Saturday, 6 September 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: In which of the following countries will the no-confidence motion to bring down the government passed by the legislature be valid only when the legislature is able to find simultaneously a majority to elect a successor government?

The correct answer is (a) France. This question appeared in GS1 1997.

Q: The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has

The correct answer is (a) Both a real and a nominal executive. This question appeared in GS1 1998.

Q: US-based Ohmium International has started India's first green hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturing unit at

The correct answer is (b) Hyderabad, Telangana. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Consider the following pairs:

The correct answer is (d) None of the pairs. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2023.

Q: In the interim government formed in 1946, the Vice-President of the Executive Council was

The correct answer is (a) Jawaharlal Nehru. This question appeared in GS1 1995.

Q: Among the following Presidents of India, who was also the Secretary General of Non-Aligned Movement for some period?

The correct answer is (a) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: In the map given below, four islands of Indian Ocean region, i.e. A) Seychelles, B) Chagos, C) Mauritius and D) Socatra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match them and select the correct answer from the codes given below.

The correct answer is (a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2002.

Q: Which one of the following Indian Ocean island nations has recently declared a state of environmental emergency due to oil spill from a grounded ship?

The correct answer is (d) Sri Lanka. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: Pursuant to the ratification of Convention on Biological Diversity, India legislated Biodiversity Act in the year:

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2021.

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

0/11 done

GS-2Polity

1.French vs Indian Confidence Vote (Vote of Confidence)

DHSemi-Presidential System · Dual Executive · National Assembly

Illustration for French vs Indian Confidence Vote (Vote of Confidence)

What & Where

Vote of confidence: parliamentary test deciding if executive enjoys lower-house majority

Covered systems: India’s parliamentary Republic & France’s semi-presidential Fifth Republic

Geography: Lok Sabha (New Delhi) vs National Assembly (Paris)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Setup

France: dual executive—directly-elected President & Assembly-responsible Prime Minister
India: single executive Council of Ministers headed by PM, fully answerable to Lok Sabha
Cohabitation: French President from one bloc, Assembly majority another, PM leads domestic policy

Procedure & Articles

India: Opposition moves no-confidence under Lok Sabha Rule 198; Speaker schedules debate
France: Assembly files motion of censure; passage needs 289/577 members
Art 49-3: French PM may tie bill to confidence; automatic passage unless censure succeeds

Accountability Mechanism

India: Defeat forces entire Council resignation; President may explore alternative majority or dissolve House
France: Cabinet falls, President intact; appoints new PM, dissolves Assembly only at discretion
Higher threshold France intended to curb frequent governmental collapses seen in Fourth Republic

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Indian article on collective responsibility	Art 75(3)
French motion of censure article	Art 49-2
Majority needed India	Simple of present + voting
Majority needed France	Absolute of total members
Who resigns on defeat (France)	Prime Minister + Cabinet only
Presidential term France (since 2000)	5 years, direct election

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1997PYQ 1

In which of the following countries will the no-confidence motion to bring down the government passed by the legislature be valid only when the legislature is able to find simultaneously a majority to elect a successor government?

GS1 1998PYQ 2

The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has

GS-3Infrastructure

2.VOC Port Green Hydrogen Pilot (Green Hydrogen)

DD NewsVOC Port · Green Hydrogen · Coastal Green Shipping Corridor

What & Where

India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project operational at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

Uses renewable-powered electrolysis to generate 10 Nm³ h⁻¹ green H₂ for in-port energy applications.

Embedded in Kandla–Tuticorin Coastal Green Shipping Corridor; aligned with Sagarmala & Viksit Bharat 2047 missions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Coastal Green Shipping Corridor plans alternative-fuel infrastructure along western–eastern maritime arc.
Sagarmala supports port digitalisation, deep-draft berths, and clean-fuel pilots.

Environmental Impact

Green H₂ replaces diesel in port ops, cutting local SOx, NOx, CO₂ emissions.
Future methanol bunkering enables zero-carbon vessels on South-East Asian routes.

Economic Angle

Green fuel hub status expected to diversify revenue and attract low-emission shipping lines.
Large Sagarmala capex boosts regional logistics, coal & container throughput.

Port Profile

Key South Indian gateway for coal, containers, edible oil; proximity to Sri Lanka shipping lane.
Nickname of namesake freedom fighter: “Kappalottiya Tamizhan”.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Project status	1st port-based green H₂ facility in India
Location	VOC Port, Coromandel Coast, Bay of Bengal
Port category	One of 13 Major Ports
Hydrogen capacity	10 Nm³ per hour
Project cost	₹3.87 crore
Linked facility	Green methanol bunkering, ₹35.34 cr, 750 m³
Power use	Colony streetlights & EV charging stations
Corridor scheme	Kandla–Tuticorin Coastal Green Shipping
Port renamed	2011, after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar
Sagarmala investment	>₹16,000 crore for VOC modernisation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

US-based Ohmium International has started India's first green hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturing unit at

ESE_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following pairs:

GS-1History

3.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Legacy (Modern Personality)

PIBTeacher's Day · Second President · University Education Commission

Illustration for Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Legacy (Modern Personality)

What & Where

Teacher’s Day India; observed 5 September nationwide to honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Birthplace Tirutani, then Madras Presidency (now on Andhra–Tamil Nadu border)

2025 floral tribute held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

Quick Facts for MCQs

Academic Career

Lectured Universities of Mysore and Calcutta; popularised Indian philosophy abroad
Authored seminal works bridging Indian thought with Western philosophy
Earned global repute for comparative religion scholarship

Political Leadership

Steered Rajya Sabha as ex-officio Chairman during vice-presidency
Oversaw national affairs through early Cold War, Indo-China 1962 period
Upheld constitutional propriety, non-partisan stature in presidency

Educational Advocacy

Viewed education as primary nation-building instrument
Commission 1949 recommendations shaped Indian university governance

International Relations

Ambassadorial stint strengthened India-USSR ties before Panchsheel era
Promoted non-aligned, dialogue-based diplomacy at global fora

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birthdate	5 September 1888
Birthplace	Tirutani, Andhra Pradesh
Teacher’s Day	Celebrated on his birthday since 1962
2nd President of India	1962 – 1967
1st Vice President	1952 – 1962
Ambassador to USSR	1949 – 1952
Alma Mater	Madras Christian College
Oxford Chair	Spalding Professor, Eastern Religions & Ethics
Education Commission	Chairman, 1949 higher-ed reforms
Core Philosophy	Vedanta, religious pluralism

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1995PYQ 1

In the interim government formed in 1946, the Vice-President of the Executive Council was

GS1 2009PYQ 2

Among the following Presidents of India, who was also the Secretary General of Non-Aligned Movement for some period?

GS-1Mapping

4.Mauritius Island Overview (Island Nation)

News on AirIndian Ocean · Mascarene Islands · Port Louis

What & Where

Island nation; Mascarene group, southwest Indian Ocean, ~800 km east of Madagascar

Volcanic origin; coral-reef ring, basaltic highlands dominate landscape

State visit; PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India in September, first bilateral of current term

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Volcanic plateaus; fertile basalt sustains intensive farming
Encircling coral reef creates calm lagoons for fisheries and tourism
Central highlands source rivers draining both coastlines

Climate & Ecology

Maritime subtropical; cyclone peak January–March impacts agriculture
Endemic species; habitat loss spurs conservation urgency
Southeast trade winds temper temperatures year-round

Demography

Indo-Mauritians descend from 19th-century indentured labour, form majority
Creole, Franco-Mauritian, Chinese minorities shape multilingual society
Dense population exerts pressure on land and services

Economic Angle

Sugarcane anchors exports and rural employment
Tea estates, vegetable farms support diversification and food security
Tourism leverages beaches, reefs, cultural festivals

Diplomatic Links

September state visit signals priority accorded to India ties
Historic linkage via indentured labour migration since 1834
India aids infrastructure, defence projects including Agalega airstrip

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Port Louis
Highest point	Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire – 828 m
Main river	Grand River South East
Key reservoir	Lake Vacoas
Outlying territories	Rodrigues, Cargados Carajos Shoals, Agalega
Population (2025 est.)	~1.23 million
Ethnic majority	Indo-Mauritian
Dominant crop	Sugarcane
Climate seasons	Hot Dec–Apr; Cool Jun–Sep

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2002PYQ 1

In the map given below, four islands of Indian Ocean region, i.e. A) Seychelles, B) Chagos, C) Mauritius and D) Socatra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match them and select the correct answer from the codes given below.

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following Indian Ocean island nations has recently declared a state of environmental emergency due to oil spill from a grounded ship?

GS-3Environment

5.High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (High Seas Treaty)

Indian ExpressUNCLOS · Marine Protected Areas · Seabed Mining

Illustration for High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (High Seas Treaty)

What & Where

High Seas Treaty / BBNJ: 2023 UNCLOS instrument conserving biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction

Spatial reach: waters outside 200-nautical-mile EEZ; covers 64 % oceans & 50 % Earth surface

India angle: 2024 signee; MoES 2025 formed 12-member panel for implementing legislation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Treaty tools: Marine Protected Areas, mandatory EIAs, equitable benefit-sharing for seabed resources
Ratification effect: makes provisions legally binding; domestic processes differ by constitution
UNCLOS zones: Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, EEZ, High Seas

Environmental Impact

MPAs target ecosystem integrity, pollution control, sustainable extraction beyond national oversight
High seas act as major carbon sink and global heat redistributor moderating climate
Biodiversity reservoir supplies seafood, genetic resources, potential pharmaceuticals

Indian Steps

Ministry action: 2025 panel drafting domestic law consonant with BBNJ obligations
Capacity aid: treaty facilitates technology transfer and resource access for developing states including India
Next stage: Parliamentary ratification required to activate treaty commitments

Geographical Statistics

High seas begin beyond 370 km seaward from coastal baseline
Protection gap persists with only 1 % of high seas under formal conservation
Resource governance historically fragmented with no single nation accountable

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Adoption year	2023
Legal basis	UNCLOS
Countries signed (Aug 2025)	>140
Ratifications (Aug 2025)	55
India status	Signed 2024; not ratified
MoES panel size	12 members
EEZ outer limit	200 nautical miles
High seas protected	≈1 %
Ocean area covered	64 %
Earth surface covered	50 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

Pursuant to the ratification of Convention on Biological Diversity, India legislated Biodiversity Act in the year:

GEO_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3S&T

6.Acanthamoeba Protozoan Pathogen (Protozoan Pathogen)

The HinduKeratitis · Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis · Trophozoite

What & Where

Protozoan Acanthamoeba; free-living in soil and Kerala freshwater sources

Two life stages — trophozoite (feeding) and cyst (dormant, chlorine-resistant)

Causes keratitis and Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis after entry via cornea, wounds

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pathogenesis

Adhesion to corneal epithelium followed by stromal invasion and ulceration
Cyst wall resists desiccation, heat, disinfectants, aiding persistence
Opportunistic nature yet infections reported in immunocompetent swimmers and lens users

Public Health Concern

Kerala surveillance finds organism more widespread than earlier estimates
Detection signals fecal contamination demanding routine water quality monitoring
State advising periodic well chlorination and public awareness drives

Clinical Management

Early keratitis diagnosis critical for vision preservation
Encephalitis carries high mortality despite multidrug regimens
Delayed treatment common due to nonspecific early neurological signs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Biological kingdom	Protist
Life forms	Trophozoite and cyst
Usual habitat	Soil, wells, ponds, storage tanks
Favouring water quality	High coliform and E coli load
Entry routes	Minor corneal tears, contact lenses, open wounds
Affected hosts	Healthy and immunocompromised individuals
Key eye symptoms	Severe pain, redness, blurred vision, photophobia
Brain disease	Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis; often fatal
Keratitis therapy	Biguanide + diamidine eye drops; possible corneal transplant
Encephalitis therapy	Antifungals + antibiotics + supportive care
Core prevention	Well chlorination, safe water, strict lens hygiene

GS-3S&T

7.Blood Moon Phenomenon (Lunar Eclipse)

Hindustan TimesTotal Lunar Eclipse · Rayleigh Scattering · Earth's Shadow

Illustration for Blood Moon Phenomenon (Lunar Eclipse)

What & Where

Blood moon = total lunar eclipse; Moon looks reddish-copper, not white.

Caused when Earth blocks Sun; atmosphere bends red light onto Moon.

Next visible in India on 7 Sep 2025; spans regions where Moon above horizon.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Atmospheric Science

Rayleigh scattering removes blue, directs red toward lunar surface
High dust or smoke deepens copper hue
Eclipse brightness index gauges stratospheric aerosol load

Astronomical Importance

Safe naked-eye viewing; no filters required
Maximum totality ~1 h 43 m if Moon crosses umbra centre
Precise timings refine Earth–Moon orbital parameters

Cultural Significance

Folklore often deems blood moons portentous
Planetaria and observatories organise public watch events
Media attention boosts mass interest in sky watching

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Eclipse date (India)	7 September 2025
Eclipse type	Total lunar eclipse
Colour mechanism	Rayleigh scattering of sunlight
Key geometry	Earth between Sun & Moon
Redness amplified by	Dust, smoke, volcanic aerosols
Visibility zone	Entire night side with Moon aloft

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

8.Bioproducts and BioE3 Hubs (Biomanufacturing)

Indian ExpressBioE3 Policy · Biomanufacturing Hubs · Biotechnology

Illustration for Bioproducts and BioE3 Hubs (Biomanufacturing)

What & Where

Bioproducts = fuels, chemicals, materials sourced from renewable biomass via fermentation, pyrolysis, enzymatic or chemical conversion.

16 Biomanufacturing hubs (National Bio-Enablers/Mulankur) planned pan-India under DBT’s BioE3 Policy to scale indigenous output.

Feedstocks: crops, agri-forestry residues, algae, mycelium; products span biofuels, bioplastics, enzymes, APIs, bio-fertilizer reagents.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Hubs provide shared pilot-scale facilities, R&D support, AI-driven process optimisation.
Aims to close technology gap in health, agriculture, energy, environment sectors.
Encourages shift from petro-chemistry to bio-manufacturing platforms.

Environmental Impact

Biomass conversion cuts fossil-fuel use and associated CO₂, SOx, NOx emissions.
Reduces pressures causing deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Promotes biodegradable packaging, lowering plastic-waste footprint.

Economic Angle

Domestic hubs expected to curb forex outflow on imported APIs and enzymes.
Generates rural employment through biomass supply chains and downstream green jobs.
Strengthens pharma supply security while diversifying bio-based industrial revenue streams.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Dept. of Biotechnology (MoS&T)
Policy banner	BioE3 (Bio-economy, Energy, Environment)
Planned hubs	16
Alternate hub name	National Bio-Enablers / Mulankur
Key target products	APIs, biofuel enzymes, bio-fertilizer reagents
India pharma rank	3rd globally by volume
API import share	~70 % from China
Critical APIs fully from China	45 of 58
Renewable feedstocks	sugarcane, soybeans, algae, agri waste
Biodegradability	Product-specific; eg. bio-paint non-biodegradable

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

Biotechnological research is promoted through the development of "Biotechnology Parks". Which of the following is/are essential to bring technology to market?

GS-2Editorial

9.India's Strategic Autonomy (Strategic Autonomy)

The HinduNon-Aligned Movement · Multi-Alignment · Sovereignty

What & Where

Strategic autonomy: capacity to take foreign-policy, defence decisions independent of alliance bindings

Key processes: Non-Alignment (Cold War) → post-1991 multi-alignment, bridge-builder diplomacy

Core geography: Indo-Pacific and Eurasia amid U.S.–China rivalry and Russian assertiveness

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Roots

Colonial memory fostered insistence on sovereignty, dignity
Constitution, Nehru, NAM institutionalised non-bloc stance during Cold War
Post-1991 liberalisation shifted to pragmatic multi-alignment

Drivers

Geopolitics: dual nuclear borders China, Pakistan demand independent choices
Security: oil, arms import dependence necessitates diversified suppliers
Civilisational ambition: aspiration to emerge as autonomous pole in multipolar order

Opportunities

Bridge-builder role between Global South and developed West enhances diplomatic weight
Technology partnerships in AI, quantum, renewables decrease strategic dependence
Atmanirbhar Bharat enables defence indigenisation, supply resilience

Challenges

USD 100 bn+ trade deficit with China erodes leverage
Balancing QUAD with BRICS-SCO pressures strains diplomatic bandwidth
Capacity gaps in semiconductors, cyber, space curb autonomy

Way Forward

Economic resilience via manufacturing, energy security, diversified supply chains
Continued US Indo-Pacific engagement while maintaining Russia ties and Global South leadership
Investment in AI, drones, space, cyber to cut imports

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Cold War policy	Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Trade deficit with China	USD 100 billion +
Nuclear neighbours	China & Pakistan
Multilateral platforms leveraged	QUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20
Defence self-reliance scheme	Atmanirbhar Bharat
Liberalisation pivot year	1991

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा, 1954 में भारत और चीन द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित ‘पंचशील’ समझौते में निहित पाँच सिद्धांतों का भाग नहीं है ?

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Which one among the following does NOT figure among the Five Principles of Panchsheel ?

GS-3Security

10.Technology Perspective Capability Roadmap 2025 (Defense Roadmap)

The PrintHypersonic Missiles · Nuclear Propulsion · Directed-Energy Weapons

What & Where

Strategic roadmap by MoD detailing 15-year capability and technology needs of Army, Navy, Air Force

Scope spans hypersonic missiles, nuclear propulsion, directed-energy, unmanned, AI-enabled and green logistics systems

Geography India, guidance for domestic industry and academia to match multi-domain Indo-Pacific security challenges

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Hypersonic missiles with universal launchers enable cross-service compatibility and rapid deterrence
Directed-energy lasers offer low-cost precision air and missile defence capability
HAPS platforms provide months-long surveillance without satellite dependence

Security Dimension

Fleet recapitalisation counters simultaneous threats along LAC and LOC borders
Nuclear propulsion submarines and AUVs expand blue-water reach in Indo-Pacific routes
AI cyber suites plus hardened satellites shield C4ISR networks from space-cyber attacks

Indigenisation Drive

Early requirement disclosure anchors Atmanirbhar Bharat within defence manufacturing ecosystem
Cross-cutting AI, ML and digital twin use cases foster civil-military tech spill-over benefits
Green logistics directive integrates sustainability with long-term operational planning

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Time horizon	2025 – 2040 (15 years)
Publisher	Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Core aim	Early visibility to spur indigenous R&D and self-reliance
Key naval asset	Next-gen aircraft carrier with EMALS launch system
Army modernisation	1 800 Future Ready Combat Vehicles plus light tanks
Air power add-ons	Directed-energy weapons and stealth bomber drones
Persistent ISR	High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites and stratospheric airships
Missile plan	500 + hypersonic missiles with scramjet propulsion
Cyber focus	AI-enabled tools, quantum communication, satellite hardening
Sustainability	Green logistics and energy-efficient systems mandated

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

P-75 I (या P-75 भारत) परियोजना किनके निर्माण से संबंधित है?

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

भारत के सैन्य आयुध (military arsenal) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-1MiscQuick Bite

11.SRS 2023 Demographic Trends (Demographic Indicators)

The HinduTFR 1.9 · CBR 18.4 · SRB 917

Illustration for SRS 2023 Demographic Trends (Demographic Indicators)

What & Where

Sample Registration System: continuous demographic survey by Office of Registrar General of India.

Tracks fertility, mortality, sex ratio indicators for nation & every State/UT.

SRS Statistical Report 2023: India’s TFR 1.9 — first year clearly below replacement (2.1).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Demographic Indicators

TFR 1.9 positions India below-replacement fertility threshold.
CBR fell 0.7 points in one year (19.1 → 18.4).
Mortality: CDR 6.4; IMR 25 evidencing continued decline.

State-wise Extremes

Fertility spread: Bihar 2.8 vs Delhi 1.2.
Sex ratio spread: Chhattisgarh 974 vs Uttarakhand 868.

Survey Methodology

Conducted by Office of Registrar General of India.
Captures population data by age, sex, marital status via large-scale sample.
Outputs CBR, TFR, ASFR, GFR, SRB, mortality at national & sub-national levels.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total Fertility Rate 2023	1.9 children/woman
Replacement TFR benchmark	2.1
Highest TFR state	Bihar – 2.8
Lowest TFR state	Delhi – 1.2
Crude Birth Rate 2023	18.4/1,000 pop.
Crude Birth Rate 2022	19.1/1,000 pop.
Sex Ratio at Birth 2021-23	917 girls/1,000 boys
Highest SRB state	Chhattisgarh – 974
Lowest SRB state	Uttarakhand – 868
Crude Death Rate 2023	6.4/1,000 pop.
Infant Mortality Rate 2023	25/1,000 live births

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2005PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2024PYQ 2

किसी अर्थव्यवस्था में कुल जन्म दर को किस रूप में परिभाषित किया जाता है ?

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