Thursday, 28 August 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

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: 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: Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers. Who among the following was instrumental in persuading Mahatma Gandhi not to restrict the protest to men alone?

The correct answer is (a) Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. This question appeared in GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in

The correct answer is (a) Rowlatt Satyagraha. This question appeared in GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Gepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

The correct answer is (a) Jammu & Kashmir. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2024.

Q: Which one of the following glaciers is not part of Pir Panjal Range?

The correct answer is (b) Sonapani. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: Which one of the following is the first and the oldest Government-owned coal mining company in India?

The correct answer is (a) Neyveli Lignite Corporation. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2022.

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

The correct answer is (a) Vayumitra. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2022.

Q: 'Exercise Desert Knight – 21' is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Air Force of which one of the following countries?

The correct answer is (d) Israel. This question appeared in GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2021.

14 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 3GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-3Economy

1.India's GST Reforms 2017-2025 (Indirect Tax Reform)

Business StandardGST · GST Council · 101st Amendment

Illustration for India's GST Reforms 2017-2025 (Indirect Tax Reform)

What & Where

Tax: Destination-based Goods and Services Tax, nationwide indirect levy replacing excise, VAT, service tax etc

Structure: Dual collection CGST SGST plus IGST for interstate supplies, guided by Article 279A GST Council

Timeline: Rolled out 1 Jul 2017, next-generation reforms slated by Diwali 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment: 101st Constitutional Amendment inserted Art 279A, enabled concurrent taxation by Centre and states
Council: GST Council decisions by 75% weighted vote, embody cooperative federalism
Reform2025: Government targets slab rationalisation law and rules by Diwali 2025

Economic Angle

Revenue: Collections average ₹1.84 lakh crore per month FY25, indicating buoyant consumption
RateCut: Over 200 items shifted to lower slabs 2017-19, FMCG and restaurants prominent
TaxBase: Petroleum and alcohol exclusion continues cascading, limits buoyancy

Compliance & Tech

Digitisation: Mandatory e-way bill, e-invoicing, analytics curbed fake billing and boosted matching
MSME: Multiple returns, refund delays, classification disputes still burden small firms
NextStep: AI-driven monitoring planned for further evasion control

State Finance

Compensation: 14% assured growth ended Jun 2022, creating fiscal gaps for several states
Demand: States seek fresh stabilisation fund before accepting slab cuts
Equity: Consumption-based share benefits richer buyer states, fuels inter-state debate

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional amendment	101st
Launch date	1 July 2017
Governing article	279A
Initial slabs	0.25 % 3 % 5 % 12 % 18 % 28 % + cess
Proposed slabs 2025	Special <1 % 5 % 18 % 40 %
Compensation window	2017-18 to Jun 2022
Avg monthly revenue FY25	₹1.84 lakh crore
Tax structure	CGST + SGST + IGST
Slab reform body	Group of Ministers 2023

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 2

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

GS-1History

2.Women in India's Freedom Struggle (Women Freedom Fighters)

Indian ExpressNon-Cooperation · Salt Satyagraha · Quit India

What & Where

Definition: Women’s multi-layered participation in 19th–20th C Indian anti-colonial and social reform movements

Key types/processes: Mass civil disobedience, armed revolutionary networks, gender-focused reform platforms

Core geography: Pan-Indian span from Kittur (Karnataka) to Chittagong (Bengal) and Naga hills

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mass Movements

Non-Cooperation: Women picketed liquor, boycotted cloth, spun khadi, accepted jail terms
Salt Satyagraha: Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Nehru led marches, activated coastal and rural sisters
Quit India: Female networks managed rallies, supplies, clandestine messaging after male arrests

Revolutionary Actions

Chittagong raid: Kalpana Datta, Pritilata Waddedar transported arms, planned assaults
Pahartali Club attack 1932: Pritilata protested “Dogs and Indians not allowed” sign
Calcutta convocation 1932: Bina Das fired at Governor, spotlighting campus militancy

Leadership Bodies

AIWC and WIA shaped agendas on suffrage, education, property rights within nationalism
Sarojini Naidu, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit voiced India in London, Washington, fostering female diplomacy
Kamaladevi’s 1926 Madras candidature normalised women in legislatures, ensured equal Salt participation

Social Reform

Savitribai Phule and Fatima Sheikh opened pioneering girls’ schools, battled caste and child marriage
Pandita Ramabai’s Sharada Sadan sheltered widows, argued for universal female suffrage
Begum Rokeya’s Sultana’s Dream imagined matriarchal, science-driven peace challenging patriarchy

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First woman INC President	Annie Besant, 1917
First Indian woman INC President	Sarojini Naidu, 1925
‘Heroine of 1942’ title	Aruna Asaf Ali
Underground Congress Radio voice	Usha Mehta, 1942
First Indian flag unfurled abroad	Bhikaji Cama, Stuttgart 1907
Kittur rebellion year & leader	1824, Rani Chennamma
Teen Naga resistance leader	Rani Gaidinliu, Heraka
First woman Chief Minister	Sucheta Kripalani, UP 1963
AIWC architect & Salt persuader	Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Attempt on Gov. Jackson	Bina Das, Calcutta 1932

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers. Who among the following was instrumental in persuading Mahatma Gandhi not to restrict the protest to men alone?

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

3.Typhoon Kajiki Impacts Vietnam (Tropical Cyclones)

Hindustan TimesTyphoon Kajiki · South China Sea · Vietnam flooding

What & Where

Typhoon Kajiki: Category-2 tropical cyclone; formed near Philippines, intensified over South China Sea, struck China & Vietnam’s coast.

Typhoons = western-Pacific tropical cyclones, equivalent to hurricanes (Atlantic) and cyclones (Indian Ocean).

Vietnam: Southeast-Asian littoral state; borders China (N), Laos & Cambodia (W), South China Sea (E).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Mekong River sustains fertile southern delta before discharging into South China Sea.
Red River creates northern deltaic plains en route to same sea.
Annamite Cordillera parallels Laos border, shaping rainfall patterns.

Disaster Impact

Coastal inundation caused extensive flooding, crop destruction and multiple fatalities in Vietnamese provinces.
Category-2 wind speeds escalated structural and agricultural damage intensity.

Storm Track & Classification

Origin Philippines ➔ intensification South China Sea ➔ landfall China, Vietnam.
Typhoon classification mirrors hurricane scale; Category 2 implies 154–177 km/h sustained winds.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Storm name	Typhoon Kajiki
Basin of origin	Western Pacific
Peak category	Category 2, Saffir-Simpson
First land interaction	Philippines (formation)
Main landfall nations	China, Vietnam
Capital of Vietnam	Hanoi
Vietnam independence day	2 Sep 1945
Major southern river	Mekong
Major northern river	Red River
Key mountain range	Annamite Cordillera

GS-3Environment

4.Gangotri Glacier Snowmelt Decline (Himalayan Glacier)

Down to EarthGangotri Glacier · Bhagirathi River · snowmelt share

Illustration for Gangotri Glacier Snowmelt Decline (Himalayan Glacier)

What & Where

Largest Garhwal Himalayan valley glacier, 30 km × 143 km², headwaters of Bhagirathi — primary Ganga source

Sits inside Gangotri NP, Uttarkashi district, central Greater Himalaya near Shivling, Meru, Bhagirathi peaks

Year-round discharge via snowmelt, ice melt, rainfall, base flow; supplies ~25 % of Ganga in lean months

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hydrology Trends

Snowmelt share down 10 %; rainfall, base flow fractions rising since 1980
Earlier melt shifts discharge peak to July, compressing accumulation season
Continuous snout retreat signals ongoing negative mass balance

Climate Change Signals

Basin air temperature increased +0.5 °C during 2001-20 versus 1980-2000
Himalayan mean ice thinning ~46 cm/yr supports Gangotri loss patterns
Higher rainfall-runoff shows shift from snow to liquid precipitation

Strategic Stakes

Bhagirathi hydropower faces timing-based generation and revenue uncertainties
Indo-Gangetic agriculture risks lean-season irrigation deficits from reduced snowmelt
Sacred Gaumukh pilgrimage, downstream cultural life hinge on glacier conservation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Length	~30 km
Area	~143 km²
State	Uttarakhand
District	Uttarkashi
National Park	Gangotri NP
Non-monsoon Ganga supply	~25 %
Dominant flow 1980-2020	Snowmelt 64 %
Glacier melt share	21 %
Rainfall-runoff share	11 %
Base-flow share	4 %
Snowmelt share 1980-90	73 %
Snowmelt share 2010-20	63 %
Snowmelt flow loss	≈10 % (1980-2020)
Temperature rise	+0.5 °C (post-2000)
Peak flow shift	August → July
Avg Himalayan ice loss	46 cm/yr
Study period	1980-2020

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Gepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 2

Which one of the following glaciers is not part of Pir Panjal Range?

GS-3Environment

5.NGT Report on Coal Operations (Coal Environmental Impact)

Down to Earthcoal operations · NGT · environmental health

Illustration for NGT Report on Coal Operations (Coal Environmental Impact)

What & Where

Coal-operations regulation in India overseen by National Green Tribunal; 2025 report examines environmental & social impacts

Major coal belts: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal; pollution hotspots Jharia (Jharkhand) & Ennore (Tamil Nadu)

Focus on integrating Health Impact Assessments into project approvals for mines & thermal plants

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Reliance

Energy-security: indigenous coal shields against import shocks
Infrastructure-lock-in: entrenched rail, plants, utilities sustain demand
Baseload-necessity: renewables’ intermittency keeps coal as reliability anchor

Environmental & Health

Air-pollution: Fly ash, SOx, PM10 cause respiratory disorders, silicosis
Water-toxicity: Fly-ash breaches contaminate rivers, soils, aquifers
Habitat-loss: Opencast mines fragment forests, wildlife corridors

Governance Gaps

Enforcement-weakness: Emission manipulation noted at Ennore, Mejia
FRA-exclusion: Tribal consent bypassed despite 2006 mandate
Participation-deficit: Affected villagers absent in decision bodies

Recommendations

HIA-mandate: Pair HIAs with EIAs for all coal projects
Community-oversight: Local committees to monitor air, water, health
Just-Transition-Fund: Finance reskilling, livelihood diversification in mining districts

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report title	Regulating Coal Operations: Environmental & Social Impacts through the Lens of the NGT
Release date	26 Aug 2025, New Delhi
Coal share in power (2022-23)	>70%
Proven domestic coal reserves	~350 billion tonnes
Key coal-dependent sectors	Steel, cement, aluminium, fertiliser, railways
Employment footprint	Millions of workers in 4 eastern states
PM10 exceedance	5× CPCB limit at Jharia & Ennore
Neglected law	Forest Rights Act 2006
Flagship recommendation	Compulsory Health Impact Assessment

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following is the first and the oldest Government-owned coal mining company in India?

GS-3S&T

6.National Biofoundry Network Launch (Synthetic Biology)

The HinduBiofoundry · BioE3 Policy · Department of Biotechnology

Illustration for National Biofoundry Network Launch (Synthetic Biology)

What & Where

National Biofoundry Network: pan-India platform of six premier institutions for advanced biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.

Purpose: fast-track lab-to-market translation under BioE3 goals—economy, environment, employment.

Geography: Centrally steered by DBT, MoS&T; facilities distributed across member campuses nationwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

End-to-end biofoundry enables automated design-build-test-learn pipeline for rapid biologic prototypes.
BioE3 Challenge adopts DESIGn steps: Define, Evidence, Sustainability, Integration, Go-to-market, Net-positive.
Open-access infrastructure offered to academia, startups, industry under DBT guidelines.

Economic Angle

Initiative targets Indian bioeconomy expansion to USD 300 bn by 2030.
Domestic biomanufacturing cuts enzyme, biomaterial imports; strengthens trade balance.
Green biotech orientation aligns with climate pledges, drives circular bio-based growth.

International Linkages

Network joining Global Biofoundry Alliance for standards and protocol harmonisation.
Partnerships foster talent exchange, shared data, co-development of biologics.
Bolsters India’s status as Global South hub for sustainable biotech exports.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year launched	2025
Nodal ministry	DBT, Ministry of S&T
Participating institutions	6
Guiding policy	BioE3
Bioeconomy target	USD 300 bn by 2030
Core domains	Synthetic biology, gene editing, climate-smart agri, green biotech
Youth challenge theme	“Design Microbes, Molecules & More”
Monthly cash prize	₹1 lakh to top 10
Max BIRAC funding	₹25 lakh per innovator

GS-3S&T

7.Gaganyaan Integrated Air Drop Test (Human Spaceflight)

The HinduGaganyaan · IADT-1 · ISRO

What & Where

Gaganyaan; India’s first crewed spaceflight; returns three astronauts after 3 days in 400 km Low Earth Orbit.

IADT-1; air-dropping full-scale Crew Module at 4.5 km, validating multi-parachute deceleration before sea-recovery.

Recovery zone; Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean perimeter, coordinated by Indian Navy & Coast Guard assets.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Launcher; HLVM3 redesigned for human rating, redundant avionics, vibration attenuation.
Module; Service Module offers power, propulsion, thermal control; jettisoned before re-entry.
Life-support; CM keeps Earth-like pressure, oxygen, temperature throughout mission.

Safety Systems

Abort; Crew Escape System separates capsule within milliseconds during launch anomalies.
Tests; Pad Abort Test, Test Vehicle flights, IADT and WSTF validate abort, descent, recovery.
Parachutes; cluster of main, drogue, pilot canopies limits touchdown ≤7 m/s.

Inter-Agency Collaboration

DRDO; supplies parachutes, pyro devices, bio-astronautics support.
IAF; provides C-17 for drop tests, astronaut cadre, recovery helicopters.
Navy & Coast Guard; execute open-sea retrieval, med-evac and isolation protocols.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First IADT date	28 Aug 2025
IADT aircraft	IAF C-17 Globemaster-III
Crew size planned	3 astronauts
Orbit altitude	400 km LEO
On-orbit duration	~3 days
Crewed launch target	Early 2027
Human-rated launcher	HLVM3 (solid, liquid, cryo stages)
Emergency safeguard	Crew Escape System (high-burn solids)
Orbital Module parts	Crew Module + Service Module
Astronaut designates	PB Nair, A Krishnan, A Pratap, S Shukla
Key test series	PAT, TV missions, IADT, WSTF
Partner agencies	ISRO, DRDO, IAF, Navy, Coast Guard

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

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

GS-2Polity

8.India-Fiji Bilateral Cooperation (India-Fiji Ties)

PIBIndo-Pacific · Ocean of Peace · training support

What & Where

Fiji – South Pacific archipelago north of Auckland; >300 islands, ~100 inhabited

Parliamentary democracy; population mix: Indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Europeans, others; sugarcane long-time economic base

“Soft coral capital”; 4 000 sq km reefs; hosts Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, largest Hindu temple in Southern Hemisphere

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence & Security

Training, equipment support pledged for Republic of Fiji Military Forces
Cooperation spans UN peacekeeping operations, military medicine, cybersecurity, white-shipping info exchange
Joint stance against terrorism; Fiji backs India’s permanent UNSC seat

Health & People Links

India to build 100-bed hospital; expand Jan Aushadhi, telemedicine via e-Sanjeevani
Focus on Hindi-Sanskrit studies, Girmitiya heritage, sports ties, student/professional mobility

Indo-Pacific Strategy

Ocean of Peace initiative championed by Fiji aligns with IPOI goals
Both nations promote South-South cooperation, climate action, sustainable development
Partnership seen as counterbalance to rising Chinese influence in Pacific Island Countries

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fijian PM India visit	3 days (Aug 2025)
Planned hospital size	100-bedded super-specialty
Health schemes tapped	Jan Aushadhi, Heal in India, e-Sanjeevani
Defence cooperation	Training, equipment, UN PKO, military medicine, White Shipping, cybersecurity
Indo-Pacific vision	Stable, secure, sustainable; branded “Ocean of Peace”
India policy linkage	Act East Policy + Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
Fiji coral reef area	≈4 000 sq km
Total / inhabited islands	>300 / ~100
Fiji’s tourism tag	“Soft coral capital of the world”
Largest S.-Hemisphere Hindu temple	Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, Nadi

GS-3Security

9.Exercise Bright Star 2025 (Multilateral Exercise)

PIBExercise Bright Star · Egypt · tri-service drill

Illustration for Exercise Bright Star 2025 (Multilateral Exercise)

What & Where

Multilateral biennial tri-service military exercise, among largest in Middle East–North Africa region

Hosted in Egypt with US partnership; conducted since 1980

2025 edition features India plus nations from Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Promotes regional peace security stability through large scale coalition training
Prepares forces for modern multi-domain warfare scenarios
Showcases credible deterrence via tri-service live firing

Operational Features

Live firing by Army Navy Air Force tests integrated combat readiness
Command Post Exercise strengthens joint planning and operational coordination
Short training drills plus SME sessions address contemporary military domains

Indian Angle

India projects tri-service capability on foreign soil enhancing strategic reach
Builds defence diplomacy with Egypt US and other partner nations
Offers hands-on interoperability experience for Indian personnel across services

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First edition	1980
Frequency	Biennial
Primary hosts	Egypt & United States
Region focus	MENA
Indian contingent 2025	≈700 tri-service personnel
Core objective	Jointness & interoperability
2025 highlights	Live firing, Command Post Exercise, SME interactions

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

'Exercise Desert Knight – 21' is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Air Force of which one of the following countries?

GEO_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Naseem-Al-Bahr, held in October 2024, was a joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and

GS-3Security

10.Project 17A Stealth Frigates (Stealth Frigates)

Indian ExpressProject 17A · INS Himgiri · INS Udaygiri

What & Where

Project 17A Nilgiri-class: 7 indigenous multi-mission stealth frigates for Indian Navy’s blue-water operations.

Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)-Mumbai & Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)-Kolkata.

Latest commissions: INS Udaygiri (MDL) & INS Himgiri (GRSE) inducted Aug 2025, Arabian Sea fleet.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Design features: composite superstructure, flush deck, low-acoustic propellers enhancing stealth, survivability.
Weapons integration: plug-and-play architecture eases future indigenous sensor upgrades.
IPMS: remote monitoring, automated damage control, cuts crew load.

Security Dimension

Blue-water role: anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine tasks across Indian Ocean Region.
360° layered defence: long-range SAM + CIWS counters saturation missile threats.
Indigenous build reduces foreign vulnerability in wartime spares.

Indigenization Push

Over 75 % indigenous content targeted, promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Collaboration: Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, 200+ MSMEs, DRDO labs supply subsystems.
P-17B approval signals continuity of domestic shipbuilding pipeline.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total P-17A ships	7
Ship names	Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri
Stealth upgrade over	P-17 Shivalik-class
Hull material	Reduced Radar Cross Section design
Propulsion	CODOG: 1 Diesel + 1 Gas Turbine per shaft, CPP
Key missiles	BrahMos SSM, Barak-8/LRSAM
CIWS	Rapid-fire Close-in Weapon System
Combat management	Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
Radar/EW	Shakti Electronic Warfare Suite, advanced multifunction radars
Builders	MDL (4 ships), GRSE (3 ships)
First GRSE frigate	INS Himgiri
100th WDB design	INS Udaygiri
Legacy names revived	INS Udaygiri 1976, INS Himgiri 1974
Past ops of namesakes	Pawan, Cactus, Sahayata
Follow-on project	Project 17 Bravo cleared 2024

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

Which of the following Indian Naval Ships were decommissioned in June 2022?

NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

With reference to India's defence, the terms ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ refer to

GS-2Scheme

11.UMEED Portal for Waqf Management (Waqf Digitalisation)

PIBUMEED Portal · Ministry of Minority Affairs · geotagging

What & Where

UMEED: unified digital platform for registration, regulation and monitoring of Waqf properties.

Operates pan-India under Ministry of Minority Affairs with State/UT Waqf Boards.

New module lets widows, divorced women & orphans claim Waqf-alal-aulad maintenance online.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Geotagging, digitised records and online approval ensure end-to-end transparency.
DBT minimises leakages; tracking through real-time dashboards.

Legal & Policy

Deadline non-compliance auto-triggers tribunal scrutiny boosting accountability.
Women, children, EWS remain eligible beneficiaries despite property ownership exclusion clause.

Social Concerns

Module targets maintenance for vulnerable groups: widows, divorced women, orphans.
Centralised data aids evidence-based welfare allocation across Minority communities.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Acronym expansion	Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency & Development
Nodal ministry	Minority Affairs
Mandatory registration window	6 months from portal launch
Geospatial requirement	Property geotagging with precise measurements
Post-deadline status	Unregistered property sent to Waqf Tribunal as disputed
Beneficiary ID proof	Aadhaar-based authentication
Fund transfer mode	Direct Benefit Transfer to bank account
Key legal rule	Rule 8(2), Unified Waqf Rules 2025
Act reference	Section 3(r)(iv), Unified Waqf Act 1995
Women property clause	Property solely in woman’s name can’t be declared Waqf

GS-2Scheme

12.Revised Glanders Action Plan (Equine Disease Control)

PIBGlanders · Burkholderia mallei · surveillance zone

Illustration for Revised Glanders Action Plan (Equine Disease Control)

What & Where

Revised National Action Plan (2025) on Glanders issued by DAHD to eradicate equine bacterial disease in India.

Glanders: zoonotic infection by Burkholderia mallei affecting horses, mules, donkeys; high fatality, notifiable.

Plan applies nationwide; zoning re-drawn around outbreaks for targeted surveillance and control.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Zoning & Surveillance

Infected zone: reduced radius improves resource focus, quicker containment.
Surveillance zone: capped at 10 km; restrictions lifted beyond.
Diagnostics: advanced labs plus frequent field inspection mandated.

Quarantine & Movement

Quarantine: rigorous isolation of affected premises, strict biosecurity.
Movement: only certified equines allowed in events and interstate travel.
Border checks: coordination with state departments for permits.

Capacity & Outreach

Training: veterinarians, para-vets on recognition, biosafety, reporting protocols.
Awareness: targeted communication to horse owners, breeders, local communities.

Research & Laboratory Support

Collaboration: DAHD with ICAR-NRCE for diagnostics, epidemiology studies.
Lab upgrades: modern tests to improve detection sensitivity and speed.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Infected zone radius	2 km (earlier 5 km)
Surveillance zone radius	2–10 km (earlier 5–25 km)
Mandatory testing	Endemic/high-risk equine populations
Rapid response tool	Standard Operating Procedures for containment, isolation, humane handling
Movement control	Certification needed for fairs, yatras, interstate transport
Lead laboratory	ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar
Legal backing	PCICDA Act 2009; disease notifiable
Causative agent	Burkholderia mallei (bacterium)
Primary hosts	Horses, mules, donkeys
Global status	Eradicated in many nations; sporadic in Asia, Africa, Middle East

GS-1Economy

13.Women-Led Economic Growth Vision (Women Workforce)

PIBfemale labour participation · Viksit Bharat 2047 · e-Shram

What & Where

Women-led development: India’s shift from welfare to women as prime movers in Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap

Key drivers: labour-force entry, MSME & startup ownership, large-scale financial inclusion schemes

Spread: nationwide; 2017-24 rural female employment +96 %, urban +43 %

Quick Facts for MCQs

Workforce Trends

LFPR jump 18.3 percentage points; unemployment down to 3.2 %
Formalisation boost: EPFO added 1.56 crore women; graduate employability 47.53 %
Worker Population Ratio for postgraduates 40 % in 2023-24

Entrepreneurship & Finance

MUDRA, SVANidhi, Stand-Up India driving 68 % loan share to women
Women-led MSMEs doubled to 1.92 crore; 89 lakh new female jobs FY21-23
Lakhpati Didis touch 2 crore; Namo Drone Didi scaling agri tech use

Policy & Budget

Gender-budget allocation quadrupled since 2013-14, signalling priority shift
Startup India yields 50 % DPIIT entities with women directors
Schemes: Beti Bachao, PM-Ujjwala, Poshan 2.0 integrate gender outcomes

Challenges

Patriarchy: unpaid care load, early marriage, mobility curbs
Literacy only 65.4 %; digital divide limits tech adoption
Safety gap: 51 crimes against women every hour, Board & Parliament under-representation

Suggested Measures

Childcare: National Crèche Grid; extend paid maternity to informal sector
Infrastructure: mandatory gender budgeting in transport, sanitation, digital skilling via PMGDISHA
Governance: enforce board quotas, gram-level Gender Action Plans, strong ICCs for workplace safety

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Female LFPR 2017-18	22 %
Female LFPR 2023-24	40.3 %
Rural female employment rise	96 %
Urban female employment rise	43 %
Women added to formal workforce (7 yrs)	1.56 crore
Women e-Shram registrants	16.69 crore
Gender Budget 2013-14	₹0.85 lakh cr
Gender Budget 2025-26	₹4.49 lakh cr (429 % up)
Women share in MUDRA loans	68 % (₹14.72 lakh cr)
Women share in PM SVANidhi	44 %
Women-led MSMEs 2023-24	1.92 crore
Extra jobs via women MSMEs FY21-23	89 lakh
Lakhpati Didi count	2 crore
DPIIT startups with woman director	50 %
Global Gender Gap Rank 2025	131 / 148
GDP gain if gap closed	30 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से भारत की G20 प्राथमिकताएँ क्या हैं?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

आधुनिक भारत में सफल महिलाओं के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-1Misc

14.India's 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid (International Sports Event)

New Indian ExpressCommonwealth Games · Ahmedabad · multi-sport event

What & Where

Quadrennial multi-sport event of 72 Commonwealth nations, inaugurated 1930 at Hamilton, Canada

Earlier titles: British Empire Games (1930-50), British Empire & Commonwealth Games (1954-66), British Commonwealth Games (1970-74)

India bidding to stage 2030 edition in Ahmedabad, earlier hosted once in 2010 New Delhi

Quick Facts for MCQs

India Track Record

Medal tally 564; wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, badminton major contributors
Delhi 2010 only prior hosting; produced record 101-medal finish
Milestones include Rashid Anwar 1934 bronze and Milkha Singh 1958 first gold

2030 Bid & Venue

Union Cabinet cleared 2030 bid; focal venues Narendra Modi Stadium & Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave
Programme to retain full core sports and add Indian staples kabaddi, kho-kho
Ahmedabad promotion dovetails with India’s 2036 Olympic ambition

Distinctive Features

Para-sports events integrated within main schedule, unlike standalone Paralympics
Traditional Commonwealth sports such as lawn bowls, netball, squash maintained alongside Olympic staples
Games framed as instrument for friendship, cultural exchange and sporting excellence among member nations

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First edition	1930, Hamilton (Canada)
Periodicity	Every 4 years
Participating members	72 nations & territories
Former names	British Empire Games; British Empire & Commonwealth Games; British Commonwealth Games
India debut	1934 London Games
India’s first medal	Rashid Anwar, bronze wrestling
First Indian gold	Milkha Singh, 1958 Cardiff
Best Indian haul	101 medals (39 gold), 2nd rank, 2010 Delhi
India total medals	564 (203 gold) till 2022
Proposed 2030 host city	Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following States is planned to host the Khelo India Youth Games (4th Edition)?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

The host country of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, 2025 is

Ready to practice?

Test your knowledge with our UPSC test series.

Start Free Trial