Saturday, 23 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments states that the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the House of the People ?

The correct answer is (a) 90th. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: What does the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill relate to?

The correct answer is (a) Abolition of Legislative Councils in certain States. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

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

The correct answer is (d) The concept of multiple-member Election Commission has been in operation since 1980. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2021.

Q: Consider the following tasks:

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2004.

Q: मौद्रिक नीति समिति (Monetary Policy Committee/MPC) के सम्बन्ध में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं ?

The correct answer is (d) केवल 2 और 3. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation?

The correct answer is (a) Department of Consumer Affairs. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

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: Which institution released the report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”?

The correct answer is (a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026.

Q: Recently islands of Andaman and Nicobar were connected with mainland by Submarine Optical Fibre Cable. Which one of the following islands was not connected initially?

The correct answer is (b) Swaraj Island. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2020.

Q: One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?

The correct answer is (b) Congo Basin. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

14 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 5GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.130th Amendment Minister Removal (130th Amendment Bill)

Indian ExpressArticle 75 · Article 164 · Article 239AA

What & Where

Amendment Bill 130th Constitution 2025 enables temporary ouster of detained Union, State and Delhi Ministers

Scope inserts new clauses into Articles 75, 164, 239AA governing Councils of Ministers

Trigger custody of 30 consecutive days on serious charges forces resignation or automatic cessation next day

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Provision automatic removal on day 31 if advice absent or if PM / CM detained
Reversibility release from custody ends disqualification restoring office
Objective uphold constitutional morality and public trust

Judicial Benchmarks

Supreme Court Manoj Narula 2014 urged Cabinets avoid individuals facing heinous charges
Public Interest Foundation 2018 held only Parliament can expand disqualifications, urged stricter law
Senthil Balaji 2025 and Kejriwal 2024 cases highlighted court unease with detained ministers

Criminalisation Data

ADR 2025 report 45 % MLAs declared criminal cases, 29 % involve serious offences
RPA 1951 Section 8 disqualifies only after conviction allowing long tenure under trial
Ministers command executive power risking probe interference amid lengthy judicial process

Reform Proposals

Law Commission 170th 1999 advised disqualification once charges framed for offences punishable by ≥5-year jail
Law Commission 244th 2014 and EC 2004 reiterated charge-frame disqualification recommendation
Additional suggestions ministerial code of conduct, parliamentary ethics oversight, party due diligence in selections

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Bill number & year	130th Constitution Amendment Bill 2025
Articles amended	75, 164, 239AA
Custody threshold	30 consecutive days
Removal authority	President or Governor on PM/CM advice
Reinstatement	Automatic on release from custody

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments states that the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the House of the People ?

GS1 2006PYQ 2

What does the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill relate to?

GS-2Polity

2.Election Commission Process Reforms (Electoral Reforms)

PIBECINET Platform · RUPP Delisting · Electoral Roll Revision

What & Where

Election Commission of India (ECI): constitutional authority managing all Indian elections, headquartered New Delhi

Current focus: cleaning rolls, tech-enabled monitoring, booth-level rationalisation across all states & UTs

ECINET platform: national single window integrating voter, party, and official services

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

ECINET offers digital index cards, constituency reports, grievance redress on one portal
Webcasting plus standard photo IDs for BLOs enhance live surveillance and field transparency
Mandatory VVPAT slip count triggered by Form 17C – EVM mismatch or uncleared mock-poll data

Governance Challenges

Expenditure gap widens; shadow financing fuels corruption and black money
Criminalisation persists; muscle-money nexus enables candidates with pending cases to win
Urban apathy, migrant barriers, duplicate names cause turnout and inclusivity concerns

Reform Agenda

Partial state funding with real-time online disclosure and stringent CAG/ECI audits proposed
Inner-party democracy push: compulsory internal elections, transparent ticketing, audited constitutions
Nationwide totalizer machines, shorter campaign windows, uniform rolls to deter booth mapping and violence

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inactive RUPPs flagged	476 parties for delisting
Apps linked under ECINET	40+
Polling-station webcasting	100 % coverage
Voters per polling booth cap	1,200
MPs with criminal cases (LS 2024)	251 / 543 ≈ 46 %
Special summary revision	4 states; first in 20 yrs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 1

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

GEO_GS, GS1 2004PYQ 2

Consider the following tasks:

GS-3Economy

3.Monetary Policy Committee Overview (Monetary Policy)

LiveMintRepo Rate · Inflation Target · RBI Act 1934

Illustration for Monetary Policy Committee Overview (Monetary Policy)

What & Where

MPC: statutory body under RBI Act (1934, amended 2016) to set India’s policy (repo) rate

Embedded in RBI; meetings held at RBI HQ, Mumbai; covers whole Indian monetary jurisdiction

Operates bi-monthly, steering inflation targeting framework (4 % ± 2 %)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structure & Membership

Composition ensures 1:1 ratio RBI insiders vs independent externals
Latest RBI nominee: Executive Director Indranil Bhattacharyya replaces outgoing ex-officio member
External members chosen by Centre, vetted for economics, banking, finance expertise

Powers & Instruments

Authority to alter repo, reverse repo; influences CRR, SLR indirectly
Decisions statutorily binding; RBI must implement without modification
Enables price stability while supporting growth mandate

Process & Transparency

Publishes minutes, individual votes, rationale 14 days post-meeting
Enhances market credibility, anchors expectations, guides financial pricing
Inflation failure report required if target missed for three consecutive quarters

Policy Objective

Primary mandate: maintain medium-term CPI at 4 % within 2–6 % band
Balances growth-inflation trade-off via calibrated rate adjustments
Supports investor confidence, macro-financial stability

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year formed	2016
Legal basis	Sec 45ZB-ZL, RBI Act 1934
Total members	6
RBI side	Governor, Dy Governor (Mon Policy), 1 Executive Director
Govt-nominated side	3 external experts
Chairperson	RBI Governor (ex-officio)
External term	4 years, no re-appointment
Voting rule	Simple majority; Governor casting vote on tie
Meeting frequency	Six times a year (every two months)
Current inflation target	4 % ± 2 % CPI
Decision binding on	Reserve Bank of India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

मौद्रिक नीति समिति (Monetary Policy Committee/MPC) के सम्बन्ध में निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/से सही है/हैं ?

GS1 2022PYQ 2

In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation?

GS-3Economy

4.NITI Aayog Homestay Policy Report (Homestay Policy)

PIBBnB Sector · Policy Roadmap · NITI Aayog

Illustration for NITI Aayog Homestay Policy Report (Homestay Policy)

What & Where

Report “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways” released 22 Aug 2025, New Delhi, by NITI Aayog with IAMAI

Scope - strategic roadmap to strengthen India’s homestay & Bed-and-Breakfast ecosystem nationwide

Crafted through consultations with policymakers, hosts, aggregators; maps opportunities, challenges, policy gaps

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Emphasises cooperative federalism for uniform yet flexible homestay regulations across states
Suggests streamlined licensing, safety, taxation norms to formalise informal stays
Recommends single-window digital portal for host compliance tracking

Institutional Structure

NITI composition covers full-time, part-time experts, ex-officio Union Ministers for cross-sector insights
Governing Council enables vertical Centre-State coordination on tourism reforms
Advisory status allows policy nudging without legislative mandate

Economic Angle

Homestays seen as low-capital driver for rural employment, heritage preservation, local supply chains
Report flags demand-supply mismatch, quality assurance, marketing gaps limiting sectoral GDP share
Advocates incentive packages, credit access for micro-entrepreneurs

Tech & Schemes

Calls for integration with Atal Innovation Mission startups offering booking, IoT safety, vernacular apps
Proposes data dashboards mirroring Aspirational District metrics to monitor homestay growth
Encourages SDG-aligned green certifications leveraging digital audits

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Release date	22 August 2025
Prepared by	NITI Aayog + IAMAI
Sector focus	Homestay & BnB tourism
NITI Aayog inception	1 January 2015
Replaced body	Planning Commission
NITI Chairperson	Prime Minister of India
Governing Council	CMs of states + LGs of UTs
Vice-Chairperson selection	Appointed by PM
Key missions handled	Aspirational Districts, Atal Innovation, SDG localisation
Nature of powers	Advisory yet highly influential

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

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

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026PYQ 2

Which institution released the report titled “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”?

GS-3Infrastructure

5.Great Nicobar Mega Project (Island Infrastructure)

The HinduTransshipment Port · Galathea Bay · Forest Rights Act

Illustration for Great Nicobar Mega Project (Island Infrastructure)

What & Where

Great Nicobar Project: ₹72,000-crore multi-sector infrastructure plan on Great Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar UT

Location: Galathea Bay and surrounding southern blocks of the island in the Bay of Bengal

Implementers: NITI Aayog & A&N Administration with strategic backing of Government of India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Conflict: PAT 1956 override powers clash with FRA 2006 consent requirement
Obligation: Forest rights (individual & community) must be recorded before non-forest diversion under FRA
Status: Tribal Council alleges rights settlement and Gram Sabha process bypassed

Security Dimension

Maritime: Port and airfield intended as forward logistics hub for Bay of Bengal & Malacca Straits
Dual-use: International airport planned for civil flights and military assets
Regional: Project aligns with Indo-Pacific strategic posture against expanding rival navies

Economic Angle

Transshipment: Target to capture global cargo currently moving via Colombo and Singapore
Employment: Township, port and ancillary services projected to create local jobs
Connectivity: Enhanced shipping lanes expected to integrate Indian coastline with Southeast Asian trade routes

Social Concerns

Displacement: 13,000 ha diversion risks impacting traditional livelihoods of hunting, fishing, horticulture
Representation: Tribal Council of Great Nicobar claims inadequate consultation and documentation of customary rights
Protection: FRA envisages community role in forest governance yet process reportedly sidelined

Environmental Impact

Biodiversity: Large-scale forest clearance in a globally recognised tropical rainforest hotspot
Carbon: Loss of dense canopy threatens island carbon sink and climate resilience
Habitat: Potential disturbance to endemic species and nesting leatherback turtles at Galathea Bay

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Concept year	2015
Statutory clearances year	2022
Estimated cost	₹72,000 crore
Forest diversion sought	13,000 + ha
Core components	Transshipment port, dual-use airport, gas power plant, integrated township
Key tribes affected	Nicobarese, Shompen
Main governing laws	FRA 2006, PAT 1956
FRA consent needed	Gram Sabha approval post rights settlement
PAT authority	Administrator can divert land in notified tribal areas
Strategic objective	Strengthen India’s Indo-Pacific maritime security

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Recently islands of Andaman and Nicobar were connected with mainland by Submarine Optical Fibre Cable. Which one of the following islands was not connected initially?

GS-1EnvironmentQuick Bite

6.Ecuador-Peru Amazon Oil Opposition (Amazon Rainforest)

Down to EarthDeforestation Risk · River Pollution · Biodiversity Loss

Illustration for Ecuador-Peru Amazon Oil Opposition (Amazon Rainforest)

What & Where

Amazon Rainforest – world’s largest tropical rainforest (~6.7 million sq km) across Amazon Basin, N-central South America.

Spreads over 9 nations; ~60 % in Brazil; bounded by Guiana Highlands, Andes, Brazilian Plateau, Atlantic.

Indigenous groups in Ecuador & Peru resist new oil deal citing deforestation, river pollution, biodiversity loss.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Deforestation risk intensified by proposed oil extraction in Ecuador-Peru Amazon blocks.
Potential river contamination threatens aquatic biodiversity and indigenous water sources.
Loss of carbon sink capacity undermines regional climate regulation.

Biodiversity Highlights

Habitat for Amazon river dolphins, myriad bird species, endemic flora.
Critical refuge for jaguars; population density highest globally.
High endemism makes ecosystem recovery slow after disturbance.

Regional Geography

Andes spine bisects Ecuador & Peru, feeding tributaries of Amazon River.
Humboldt Current influences Peru’s coastal climate; El Niño periodically disrupts rainfall.
Nazca Lines and Atacama edge illustrate Peru’s desert-rainforest contrast.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Amazon area	≈ 6.7 million sq km
Rainforest share of global volume	> 50 %
Earth surface covered	≈ 1 %
Global wildlife supported	≈ 10 %
Jaguars hosted here	> 70 % world total
Amazon countries	Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, French Guiana
Ecuador capital	Quito
Highest active volcano (Ecuador)	Cotopaxi
Peru capital	Lima
Lake Titicaca	World’s highest navigable lake; Peru-Bolivia
Peru’s Amazon forest cover	≈ 60 % national area
Atacama Desert location	Southern Peru (extends into Chile)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?

GS1 1999PYQ 2

The physical regions marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the given map are respectively

GS-1Mapping

7.Algeria Physical Geography (North Africa Geography)

The HinduTell Atlas · Sahara Desert · Mount Tahat

What & Where

Algeria; largest African nation; spans Mediterranean littoral to deep Sahara.

Maghreb location; borders Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco.

Landscape mixes Tell & Saharan Atlas ranges, Mitidja plain, and ~80 % Sahara desert.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mountains & Highlands

Tell Atlas parallels coast, moderates climate, supports agriculture.
Saharan Atlas marks climatic divide, feeding seasonal wadis northward.
Ahaggar Mountains host volcanic massifs, include national summit Mount Tahat.

Deserts & Oases

Sahara terrain shows hammadas, ergs, scattered oases sustaining caravan routes.
M’zab Valley showcases fortified Ibadi settlements, UNESCO-listed.
Groundwater aquifers crucial for date-palm agriculture in desert belts.

Climate Variation

Mediterranean coast enjoys wet winters, dry summers favouring cereals, olives, citrus.
High plateau steppe features sharp diurnal swings, sparse rainfall, pastoral use.
Central Sahara faces extreme aridity; annual precipitation often below 50 mm.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Algiers
Coastline	Mediterranean Sea (north)
Africa area rank	1st (largest)
Highest peak	Mount Tahat – 3,003 m
Main mountain belts	Tell Atlas; Saharan Atlas
Desert coverage	≈80 % (Sahara)
Fertile plain	Mitidja Plain
Longest wadi/river	Chelif
UNESCO site	M’zab Valley
Permanent rivers	None
Climate zones	Mediterranean; Steppe; Arid Sahara

GS-3Editorial

8.Workplace Heat Stress Risks (Heat Stress Impact)

Down to EarthWHO-WMO Report · WBGT Index · Productivity Loss

What & Where

Heat stress – occupational physiological strain when environmental heat and metabolic load push core temperature beyond safe limit

Process – rising Wet Bulb Globe Temperature; every +1 °C above 20 °C slashes labour productivity 2–3 %

Geography – South Asia, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa worst; 40–50 °C peaks now seen even in Europe

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Impact

Morbidity – heat stroke, kidney disease, cardiovascular collapse documented in brick-kiln, construction, farm sectors
Breach – one-third workers already exceed 38 °C core temperature during shifts
Mortality – fatalities reported in Europe 2023 heatwaves despite temperate latitude

Economic Angle

GDP drag – developing economies face measurable shrinkage from labour hour losses
Productivity – each lost workday undermines crop cycles, factory output, wages
Job displacement – automation and mechanisation touted to offset human exposure

Legal & Policy

Regulation – heat-index based work-hour caps, paid rest, hydration mandated in Qatar, US OSHA guidance
Compensation gap – surge in occupational claims risks overwhelming labour courts
Integration – experts urge inclusion of heat stress in ILO conventions, COP adaptation finance

Technology & Infrastructure

Cooling – ventilated shelters, low-cost fans piloted in Bangladesh garments cut fatigue markers
Shade – temporary canopies and reflective roofing reduce radiant load on outdoor crews
Hydration – “Water-Rest-Shade” protocols institutionalise fixed drinking intervals

Climate Justice

Inequity – low-emitter nations like Bangladesh bear disproportionate health and income losses
Migrant risk – Gulf construction deaths highlight safeguard gaps for temporary labour
Gendered burden – women in informal agriculture face compounded heat and caregiving responsibilities

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report	WHO–WMO Climate Change & Workplace Heat Stress 2025
2024 mean temperature	1.45 °C above pre-industrial
Population under heat stress	30 % of world
Workers exposed	>4 billion
Productivity loss per +1 °C WBGT >20 °C	2–3 %
Extra penalty from direct sun	+2–3 °C WBGT equivalent
Annual heat-linked injuries	22.85 million
Annual worker deaths	18 970
DALYs lost each year	2.09 million
India jobs at risk by 2030	34 million (agri + construction)
WHO 1969 core-temp limit	≤38 °C during 8-hr shift
Typical peak temperatures	40–50 °C daytime

GS-3Environment

9.Expanded Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (Mangrove Tiger Habitat)

Down to EarthRoyal Bengal Tiger · Mangrove Ecosystem · Biosphere Reserve

Illustration for Expanded Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (Mangrove Tiger Habitat)

What & Where

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve: UNESCO World Heritage mangrove–tiger landscape in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Expanded 2024 to 3,629.57 sq km, now India’s second-largest tiger reserve

Forms Indian part of transboundary Sundarbans adjoining Bangladesh

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

NBWL approval elevated reserve from 7th to 2nd largest nationally
Falls under Project Tiger network; administered by West Bengal Forest Dept
Multiple international tags: UNESCO World Heritage, Biosphere, Ramsar augment legal protection

Biodiversity Highlights

Mangrove‐adapted species include estuarine crocodile, fishing cat, water monitor lizard, olive ridley turtle
Rich ichthyofauna; Hilsa vital for regional fisheries
Pneumatophore‐bearing mangroves enable saline, tidal resilience

Geophysical Importance

Dense mangroves dissipate storm surges, reducing cyclone Amphan-type damages
Estuarine deltaic setting fosters unique saline-brackish nutrient cycles
Human interface: traditional honey collectors and fisherfolk depend on ecosystem services

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Latest notified addition	1,044.68 sq km approved by NBWL
Total area post-expansion	3,629.57 sq km
National size rank	2nd largest tiger reserve
Tiger-reserve declaration	1973 (Project Tiger Phase-I)
Biosphere Reserve year	1989
UNESCO Biosphere tag	2001
Ramsar designation	2019
Dominant flora	Sundari, Gewa, Golpata mangroves
Iconic fauna	Swimming Royal Bengal Tiger
Unique habitat claim	World’s only mangrove tiger habitat
Cyclone protection role	Natural barrier for coastal West Bengal
Transboundary partner	Bangladesh Sundarbans Reserve Forest

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Consider the following protected areas:

GS1 2020PYQ 2

Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

GS-3Species

10.Saltwater Crocodile Population Rise (Saltwater Crocodile)

The HinduApex Predator · Population Survey · Sundarbans Biosphere

What & Where

Saltwater crocodile: hypercarnivorous apex predator inhabiting estuarine creeks of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

Sundarbans: largest mangrove delta of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna, straddling Bay of Bengal; 40 % area in India.

Ecotone: freshwater swamps, intertidal mangroves, saline forests recognised by UNESCO (1987) and Ramsar (2019).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity Role

Apex predator scavenges carcasses, curbing disease spread and recycling nutrients.
Population increase signals healthier food web dynamics.

Habitat Traits

Mangrove creeks provide cover, brackish water, abundant prey.
Seasonal salinity flux dictates nesting and juvenile survival.

Global Recognition

UNESCO World Heritage tags: India 1987, Bangladesh 1997.
Ramsar wetland status awarded 2019, enhancing international conservation funding.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Estimated population (2025)	220 – 242 individuals
Preferred creek width	< 180 m at high tide
Diet share from animals	> 70 % (hypercarnivore)
Salinity tolerance	Broad in winter; rising salinity threatens
Indian share of Sundarbans	≈ 40 % of total area

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2008PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2003PYQ 2

Consider the following animals of India:

GS-3Editorial

11.Deep-Tech Governance Reforms (Deep-Tech Ecosystem)

Indian ExpressSemiconductor Imports · IndiaStack · UPI Transactions

What & Where

Deep-tech ambition: Indian push for self-reliant semiconductors, AI, quantum, aerospace under Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Governance locus: Colonial-era bureaucracy, regulations, judiciary cited as nationwide innovation constraints.

Core clusters: Bengaluru-Hyderabad-Pune R&D hubs; Gujarat, UP, Bengaluru–Chennai corridor targeted for fabs & corridors.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech Achievements

UPI, IndiaStack exported to Singapore, UAE, France indicating digital public good diplomacy.
Nvidia, IBM, Microsoft operate large Indian R&D centres validating talent depth.
Drone Rules 2021 partially liberalised unmanned aviation licensing.

Governance Bottlenecks

Bureaucracy retains Westminster generalist cadre; limited lateral entry despite ARC recommendation.
Compliance overload: Deregulation Commission yet to prune 39k obligations hindering start-ups.
Judicial backlog and weak IP enforcement deter venture capital, prolong contract disputes.

Reform Pathways

Civil-service overhaul: domain-based UPSC, enforceable Public Service Code, wider lateral hiring.
Risk-based regulation: expand fintech-style sandboxes to AI, biotech; create single-window deep-tech approvals.
Federal incentives: states offered fiscal support exemplified by Gujarat Micron fab, UP semiconductor policy.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Monthly UPI volume	14 billion transactions (NPCI 2025)
Smartphone users	800 million+
Average mobile data cost	≈ ₹10 per GB
Semiconductor import bill	₹1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24
India share in global AI patents	< 5 % (WIPO 2024)
Compliances across sectors	39,000 + (DPIIT)
Pending court cases	5 crore + (SC e-Committee 2025)
Contract enforcement time	1,445 days (World Bank 2020)
Annual STEM student outflow	2 lakh + (MEA)
Start-up ecosystem rank	3rd globally; 100 + unicorns

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

भारत में नवाचार तथा अनुसंधान और विकास के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Misc

12.UN Gaza Famine Declaration (UN Famine Declaration)

BBCIPC Levels · Food Insecurity · Humanitarian Aid

Illustration for UN Gaza Famine Declaration (UN Famine Declaration)

What & Where

Famine declaration: IPC Phase-5 classification signalling catastrophic food insecurity.

Triggered when ≥20 % households extreme shortage, >30 % children acute malnutrition, mortality >2/10,000/day.

Latest famine in Gaza Strip (2025); earlier Somalia, South Sudan, Tigray-Ethiopia, Sudan; Yemen at sustained risk.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Declaration Process

Data-collection: agencies gather food security, nutrition, mortality evidence on ground
Technical-review: IPC Global Support Unit scrutinises datasets for phase scoring
Validation: FAO, WFP, UNICEF, OCHA endorse; UN-IPC jointly announce

Significance

Mobilisation: declaration unlocks emergency funding, galvanises donors and media attention
Legal-pressure: strengthens calls for ceasefires, humanitarian corridors under IHL obligations
Accountability: heightens scrutiny on obstructing state/non-state actors

International Examples

Somalia: 2011 & 2022 drought-conflict famines
South Sudan: 2017 civil war displacement triggered famine
Gaza: 2025 famine driven by aid obstruction amid conflict with Israel

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Framework used	Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)
Phase for famine	Phase 5
Household shortage threshold	≥20 %
Child acute malnutrition	>30 %
Mortality threshold	>2 deaths/10,000/day
UN validation agencies	FAO, WFP, UNICEF, OCHA

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 1

The United Nations has recently warned that 'famine-like conditions have been created by climate change' in which one of the following countries?

GS-2Scheme

13.Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Review (Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan)

PIBSubstance Abuse · Supply Control · Demand Reduction

Illustration for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Review (Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan)

What & Where

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: 2020 nationwide Social Justice campaign for substance-use awareness, counselling, treatment

Three-pronged model: supply control, demand reduction, medical treatment

Coverage: launched in 272 vulnerable districts, now spans all Indian districts

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Legislation: NDPS 1985 and PITNDPS 1988 enforcement needs stronger interdiction, resources, inter-agency coordination
States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab topped NDPS FIRs during 2019-21 period
Plan: National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction guides prevention and rehabilitation activities

Tech & Schemes

Digital: Abhiyaan uses website, app, social media, geo-tagging for real-time monitoring and outreach
Surveillance: Proposed AI, drones, big-data analytics for border control and supply chain interception
MoUs: Collaborations with Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, ISKCON, others for community campaigns

Social Concerns

Prevalence: 10 crore narcotics-affected; 16 crore alcohol users; 3.1 crore cannabis consumers aged 10-75
Stigma: Social exclusion hampers rehabilitation demand, particularly among rural youth
Volunteers: 20,000 master volunteers drive campus pledges, rallies, door-to-door counselling

Security Dimension

Geography: Golden Crescent impacts northwest borders; Golden Triangle routes enter via Northeast
Method: Darknet and crypto payments enabling new psychoactive substance circulation
Countermeasure: Border policing, alternative livelihood schemes for illicit poppy farmers, e.g., Jharkhand program

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	15 Aug 2020
Nodal ministry	Social Justice & Empowerment
Initial district focus	272
Present coverage	All districts
People sensitised	18.10 crore+
Institutions reached	4.85 lakh+
Students mobilised	1.67 crore+
Master volunteers	20,000+
Key survey year	2019 National Substance Use
Two drug regions	Golden Crescent, Golden Triangle

GS-2Scheme

14.Kerala Achieves Full Digital Literacy (Digi Keralam Project)

Indian ExpressDigital Literacy · K-SMART Platform · Akshaya Project

What & Where

Digital literacy: capability to access, understand, create, communicate via digital tools in daily life.

Kerala, via Digi Keralam, declared India’s first fully digitally literate state (Aug 2025).

Core processes: youth–led household training, K-SMART platform, follow-up to 2002 Akshaya project.

Quick Facts for MCQs

State Initiative

Digi Keralam used 3-tier local bodies to map and train every household.
Volunteers equipped with tablets, delivered 2-hour modules and service-access demos.
Post-training assessment uploaded to K-SMART for certification.

National Schemes

NDLM & DISHA closed after exceeding targets; merged learnings into PMGDISHA.
PMGDISHA reimburses CSCs ₹500 per certified rural trainee.
BharatNet backhauls connectivity for PMGDISHA centres.

Statistical Snapshot

Rural-urban digital literacy gap: 36 percentage points.
Kerala literacy baseline pre-Digi Keralam: 87 % households with at least one net-user.
Each Akshaya centre expected to serve 1,000 families.

Socio-Demographic Focus

Priority groups: elderly, women homemakers, fisherfolk, SC/ST hamlets.
Female participation in Digi Keralam training exceeded 60 %.
Sign-language modules piloted for persons with hearing impairment.

Tech Platform

K-SMART integrates e-district, welfare pensions, utility payments in single sign-on.
Real-time dashboard tracks trainee count, geography, gender.
AI chatbot in Malayalam offers 24×7 digital helpdesk.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Declaration year	2025
First fully digital-literate state	Kerala
Digi Keralam launch focus	Seniors, homemakers, digitally excluded
K-SMART full form	Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation & Transformation
India household digital literacy	38 % overall; 61 % urban; 25 % rural
NDLM & DISHA combined target	52.50 lakh persons
NDLM & DISHA trained	53.67 lakh (42 % rural)
PMGDISHA training till Mar 2024	6.39 crore individuals
Akshaya project launch	2002 by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

The population growth rate in Kerala is the lowest among major Indian states. Which one of the following is the most widely accepted reason for this?

GS1 2006PYQ 2

Consider the following statements :

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