Saturday, 16 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which of the following is not a recommendation of the task force on direct taxes under the chairmanship of Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar in the year 2002?

The correct answer is (a) Abolition of Wealth Tax. This question appeared in GS1 2004.

Q: वस्तु एवं सेवा कर (Goods and Services Tax/GST) के क्रियान्वयन हेतु निम्नलिखित संभावित लाभ क्या है/हैं ?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2017.

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

The correct answer is (c) Precious metals are taxed at a rate of 1% under GST.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: Which one of the following taxes is not included in the Central Pool to be shared with the States according to the recommendations of Finance Commission of India?

The correct answer is (a) Personal Income Tax. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the

The correct answer is (c) Consolidated Fund of India. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2011.

Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

The correct answer is (a) I-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: The Congress policy of pray and petition ultimately came to an end under the guidance of

The correct answer is (a) Aurobindo Ghosh. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: The Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society) was set up by

The correct answer is (d) C. Rajagopalachari. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: Who among the following was associated with the publication of the first Marathi newspaper for the depressed classes, ‘Din Bandhu’?

The correct answer is (a) Gopal Baba Walangkar. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2020.

Q: Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin ?

The correct answer is (c) 1, 3 and 4 only. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

15 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 3GS-3: 9

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Income Tax Bill 2025 Highlights (Income Tax Bill)

Indian Expressuniform tax year · virtual digital space · TCS on LRS

What & Where

Income Tax Bill 2025: Indian legislation replacing Income Tax Act 1961, cleared by both Houses of Parliament

Covers “virtual digital space”: any email, social-media, cloud, website or online account environment

Establishes single “tax year” nationwide: 1 Apr – 31 Mar for all taxpayers

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Replaces dual concepts “assessment year” and “previous year” with single “tax year”
Aligns AMT rules for LLPs, ensuring minimum tax despite deductions
Grants tax authority access to virtual digital space, mandates company assistance

Compliance & Administration

Introduces advance nil-TDS certificates for individuals without tax liability
Removes TCS on education-related LRS remittances via financial institutions
Simplification aimed at reducing litigation and easing filing procedures

Fiscal Numbers

Reports 1.9 % dip in gross direct tax collections FY 2025-26 vs FY 2024-25
Collections stand at ₹7.99 lakh crore despite policy rationalisation
AMT expected to marginally boost revenue from deduction-heavy entities

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Bill purpose	Simplify, rationalise, shorten 1961 Act
Virtual digital space	Email, social media, online accounts, cloud, websites
Tax year span	1 Apr – 31 Mar
TCS on LRS education	Nil when financed by recognised financial institutions
Nil-TDS certificate	Available in advance to zero-tax-liability individuals
AMT scope	Now applicable to LLPs, aligned with IT Act norms
Investigative power	Tax officers may bypass passwords during probes
FY 2025-26 gross direct tax	₹7.99 lakh crore (-1.9 % YoY)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2004PYQ 1

Which of the following is not a recommendation of the task force on direct taxes under the chairmanship of Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar in the year 2002?

GS-3Economy

2.Next-Generation GST Rate Reform (GST Reform)

Financial Expresstwo-slab GST · 5% and 18% rates · 40% sin goods

What & Where

Reform: “Next-gen” GST revamp replacing current multi-slab system with two core rates plus one special rate

Scope: Nationwide Goods & Services Tax under Article 279A; rollout target Diwali 2025, post GST Council nod

Types: 5 % merit, 18 % standard, 40 % sin/luxury; zero-rated essential food unchanged

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Authority: GST Council under Art 279A to approve rate rationalisation, states consultative role mandatory
Instrument: Recommendation forwarded to GoM, followed by Central & State GST amendment notifications
Compliance: Fewer slabs aimed at streamlined classification disputes and litigation reduction

Economic Angle

Consumption: Lower rates on soaps, mobiles, garments expected to spur household demand multiplier
Inflation: Downward pressure on Consumer Price Index via merit goods moving from 12 % to 5 %
Growth: Simplified tax architecture projected to lift MSME margins, supporting GDP and formalisation

Sectoral Impact

MSMEs: Reduced compliance cost due to fewer HSN permutations, easier ITC reconciliation
Sin Goods: Tobacco, pan masala, online betting isolated at 40 % to protect revenue neutrality
Exports: Diamonds, jewellery retain present rates to preserve global price competitiveness

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Target rollout	Diwali 2025
Core slabs	5 % and 18 %
Special high rate	40 % (7 sin/luxury goods)
Items shifting 12 → 5 %	99 % of present 12 % list
Items shifting 28 → 18 %	~90 % of present 28 % list
Zero-rated group	Unprocessed food grains, veggies, milk etc.
Governance body	GST Council + Group of Ministers
Retained concessional sector	Labour-intensive exports (e.g., cut & polished diamonds)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 1

वस्तु एवं सेवा कर (Goods and Services Tax/GST) के क्रियान्वयन हेतु निम्नलिखित संभावित लाभ क्या है/हैं ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements regarding GST is not correct?

GS-3Economy

3.Cess in Union Finances (Cess Funding)

The Hinducess purpose · Article 270 · Consolidated Fund of India

What & Where

Cess – Union additional tax under Article 270, earmarked for a stated purpose, credited first to Consolidated Fund of India.

Surcharge – Extra “tax on tax” under Article 271, progressive, revenue fully retained by Centre like normal taxes.

CAG 2025 flagged ₹3.69 lakh crore cess collections not moved to respective purpose-specific funds.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Provision: Cess purpose must be Union-centric, outside State List, stated in parent Act.
Commission: 13th & 14th FC urged curbing Centre’s surcharge reliance.
Compliance: Statute mandates separate non-lapsable fund for each cess.

Economic Angle

Control: Cess/surcharge revenue empowers Centre vis-à-vis states, bypassing divisible pool.
Equity: Surcharge’s rising slabs aim income-progressivity and redistribution.
Shortfall: Large un-transferred sums undermine targeted spending efficiency.

Administrative Process

Flow: Levy collected → Consolidated Fund → required transfer to designated reserve fund.
Lapse risk: Delayed transfer enables ad-hoc general expenditure, breaching earmarked intent.
Audit: CAG scrutiny essential for transparency in earmarked-fund utilisation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional base-Cess	Article 270
Constitutional base-Surcharge	Article 271
Revenue account entered	Consolidated Fund of India
Share with States	Generally nil for both levies
Divisible pool status	Excluded from devolution
Named examples	Education Cess, Swachh Bharat Cess
Surcharge trigger	Income > ₹50 lakh (slab-linked)
Character of surcharge	Progressive, “tax on tax”
Finance Commissions stand	13th-14th upheld exclusion, sought lower dependence
CAG shortfall 2025	₹3.69 lakh crore un-transferred

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following taxes is not included in the Central Pool to be shared with the States according to the recommendations of Finance Commission of India?

CDS_GK, GS1 2011PYQ 2

All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the

GS-1History

4.Sri Aurobindo Freedom Legacy (Freedom Movement)

Indian ExpressSri Aurobindo · Integral Yoga · Bande Mataram

Illustration for Sri Aurobindo Freedom Legacy (Freedom Movement)

What & Where

Identity: Sri Aurobindo Ghose—yogi–philosopher–poet who linked India’s political freedom with spiritual evolution.

Core idea: Integral Yoga seeks transformation of individual and collective life, not world-renunciation.

Geography: Born Calcutta (1872); major work in Bengal & Puducherry, where Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded (1926).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Struggle Role

Demand: First leader publicly advocating Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) before 1907 Surat split.
Method: Supported boycott–swadeshi and covert armed action; rejected moderate constitutionalism.
Legacy: Ideological bridge between Extremists (Tilak) and later revolutionaries (Bhagat Singh).

Integral Yoga

Aim: Harmonise matter, life, mind into ‘Supermind’; enable divine life on earth.
Practice: Synthesis of Vedanta, Tantra, Bhagavad Gita yoga paths; no monastic withdrawal required.
Outcome: Sees individual perfection as precursor to collective human unity.

Literary & Philosophical Output

Periodicals: Arya journal (1914-21) serialized most major philosophical texts.
Themes: Evolution of consciousness, human unity, critique of materialist modernity.
Style: Blend of Western rationalism with Vedic-Upanishadic mysticism.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	15 Aug 1872
Birth place	Calcutta, Bengal Presidency
Western education	St Paul’s School (London); King’s College, Cambridge
Newspaper edited	Bande Mataram (1906–08)
Revolutionary group	Anushilan Samiti
Landmark trial	Alipore Bomb Case, 1908 (acquitted)
Key philosophy	Integral Yoga & spiritual nationalism
Major prose	The Life Divine; The Synthesis of Yoga
Epic poem	Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol
Ashram founded	1926, Puducherry with Mirra Alfassa (“The Mother”)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

GS1 1999PYQ 2

The Congress policy of pray and petition ultimately came to an end under the guidance of

GS-1History

5.Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Contributions (Social Reformers)

Hindustan TimesJyotiba Phule · Satyashodhak Samaj · girls' education 1848

Illustration for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Contributions (Social Reformers)

What & Where

What: Year-long national commemoration of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s 200th birth anniversary announced by Prime Minister.

Where: Focus in Maharashtra (birth Satara, work Pune) but events planned pan-India.

Core: Highlights Phule’s reforms in caste equity, universal education, women’s rights.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Education Reforms

Pioneered female education; opened India’s first girls’ school, trained Savitribai as teacher.
Advocated universal, secular schooling for Shudras, women, oppressed.
Saw education as tool to dismantle Brahmanical dominance.

Caste & Social Justice

Founded Satyashodhak Samaj to secure social rights, reject priestly mediation.
Opened own well to all castes; practised inter-dining to erode untouchability.
Gulamgiri equated caste hierarchy with American slavery, rallying oppressed masses.

Women & Welfare

Campaigned against child marriage; encouraged widow remarriage through community support.
Ran shelters for destitute widows, abandoned children, pregnant rape survivors.
Stressed economic self-reliance of women via skill training.

Legacy & Influence

Ideological forerunner to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and later Dalit & feminist movements.
Bicentenary aims to mainstream Phule’s egalitarian philosophy in curricula, public discourse.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full name	Jyotirao Govindrao Phule
Birth & Place	11 Apr 1827, Katgun—Satara, Maharashtra
Death & Place	28 Nov 1890, Pune
Social identity	Mali caste (Shudra)
First girls’ school	Pune, 1848
Wife’s distinction	Savitribai Phule – India’s 1st woman teacher
Reform body	Satyashodhak Samaj, 1873
Landmark book	Gulamgiri (Slavery), 1873
Key social stands	Anti-child marriage; pro-widow remarriage
Anniversary plan	Govt-led events April 2027-April 2028 (bicentenary)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

The Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society) was set up by

GS1, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 2

Who among the following was associated with the publication of the first Marathi newspaper for the depressed classes, ‘Din Bandhu’?

GS-1EnvironmentQuick Bite

6.Sentinel-3 Global Wildfire Data (Global Wildfires)

Indian ExpressSentinel-3 World Fire Atlas · 2019 wildfire surge · Amazon fires

Illustration for Sentinel-3 Global Wildfire Data (Global Wildfires)

What & Where

Sentinel-3 World Fire Atlas : ESA prototype mapping global wildfire hotspots via Sentinel-3A/B thermal channels F1, F2.

Coverage : southern ESA nations but outputs global monthly fire counts.

August 2019 wildfires : 79,000 events; Asia major locus, followed by South America, Africa.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Trend

Surge : 2019 August wildfires quintupled previous year indicating escalating global fire activity.
Amazon focus : high-profile blazes boosted international alarm on rainforest loss.

Tech & Schemes

Sentinel-3 constellation supplies 1-day revisit, 300 m resolution thermal data for near-real-time fire monitoring.
World Fire Atlas ensures post-2012 continuity to legacy ATSR fire datasets.

Geography of Fires

Asia dominant share driven by agricultural burning and forest fires in Siberia, Indonesia.
South America figure largely Amazonian; African fires concentrated in savanna belt.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fires detected Aug 2019	79,000
Fires detected Aug 2018	just over 16,000
Increase 2019 over 2018	~5 times
Continental share Aug 2019	Asia 49% > S.America 28% > Africa 16% > others
Peak Amazon fires months	August & September 2019
Mission operator	European Space Agency (ESA)
Parent programme	EU Copernicus Earth Observation
Satellites used	Sentinel-3A and Sentinel-3B
Dedicated fire channels	F1, F2
Sentinel-3 instruments role	Measure land/sea temp, topography, colour

GS-3Environment

7.Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Profile (Protected Areas)

New Indian ExpressCauvery Wildlife Sanctuary · Karnataka · Tiger habitat

What & Where

Protected-area: Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, declared 1987 under Wildlife Protection Act; expanded 2013 to 1,027 km².

Geography: Straddles Cauvery River across Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara (Karnataka); abuts Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri forests.

Corridor-role: Links Bannerghatta NP, BRT Tiger Reserve, MM Hills WS, enabling tiger–elephant movement between Western & Eastern Ghats.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Flora

Dominant-trees: Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini, Hardwickia binata, Albizia amara, Tamarindus indica.
Vegetation-mix: Deciduous with evergreen patches ensures high niche diversity.
Shola-pockets: Support moisture-loving species amid otherwise dry landscape.

Fauna

Apex-predators: Tiger, dhole, leopard maintain trophic balance.
Ungulates: Sambar, spotted & barking deer, wild boar serve prey base.
Avifauna-rich: >280 bird species recorded, aids sanctuary’s IBA potential.

Conservation Significance

Genetic-connectivity: Crucial bridge between Western-Eastern Ghats carnivore populations.
Water-security: Forest cover stabilises flow, limits silt into Cauvery River.
Multi-state-coordination: Shares boundary with Tamil Nadu, demanding joint anti-poaching patrols.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Notification year	1987
Current area	1,027 km² (post-2013 expansion)
State	Karnataka
Main river	Cauvery
Adjacent TN forest	Dharmapuri
Districts covered	Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara
Forest types	Dry deciduous, thorn, riverine, evergreen shola
Climate	Semi-arid; SW & NE monsoon rainfall
Flagship mammals	Tiger, Asian elephant, leopard
Endangered mammals	Grizzled giant squirrel, smooth-coated otter
Iconic fish	Hump-backed mahseer
Important birds	White-rumped vulture, Nilgiri wood-pigeon
Tourist hotspots	Hogenakkal Falls, Mekedatu, Sangam
Hydrological value	Protects Cauvery catchment for south-Indian drinking & irrigation
Wildlife corridor links	Bannerghatta NP, BRT TR, MM Hills WS

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2020PYQ 1

Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin ?

GS1 2004PYQ 2

Match List I (National Park/Sanctuary) with List II (State) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

GS-3Environment

8.Global Plastic Treaty Negotiation Deadlock (Global Plastic Treaty)

Down to EarthINC-UNEP · Geneva talks · plastic pollution

Illustration for Global Plastic Treaty Negotiation Deadlock (Global Plastic Treaty)

What & Where

Global Plastic Treaty: proposed legally binding pact covering plastic’s full life-cycle, from production to disposal

Negotiations held by Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) under UNEP; latest stalled round in Geneva

Seeks worldwide rules on production caps, toxic chemical limits, waste management and support for developing nations

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Proposal: global caps on virgin polymer output, phase-out lists for single-use plastics
Reform ask: hybrid voting system—consensus default, majority fallback to avoid stalemate
Alignment goal: integrate with existing MEAs to curb overlap and enhance enforceability

Environmental Impact

Persistence: plastic fragments linger centuries, disrupt soils, oceans, food webs
Climate link: fossil-fuel intensive production accelerates greenhouse gas emissions
Ecosystem loss: fisheries, tourism, agriculture incur damage costs from debris spread

Negotiation Dynamics

Divergence: development narrative versus environmental ambition dominates talks
Finance fault-line: equity-based funding, tech transfer, historical responsibility unresolved
Draft criticism: perceived dilution—voluntary measures outweigh enforceable obligations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Convenor	INC under UNEP
Legal intent	Binding international agreement
Life-cycle scope	Production → use → disposal, incl. marine impact
Decision rule used	Full consensus (allows single-state veto)
Pro-ambition bloc	High-Ambition Coalition: Norway, EU, UK, etc.
Opposition bloc	Like-Minded Group: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia + China & India
Key sticking points	Production caps, phase-out lists, finance & equity
Meeting outcome	Second deadlock within eight months (Geneva)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Montreal Protocol ratifies:

GS-3S&T

9.Black Hole Supernova Discovery (Astrophysics)

DD Newsnew supernova type · black hole binary · AI detection

What & Where

Supernova– first-seen explosion where black hole drained a massive companion until collapse

Binary system– star and black hole each ≈10 M☉ located ≈700 million light-years away

Detection– AI flagged event; global telescopes tracked full timeline

Quick Facts for MCQs

Observational Tech

AI-scouting algorithm scanned real-time transients flagging event within seconds
Rapid follow-up using ground and space telescopes captured pre-, peak-, post-spectra
Continuous monitoring measured debris fallback onto black hole

Binary Interaction Physics

Accretion– black hole siphoned stellar mass over years distorting star
Stripping– hydrogen envelope removed exposing helium core pre-collapse
Aftermath– black hole consumed remaining ejecta gaining mass and spin

Astrophysics Significance

Mechanism– demonstrates companion black holes can directly trigger supernovae
Classification– suggests new subclass beyond core-collapse and thermonuclear types
Modelling– informs stellar evolution, binary dynamics, gravitational-wave source predictions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Stellar masses	Both components ≈10 times Sun
Distance from Earth	~700 million light-years
Lost layer	Entire hydrogen envelope stripped
Energy release	More in 1 s than Sun over lifetime
Discovery trigger	Real-time AI transient scanner
Post-blast outcome	Black hole accreted remaining debris

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

GS-3S&T

10.Socratic AI Transforming Education (EdTech AI)

The HinduSocratic AI · critical thinking · adaptive questioning

What & Where

Socratic AI = inquiry-driven artificial intelligence acting as question-asking partner instead of answer-spitting tool

Key processes : adaptive questioning, ethical refusal, multidisciplinary guidance toward reasoning

Geography : piloted globally; potential for wide Indian rollout amid digital-divide concerns

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pedagogical Shift

Inquiry-driven design asks probing questions matching student prior knowledge
Ethical guardrails refuse to supply shortcut answers undermining integrity
Multidisciplinary reach spans economics, medicine, law, sciences

Skill Benefits

Reasoning boost via stepwise problem exploration
Argumentation polish through evidence-based dialogue
Humility fostered by challenging assumptions and revising views

Implementation Challenges

Infrastructure gaps limit rural, low-income learner access
Faculty scepticism over job displacement and classroom disruption
Technical limits in nuanced, context-rich questioning versus human mentors

Policy Way Forward

Digital infrastructure investment for equitable AI availability
Teacher training modules on integrating Socratic tools with curricula
Assessment reform shifting from memorisation to reasoning evaluation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
New paradigm name	Socratic AI
Core pedagogy	Question-prompting dialogue
Main traditional AI flaw	Encourages plagiarism & rote copying
Key advantage	Strengthens critical thinking
Teacher role	AI seen as supplement, not replacement
Major equity risk	Digital divide in device & bandwidth access

GS-3S&T

11.India Semiconductor Industry Outlook (Semiconductor Manufacturing)

PIBIndia Semiconductor Mission · market size USD 52 bn · import dependence

Illustration for India Semiconductor Industry Outlook (Semiconductor Manufacturing)

What & Where

National India Semiconductor Mission (2021, MeitY) — umbrella to catalyse chip fabs, packaging, design and talent.

Recent Cabinet nod: 4 projects in Odisha, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh; tally now 10 projects across 6 states.

Targets creation of wafer fabs, display fabs, compound-semiconductor units and ATMP/OSAT facilities within India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Market Dynamics

Demand: 5G rollout, AI diffusion steepen domestic chip consumption curve.
Imports: ICs +2000 %, memory +4500 %, amplifiers +4800 % during FY16-24; China supplies ~⅓.
Dominance: Taiwan & South Korea host 80 % of global foundry capacity.

Policy Tools

PLI: Output-linked incentive for large-scale electronics & IT hardware manufacture.
SPECS & EMC: Capital subsidy plus cluster infrastructure for components/semiconductors.
FDI: 100 % automatic route permitted in electronics manufacturing.

Key Challenges

Infrastructure: Fab construction needs ultra-cleanrooms, stable power, abundant water, heavy capex.
Talent: Existing 2.2 lakh professionals; gap could reach 3 lakh by 2027.
Environmental: Hazardous chemicals, high energy raise compliance and disposal costs.

Strategic Opportunities

Diplomacy: Tech partnerships with US, Japan aid know-how transfer, reduce China dependence.
Niche focus: MEMS, sensors, silicon photonics offer quicker, lower-capex entry points.
Geopolitics: US-China chip rift opens supply-chain realignment favouring India.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Market size FY25	USD 52 billion
Projected size 2030	USD 103.4 billion
CAGR 2024-30	13 %
Mobile+IT+industrial revenue share	≈70 %
Fiscal support (Fabs/Display/Compound)	Up to 50 % of cost
DLI scheme cap	₹15 crore per firm
Projects cleared Aug 2025	4
ISM project total	10 in 6 states
Skilled shortfall by 2027	2.5–3.5 lakh workers
India’s 5G phone market share	13 % (Rank 2)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which state is home to India’s first Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant?

GS-3Security

12.Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal Overview (Military Honours)

The PrintSarvottam Yudh Seva Medal · wartime distinguished service · instituted 1980

What & Where

Definition: India’s highest wartime distinguished-service decoration for exceptional leadership during war, conflict or hostilities

Origin: Instituted 26 Jan 1980; conferred sparingly by President on tri-service personnel, reserves and nursing services

Geography: National award; precedence equals peacetime Param Vishisht Seva Medal across Army, Navy, Air Force

Quick Facts for MCQs

Features & Design

Shape: Circular 35 mm gold gilt; obverse state emblem with Hindi inscription
Reverse: Five-pointed star symbolising joint-services wartime excellence
Ribbon: Golden 32 mm with single 6 mm red stripe; bar signifies second award

Eligibility & Precedence

Coverage: Officers, JCOs, ORs, Auxiliary, Territorial Army, Reserves, Nursing Services
Placement: Above Uttam Yudh Seva Medal; below gallantry series like Param Vir Chakra
Conferment: Based on exceptional operational leadership; recommended by service chiefs, approved by Defence Ministry, President

Awardees

Historical: Only three awardees pre-2025—Lt Gen Kalkat 1989, Air Mshl Patney 1999, Lt Gen Khanna 2000
2025 batch: Seven senior commanders from Operation Sindoor—four IAF, two Army, one Navy
Cumulative: Total recipients now 10, making SYSM among rarest Indian decorations

Significance & Impact

Morale: Rewards highest joint-operations planning, incentivises inter-service synergy during hostilities
Status: Considered wartime parallel to PVSM; confers lifelong honorific, ceremonial precedence

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Institution year	1980
First award operation	Operation Pawan 1989
Latest award operation	Operation Sindoor 2025
Awarding authority	President of India
Peacetime equivalent	Param Vishisht Seva Medal
Medal hierarchy	Highest wartime distinguished service
Eligibility	All ranks Army, Navy, Air Force, Auxiliaries
Posthumous	Allowed
Medal design	Gold gilt 35 mm circular; star reverse
Ribbon colours	Golden field, central red stripe
Total recipients till 2025	10
Repeat award insignia	Bar plus miniature star

GS-3Security

13.Golden Dome Missile Defence Project (Missile Defence)

DD NewsGolden Dome system · space-based interceptors · hypersonic missiles

What & Where

Multi-layer U.S. Golden Dome missile defence combining space and land intercept architecture

Coverage spans continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missiles

Components: satellite boost-phase kill, upgraded California-Alaska GBMD, five new sites, Patriot limited-area layer

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Space-Layer satellites wield kinetic interceptors or lasers for boost-phase kills
Ground-Layer upgraded GBMD interceptors in California, Alaska tackle midcourse trajectory
Terminal-Layer common launchers with Patriot sensors shield critical cities

Security Dimension

Shield promises full-spectrum defeat of ICBM, hypersonic, cruise threats
Integration via Hypersonic & Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor constellation enables global cueing
Deterrence value expected to raise adversary launch cost calculations

Economic Angle

Budget allocation pegged at USD 175 billion across decade
Private-Sector partners include SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, RTX
Five new launch sites projected to generate high-skill jobs in mainland, islands

International Examples

Inspiration drawn from Israel Iron Dome expanded to continental scale
Concept resurrects Reagan era Strategic Defense Initiative space intercept vision
Benchmarks set for emerging boost-phase kill capability rarely fielded globally

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Project cost	USD 175 billion
Primary layers	Space boost, ground midcourse, terminal area
Space constellation size	Hundreds of interceptor-capable satellites
Existing GBMD sites	Fort Greely AK, Vandenberg CA
New launch sites	3 mainland US, 1 HI, 1 AK
Threat types	ICBM, hypersonic glide, cruise missiles
Core sensor network	Hypersonic & Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor sats
Industry partners	SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, RTX
Heritage systems	Israel Iron Dome, US SDI

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 1

The term ‘Terminal High Altitude Area Defense’, sometimes mentioned in news, refers to

CDS_GK, GS1 2018PYQ 2

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

GS-2Scheme

14.National Deep-Water Exploration Mission (Hydrocarbon Exploration)

New Indian ExpressNational Deep Water Mission · Andaman Sea · Ministry of Petroleum

Illustration for National Deep-Water Exploration Mission (Hydrocarbon Exploration)

What & Where

Mission-mode programme to probe untapped deep-water oil & gas for long-term energy security

Led by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas; executed via Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and allied labs

Core blocks in Andaman–Nicobar basin, ultra-deep Andhra coast and >1 mn sq km erstwhile No-Go offshore

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives

Import-cut aim Reduce crude & gas dependency to bolster Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Capacity-build Enhance domestic hydrocarbon production through accelerated discoveries
Security-boost Cushion economy from volatile global energy markets

Key Features

Deep-water focus Prioritises unexplored ultra-deep zones, high-pressure reservoirs
Large-scale bidding Invites domestic & global firms via liberalised terms
Tech infusion Employs advanced imaging, high-spec rigs, AI-driven prospect ranking

Significance

Forex-saving Lower import bill channels funds to welfare & infrastructure
Strategic control Strengthens sovereignty over critical energy resources in Indian EEZ
Economic multiplier Spurs allied services, shipyards, coastal employment

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch announcement	79th Independence Day address (15 Aug 2025)
Nodal ministry	Petroleum & Natural Gas
Policy backbone	Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) reforms
Offshore area unlocked	>1 million sq km
Current import reliance	88 % crude oil; 50 % natural gas
Tech tools	2D/3D seismic, modern drilling, AI analytics
Prime target basins	Andaman Sea, deep Andhra offshore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is not correct?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

15.SHRESTH Health Regulation Index (Health Regulation)

PIBSHRESTH · CDSCO · drug safety index

What & Where

SHRESTH Index — virtual gap-assessment tool grading state drug regulators.

Pan-India coverage for all States & UTs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Digital-first platform; states upload metrics, CDSCO auto-compiles index, monthly scorecards circulated
Classification engine separates Manufacturing from Distribution states tailoring evaluation

Health Governance

Accountability mechanism; lagging indicators flagged for corrective action, aligns with Drugs & Cosmetics Act enforcement
Capacity-building focus; index nudges recruitment, lab upgradation, surveillance strengthening to secure regulatory maturity

International Benchmarking

Compliance push; ML3 parity positions India as Pharmacy of World, easing global acceptance of Indian drugs
WHO hierarchy ML1–ML4 denote rising robustness; ML3 equals stable, integrated, well-functioning regulatory system

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2025
Parent ministry	Health & Family Welfare
Developer	CDSCO
Nature	Virtual assessment index
Primary goal	Drug safety, quality, efficacy
State grouping	Manufacturing; Distribution/UT
Data submission	Monthly by states
Benchmark reference	WHO GBT ML3
India’s WHO status	ML3 achieved 2024
Key parameters	HR, labs, licensing, surveillance, grievance redress

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which organization developed the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) portal?

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