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14 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 8GS-3: 5
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GS-2Editorial

1.Debate on Raising Reservation Cap (Reservation Cap Debate)

The Hindu
Illustration for Debate on Raising Reservation Cap (Reservation Cap Debate)

What & Where

Reservation: affirmative action for SC, ST, OBC, EWS ensuring representation in education, employment, politics

Central quotas: OBC 27 %, SC 15 %, ST 7.5 %, EWS 10 %; cumulative 59.5 %

Geography: Nationwide implementation; states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra legally cross 50 % limit

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

  • Articles 15(3),(4),(5),(6) empower special provisions in admissions including private unaided
  • Articles 16(4),(4A),(4B),(6) enable job, promotion, backlog reservations including EWS
  • Articles 330,332,243D,233T secure SC/ST seats in Parliament, Assemblies, Panchayats, Municipalities

Judicial Landmarks

  • Balaji 1962: reservations exceptional, capped around 50 % for equality balance
  • N M Thomas 1975: reservations seen as substantive equality extension, not exception
  • Indra Sawhney 1992: ceiling reaffirmed; OBC promotion barred; economic criteria rejected

50% Cap Debate

  • Supporters cite >60 % backward population; seek proportional inclusion, substantive equity
  • Critics warn of merit dilution, administrative efficiency, existing 40 % seat vacancies
  • Creamy-layer proposal targets intra-caste equity; Centre resists extension to SC/ST

Implementation Measures

  • Caste census demanded for evidence-based quota calibration and monitoring
  • Rohini recommendations: OBC sub-categorisation, two-tier SC/ST, creamy-layer exclusion
  • Governance focus: fill backlog posts, integrate skill training and job creation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Central reservation total59.5 %
Constitutional ceiling caseIndra Sawhney 1992
Initial 50 % limit caseBalaji v Mysore 1962
EWS quota amendment103rd Amendment 2019
Creamy-layer for SC/ST debated inDavinder Singh 2024
OBC benefit skew (Rohini)97 % to 25 % sub-castes
Unfilled reserved seats40–50 % backlog

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following amendments to the Constitution of India has introduced reservations in education and in public employment for people from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

With reference to Article 16 of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-2Polity

2.Census Building Geotagging Initiative (Census Geotagging)

Indian Express

What & Where

Geotagging: latitude–longitude tagged to every Census building, plotted on GIS for precise digital identity.

Where: Nationwide during Houselisting Operations (HLO) 2026, first phase of Census 2027.

Process: Enumerator smartphone + Census app captures location, marks building type, records house- & household-level data simultaneously.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Digital Layout Mapping leverages GIS, superseding analog sketch maps of past Censuses.
  • Mobile App auto-captures coordinates, minimising manual entry errors.
  • SECC 2011 used supplied tablets; 2027 model shifts to BYOD smartphones.

Operational Benefits

  • Accuracy: Unique geotag limits duplication/omission of houses.
  • Efficiency: Balanced assignment of Houselisting Blocks among enumerators.
  • Transparency: Verifiable spatial layer aids audit of enumeration work.

Governance Impact

  • Planning: Precise housing stock supports PM-Awas, Smart Cities, rural development.
  • Resource allocation: Geo-referenced socio-economic data guides district-level funding.
  • Disaster response: Building coordinates expedite relief mapping post-calamity.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
First Census using geotaggingCensus 2027 (HLO 2026)
Device policyEnumerators use own GPS-enabled smartphones
Mapping upgradeHand-drawn sketches → Digital Layout Mapping
Building categoriesResidential, non-residential, mixed-use, landmark
Enumerator strength34 lakh +
Key datasets integratedPopulation, socio-economic, cultural variables
Core aimsAccurate count, workload balance, discrepancy removal
Governance useTargeted housing, urban planning, rural schemes
GS-2Polity

3.130th Amendment Ministerial Removal Clause (Constitutional Amendment)

Indian Express
Illustration for 130th Amendment Ministerial Removal Clause (Constitutional Amendment)

What & Where

Proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 enables automatic removal of PM, CMs, Ministers under detention.

Trigger: 30-day continuous custody for an offence punishable with ≥ 5 years’ imprisonment.

Jurisdiction: Union, States, Delhi; separate extension Bills for Puducherry & Jammu-Kashmir UTs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Issues

  • Basic-structure threat; executive removal bypasses parliamentary democracy, rule of law.
  • Due-process concern; equates custody with guilt, violating Maneka Gandhi fairness doctrine.
  • Collegiality weakening; PM/CM sole adviser decides colleagues’ fate, diluting cabinet responsibility.

Governance & Politics

  • Governance instability; automatic vacancies can stall policy, embolden bureaucracy.
  • Political weaponisation; ED/CBI detentions beyond 30 days may target opposition leaders.
  • Mandate erosion; elected representatives unseated pre-trial, undermining voters’ choice.

Comparative Examples

  • UK norms; resignations voluntary on scandal, no legal ouster pre-conviction.
  • US practice; Constitution silent, exits driven by political pressure (e.g., Watergate).
  • South Africa; ministers removed only after conviction or impeachment, preserving judicial milestone.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Year of Bill2025
Punishment threshold≥ 5 years imprisonment
Custody requirement30 consecutive days
Applies toCentre, States, Delhi; Puducherry & J-K via separate Bills
Union minister removalPresident on PM’s advice, by 31st day
State minister removalGovernor on CM’s advice, by 31st day
PM/CM obligationMust resign by 31st day or automatically cease
ReappointmentPermitted after release; no lasting disqualification
Precedent contradictedRepresentation of the People Act 1951 needs conviction
Main misuse concernED/CBI probes; stringent PMLA bail keeps custody long

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Identify the correct option that represents the change made to Article 74(1) of the Constitution of India by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 1995PYQ 2

Which one of the following is not explicitly stated in the Constitution of India but followed as a convention?

GS-1Mapping

4.Huangyan Island Territorial Dispute (South China Sea)

LiveMint
Illustration for Huangyan Island Territorial Dispute (South China Sea)

What & Where

Huangyan Island / Scarborough Shoal: disputed coral atoll, claimed by China-Taiwan-Philippines

Sits ≈220 km west of Luzon, near Manila Trench, inside South China Sea’s eastern sector

South China Sea: western Pacific marginal sea bordered by China-Vietnam, Taiwan Strait, Philippines, Borneo-Malay Peninsula

Quick Facts for MCQs

History Timeline

  • 1734 Velarde map lists reef under Spanish Philippines
  • 1748 HMS Scarborough grounding lends English name
  • 2012 standoff escalates bilateral tensions

Legal & Policy

  • 1900 Treaty of Washington ceded Spanish Philippines, implicitly covering shoal
  • 2016 PCA under UNCLOS rejects China’s historic-rights argument
  • China’s 2024 reserve declaration ignores PCA, asserts administrative control

Security Dimension

  • Location enables radar, airstrip or missile coverage over sea lanes
  • Regular Chinese coast-guard patrols deter Philippine fishers
  • Proximity to Luzon critical for US–Philippines mutual defense planning

Economic Angle

  • Reef waters rich in tuna, mackerel; livelihood hub for northwest Luzon fishers
  • Potential subsea oil and gas adds energy stakes
  • Control over shoal strengthens bargaining in wider Spratly resource talks

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Other Philippine namePanatag Shoal
Distance to Luzon~220 km
First charted1734 Velarde Map
Got “Scarborough” nameAfter 1748 British ship grounding
2012 eventChina-Philippines naval standoff
2016 PCA rulingInvalidated nine-dash line; no sovereignty verdict
New Chinese step (2024)National nature reserve notification
Main claimantsChina, Philippines, Taiwan
Key resourcesFisheries, hydrocarbons
Trade share via SCS~1/3 of global shipping
Nearby chokepointsLuzon, Malacca, Taiwan Straits
Major island groupsSpratlys, Paracels, Scarborough Shoal

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

GS-3Editorial

5.Himalayan Fragility amid Unsustainable Development (Himalayan Ecology)

The Hindu
Illustration for Himalayan Fragility amid Unsustainable Development (Himalayan Ecology)

What & Where

Himalayas – youngest, highest fold chain; 2,400 km arc across India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan

Formation – Indian Plate hit Eurasia ~50 mya, uplifting Tethys sediments; still rising ≈ 5 mm/yr

Divide – controls monsoon flow, hosts 25,000+ glacial lakes, richest temperate biodiversity zone

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Fragility

  • Youthfulness – weak, unconsolidated rocks, frequent seismicity, high landslide susceptibility
  • Gradient – steep slopes plus torrential rivers create high‐energy erosion environment
  • Climate sensitivity – warming faster than global mean, accelerating glacier retreat and GLOF risk

Anthropogenic Drivers

  • Infrastructure – blasting for highways, tunnels, hydropower destabilises slopes
  • Deforestation – loss of deodar and oak removes natural soil binders
  • Governance gap – EIAs diluted or bypassed, tourist boom unchecked

Disaster Impact

  • Human loss – flash floods, landslides routinely kill, displace mountain communities
  • Economic hit – damaged roads, farms, tourism assets slash state revenues
  • Ecological blow – soil erosion, species loss reduce long-term resilience

Policy & Remedies

  • Carrying capacity – mountain-specific planning with strict project caps
  • Nature solutions – afforestation, slope bio-engineering, watershed restoration preferred over concrete
  • Energy pivot – shift from dam-centric portfolio to solar, wind, decentralised micro-grids

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Average width150 – 400 km
Mean elevation6,000 m +
Highest peakEverest 8,849 m
Plate drift speed (India)~15 cm/yr northward
Annual uplift rate~5 mm
Glacial lakes number25,000 +
Supercontinent breakupPangaea split ~200 mya
Major disasters citedKedarnath 2013, Chamoli 2021

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2012PYQ 1

When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following :

GS1, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

The forests of Uttarakhand, Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Dzukuo Valley in Nagaland and Manipur were in the news on account of which one of the following reasons?

GS-3Species

6.New Aspergillus Species in Western Ghats (New Fungi Species)

PIB
Illustration for New Aspergillus Species in Western Ghats (New Fungi Species)

What & Where

Aspergillus section Nigri = black‐coloured fungi, biotech “workhorses” for citric acid, food fermentation, agriculture

Two new species—A. dhakephalkarii & A. patriciawiltshireae—isolated by MACS–Agharkar Research Institute

Core geography: moist forest soils of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot (Maharashtra–Karnataka belt)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity Significance

  • Western Ghats labelled hidden fungal treasure; new finds boost endemic species count
  • Discovery emphasizes understudied micro-fungal diversity versus well-documented macro-flora
  • Adds national data for global fungal inventory, aiding conservation prioritisation

Industrial Relevance

  • Black aspergilli widely used in large-scale citric acid fermentation
  • Enzymes from section Nigri support food processing, feed additives, bio-control
  • New strains potential candidates for higher yield, varied metabolite profiles

Taxonomic Details

  • Species differentiated by spore ornamentation, sclerotia abundance, colony growth rate
  • Molecular barcoding (ITS, β-tubulin) employed for definitive classification
  • Names honour veteran mycologists: Dhakephalkar; Patricia Wiltshire

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent groupAspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli)
New species namesA. dhakephalkarii; A. patriciawiltshireae
First-time India reportsA. aculeatinus; A. brunneoviolaceus
Distinct spore trait A. dhakephalkariiSmooth, oval spores
Distinct spore trait A. patriciawiltshireaeSpiny spores, multi-column branches
Sclerotia colour (A. dhakephalkarii)Orange
Lead instituteMACS–Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
Supervising ministryDepartment of Science & Technology
Habitat sampledWestern Ghats forest soil & plant debris
Industrial tag“Workhorses of biotechnology” for citric acid, enzymes
GS-3S&T

7.Decentralised Blockchain Finance Ecosystem (Blockchain Finance)

DH
Illustration for Decentralised Blockchain Finance Ecosystem (Blockchain Finance)

What & Where

Decentralised Finance (DeFi) = blockchain-based system enabling saving, lending, investing without traditional banks.

Operates worldwide via smart contracts, DApps, peer-to-peer networks on chains like Ethereum.

Governance through token-holding DAOs; users only need an internet-connected crypto wallet.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Mechanism

  • Smart contracts auto-execute terms; no human override.
  • Interoperability lets multiple blockchain apps interact seamlessly.
  • Stablecoins anchor DeFi value using fiat/asset pegs.

Security Dimension

  • Anonymity plus no KYC eases illicit fund flow detection.
  • Public ledger aids traceability yet scammers exploit mixer tools.
  • Hacks on protocols can drain pooled user funds instantly.

Socio-Economic Impact

  • Financial inclusion via borderless access for unbanked.
  • Lower transaction costs reduce remittance burden.
  • Rapid innovation spawning tokenised assets, decentralised insurance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
First crypto inspiring DeFiBitcoin, 2009
Major expansion chainEthereum, 2015
Key code elementSmart contract
KYC requirementNone for wallet creation
Main service hubsDEXs, lending, payments, derivatives, insurance, stablecoins
Governance modelToken-holder voting in DAOs
Ledger naturePublic, transparent, immutable
Cost traitLow fees; avoids interbank charges
Intermediaries presentZero; peer-to-peer
Core vulnerabilityTerror finance, money laundering, hacking
GS-3S&T

8.ISRO-HAL SSLV Technology Transfer (Small Satellite Launch)

DD News
Illustration for ISRO-HAL SSLV Technology Transfer (Small Satellite Launch)

What & Where

SSLV: ISRO three-stage solid-propellant launcher plus liquid Velocity Trimming Module

Geography: Indian launchpads like Sriharikota; production rights handed to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd

Mission: low-cost, on-demand orbital access for 10–500 kg satellites worldwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Propulsion: solid stages give main thrust; VTM enables fine orbital insertion
  • Payload flexibility: single or multiple nano/micro/mini satellites in one sortie
  • Turnaround: modular design permits weeks-scale assembly with minimal ground infrastructure

Economic Angle

  • Cost advantage: undercuts foreign small-launchers like Electron or LauncherOne
  • Market focus: rising Earth-observation and IoT constellations demand frequent light lifts
  • Revenue stream: launches marketed globally via NewSpace India Ltd

Industrial Ecosystem

  • Transfer scope: HAL receives drawings, test regimes, quality protocols for full SSLV build
  • Atmanirbharta push: indigenous manufacture aligns with Make in India and self-reliance goals
  • Supply chain: motors, avionics, composites sourced from Indian MSMEs, widening space industry base

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tech-transfer count100th agreement by ISRO
Recipient entityHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Rocket height≈ 34 m
Core diameter≈ 2 m
Lift-off mass≈ 120 tonnes
Configuration3 solid stages + liquid VTM
Payload capacity≤ 500 kg to 500 km LEO
VTM propellantMMH + MON-3, 16 thrusters (50 N each)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2018PYQ 1

भारत के उपग्रह प्रक्षेपित करने वाले वाहनों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Editorial

9.Political Unrest Escalates in Nepal (Nepal Political Crisis)

Indian Express
Illustration for Political Unrest Escalates in Nepal (Nepal Political Crisis)

What & Where

Nepal political unrest 2025: PM Oli resigns; Gen-Z protests over corruption, unemployment, social-media curbs.

Open 1,751 km India–Nepal border enables unhindered people-goods flow; instability easily spills into Indian territory.

Core geography: Kathmandu valley unrest; hydropower corridors (Arun, Karnali); trade arteries Birgunj–Raxaul, Bhairahawa–Sonauli.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical & Cultural Linkages

  • Ramayana Ayodhya–Janakpur marriage underscores millennia-old civilisational ties.
  • Buddha born Lumbini, enlightened Bodh Gaya; shared Buddhist heritage.
  • 1816 Sugauli treaty began Gurkha enlistment in British-Indian, now Indian Army.

Economic Angle

  • TradeBalance India surplus ~USD 6.1 bn FY25; Nepal key SAARC export market.
  • Hydropower projects Arun-3 900 MW, Phukot Karnali 480 MW, Lower Arun 679 MW facing delay risk.
  • China BRI foothold may divert investments if instability endures.

Security Dimension

  • Open border exploited for smuggling, insurgent crossover during governance gaps.
  • Political vacuum invites Chinese leverage; Hambantota, Gwadar precedents heighten anxiety.
  • Surya Kiran joint drill continuity threatened by Kathmandu turmoil.

Policy Measures

  • Accelerate BBIN Motor Vehicle pact, Kaladan multimodal link for assured connectivity.
  • Extend soft-loan window, flexible grants as BRI alternative.
  • Expand ITEC scholarships, cultural outreach to bolster people-to-people trust.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Treaty of Peace & Friendship1950
Treaty of Sugauli1816
Indian exports to Nepal FY25USD 7.32 bn
Indian imports from Nepal FY25USD 1.2 bn
High-Impact Community Projects>573 schemes
Flagship army exerciseSurya Kiran

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

In February 2024, Government of India has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and:

GS-2Infrastructure

10.Power of Siberia-2 Gas Pipeline (Russia–China Energy)

The Hindu
Illustration for Power of Siberia-2 Gas Pipeline (Russia–China Energy)

What & Where

Proposed Russia–Mongolia–China natural-gas pipeline, branded “Power of Siberia 2”.

Links Yamal Peninsula (western Siberia) to northern China via Mongolia, ~6,700 km.

Successor/expansion to operational Power of Siberia 1 (2019).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Revenue-diversification replacing curtailed EU gas sales post-Ukraine sanctions.
  • Strengthens long-term Russia–China energy trade; reduces Moscow’s Western market dependence.
  • 50 bcm still < ⅓ of Russia’s erstwhile European exports, limiting immediate revenue parity.

Energy Security Dimension

  • China gains stable overland supply, lowering maritime LNG exposure.
  • Russia mitigates geopolitical risk of single-market reliance.
  • Mongolia emerges transit state, gaining fees and strategic leverage.

Technical Features

  • Overland pipeline cuts across Lake Baikal vicinity, demanding cold-climate engineering.
  • Integrates with existing Power of Siberia 1 network for grid flexibility.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
StatusGazprom–CNPC deal signed, construction yet to start
Total length~6,700 km
Annual capacity≈ 50 billion m³ gas
Start basinYamal Peninsula, western Siberia
Transit countryMongolia
End marketChina (northern provinces)
Comparative linePower of Siberia 1 carries 38 billion m³/yr
Former EU offtakeUp to 180 billion m³/yr pre-war
GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

11.Indian Navy PASSEX and EEZ Patrols (Naval PASSEX)

The Hindu

What & Where

Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) on Long Range Training Deployment to western Indian Ocean island nations

Port calls: La Réunion (French overseas department) and Port Louis (Mauritius) in Sept 2025

Activities: PASSEX with French Navy; joint EEZ patrols and outreach with Mauritius

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ships & Specs

  • INS Tir first cadet training ship; Kochi based; fitted with Decca collision avoidance plot and SATNAV
  • ICGS Sarathi third indigenously built OPV by Goa Shipyard; enhances western coastline and island capability
  • INS Shardul lead amphibious warfare vessel; carried largest Indian warship relief load to Madagascar in 2020

Bilateral Exercises

  • PASSEX performed by INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi with French Navy off La Réunion
  • EEZ patrols and maritime training undertaken by INS Shardul with Mauritius Coast Guard near Port Louis
  • Discussions covered regional security coordination and deeper India–France naval partnership

Strategic Vision

  • Concurrent port calls display India commitment to cooperative, rules-based Indian Ocean security architecture
  • Activities align with MAHASAGAR vision promoting stability, capacity building, and connectivity among littoral nations
  • Engagements reinforce India–France and India–Mauritius defence cooperation networks

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Squadron shipsINS Tir, ICGS Sarathi, INS Shardul
Deployment aimLong Range Training Deployment (1TS)
French port visitedLa Réunion
Mauritian port visitedPort Louis
Vision referencedMAHASAGAR
INS Shardul relief mission year/place2020, Madagascar
ICGS Sarathi shipbuilderGoa Shipyard Ltd.

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following Indian Naval Ships has recently concluded a 17,000-nm trans-ocean intercontinental voyage?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

GS-2Scheme

12.Overseas Atal Innovation Centre Launch (Atal Innovation Mission)

DD News

What & Where

First overseas Atal Innovation Centre, sited at IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus, UAE

Innovation hub under Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) for start-up incubation and R&D

Inaugurated by Union Education Minister; formal launch slated September 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Atal Tinkering Labs: robotics, IoT, 3D-printing kits for Class 6–12; nationwide reach > 10,000
  • Atal Incubation Centres: 72 hubs mentoring 3,500+ start-ups; 32,000+ jobs generated
  • Focus sectors include HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, EdTech, Food, Drones, Space, AR/VR

International Collaboration

  • India–UAE centre: first AIM node abroad, driving joint R&D in sustainability and emerging tech
  • Bridge role: incubation, global market access, cross-border IP sharing and networking
  • Strategic diplomacy: aligns with CEPA, deepening education and technology cooperation

Education Angle

  • Student exchange: internships, hackathons, entrepreneurship boot-camps across Delhi and Abu Dhabi
  • Teacher training: STEM innovation pedagogy modules enhancing classroom delivery
  • Skill focus: design thinking, prototyping, venture funding for youth and professionals

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
LocationIIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi, UAE
Inaugurated byUnion Education Minister, India
Formal launchSeptember 2025
Mission umbrellaAtal Innovation Mission (AIM)
Implementing bodyNITI Aayog
Primary goalInnovation, research, entrepreneurship promotion
Core functionsIncubation, mentoring, R&D labs, exchanges
AIM start year2016
Atal Tinkering Labs> 10,000
Atal Incubation Centres72 operational
Start-ups supported3,500+ total; 1,000+ women-led
Jobs created32,000+ via AICs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2019PYQ 1

अटल नवाचार (Innovation) मिशन किसके अधीन स्थापित किया गया है?

ESE_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following Institutions launched Centre of Data for Public Good (CDPG) for multidisciplinary research, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and Government to harness the power of data to benefit the public?

GS-2Scheme

13.Adi Karmayogi Tribal Leadership Programme (Tribal Development)

PIB

What & Where

National Conference on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan organised by Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Discussed three flagship tribal missions: Adi Karmayogi, Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh, PM-JANMAN (PVTG-focused).

Unveiled Adi Sanskriti—digital university, cultural repository, e-marketplace—for pan-India Scheduled Tribe communities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Adi Karmayogi: peer-selected village catalysts monitoring scheme access and governance.
  • Dharti Aaba: district plans saturate tribal hamlets with utilities, roads, services.
  • PM-JANMAN: mission-mode funding for PVTG housing, health, schools, water, power, livelihoods.

Institutional Mechanism

  • ITDAs: block-level agencies converging central-state tribal programmes.
  • Project Officers trained on digital dashboards for outcome tracking.
  • Ministry sets KPIs; quarterly reviews via video-conferencing.

Livelihood & Culture

  • Adi Vishwavidyalaya: 45 immersive online courses on dance, crafts, music, folklore.
  • Adi Sampada: 5,000 digitised records across painting, textiles, artefacts, livelihood.
  • Adi Haat: TRIFED-linked portal enabling direct global sales by tribal artisans.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Organising ministryTribal Affairs
Conference venueBharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Adi Karmayogi scale20 lakh leaders, 1 lakh villages
Dharti Aaba focusConvergence delivery of schemes & infrastructure
PM-JANMAN beneficiaries75 PVTGs
Adi Sanskriti claimWorld’s first digital tribal university & mart
Core components (Adi Sanskriti)Vishwavidyalaya, Sampada, Haat
ITDAs launched1970s-1980s

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

Social Mobilisation and Institution Development (SM&ID) is one of the major components of:

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is not true with regard to tribal welfare?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

14.SPREE-2025 ESIC Registration Scheme (ESIC Registration Scheme)

PIB

What & Where

Schemes: SPREE-2025 & one-time Amnesty by ESIC to boost ESI coverage

Geography: Pan-India applicability under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948

Opportunity: Unregistered employers, temp or contract workers can enroll sans back dues

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Exemption: SPREE waives retro contributions, inspections, penalties before declared start date
  • Resolution: Amnesty settles pending damages, interest, coverage litigations under ESI Act

Tech & Schemes

  • Digital-registration: Employers file once on ESIC, Shram Suvidha or MCA integrated portals
  • Validity: Registration effective from employer-declared date; no benefits for earlier period

Social Concerns

  • Inclusion: Scheme targets formally invisible temporary, casual and contractual workers
  • Compliance: Fear reduction expected to raise voluntary enrollment and social security reach

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Implementing bodyEmployees’ State Insurance Corporation (Labour Ministry)
SPREE active period1 Jul – 31 Dec 2025
Amnesty active period1 Oct 2025 – 30 Sep 2026
Governing lawESI Act, 1948
Eligible workersPermanent, temporary, contractual
Registration portalsESIC, Shram Suvidha, MCA

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which of the following features regarding ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’ are correct?

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