The correct answer is (c) The landless labourers working under Zamindars. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2022.

Tuesday, 9 September 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy ?

The correct answer is (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी अधिकार-पृच्छा का आदेश (को वारंटो रिट) जारी करने की आवश्यक शर्त नहीं है?

The correct answer is (c) पद निश्चल रूप से वेतन पद पर नहीं होना चाहिए।. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: The Vice President of India, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States, is elected by the Members of an Electoral College consisting of the Members of

The correct answer is (a) the Rajya Sabha only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025.

Q: Which one of the following statements about the Vice-President of India is not correct?

The correct answer is (b) He must not be less than 35 years of age.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021.

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

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

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

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

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) Only 1. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: “This crop is of tropical origin. For its development it requires about 210 frost-free days and 50–100 centimetres of rainfall annually. Its adaptability to moist, deep, well-drained soils makes it ideally suited for plantation agriculture.” Which one of the following crops is described in the above passage?

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

Q: S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

The correct answer is (a) Q S R P. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024.

12 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 3GS-3: 5

0/12 done

GS-2Editorial

1.Political Interference in Governance (Civil Service Ethics)

DHPolitical interference · Civil services · Constitutional morality

Illustration for Political Interference in Governance (Civil Service Ethics)

What & Where

Definition: Political interference = undue influence by elected actors over civil-service decisions, eroding neutrality and legality

Current flashpoint: Solapur, Maharashtra anti-illegal excavation raid; Deputy CM’s phone rebuke to IPS officer

Manifestations: pressure to halt enforcement, patronage postings, transfer threats, populist short-term orders

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ethical Concerns

Violation: constitutional morality, impartiality, gender dignity
Fallout: public trust erosion, officer demoralisation, accountability dilution
Conflict: party loyalty versus duty to citizens

Philosophical Roots

Plato: philosopher-king ideal opposes partisan coercion
Aristotle: rule of law priority over rule of men
Kant: duty ethics breached when officials used as partisan means

Institutional Challenges

Weak safeguards: oral orders lack statutory bar
Transfer culture: frequent moves reward pliability over merit
Civil Services Boards: limited autonomy, cannot shield against ministers

Reform Path

Fixed tenure: ARC-recommended security via empowered Boards
Legal armour: statutory backing to refuse illegal or verbal directions
Political code: enforceable ethics charter, media-led citizen vigilance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Average civil-service tenure (ARC)	< 16 months
Constitutional value hit	Article 14 – equality before law
2nd ARC warning	Politicisation is “greatest threat to probity”
Recent incident district	Solapur, Maharashtra
Guiding Weberian norm	Bureaucratic neutrality & rational-legal authority

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी अधिकार-पृच्छा का आदेश (को वारंटो रिट) जारी करने की आवश्यक शर्त नहीं है?

GS-2Polity

2.Vice President Election Process (Vice President Election)

NDTVElectoral College · Single Transferable Vote · Secret Ballot

What & Where

Vice-President of India elected by proportional representation, single transferable vote, secret ballot in Parliament House

Electoral College = all elected + nominated MPs of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha; no State Legislature role

2025 by-poll after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation; contestants – CP Radhakrishnan, Justice B Sudershan Reddy

Quick Facts for MCQs

Electoral College

Membership parity; every MP carries single, equal vote value
Nominated MPs participate unlike in Presidential polls
States excluded; simplifies logistics and quorum calculations

Voting Mechanics

Secret ballot supervised by Election Commission-appointed Returning Officer
Cross-voting possible; party directions unenforceable
Invalid ballot if preference left blank or written in words

Counting Process

First-preference pile tallied; candidate meeting quota declared winner
No majority; least-polled candidate eliminated, votes transferred to next marked preference
Iterative transfers continue till any nominee crosses required quota

Legal & Institutional

Article 63–69 empower Parliament to regulate election; Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 guide procedure
Vice-President becomes ex-officio Rajya Sabha Chairman, ensuring legislative continuity during Upper House sessions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Poll date	9 September 2025
Ballot paper colour	Pink, bilingual
Electorate composition	543 LS MPs + 245 RS MPs = 788
Vote value per MP	1
Preference marking	Numerals 1,2,3…; words invalid
Quota formula	(Total valid votes ÷ 2) + 1
Example quota (780 votes)	391
Anti-defection whip	Not applicable

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

The Vice President of India, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States, is elected by the Members of an Electoral College consisting of the Members of

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about the Vice-President of India is not correct?

GS-3Economy

3.GST 2.0 Tax Reform (GST Reform)

Indian ExpressGST slabs · Tax-to-GDP · Inverted duty

Illustration for GST 2.0 Tax Reform (GST Reform)

What & Where

Definition Nationwide GST 2.0 reform merging multiple indirect levies into a simplified, trust-based tax

Process Rate rationalisation, faster refunds, lighter paperwork to widen compliance and cut costs

Geography Uniform rollout across all Indian States & UTs via GST Council decisions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Consumption Boost Lower rates expected to raise spending and long-run collections via Laffer effect
Competitiveness Faster refunds, lean logistics strengthen MSME export pricing
Formalisation Easier registration draws small traders into documented economy

Implementation Challenges

IT Systems Glitches, scant training could stall return filing, refunds
Classification Grey-area goods may still ignite litigation despite fewer slabs
Global Lesson Malaysia GST rollback shows credibility loss from mismanagement

Federal Dynamics

State Concern Compensation end may widen sub-national deficits
Revenue Sharing Initial dip requires Centre support for states
Consensus GST Council unanimity vital for slab cuts

Equity & Progressivity

Luxury Focus Higher rates remain on sin and luxury goods shielding basics
Trust Approach Non-adversarial regime targets fewer disputes, higher voluntary compliance
Burden Spread Wider base distributes tax load more evenly

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
GST launch year	2017
Current rate slabs	5 %, 12 %, 18 %, 28 % + cess
Avg. monthly GST collection	₹1.6–1.7 lakh crore
Estimated short-term revenue dip	₹48,000 crore
Present tax-to-GDP ratio	11–12 %
State compensation sunset	FY 2026

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

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

GS-3Economy

4.Cotton Cultivation Overview (Cotton Cultivation)

The HinduWhite Gold · Rain-fed cotton · Alluvial soils

What & Where

Commercial fibre crop “white gold”; India produces ≈25 % of global cotton

Key types: Hybrid (cross-bred) cotton; Bt cotton—GM, pest-resistant

Core geography: Central Zone (Gujarat-Maharashtra-MP) dominant; 67 % acreage rain-fed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Production Profile

Acreage leader ~13 m ha; yield lags China, USA
Soil span: deep alluvials north, black clays central, mixed black-red south
Crop needs hot, sunny, long frost-free season; sensitive to waterlogging

Government Schemes

NFSM-Cotton funds demonstrations, High-Density Planting Systems
CCI acts nodal MSP buyer; stabilises sub-MSP prices
TAG, Kasturi Cotton drive stakeholder coordination, branding, traceability

Challenges

Pest: Pink bollworm now Bt-resistant, causing heavy boll damage in western-northern states
Yield swings from erratic rainfall, limited irrigation, declining soil fertility
Smallholders lack direct market access, depend on middlemen

Reform Path

Integrated Pest Management using natural enemies, trap crops to cut pesticide reliance
TUFS & MITRA parks target modern ginning, spinning, weaving infrastructure
Strengthen MSP procurement, price-stabilisation fund, grading to secure farmer returns

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Global production rank	India - 1st
Share of world output	~25 %
Rain-fed share	67 %
Irrigated share	33 %
2023-24 industry use	Among decade’s highest
MSP formula	1.5 × (A2 + FL) cost
Main pest	Pink bollworm
CCI set-up year	1970
Largest zone 2022-23	Central (Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2020PYQ 2

“This crop is of tropical origin. For its development it requires about 210 frost-free days and 50–100 centimetres of rainfall annually. Its adaptability to moist, deep, well-drained soils makes it ideally suited for plantation agriculture.” Which one of the following crops is described in the above passage?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

5.Global Investor Conference 2025 (Investor Conference)

PIBGDP growth 7.8% · FDI rise · Manufacturing PMI

What & Where

Annual Global Investor Conference : flagship platform showcasing India’s macro-reforms and investment climate to global funds

21st edition 2025, addressed by Union Commerce & Industry Minister; hosted virtually from India

Core focus : Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap covering growth, manufacturing, trade, sustainability

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Indicators

Banking sector: highest profitability in years, boosting depositor and borrower confidence
Stock-market deepening: retail influx via demat surge, widening domestic capital base
Imported inflation spike: precious metals, edible oils drive 1.3 % → 31.1 % jump in eight months

Policy Reforms

GST 2.0: simplified compliance, demand stimulus expected
Taxation: lower corporate & personal rates combined with RBI’s accommodative stance
Infrastructure push: capital expenditure used as primary demand engine

Trade & Investment

Active FTA talks: EU, UK, EFTA in pipeline; India-EU, Canada talks facing data/IPR hurdles
Supply-chain resilience: multi-aligned strategies to counter Red Sea, Indo-Pacific disruptions
Rupee internationalisation promoted to curb external volatility

Sustainability Measures

Renewable thrust: LEDs, 5-star appliances incentivised for energy savings
ZED manufacturing: Zero Defect Zero Effect standards integrate quality with environmental neutrality
Climate-smart agriculture, resilient seeds and cold chains proposed for food-price stability

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Q1 FY 2025 GDP growth	7.8 %
Rise in private investment	66 % YoY
FDI inflow increase	14 % YoY
CPI inflation reported	1.5 %
Manufacturing PMI	17.5-year high
Signed FTAs since 2023	Mauritius, UAE, Australia
Imported inflation Feb 2025	31.1 %
New demat accounts monthly	“Millions”, record surge

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-1History

6.Bhil Tribe Heritage (Tribal Communities)

The HinduBhil · Mangarh massacre · Govind Guru

What & Where

Bhils – among India’s oldest Austroloid tribes, skilled archers; name from Dravidian billu / villu (bow)

Core habitat – Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra; smaller pockets Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand

Adi Vaani – Tribal Affairs Ministry’s free app + website for Adivasi-Hindi-English translation

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Resistance

Criminal-tribe label led to taxation, bonded labour, displacement
Govind Guru’s Bhagat movement ended in 1500+ Bhil deaths at Mangarh 1913
Motilal Tejawat’s Eki Andolan demanded forest, tax relief in 1920

Social Structure

Patriarchal yet elder councils decide disputes collectively
Joint family norm preserves strong kinship networks
Villages revolve around deity worship and seasonal festivals

Cultural Expressions

Oral tales, theatre, dance preserve memory of caste, love, justice themes
Mythic ancestry traced to Valmiki; rituals integrate Shiva, Durga with animism
Festivities feature rhythmic drumming, alcohol, sunrise-till-dawn dancing

Tech & Schemes

Adi Vaani offers bidirectional tribal-Hindi-English translation with crowd-sourced accuracy
Data sourced from State Tribal Research Institutes for linguistic authenticity
E-booklet of Bhil folk tales to debut on the platform, promoting digital preservation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Racial affiliation	Austroloid, sometimes grouped with Dravidian stock
Main States	Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Medieval role	Guerrilla resistance to Rajputs, Mughals, Marathas
Colonial tag	Declared Criminal Tribe under Act 1871
Key uprisings	Bhagat Movement 1883, Mangarh massacre 1913; Eki Andolan 1920
Folklore link	Shabari of Ramayana, Eklavya of Mahabharata
Chief village gods	Gramdev, Kuldev, Kuldevi
Major natural deities	Baba dev, Bhilat dev, Bag dev, serpent gods
Music elements	Flute, drum, all-night dance with liquor
Adi Vaani launch body	Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Current languages	Gondi, Bhili, Mundari, Santali
Upcoming languages	Kui, Garo
App extras	User feedback loop, Android + iOS availability
Cost note	Developed as frugal innovation vs commercial platforms

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

In Vazachal forest division, tribal community members are being engaged in the removal of invasive species from the forest. Identify the tribe.

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Who were Paharias?

GS-1History

7.Bhupen Hazarika Legacy (Cultural Personalities)

The HinduBhupen Hazarika · Sudhakantha · Bard of Brahmaputra

What & Where

Icon; Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2011) Assam-born singer-composer, poet, filmmaker and public intellectual

Alias; Revered as Sudhakantha and Bard of Brahmaputra for elevating Assamese folk on national stage

Centenary; Assam begins year-long 100th birth celebrations with statewide cultural tributes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Life & Education

Childhood; Immersed in folk milieu, early radio performance at ten
Education; Secured BHU MA then Columbia PhD on mass communication
Inspiration; Civil rights ethos and Robeson shaped his worldview

Musical Contributions

Composition; Crafted Manuhe Manuhar Babe, Moi Eti Jajabor promoting humanity and justice
Fusion; Wove Assamese folk with universal melodies ensuring cross-regional resonance
Voice; Nicknamed Sudhakantha for nectar-like baritone admired nationwide

Cinema & Media

Direction; Created Assamese classics Era Bator Sur and Chameli Memsaab
Bollywood; Composed acclaimed scores for Rudaali, Saaz, Daman expanding reach
Leadership; Headed Sangeet Natak Akademi steering national performing arts policy

Social & Political Role

Themes; Lyrics spotlighted poverty, caste bias, inequality advocating social reform
Integration; Acted as cultural bridge linking Northeast with wider India
Legislature; Served as Independent MLA in 1967 Assam assembly

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	8 Sept 1926
Birthplace	Sadiya, Assam
First recording	Age 10, AIR Kolkata
MA degree	Political Science, BHU
PhD	Mass Communication, Columbia Univ 1952
Key influencer	Paul Robeson
Evergreen song	Manuhe Manuhar Babe
Assamese film directed	Era Bator Sur
Hindi film scored	Rudaali
Legislative role	Assam MLA 1967
Cultural post	Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi
Highest honour	Bharat Ratna 2019 (posthumous)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2005PYQ 1

Who among the following is not a recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award?

GS-1Mapping

8.Caribbean Region Geography (World Geography)

ICCaribbean Sea · West Indies · Gulf of Mexico

What & Where

Caribbean: cultural-geographic region of >7,000 islands, islets, cays, reefs in and around the Caribbean Sea.

Location: SE of Gulf of Mexico; east of Central America/Mexico; north of South America; Atlantic on N & E.

Alias: West Indies; pivotal maritime crossroads near Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Panama Canal.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Strategic-location; controls sea lanes linking Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Panama Canal.
Mostly tropical islands; many are volcanic or coral based.
Hurricane-prone zone necessitating robust disaster management.

Historical Snapshot

European powers contested region; piracy and colonial wars endemic.
African slave trade forged Afro-European cultural fusion.
Post-colonial era birthed small sovereign states through 20th-century decolonisation.

Geopolitical Significance

Long-standing US sphere; Cold War flashpoints like Cuban Missile Crisis.
Current tensions: US naval, F-35, Marine deployment near Venezuela.
External actors monitor shipping, energy routes, transnational crime.

Security Dimension

Drug-trafficking corridors link South America to North American markets.
Frequent naval patrols by US, UK, France to curb piracy, smuggling.
Small islands rely on multilateral security cooperation and coast-guard aid.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total islands group	>7,000 landforms
Independent island states	13 (e.g., Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti)
Key dependencies	Puerto Rico, Martinique, Aruba, others under US/UK/France/NL
Main surrounding waters	Atlantic Ocean (N, E); Caribbean Sea (S)
Pre-1492 inhabitants	Taino, Carib, Arawak peoples
Columbus arrival	1492; start of European colonisation
Colonial crops	Sugar, tobacco plantations using African slave labour
Cultural mix	African, European, Indigenous, Asian; English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Creoles
Regional bloc	CARICOM fosters integration & disaster response
Security issues	Drug trafficking, organised crime, maritime piracy

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

How many member states are there in CARICOM, a grouping of Caribbean nations?

GS-3Species

9.Pallas’s Cat Habitat (Endangered Species)

Times of IndiaOtocolobus manul · Eastern Himalayas · WWF India

Illustration for Pallas’s Cat Habitat (Endangered Species)

What & Where

Small wild cat Otocolobus manul; among oldest felines diverged ≈5.2 mya

Core range Central Asian high-altitude steppes; new photo record Arunachal Pradesh (~5 000 m) extends eastern-Himalayan presence

AWWF-India survey reiterates east Himalaya as global biodiversity hotspot

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Traits

Stocky look from dense fur despite domestic-cat size
Seasonal coat shift ensures camouflage on snow, rock
Rounded pupils widen field vision in open terrain

Habitat & Range

Favors cold, arid grasslands and rocky outcrops with crevice dens
Distribution now confirmed Central Asia to Arunachal Pradesh
Among highest-altitude small carnivores at ~5 000 m

Conservation Significance

Elusiveness hampers population estimates, policy focus
New record guides Himalayan habitat-corridor planning for small carnivores
Photographic proof elevates Arunachal eco-tourism and research interest

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taxonomy	Otocolobus manul
Common name	Pallas’s cat / manul
Evolutionary age	Diverged ~5.2 million years
Global strongholds	Mongolia, China, Russia
Indian range	Bhutan, Sikkim, now Arunachal
Habitat type	High-altitude grasslands, rocky steppes, cold deserts
Max altitude noted	≈5 000 m eastern Himalayas
Leg build	Short, aiding low profile
Ear shape	Rounded, low-set
Fur trait	Dense coat, seasonal colour change
Pupil shape	Rounded (not vertical)
Hunting style	Ambush; rodents, pikas, lizards, birds
Vocalisation	Distinct yelping call
Activity cycle	Mostly nocturnal / crepuscular
Wild lifespan	~8–9 years
Indian discoverer	AWWF-India survey
Conservation tag	Rare, elusive; milestone sighting

GS-3S&T

10.Two-Factor Authentication Security (Cyber Security)

The Hindu2FA · TOTP · IETF

What & Where

Definition : Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) = password + possession-based OTP for access.

Key process : Shared secret + time counter → TOTP code via HMAC; refreshes every 30 s.

Global standard : TOTP formalised by IETF RFC 6238 (2011); deployed in Google/Microsoft Authenticator, YubiKey, etc.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Specs

Secret key stored on server & user device; clock sync essential.
HMAC converts timestamp into 6–8 digit numeric code.
Hardware tokens like YubiKey implement same RFC, no internet needed.

Security Dimension

Layered verification halves breach probability even if password leaked.
Time-limited codes curb replay and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Widely mandated in banking, e-governance, corporate VPNs.

Use Cases

Digital India: Aadhaar, income-tax, UPI portals increasingly 2FA-enabled.
Healthcare EMR systems adopt 2FA to meet HIPAA, GDPR compliance.
Cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) enforce 2FA for admin consoles.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Concept origin	1980s computer-security research
TOTP standard body/year	IETF, 2011
OTP validity window	≈ 30 seconds
Cryptographic basis	HMAC-SHA256 (hash-based)
Factors required	Something known + something possessed
Second-factor mediums	App, hardware token, SMS, push
Offline generation	Yes, via authenticator apps
Core objective	Block phishing, brute-force, credential theft

GS-2Economy

11.India-Israel Investment Pact (Bilateral Investment)

PIBBilateral Investment Agreement · Investor protection · Arbitration

What & Where

Treaty: Bilateral Investment Agreement safeguards and promotes India-Israel cross-border investments.

Geography: Signed in New Delhi; applicable to investors and assets located in either country.

Mechanisms: Ensures neutral arbitration, free capital transfer, protection from expropriation across all sectors.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Standard: Guarantees fair and equitable treatment aligning with modern model BIT principles
Sovereignty: Preserves each State’s right to regulate on health, environment, security grounds
Compliance: Incorporates transparency obligations for laws, procedures, policy changes affecting investors

Economic Angle

Capital: Aims to boost bilateral investment flows and resilience against policy shocks
Trade: Expected to catalyse India-Israel merchandise trade and technology collaborations
Growth: Provides certainty that lowers cost of capital for projects in both markets

Dispute Resolution

Arbitration: Allows investors direct recourse to international tribunals bypassing domestic courts
Neutrality: Arbitrators jointly selected ensuring impartiality and credible awards
Enforcement: Binding awards enforceable under treaty obligations of both governments

Sectoral Focus

Technology: Emphasis on joint innovation in fintech, digital payments, high-tech R&D
Infrastructure: Encourages Israeli investment in Indian roads, water, smart-city projects
Defence: Opens avenue for co-development and funding of advanced defence and cybersecurity solutions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parties	Government of India & Government of Israel
Agreement type	Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA)
Signing city	New Delhi
Witnesses	Finance Ministers of both nations (incl. Bezalel Smotrich)
Core safeguards	Protection from expropriation & arbitrary restrictions
Dispute forum	Independent, neutral arbitration
Capital mobility	Free transfer of capital, profits, compensation
Policy balance	Investor rights plus sovereign regulatory space
Priority sectors	Fintech, infrastructure, digital payments, cybersecurity, defence, high-tech innovation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

Recently, with which one of the following countries did India sign the 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement'?

GS-1Misc

12.Hockey Asia Cup Victory (Sports Events)

ITHockey Asia Cup · Rajgir Bihar · Chaand mascot

Illustration for Hockey Asia Cup Victory (Sports Events)

What & Where

Men’s Hockey Asia Cup - quadrennial continental championship run by Asian Hockey Federation

2025 edition staged at Rajgir, Bihar (29 Aug – 7 Sep 2025), India’s first Asia Cup hosting in the state

Acts as Asia’s qualifier for FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup; 2025 event is 12th edition

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tournament Highlights

Unbeaten-run India thrashed China 7-0 and Malaysia en route to title
Title tally leaderboard : Korea 5, India 4, Pakistan 3
12th edition underscored Asia Cup’s prestige as top continental event

Host & Mascot

Bihar debut-host showcased rising sports infrastructure in Rajgir
Mascot Chaand symbolises skill, courage, agility, pride linked to state’s wildlife heritage
Event timing late-monsoon ensured favourable weather for outdoor play

World Cup Qualification

Asia Cup winner secures automatic berth to 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup
India confirmed participation at Belgium-Netherlands World Cup through 2025 triumph
Asia’s remaining slots decided via separate continental rankings

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
2025 champion	India
Final score	India 4 – 1 Korea
India’s Asia Cup titles	4
Defending champion beaten	Korea
2026 World Cup hosts	Belgium & Netherlands
Host state 2025	Bihar
Mascot name	Chaand
Mascot motif	Tiger, red cape, magician hat
Mascot inspiration	Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar
Tournament frequency	Every 4 years

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

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

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:

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