
Comparator sport	Tamil Nadu Jallikattu allowed by SC 2023

GS-1Mapping

8.Nepal Geography and Tourism Overview (Country Mapping)

NDTVMount Everest · Karnali River · Kathmandu

Illustration for Nepal Geography and Tourism Overview (Country Mapping)

What & Where

Waiver: Nepal eliminates climbing fees on 97 lesser-known western peaks to stimulate regional tourism

Location: Targeted summits lie in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces within the western Himalayan belt

Nepal: Landlocked South Asian state between India and Tibet, capital Kathmandu, home to world’s highest mountains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tourism Policy

Fee-cut: Permit cost removal expected to attract climbers away from overcrowded Everest routes
Regional focus: Policy designed to channel trekking income into underserved western communities, boosting lodges, guides, porters
Competitive edge: Nepal seeking to outcompete alternative Himalayan destinations by lowering entry barriers

Himalayan Geography

Peaks: Nepal hosts Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna
Terrain: Steep altitudinal variation from Terai plains to 8,000 m zones within 200 km north-south span
Strategic: Mountain barrier forms natural frontier with Tibet, influencing climate and defence considerations

Water Resources

Rivers: Kosi, Narayani, Karnali flow south into India, fed by glacial melt
Energy: Sharp gradients grant high hydropower potential, key for bilateral electricity trade with India
Floods: Monsoon runoff from Himalayan catchments often causes downstream flooding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fee-waiver peaks	97 mountains
Provinces covered	Karnali & Sudurpaschim
Country status	Landlocked South Asia
Neighbouring entities	India; Tibet A.R. of China
Capital	Kathmandu
Highest peak	Mount Everest 8,849 m
8,000-m summits	8 of world’s top 10
Major rivers	Kosi, Narayani (Gandak), Karnali
Hydropower trait	Steep, glacial fed; high potential

GS-3Species

9.Jellyfish Blooms Impact Nuclear Cooling (Marine Species)

Indian ExpressCnidaria · Aurelia aurita · Bloom

What & Where

Jellyfish – ancient, gelatinous Cnidaria (class Scyphozoa) often bloom massively, drifting in global oceans.

Gravelines Nuclear Power Station – six-unit PWR complex on France’s North Sea coast between Calais & Dunkirk.

Massive jellyfish swarm clogged plant’s seawater intakes, forcing temporary shutdown of three reactors.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biological Traits

Nematocysts deliver stings for prey defense.
Lacks bones, brain, heart; nutrients diffuse through 95 % water body.
Blooms triggered by warm water, eutrophication, low predators.

Energy Operations

PWRs need uninterrupted seawater for heat exchange.
Intake blockages trigger automatic reactor scrams for safety.
Jellyfish, algae and debris are recurrent bio-fouling risks.

Geographic Context

Gravelines sits midpoint Calais-Dunkirk on North Sea littoral.
Site proximity to shallow, nutrient-rich waters encourages jellyfish aggregations.
Coastal nuclear plants worldwide share similar marine-organism shutdown incidents.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Phylum	Cnidaria
Class	Scyphozoa
Body water content	≈95 %
Common exemplar species	Aurelia aurita (Moon Jellyfish)
Evolutionary age	> 500 million years
Movement	Passive drift; bell pulsations
Bloom definition	Rapid population explosion under favourable conditions
Plant reactor type	Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
Reactors affected	3 of 6
Plant rank	Among Europe’s largest nuclear stations
Cooling source	North Sea coastal waters
Regional location	Hauts-de-France, Northern France

GS-3S&T

10.Private Indigenous EO Satellite Constellation (Space PPP)

The HinduPixxel · IN-SPACe · Earth Observation

Illustration for Private Indigenous EO Satellite Constellation (Space PPP)

What & Where

Initiative: India’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth-Observation satellite constellation under PPP via IN-SPACe

Coverage: 12 private‐built EO satellites assembled, launched, operated from India (Bengaluru firms in lead)

Objective: Supply high-resolution, secure geospatial data for domestic needs and global customers

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

First PPP for satellite ownership and ops sanctioned after 2020 space sector reforms
Hyperspectral sensors capture hundreds of spectral bands enabling fine-grained analytics
Outputs delivered as cloud-based ARD and AI-driven VAS for quick user integration

Economic Angle

₹1,200 crore private spend signals rising venture capital in Indian space economy
Indigenous constellation slashes import of costly foreign EO datasets, saving forex
Export of high-value geospatial intelligence expected to open new revenue streams

Security Dimension

Domestic control over imaging chain enhances data sovereignty and cyber resilience
High-resolution feeds aid border vigilance, maritime domain awareness, strategic planning
Rapid revisit capability strengthens disaster response and critical infrastructure monitoring

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing body	IN-SPACe PPP framework
Lead partner	Pixxel Space India
Other consortium firms	Piersight Space; Satsure Analytics; Dhruva Space
Constellation size	12 EO satellites
Imaging tech	Hyperspectral + other advanced sensors
Private investment	₹1,200 crore over 5 years
Data products	Analysis Ready Data; Value-Added Services
Core applications	Climate, disaster, agri, marine, urban, security
Global outreach	Foreign geospatial intelligence market addressed
Pixxel founded	2019; HQ Bengaluru

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

GS1 1996PYQ 2

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

GS-2EconomyQuick Bite

11.India-Oman CEPA Negotiations Concluded (Trade Agreement)

Economic TimesCEPA · GCC · Bilateral Trade

What & Where

Definition: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) = broad free-trade pact covering goods, services, facilitation, IPR, competition

Type: Wider scope than standard FTA, addresses regulatory issues for predictable trade

Geography: Bilateral pact between India and Oman, key Gulf state bordering UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Scope: Includes trade facilitation, competition policy, intellectual property rights
Character: Goes beyond tariffs to regulatory coherence ensuring smooth trade
Forums: Oman also key in GCC, Arab League, IORA dialogues

Economic Angle

Exports: India ships light oils, rice, machinery, metals to Oman
Imports: India buys crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, chemicals from Oman
Objective: CEPA aims to boost two-way trade & investment volumes beyond USD 10 billion mark

Strategic Relations

Status: Upgraded to strategic partnership in 2008 reflecting deepening security and economic ties
Location value: Oman’s Gulf position offers India access to West Asian markets and energy routes
Multilateral role: Oman serves as important interlocutor for India within GCC negotiations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Partner country	Oman
Pact name	India-Oman CEPA
Diplomatic ties since	1955
Strategic partnership year	2008
Bilateral trade FY 24-25	USD 10.61 billion
GCC export rank for India	3rd after UAE & Saudi Arabia

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP):

GS-3Security

12.Left Wing Extremism Countermeasures Progress (Left Wing Extremism)

The HinduRed Corridor · Operation Black Forest · NIA

What & Where

Definition: LWE = Maoist-led armed insurgency seeking government overthrow through violence.

Core geography: Ex-Red Corridor now shrunk to 18 districts across central & eastern India.

Roots: Naxalbari uprising, 1967, Darjeeling district, West Bengal.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trends & Metrics

Decline: Continuous contraction of violence and geographical spread since 2014.
Benchmark: Government tracking elimination progress against March 2026 deadline.
Data-driven: Dashboard monitoring of key result areas under SAMADHAN.

Kinetic Operations

Operation Black Forest 2025: Eliminated senior Maoist cadre, zero security-force casualties.
Intelligence: Strengthened Special Intelligence Branches enable pre-emptive strikes.
Area-domination: Persistent patrols deny rebels safe havens.

Development Push

Infrastructure: Roads, telecom, digital services framed as counter-insurgency tools.
Welfare: Last-mile delivery of health, education, livelihoods to undercut recruitment.
Rehabilitation: Surrender-cum-skill packages facilitate ex-cadre mainstreaming.

Coordination Mechanisms

Whole-of-government: Unified command joins Centre, states, and multiple agencies.
Real-time intel: Technology platforms share field inputs instantly.
Community interface: Local grievance redress builds trust, curbs extremist narratives.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Districts still LWE-hit (2025)	18
Fall in incidents 2004-14 vs 2014-23	>50 %
Maoists neutralised in 2024 intel ops	290
Key 2025 action	Operation Black Forest, Karreguttalu Hill
Target year to end Naxalism	March 2026
Lead investigation agency	NIA
Guiding doctrine	SAMADHAN
Origin year of movement	1967

GS-2Scheme

13.Export Promotion Mission for MSMEs (Trade Promotion)

Economic TimesNIRYAT PROTSAHAN · DGFT · ₹2

Illustration for Export Promotion Mission for MSMEs (Trade Promotion)

What & Where

Government-wide Export Promotion Mission to shield Indian exports from trade shocks

Two pillars: NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (finance) & NIRYAT DISHA (market access)

Nationwide rollout by Ministry of Commerce & Industry through DGFT

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Credit support via easy schemes lowers MSME financing burden
Overseas warehousing cuts delivery time and inventory cost
GST rationalisation and simpler trade procedures reduce export transaction expenses

Tech & Schemes

NIRYAT PROTSAHAN provides concessional trade finance and insurance backing
NIRYAT DISHA funds market diversification, product adaptation, global branding
Mission enables government-backed storage facilities abroad for supply reliability

International Context

Triggered by 50 % US tariff hike on Indian textiles, chemicals, leather, footwear
Focus on tapping new geographies to counter rising protectionism
Strives to enhance export resilience against global market volatility

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Mission Name	Export Promotion Mission
Budget Outlay	₹2,250 crore
Announced In	Union Budget 2025-26 (1 Feb 2025)
Nodal Ministry	Commerce & Industry
Key Implementer	Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Flagship Components	NIRYAT PROTSAHAN, NIRYAT DISHA
Core Objective	Cushion exports from global protectionism
Primary Beneficiaries	MSMEs, e-commerce exporters
Trigger Event	50 % US tariff hike on select Indian goods
Overseas Warehousing	Government-facilitated storage abroad

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme announced by the Government helps in:

GS-1Scheme

14.Higher Education Commission of India Reform (Higher Education)

The HinduHECI · NHERC · Accreditation

Illustration for Higher Education Commission of India Reform (Higher Education)

What & Where

HECI = single, tech-driven regulator superseding UGC, AICTE, NCTE for all Indian higher-education institutions.

Scope pan-India, supported by six Regional Education Excellence Centres for contextual oversight.

Four verticals: NHERC (regulation), NAC (accreditation), HEGC (grants), GEC (curriculum norms).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Consolidation; repeals UGC Act, AICTE Act, NCTE Act through enabling legislation.
Staggered HECI member terms shield from political cycles.
All regulatory decisions immutably recorded on blockchain for audit.

Tech & Schemes

AI analytics predict institutional quality dip 18 months ahead.
NLP mines multilingual student feedback; computer vision audits infrastructure via imagery.
Blockchain layer underpins open dashboards for public scrutiny.

Implementation Timeline

Phase 2 (2027–28): Full NEIP, blockchain launch, 25 % migration from legacy systems.
Phase 3 (2028–29): Complete function transfer, activate performance-linked grants.
Phase 4 (2030 onwards): Global branding, expanded foreign partnerships.

Challenges & Safeguards

Digital divide; rural colleges lack high-speed connectivity for real-time monitoring.
Change management; moving from compliance to outcomes may face institutional resistance.
Equity guardrails; funding formula to avert widening quality gaps.

Expected Outcomes

Academic excellence; higher employability, research impact, global rankings rise.
Governance efficiency; single-window approvals, reduced duplication, better transparency.
Innovation push; stronger industry links yield patents, startups, societal solutions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vision year	India global education hub by 2030
Constitutional status	Autonomy akin to Election Commission
Guaranteed funding	1.5 % of GDP, inflation-indexed
Key tech spine	National Education Intelligence Platform (NEIP)
Data inputs	500 + indicators per institution per month
Credential security	Blockchain-verified degrees, instant employer access
Performance funding model	Similar to UK Research Excellence Framework
Phase-1 rollout	2026–27; NEIP pilot in 100 institutes
Final phase goal	20 Indian universities in world top-500
International students target	5 lakh by 2030

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the National Education Policy 2020 in India ?

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 2

What is Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) as per the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020?

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