Monday, 18 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: The Citizenship Act, 1955 deals with the determination of citizenship on or after

The correct answer is (b) 26th November, 1949. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2023.

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

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

Q: भारत के "ब्लू ग्रोथ" से क्या अभिप्राय है ?

The correct answer is (c) समुद्र और समुद्री संसाधनों की सतत् वृद्धि को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए एक दीर्घकालिक रणनीति. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

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

Q: Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

The correct answer is (d) Following an expansionary monetary policy. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: यदि निकट भविष्य में दूसरा वैश्विक वित्तीय संकट होता है, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी कार्यवाही/नीति, भारत को, सबसे अधिक संभावना के साथ, कुछ सुरक्षा प्रदान कर सकती है?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in GS1 2020.

Q: Who among the following revolutionaries founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army?

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

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

The correct answer is (a) I–C, II–D, III–A, IV–E. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 1997.

Q: "Biorock technology" is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

The correct answer is (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2022.

Q: Which one of the following biosphere reserves comprises islands with estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves?

The correct answer is (b) Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

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

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Overseas Citizen of India Updates (Overseas Citizens)

BTOCI Card · Citizenship Act 1955 · Section 7D

What & Where

OCI scheme; Citizenship Act 1955 amendment; operational since Aug 2005 across all Indian immigration points

Cancellation now widened under Sec 7D (da); Home Ministry can revoke on fresh criminal criteria

~4.5 million cardholders; largest pools in USA, UK, Australia, Canada

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility & Exclusions

Eligibility; self or ancestor citizen on/after 26 Jan 1950; foreign spouse married ≥2 years
Exclusion; past or present citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh automatically barred
NRI contrast; NRIs are Indian citizens abroad, hence not eligible for OCI

Rights & Restrictions

Visa; lifelong, multiple-entry to India without FRRO registration
No constitutional posts; cannot be President, Vice-President, Judge etc
Property; unrestricted purchase except agricultural or plantation land barred

Revocation Grounds

Fraud; false information or concealment in application
Security; actions prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity, foreign relations, public interest
Criminality; conviction ≥2 yrs or chargesheet for offence carrying ≥7 yrs imprisonment

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Governing law	Citizenship Act 1955 Sec 7A–7D
New cancel clause	Sec 7D (da)
Launch month-year	August 2005
Fresh jail trigger	Conviction ≥2 yrs
Chargesheet trigger	Offence punishable ≥7 yrs
Dual citizenship	Not permitted
Police registration	Exempt irrespective stay length
Political rights	No voting or contesting
Govt jobs (Art 16)	Not eligible unless notified
Excluded nationalities	Present/ former Pakistan, Bangladesh
Minimum spousal marriage	≥2 years before application
Special permits	Research, journalism, missionary, mountaineering, protected areas

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

The Citizenship Act, 1955 deals with the determination of citizenship on or after

GS-2Polity

2.Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills (Sports Governance)

The HinduNational Sports Board · Sports Tribunal · RTI Coverage

What & Where

Two 2025 Bills passed by Indian Parliament to reform sports governance and anti-doping frameworks

Create National Sports Board plus aligned Olympic, Paralympic, Federation bodies; reinforce NADA through a new oversight board

Apply across India; sports continues as State subject under Entry 33, List II

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Setup

NSB plus National Olympic & Paralympic Committees, sport-wise Federations
National Sports Tribunal for non-doping disputes; Disciplinary & Appeal Panels retained under NADA
National Board for Anti-Doping supervises NADA, advises Centre, accesses panel data

Powers & Functions

NSB recognises, suspends, cancels sports bodies including BCCI; regulates elections via National Sports Election Panel
Centre frames rules, relaxes eligibility norms, controls foreign participation for security reasons
NADA conducts testing, enforces revised anti-doping rules aligned to UNESCO Convention

Accountability Tools

Recognised bodies under RTI 2005 when publicly funded; must keep CAG-audited books
Code of Ethics & Safe Sports Policy to be framed by NSB; mandatory committees for ethics, dispute resolution, athletes
Use of “India” or national insignia needs prior government approval

Federal Angle

Parliament legislates despite sports being State subject using national interest rationale
States retain routine sports administration; NSB decisions override for international compliance
Eligibility relaxations or participation bans subject to Centre’s discretion under listed conditions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal regulator for sports	National Sports Board (NSB)
Mandatory Executive Committee size	15 members; ≥2 sportspersons, ≥4 women
Sports Tribunal composition	3 members; chair is sitting/ex-SC Judge or HC Chief Justice
Tribunal appeal lies to	Supreme Court of India
RTI coverage trigger	Receipt of govt grants/financial aid
Audit requirement	CAG-audited accounts for recognised bodies
New anti-doping overseer	National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports
Core implementing agency	National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
Key constitutional entry	Entry 33, State List (sports)
Centre’s restriction power	May bar national teams abroad for security, public order, safety

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

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

GS-2Misc

3.79th Independence Day Initiatives (Independence Day Initiatives)

Hindustan TimesViksit Bharat Rozgar · Mission Sudarshan Chakra · Semiconductor Chip

What & Where

79th Independence Day (15 Aug 2025), Red Fort, Delhi; PM unveiled multi-sector “Viksit Bharat 2047” roadmap.

Focus: jobs, defence, semiconductors, deep-sea mining, tax reform, demography, clean & nuclear energy.

Targets align with $10-trn economy, developed-nation status by 2047.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Employment & Demography

Rozgar Yojana covers ≈3 crore beneficiaries; complements demographic-imbalance mission securing border districts.
Direct cash incentive aimed at formal first-time employees, boosting LFPR.

Defence & Security

Sudarshan Chakra to intercept, retaliate against aerial threats; indigenous tech push.
Demography mission framed as national-security imperative in sensitive regions.

Tech & Schemes

Made-in-India semiconductor positioning India in global chip supply chain by 2025.
Samudra Manthan explores offshore oil, gas, minerals in mission mode.

Fiscal & Governance Reforms

GST tweaks: lower essential-goods slab, MSME relief; Task Force to slash red tape.
Reform Task Force central to $10-trn economy, modernised governance by 2047.

Energy Transition

Nuclear expansion: ten reactors underway; long-term tenfold capacity boost targeted.
Non-fossil electricity milestone achieved 2025, surpassing 2030 NDC pledge.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Job scheme name	PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana
Job creation target	3.5 crore in 2 years
Direct youth support	₹15,000 per new hire
Iron-Dome analogue	Mission Sudarshan Chakra, deadline 2035
First Indian chip	By end-2025
Deep-sea mission title	“Samudra Manthan”
GST reforms launch	Oct 2025
Economy vision	$10 trn GDP by 2047
Demography mission focus	Illegal migration in border districts
Nuclear capacity goal	10× rise by 2047
Reactors under build	10
Non-fossil power share hit	50 % capacity, 5 yrs early

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

भारत के "ब्लू ग्रोथ" से क्या अभिप्राय है ?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3Economy

4.SRVAs Boost Rupee Internationalisation (Special Rupee Vostro)

BLRBI Measures · Government Securities · Rupee Trade

Illustration for SRVAs Boost Rupee Internationalisation (Special Rupee Vostro)

What & Where

SRVA: foreign vostro account with Indian bank, settles export-import invoices directly in Indian Rupees.

18 Aug 2025 RBI circular lets SRVA surpluses enter central G-secs/T-Bills; prior approval for opening scrapped.

Mechanism operates in India; 22 partner nations already have rupee-trade corridors via SRVAs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Regulatory Changes

Surplus investment: Non-resident SRVA holders can deploy rupees in Centre-issued G-secs and T-Bills.
Opening flexibility: AD Category-I banks may open SRVAs autonomously; RBI’s prior approval dispensed with.
Aim: Accelerate rupee-based trade settlement; advance rupee internationalisation agenda.

Economic Advantages

Forex saving: INR invoicing lowers hard-currency reserve requirement, enhancing external stability.
Cost efficiency: Eliminates double conversion, hedging costs, boosting exporter, importer competitiveness.
Market depth: Rising foreign appetite for rupee assets could deepen bond, equity markets.

Bottlenecks

Convertibility: Capital account restrictions keep INR outside CLS, limiting global settlement efficiency.
Liquidity: Scarce offshore INR availability hampers seamless trade invoicing and payments.
Compliance: Varied KYC documentation across regulators deters foreign portfolio investors.

Supporting Initiatives

Swaps: 20+ bilateral currency swap agreements provide emergency liquidity and encourage local-currency settlement.
Payments: UPI, RuPay, RTGS integration operational in seven foreign jurisdictions, expanding retail rupee reach.
Bonds: Masala bonds allow Indian issuers to raise offshore rupees, widening investor base.

RBI Roadmap

Market: Plans 24×5 global INR FX dealing via overseas branches, extended CCIL window.
Indices: Seeks inclusion of Indian G-secs in JPMorgan & FTSE bond indices for passive inflows.
Reserve status: Long-term objective to enter IMF SDR basket, elevating rupee to reserve currency.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year of SRVA mechanism	2022
Latest facilitating circular	18 Aug 2025
Surplus investment avenue	Central Govt. securities & Treasury Bills
AD bank approval need	Prior RBI nod now waived
Countries with operational SRVAs	22 (2025)
UPI overseas footprint	7 countries

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

GS1 2020PYQ 2

यदि निकट भविष्य में दूसरा वैश्विक वित्तीय संकट होता है, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी कार्यवाही/नीति, भारत को, सबसे अधिक संभावना के साथ, कुछ सुरक्षा प्रदान कर सकती है?

GS-1History

5.Centenary of Kakori Train Action (Kakori Conspiracy)

Hindustan Times1925 Robbery · HRA · Ram Prasad Bismil

What & Where

Kakori Train Action: 9 Aug 1925 armed hold-up of government cash on No. 8 Down train.

Geography: robbery near Kakori village, 14 km west of Lucknow, United Provinces.

Aim: fund Hindustan Republican Association’s revolutionary programme after Jallianwala & Non-Cooperation setbacks.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Revolutionary Organisations

HRA creation 1924 Kanpur; response to suspension of mass civil disobedience.
HSRA 1928 adoption of collective leadership, socialist agenda, Bhagat Singh among recruits.
Actions included Saunders assassination 1928, Viceroy Irwin train bombing 1929.

Key Personalities

Ram Prasad Bismil chief planner, poet-ideologue of HRA.
Ashfaqullah Khan only Muslim conspirator executed, symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Chandrashekhar Azad reorganised cadre post-Kakori, evaded arrest until 1931 death.

British Crackdown

40-day manhunt, 17 jailed, mass conspiracy trial at Lucknow.
Executions carried out Dec 1927 at Gorakhpur, Faizabad, Allahabad jails.
Severe repression fragmented revolutionary cells by early 1930s.

Ideological Legacy

Linked armed nationalism with socialism, inspiring youth beyond Congress mainstream.
Demonstrated use of courtrooms and literature to propagate anti-colonial message.
Highlighted financing challenges; targeted state resources, not civilians.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Date of raid	9 Aug 1925
Train targeted	No. 8 Down Shahjahanpur–Lucknow
Cash looted	British treasury money
Core outfit	Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)
HRA founders	Ram Prasad Bismil, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, Sachin Sanyal
Manifesto released	1 Jan 1925 (‘Krantikari’)
HRA renamed	1928 → Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
Key raiders	Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajendra Lahiri
Death sentences	Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Lahiri
Life transportations	4 revolutionaries (names not all in article)
Escapee	Chandrashekhar Azad
Ideological goal	Federal republic, later socialism via armed revolution

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Who among the following revolutionaries founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army?

GEO_GS, GS1 1997PYQ 2

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

GS-1Mapping

6.Mount Elbrus Peak Profile (World High Peaks)

DD NewsMount Elbrus · Caucasus Mountains · Seven Summits

What & Where

Dormant stratovolcano; tallest European peak; counted in the Seven Summits challenge

Sited in western Caucasus Mountains, southwest Russia, close to Georgia border

Twin-coned volcano formed ~2.5 million yr ago, now ice-clad

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Elevation confers exceptional prominence within global orography
Glaciation blankets flanks, sustaining year-round snowfields
Volcanic origin adds to regional geodiversity

Mountaineering

Seven Summits goal spans Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Puncak Jaya
Messner version preferred for including Puncak Jaya over Kosciuszko
Completion signals elite endurance and logistical skills

Hydrology

Glacier melt feeds Kuban and Terek, vital for North Caucasus plains
Seasonal runoff influences irrigation and hydro-power planning
Ice mass trends serve as regional climate indicators

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Height	5,642 m (18,510 ft)
Mountain type	Dormant stratovolcano, twin cones
Continent status	Highest peak of Europe
Location country	Russia
Mountain range	Caucasus
Glaciers	22; cover ~138 sq km
Draining rivers	Kuban, Terek
Prominence rank	Among world’s top ten
Seven Summits list	Yes, Messner version
Seven Summits pioneer	Richard Bass, 1985

GS-3Environment

7.Gulf of Mannar Reef Revival (Coral Reef Restoration)

The HinduGulf of Mannar · Coral Restoration · SDMRI

Illustration for Gulf of Mannar Reef Revival (Coral Reef Restoration)

What & Where

Coral reefs calcium-carbonate marine ecosystems nicknamed rainforests of the sea supporting 25 % marine biodiversity

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu hosts reefs around 21 islands rich in Acropora , Montipora , Porites

Since 2002 SDMRI and Tamil Nadu Forest Department restoring degraded patches via artificial substrates and transplantation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Restoration Methods

Technique Artificial substrates concrete frames clay pots cement slabs secure transplanted fragments
Modules Triangular TARs and perforated PTARs boost water flow and larval settlement
Species Twenty coral species used fast-growing Acropora records highest survival

Outcomes & Metrics

Biodiversity Coral recruit density increased twenty-fold in restored modules
Fish Fish density rose twenty-one times by 2020 indicating habitat recovery
Survival Overall fragment survival up to 79 % some species 89 %

Threats & Challenges

Climate Recurrent bleaching driven by warming seas and acidification
Expense High labour material monitoring costs limit large-scale rollout
Genetic Overuse of single fast species heightens disease and instability risks

Future Roadmap

Scaling Extend restoration model to Andaman Lakshadweep Lakpat reefs
Community Train local fishers as reef guardians ensuring stewardship
Technology Employ AI drones remote sensing for large-scale reef health tracking

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total coral fragments transplanted	51 , 183
Artificial substrates used	5 , 550
Reef area restored	≈ 40 000 m²
Survival rate range	55 – 79 %
Peak species survival	Acropora 89 %
Artificial reef designs	TARs & PTARs
Fish density change	14.5 → 310 per 250 m² (2006-20)
Coral recruits per TAR	1.23 → 24.77 (2004-20)
Mass bleaching years	2010 , 2016
Lead implementing bodies	SDMRI & TN Forest Dept

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 1

"Biorock technology" is talked about in which one of the following situations ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following biosphere reserves comprises islands with estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves?

GS-3Species

8.Arctic Reindeer Population Decline (Arctic Reindeer)

Down to EarthRangifer tarandus · IUCN Vulnerable · Climate Change

What & Where

Definition Large herbivorous ungulate; called Reindeer in Eurasia, Caribou in North America

Geography Arctic tundra & boreal forests of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia

Migration Wide-ranging herds travel hundreds of kilometres annually across snow-covered landscapes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Warming Accelerated plant growth reduces lichen availability, stressing herds
Carbon Cycling Grazing suppresses shrub dominance, moderating permafrost carbon release
Biodiversity Presence shapes habitat for Arctic birds, small mammals

Conservation Status

Projection Without mitigation North American herds face steepest crashes
Drivers Climate change, industrial expansion, fragmentation
Listing IUCN classifies species as Vulnerable globally

Socio-Cultural Angle

Subsistence Indigenous communities rely on meat, hides, antlers
Heritage Seasonal migrations embedded in Arctic cultural narratives
Economy Reindeer herding supports livelihoods in Scandinavia and Russia

Adaptations

Hooves Broad, sharp-edged hooves act as snow shovels and paddles
Fur Hollow hair provides insulation against −50 °C temperatures
Metabolism Ability to slow metabolic rate during scarce winter months

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Rangifer tarandus
Family	Cervidae
IUCN status	Vulnerable
Forecast decline	Up to 80 % by 2100
Most at-risk region	North America
Key winter diet	Lichens
Core adaptations	Thick fur, wide snow hooves
Ecological role	Controls shrub growth, influences soil carbon
Human linkage	Critical to Arctic Indigenous food & culture
Main threats	Climate change, habitat loss, over-hunting

GS-3S&T

9.India's First SAF Plant (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)

Indian ExpressSustainable Aviation Fuel · Used Cooking Oil · Panipat Refinery

Illustration for India's First SAF Plant (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)

What & Where

Definition – Sustainable Aviation Fuel is bio-jet fuel from used cooking oil, ethanol, agricultural residues

Geography – IOC’s first commercial SAF unit at Panipat refinery, Haryana, targeted for December 2025 start

Compatibility – Blendable up to 50 % with existing engines, crucial for global aviation decarbonisation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Capacity & Infrastructure

Collection – Large hotels/restaurants primary oil suppliers; small eateries pose logistical gaps
Scale-up – Current output suits initial blends but expansion vital for long-term aviation needs
Plant-site – Panipat refinery integrates SAF unit for seamless refining and distribution

Economic Angle

Cost-challenge – Tripled fuel price raises airline apprehension on operating expenses
Energy-security – Domestic waste-oil utilisation trims jet-fuel import dependence
Export-prospect – EU blending mandates create market for India-produced SAF

Regulatory & Certification

Compliance – SAF meets ICAO CORSIA offset rules via ISCC certification
Mandate-driver – EU, not India yet, enforces binding SAF blend obligations
Blend-limit – Global aircraft makers certify commercial use up to 50 % SAF

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Panipat SAF capacity	35,000 tonnes / year
Commercial launch	Dec 2025 (IOC)
Feedstock	Used cooking oil
Lifecycle GHG cut	Up to 80 %
Share in aviation decarb	60 % (projected)
Airbus-cleared blend	0–50 % SAF
Cost premium	~3 × conventional ATF
Certification earned	ISCC CORSIA
Potential buyers	EU airlines flying to India
Future tech	Alcohol-to-jet (ethanol)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following materials:

GS-3S&T

10.E. coli Mercury Biosensor (Biosensor Tech)

The HinduE. coli · Mercury Detection · Phenazine

Illustration for E. coli Mercury Biosensor (Biosensor Tech)

What & Where

Living biosensor; genetically-engineered Escherichia coli convert dissolved mercury into measurable electric current

Uses MerR-triggered phenazine pathway; current strength proportional to Hg²⁺ level in water

Created by Imperial College London, UK & Zhejiang University, China for on-site water safety

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Mechanism

Gene circuit links MerR activation to phenazine synthesis enabling contaminant-controlled electron transfer
Stronger Hg²⁺ → more phenazine → higher electrode current measurable by simple devices
Modular design allows future reprogramming for other analytes

Environmental Impact

Enables continuous monitoring of rivers, lakes, industrial discharge for heavy-metal pollution
Low cost and portability support large-scale deployment in developing regions
Data can inform remediation and regulatory enforcement

Public Health

Early warning against mercury exposure safeguarding nervous, renal and immune systems
Field-usable sensor reduces dependence on central labs, aiding rural communities
Contributes to SDG 6 target of safe drinking water

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Organism platform	Escherichia coli
Target contaminant	Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺)
Sensing switch	MerR regulatory protein
Electron carrier	Phenazine molecules
Output signal	Direct electric current
Power need	Self-powered by bacterial metabolism
Core discipline	Synthetic biology bioelectronics
Lead institutions	Imperial College London & Zhejiang University
Main application	Real-time, low-cost water metal detection

GS-3S&T

11.Indian Polyvalent Antivenom Overview (Snakebite Antivenom)

The HinduBig Four Snakes · Serum Therapy · Assam Symposium

What & Where

Polyvalent antivenom : serum neutralising venom of multiple snakes across India

Key species covered : Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper

Geography concern : Limited efficacy in Northeast India where other venomous taxa dominate

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Research push : Experts urge new antivenom formulations targeting Northeast species like Monocled cobra and Banded krait
Production gap : Existing manufacturing lines rely on southern reptile parks lacking NE venom collection
Affordability note : Region-specific sera expected costlier unless subsidised by central schemes

Health Concerns

Mortality risk : Ineffective serum can prolong neurotoxicity leading to respiratory failure
Morbidity issue : Survivors report chronic kidney injury and tissue necrosis
Over-dependence : One-size approach hampers precision treatment in biodiversity hotspots

Institutional Players

Key institutes : Haffkine Institute, ICMR labs, Madras Crocodile Bank supply venom for current batches
Policy forum : Assam Snake Symposium 2025 acts as platform for clinician-researcher feedback
Regulatory need : CDSCO approval required for any new region-specific antivenom

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Therapy type	Equine-derived polyvalent serum
Developed by	Indian firms + Haffkine Institute, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Original venom pool	Only Big Four snakes of southern & western India
Hospital availability	Government and private nationwide
Cost factor	Cheaper than species-specific antivenoms
Backbone of policy	National snakebite treatment protocol
Reported issue	Delayed recovery or death in Northeast despite dosage
Symposium call	Assam Snake Symposium 2025 demanded region-specific antivenom

GS-2Editorial

12.WTO Future of Multilateral Trade (World Trade Organization)

Financial ExpressMarrakesh Agreement · Uruguay Round · Dispute Settlement

What & Where

Institution: WTO, born 1995 via Marrakesh Agreement; replaces GATT as global trade rule-maker.

Scope: governs goods, services, intellectual property through TRIMS, TRIPS, AoA and other accords.

Geography: Geneva headquarters; 166 members commanding ~98 % of world trade flows.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Functions & Principles

Rule-making: negotiation forum; key output 2013 Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Liberalization: enforces MFN, tariff-cut and national-treatment commitments for predictable access.
Oversight: Trade Policy Review audits subsidies; offers capacity-building for LDCs.

Present Challenges

Dispute paralysis: Appellate Body dormant since 2019 owing to US judge-blockade.
Doha deadlock: agriculture, subsidy and market-access splits stall talks.
Fragmentation: FTAs, security-tariffs, green levies erode multilateralism.

Reform Agenda

Revitalization: restart Appellate Body, address US overreach worries, fix strict timelines.
Transparency: stronger TPRM with compulsory real-time notifications and data sharing.
Governance: standing Reform Council; new rules on digital trade and climate subsidies.

India’s Stake

Advocacy: fronts Global South positions on food security and subsidy flexibility.
Balance: champions calibrated liberalization while opposing unilateral tariff hikes.
Sustainability: promotes Mission LiFE, PLI, UPI; resists green protectionism like EU-CBAM.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment year	1995
Foundational treaty	Marrakesh Agreement 1994
Membership strength	166 countries
Headquarters city	Geneva, Switzerland
Appellate Body paralysed	Since 2019
Doha Round launch	2001

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1997PYQ 1

One of the important agreements reached in the 1996 Ministerial Conference of WTO relates to

GS1 2010PYQ 2

In the context of the affairs of which of the following is the phrase “Special Safeguard Mechanisms” mentioned in the news frequently ?

GS-2Misc

13.Sakura Science Exchange Programme (Japan Youth Exchange)

PIBJapan STA · Youth Exchange · India-Japan

What & Where

Programme : Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, branded Sakura Science, offers short-term study visits in Japan

Launch : initiated by Japan in 2014; India joined 2016, sending students annually

Geography : activities hosted across Japanese universities, labs, museums; participants drawn from Asia and select African nations

Quick Facts for MCQs

Implementing Body

Agency : JST funds, designs curricula, coordinates host institutions
Support : Japanese ministries and partner country science departments facilitate nominations

Participants

Eligibility : high-school/under-grad youth with science inclination recommended by home governments
Spread : India plus seven named African states and other Asian nations create multi-continental cohorts

Programme Features

Exposure : lab visits, university lectures, hands-on tech demonstrations, cultural immersion sessions
Outcomes : bilateral ties strengthened, environmental ethics highlighted, STEM career motivation reinforced

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing agency	Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Launch year	2014
India participation since	2016
Latest Indian batch size	34 students (2025 edition)
Official programme name	Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science
Nickname	Sakura Science Programme
Visit duration type	Short-term educational tours
Main objectives	Scientific curiosity, cultural understanding, future innovators’ network
Key partner continents	Asia & Africa
Sample African participants	Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia

GS-2Scheme

14.PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (Employment Incentive)

PIBEPFO Support · Job Creation · Wage Subsidy

What & Where

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana — pan-India employment formalisation scheme announced on 79th Independence Day.

Operates via Employees' Provident Fund Organisation; dual incentives for first-time employees (Part A) & job-creating employers (Part B).

Goal: 3.5 crore new, EPFO-registered jobs by 2027, with social-security coverage.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility & Benefits

Employees: first-time EPFO registrants, salary ≤ ₹1 lakh, receive subsidy + forced savings.
Employers: incentive only for genuinely new positions retained ≥ 6 months.
Manufacturing units enjoy extended subsidy into 3rd & 4th years.

Incentive Mechanics

Employee subsidy split 6-month & 12-month milestones to curb quick churn.
Savings sub-component withdrawable after notified lock-in, nudging long-term habit.
Distinct payment rails: ABPS for workers, PAN-based credits for firms ensure traceability.

Economic Angle

Total job-creation ambition 3.5 crore by 2027, reinforcing formal sector growth.
Part B alone projected to yield 2.6 crore roles, signaling manufacturing focus.
Scheme aligns with broader demographic-dividend strategy through wage cost reduction.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	15 Aug 2025 (79th Independence Day)
Implementing platform	EPFO + DBT
Salary ceiling for eligibility	₹1 lakh/month
Part A support	EPF wage subsidy ≤ ₹15,000 (2 instalments)
Part B support	₹3,000/employee/month to employer
Duration of Part B	2 yrs; 3rd–4th yrs only for manufacturing
Payment mode-Employees	ABPS-based DBT
Payment mode-Employers	PAN-linked bank a/c credit
Mandatory service for 1st instalment	6 months
Additional condition for 2nd instalment	12 months service + financial-literacy course
Savings component	Portion parked in fixed/savings instrument
Expected jobs via Part B	~2.6 crore

GS-1Editorial

15.Honour Killings Societal Challenge (Honour Killings)

The HinduInter-caste Marriages · Patriarchy · Caste Hierarchy

What & Where

Definition: Murder by kin/community to punish marriages breaching caste, religion or clan norms.

Targets: Mostly Dalit men–dominant-caste women, inter-faith or same-gotra couples.

Hotspots: Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan; often enforced by khap/jati panchayats.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Causative Factors

Caste-endogamy: families fear status loss, property dilution, dowry disruption.
Patriarchy: women seen as honour bearers; autonomy challenges male dominance.
Social-sanctions: khap diktats, boycott threats, weak policing enable violence.

Consequences

Rights-erosion: blatant violation of Article 21 life & dignity.
Gender-bias: women face heightened control, mobility restriction, lethal attacks.
Rule-of-law threat: extra-legal caste councils undermine constitutional courts.

Legal & Policy

IPC/BNS provisions punish murder, attempt, conspiracy even without specific “honour” tag.
Marriage-choice protected by Hindu Marriage Act 1955, PCMA 2006.
Draft honour-crime bill seeks distinct offence, stricter police accountability.

Judicial Directions

Lata Singh 2006: upheld freedom to wed outside caste.
Arumugam Servai 2011: declared khap diktats illegal, unconstitutional.
Shakti Vahini 2018: ordered safe houses, gathering monitoring, official liability.

Action Agenda

Dedicated-law: codify honour killing, mandate fast-track trials, witness protection.
Protection-systems: expand safe shelters, legal aid, financial support to couples.
Awareness-drives: curriculum on constitutional morality; social media to counter caste pride.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional articles breached	14, 15, 19, 21
Landmark 2018 SC case	Shakti Vahini v. Union of India
Other key SC rulings	Lata Singh 2006; Arumugam Servai 2011
Proposed specific statute	Prevention of Crimes in the Name of Honour Bill
Penal code sections applied	BNS 103 (murder), 109 (attempt), 61 (conspiracy)
Central incentive scheme	Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration

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