Saturday, 20 September 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

The correct answer is (d) कथन-I गलत है किन्तु कथन-II सही है. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: What is/are the recent policy initiative(s) of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2005.

Q: यूनेस्को (UNESCO) द्वारा जारी विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल की गई निम्नलिखित संपदाओं पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (b) केवल दो. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

Q: In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

The correct answer is (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

The correct answer is (c) moulds. This question appeared in GS1 2013.

Q: Chabahar Port is located in which one of the following countries?

The correct answer is (a) Iraq. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2022.

Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The correct answer is (a) A 2 B 3 C 4 D 1. This question appeared in GS1 2004.

Q: Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Arnala’, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ?

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

The correct answer is (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2016.

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

0/14 done

GS-2Editorial

1.Parliament Measures Against Fake News (Fake News Regulation)

The Hindufake news · Standing Committee · fact-checking

What & Where

Fake-news – deliberately false information crafted to deceive, manipulate opinion

Standing Committee on Communications & IT – 2025 report recommending nationwide regulation across print, broadcast, digital

Scope – applies pan-India, including foreign social-media intermediaries operating in Indian cyberspace

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment call – embed clear fake-news definition in media, IT laws without chilling speech
Oversight – PCI expansion with independent monitoring and grievance portal
Benchmark – Singapore anti-misinfo laws and EU Digital Services Act referenced for balance

Security Dimension

Violence cases – 2018 WhatsApp lynchings, 2020 anti-CAA unrest illustrate threat
Democracy risk – electoral manipulation erodes legitimacy and public trust
Health impact – Covid-19 vaccine myths delayed uptake, spurred fear

Tech & Schemes

Deepfake challenge – bots, AI complicate detection; demand for algorithm transparency
Verification tools – certified fact-checkers plus BHASHINI-enabled multilingual AI screening
Existing assets – PIB Fact-Check, I4C framework, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

Capacity & Awareness

Education – digital literacy modules in curricula to build critical consumption skills
Outreach – ECI Myth-vs-Reality register, influencer and NGO campaigns for diverse audiences
Coordination – MeitY, MIB, MHA, Consumer Affairs synergy advised for swift action

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parliamentary panel	Standing Committee on Communications & IT (2025)
Core proposal	Mandatory in-house fact-checking plus ombudsman for every media outlet
Penal change	Higher fines and editorial liability for misinformation
AI content rule	Licensing and compulsory labeling of AI-generated material
Strengthened body	Press Council of India – new complaint portal + monitor unit
Key constitutional link	Article 19; Raj Narayan v UP Govt 1975 upholds right to information
IT Rule cited	Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code 2021 – safe-harbour loss on non-compliance

GS-2Polity

2.Bonnard Standard on Defamation Injunctions (Defamation Injunctions)

Indian ExpressBonnard standard · pre-trial injunction · defamation

Illustration for Bonnard Standard on Defamation Injunctions (Defamation Injunctions)

What & Where

Bonnard standard: 1891 UK rule limiting pre-trial defamation injunctions

Reaffirmed by Supreme Court of India, 2024–25, to protect journalists’ speech

Applies nationwide wherever civil courts consider ex parte defamation restraints

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SC insists courts record compelling reasons before gagging publication
Prior restraint labelled “presumptively unconstitutional” unless heavier injustice imminent
Reasonable-restriction burden rests on plaintiff seeking speech curb

Case Laws

Bloomberg 2024: SC lifts interim gag, cites public interest dialogue
Adani Enterprises v. Journalists 2025: trial court order criticised for Bonnard breach
Earlier precedents: Khushboo (2010), Sahara (2012) caution against routine injunctions

Constitutional Angle

Article 19(1)(a) grants speech; Article 19(2) permits narrowly-tailored defamation limits
SC treats press freedom as vital to democracy and market transparency
Excessive injunctions undermine public’s right to know, chilling investigative reporting

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Origin case	Bonnard vs Perryman, 1891 (UK)
Core test	Injunction only when defendant clearly lacks any possible defence
Indian reaffirmation	SC Bloomberg order, 2024
Article breached by prior restraint	Art. 19(1)(a)
Constitutional limitation clause	Art. 19(2): “defamation” among reasonable restrictions
Fault in Adani order	Ex parte ad-interim, 36-hr takedown mandate
SC view on ex parte bans	“Drastic; exceptional; last resort”
Nature of injunction	Preventive court order, civil remedy

GS-3Economy

3.India Manufacturing Growth Indicators (IIP Manufacturing Data)

PIBIIP 3.5% growth · Manufacturing PMI 59.3 · PLI scheme

Illustration for India Manufacturing Growth Indicators (IIP Manufacturing Data)

What & Where

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) & HSBC Manufacturing PMI gauge factory output momentum across India.

July 2025 revival driven by electronics-pharma-auto under ₹1.97 lakh cr PLI covering 14 sectors.

Vision: US$1 trn manufacturing economy by FY26, 25 % of GDP by 2030.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Manufacturing share 17 % of GDP; push to 25 % sustains 7–8 % annual growth.
Electronics exports topped ₹2 lakh cr, easing current-account pressure.
17 cr jobs added decade; sectoral employment share now 15 %.

Policy & Schemes

PLI, National Manufacturing Mission, GST 2.0 and PM GatiShakti reduce cost, attract OEMs.
Mobile plants jumped from 2 (2014) to 300, showcasing Make-in-India.
Industrial corridors & MITRA textile parks spread manufacturing beyond traditional hubs.

Challenges & Way Ahead

Logistics cost above global peers; plug-and-play parks to compress gestation.
Industry 4.0 skill gap; Skill India 4.0 to upgrade ITIs, create CoEs.
Geopolitics & protectionism risk supply chains; UK/EU FTAs eyed for resilience.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IIP YoY (Jul 2025)	3.5 %
Manufacturing IIP YoY	5.4 %
HSBC PMI (Aug 2025)	59.3 — 16-month high
Merchandise exports Apr-Aug 2025	US$ 184.13 bn (+2.52 %)
FDI inflow FY25	US$ 81.04 bn (+14 %)
Manufacturing FDI FY25	US$ 19.04 bn (+18 %)
Unemployment rate	5.0 %
Female WPR	32 %
PLI outlay	₹1.97 lakh crore
Logistics cost	13–14 % of GDP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS1 2012PYQ 2

What is/are the recent policy initiative(s) of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector?

GS-1History

4.Seven Indian Sites Added to UNESCO List (UNESCO Tentative List)

DD NewsUNESCO Tentative List · Deccan Traps · St. Mary’s Island

Illustration for Seven Indian Sites Added to UNESCO List (UNESCO Tentative List)

What & Where

Tentative List = mandatory precursor; nations submit candidate cultural/natural sites ≥1 yr before full UNESCO World Heritage nomination.

India, Sept 2025: 7 new natural entries → Tentative List tally = 69 (49 cultural, 17 natural, 3 mixed).

New sites straddle Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala), Eastern Ghats (AP), Meghalaya karst, Naga Hill ophiolites.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Highlights

Columnar-basalt, unconformity, ophiolite and red-sand formations showcase 1.5 Ga–Mio-Pliocene earth history diversity.
Meghalayan Age stratotype offers climate transition marker for Holocene’s youngest stage.
Sites provide mid-ocean-ridge, lava plateau, coastal morphodynamic study bases.

Conservation Status

Koyna WLS, Seshachalam BR, Venkateswara NP ensure partial statutory protection for four candidates.
GeoHeritage Monument tag (Erra Matti Dibbalu) grants GSI oversight, aids fencing & signage.
UNESCO listing would trigger stronger funding, global monitoring and periodic reporting.

Institutional Process

ASI drafts dossiers; Ministry of Culture forwards to UNESCO; IUCN/ICOMOS evaluate on OUV, integrity, protection.
Only Tentative-listed sites eligible for 2026–27 inscription cycles.
Periodic Review mandates updated management plans every six years post-listing.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Convention ratification (India)	1977
Recognised WHS in India (Sept 2025)	44
44th WHS	Maratha Military Landscapes
Tentative List size after update	69
2025 additions count	7 natural sites
Deccan Traps locale	Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
St Mary’s Island age	Late Cretaceous (101–66 Ma)
Meghalayan Global Boundary Stratotype	Mawmluh Cave
Naga Hill specialty	Ophiolite exposure (oceanic crust on continent)
Erra Matti Dibbalu Geo-Heritage tag	GSI, 2016
Tirumala key feature	1.5 Ga Eparchaean Unconformity
Protected area overlap	Seshachalam BR & Venkateswara NP
Varkala formation age	Mio-Pliocene
Tentative List compiler (India)	Archaeological Survey of India
Governing global body	UNESCO World Heritage Committee

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2005PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2024PYQ 2

यूनेस्को (UNESCO) द्वारा जारी विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल की गई निम्नलिखित संपदाओं पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3Environment

5.Karnataka Single-Use Plastic Ban Challenges (Plastic Pollution)

The Hindusingle-use plastic · Environment Protection Act 1986 · Karnataka 2016 ban

Illustration for Karnataka Single-Use Plastic Ban Challenges (Plastic Pollution)

What & Where

Single-use plastic (SUP): items intended for one-time use such as carry bags, straws, cutlery, banners.

Karnataka: India’s first state to notify a complete SUP ban in 2016 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

India: Union ban on 19 SUP categories nationwide from July 2022.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Legislation: Environment Protection Act 1986, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 enable prohibitions and Extended Producer Responsibility.
Enforcement drop: raids fell from 1.25 lakh (2022-23) to 18,000 (2024-25) owing to staff shortage.
Karnataka Pollution Control Board lacks field manpower for sustained inspections.

Environmental Impact

Microplastics: particles <5 mm infiltrate soil, crops, water, enter human food chain.
Health risks: linked to inflammation, endocrine disruption, respiratory illness, hypothyroidism.
Wildlife: urban cattle, stray dogs suffer fatal blockages after ingesting plastic.

Economic Angle

Shadow economy: unregistered units in Peenya, Dasarahalli, SP Road thrive on cheap granules, high margins.
Under-utilised recycling capacity due to poor segregation and weak EPR compliance.
Subsidy push advised for cloth, jute, biodegradable alternatives with GST concessions.

Citizen & Governance

Behavioural gap: cheap convenience drives demand; public largely unaware of ban specifics.
Proposed BYOB campaigns, school-level drives, ward-level Material Recovery Facilities for segregation.
Tech push: GPS-tagged inspections, AI-based waste tracking, support for plastic-to-fuel startups.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Karnataka SUP ban year	2016
National SUP ban coverage	19 product categories
Karnataka plastic waste	3.45 – 5.28 lakh t/yr
Bengaluru SUP generation	500 t/day
Processing rate in Bengaluru	≈40 %
Inspections 2021-24	1.65 lakh units
Banned plastic seized 2021-24	1,012 t
Illegal plastic units in Bengaluru	300 +
Cost vs sale price (illegal SUP)	₹50-80/kg vs ₹300/kg
Registered recyclers on EPR portal	129 (vs 1,200 + producers/importers)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

GS-3Species

6.Iridogorgia chewbacca Coral Discovery (Deep-Sea Coral)

Hindustan TimesIridogorgia chewbacca · deep-sea coral · Pacific Ocean

What & Where

Newly identified deep-sea octocoral species; officially described as Iridogorgia chewbacca.

Belongs to genus Iridogorgia; characterised by long, shiny, hair-like spiral branches.

Core range: tropical western Pacific Ocean; first seen 2006, confirmed by genetic tests.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxonomy & Morphology

Order Alcyonacea; family Chrysogorgiidae, noted for metal-sheen skeletons.
Grows upright, solitary; spirally coiled branches mimic tall stance of its namesake.
Sightings in Hawaiian waters existed but lacked formal classification till 2023.

Ecological Significance

Deep-sea corals create complex habitats, supporting invertebrate diversity and benthic food webs.
Discovery highlights persisting knowledge gaps in mapped ocean sectors.
Adds reference point for future deep-sea conservation policy and impact studies.

Pop Culture Link

Pop-culture naming employed to increase public engagement with marine research.
Mirrors global taxonomic trend of commemorating fictional icons to boost outreach.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Iridogorgia chewbacca
Taxonomic rank	Genus Iridogorgia, deep-sea coral
First sighting	2006
Confirmation method	Genetic analysis
Core location	Tropical western Pacific Ocean
Publication	Zootaxa journal
Name inspiration	Chewbacca (Star Wars)
Key morphology	Long curly reflective branches

GS-3S&T

7.Aflatoxin Fungal Food Contaminant (Mycotoxin Contaminant)

BLaflatoxin · Aspergillus flavus · B1 carcinogen

Illustration for Aflatoxin Fungal Food Contaminant (Mycotoxin Contaminant)

What & Where

Definition: toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus & A. parasiticus infecting food crops

Key types: B1, B2, G1, G2, milk-borne M1; B1 most potent liver carcinogen

Geography: flourish in hot humid tropics; contaminate groundnuts, maize, spices across Asia, Africa, Latin America

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Impact

Liver cancer: chronic B1 exposure linked to hepatocellular carcinoma
Immune suppression: prolonged intake weakens immunity and stunts child growth
Acute aflatoxicosis: massive dose causes rapid liver failure and possible death

Trade & Economics

Rejections: aflatoxin breaches prompt port refusals, incineration of consignments
Farmer income: contamination slashes prices or wipes out entire harvest value
Indonesia episode: suspension highlights buyer sensitivity to testing protocols

Regulatory Standards

Codex limits: global reference values enforced under WTO SPS Agreement
EU rule: 4 µg/kg B1 and 10 µg/kg total aflatoxins for peanut imports
Testing demand: accredited laboratory certificates mandatory before customs clearance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main fungi species	Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus
Most toxic variant	Aflatoxin B1
Heat stability	Survives normal cooking, pasteurisation
EU limit in peanuts (B1)	≤ 4 µg per kg
Milk metabolite name	Aflatoxin M1
Health classification	Genotoxic & carcinogenic
Recent import halt	Indonesia on Indian groundnuts
Governing trade code	WTO SPS & Codex limits

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2013PYQ 1

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

GS-2Editorial

8.US H-1B Sponsorship Fee Hike (US H-1B Policy)

NDTVH-1B visa · $100 · 000 fee

Illustration for US H-1B Sponsorship Fee Hike (US H-1B Policy)

What & Where

H-1B: US non-immigrant visa enabling employers to hire foreign experts in specialty occupations

Trump proclamation mandates US $100k sponsorship fee per H-1B petition, replacing earlier nominal charges

Affected geography: United States labour market; Indian tech professionals most exposed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Proclamation elevates filing cost to regulatory level, discouraging frivolous petitions
Fee payable per beneficiary by US-based sponsor to USCIS
Stated aim: protect domestic wages, ensure highly skilled hires only

Economic Angle

Expense spike could redirect projects to Canada or Mexico near-shore centers
US firms may accelerate automation, AI to offset higher human capital costs
Indian IT majors anticipate reduced on-site roles, higher compliance budgets

India Impact

Indian nationals constitute 71 % of visa holders; mid-level talent hardest hit
Threatens $150 bn IT export revenues, remittance inflows to India
Chronic Green Card backlog (>10 yrs) worsens migration uncertainty for Indians

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sponsorship fee now	US $100,000
Indian share of H-1B	71 %
Annual base quota	65,000 visas
Extra Master’s quota	20,000 visas
Initial validity	3 years
Maximum stay	6 years (beyond if Green Card filed)
Indian IT giants impacted	Infosys, Wipro, TCS

GS-2Infrastructure

9.Chabahar Port Sanction Waiver Withdrawal (Chabahar Port)

Indian ExpressChabahar Port · Gulf of Oman · Shahid Beheshti

Illustration for Chabahar Port Sanction Waiver Withdrawal (Chabahar Port)

What & Where

Chabahar Port: Iran’s only deep-water oceanic port, jointly developed with India for alternate access to Afghanistan–Central Asia.

Location: Gulf of Oman, Sistan-Baluchestan province; ~170 km west of China-built Pakistani Gwadar.

Components: Shahid Beheshti (India-backed) + Shahid Kalantari terminals.

Quick Facts for MCQs

History Timeline

1973 Proposal by Shah; 1983 first phase operational during Iran-Iraq War.
2003 India-Iran MoU; 2016 Trilateral Agreement signed; 2017 Shahid Beheshti Phase-I inaugurated.
2018 IPGL assumes partial operations.

Strategic Significance

Counterbalance: Offsets China–Pakistan Gwadar axis, boosts Indian Ocean footprint.
Connectivity: Enables Pakistan-free route to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia; integrates with INSTC.
Leverage: Enhances Indian influence in Afghan reconstruction, Iran relations.

Development Specs

Phased plan: Four stages to 82 Mtpa, 32 berths.
Cargo mix: Containers, bulk, oil, cruise terminals.
Proximity: Near Strait of Hormuz energy lanes, facilitates maritime security presence.

Legal & Policy

IFCA: US Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act basis for sanctions.
Waiver removal: May impede Indian investment, insurance, banking at port.
Iran aim: Maintain trade lifeline despite Western sanctions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sanctions carve-out under IFCA	Withdrawn by USA, 2024
Original waiver year	2018
Trilateral Pact signatories, 2016	India-Iran-Afghanistan
Distance from Gwadar	≈170 km
INSTC role	Indian Ocean gateway to Russia/Europe
Total development phases	Four
Planned ultimate capacity	82 million t/year
Present Phase-I capacity	5.8 million t/year
Planned jetties	32 (16 multipurpose, 10 container, 3 oil, 3 dry bulk)
Indian operator	India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL)
First wheat consignment via port	2017, India→Afghanistan
Province	Sistan-Baluchestan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 1

Chabahar Port is located in which one of the following countries?

GS-2Security

10.Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Defence Pact (SMDA Pact)

The HinduStrategic Mutual Defence Agreement · Saudi Arabia · Pakistan

Illustration for Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Defence Pact (SMDA Pact)

What & Where

Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA); bilateral Saudi Arabia–Pakistan security pact, signed Riyadh, Sept 2025

Core clause: any external aggression on one treated as aggression on both

Covers conventional, advisory and potential nuclear deterrence; institutionalises 1982 security cooperation

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Deterrence boost against Iran, Houthis, potential Israeli unilateralism
Symbolic Islamic solidarity; Pakistan positions itself as security provider
Signals Gulf shift toward multipolar security, reduced US umbrella reliance

Economic Angle

Saudi financial support eases Pakistan’s balance-of-payments, funds arms & energy imports
Pact complements Riyadh’s diversification; ensures labour, agriculture, defence offsets from Pakistan
Energy cooperation likely spans crude supply guarantees, future green hydrogen projects

India Focus

Strategic watchfulness required; pact could give Pakistan diplomatic backing in crises
Indo-Saudi defence ties, investments, diaspora links temper Riyadh’s tilt; immediate threat limited
New Delhi advised to intensify naval, intelligence and energy engagement to preserve Arab neutrality

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Pact name	Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA)
Signatories	Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Date & place	Sept 2025, Riyadh
Trigger clause	Attack on either = collective response
Coverage	All military means incl. advisory, possible nuclear deterrence
Legacy base	Builds on 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement
Indo-Saudi trade 2023-24	USD 42.9 billion

GS-2Misc

11.UK-France One-In One-Out Scheme (UK-France Migration)

LiveMintOne-In One-Out · UK-France treaty · Channel crossings

What & Where

Bilateral UK–France migration-return scheme deporting illegal Channel arrivals back to France.

Reciprocal “one-in, one-out”: France takes 1 deportee; UK accepts 1 legal asylum seeker.

Pilot along English Channel, scheduled Aug 2025 – Jun 2026.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Fast-track deportations; curtailed legal process, swift court oversight.
Voluntary-return funding offered for deportees to home country.
Reciprocal intake restricted to asylum seekers already processed legally in France.

Security Dimension

Deterrence focus: disrupts human-smuggling and trafficking gangs in Channel.
Enhances UK coastal border security through treaty-based enforcement.
Political signalling aimed at reducing illegal migration pressures.

Operational Details

Applicability limited to migrants entering UK irregularly via small boats.
Deportees may opt for funded return instead of staying in France.
Post-pilot review will decide continuation or modification of the scheme.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Countries involved	United Kingdom & France
Route targeted	English Channel small-boat crossings
Scheme nickname	One-in, One-out
Pilot duration	Aug 2025 – Jun 2026
First person removed	Indian national, UK → France
Legal safeguard	UK courts may hear last-minute appeals swiftly

GS-2Misc

12.Universal Postal Union Re-election (International Postal Body)

News on AirUniversal Postal Union · Treaty of Bern 1874 · Berne headquarters

Illustration for Universal Postal Union Re-election (International Postal Body)

What & Where

Specialised UN agency coordinating global postal network and cooperation

Founded 1874 via Treaty of Bern; second-oldest intergovernmental body

Headquartered in Berne, Switzerland; connects 192 member states

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance & Bodies

Congress supreme; quadrennial; frames strategy, budget, postal policies
Council of Administration handles policy, legal, administrative issues between Congress sessions
Postal Operations Council elected 48; drives technical standards, service modernisation; International Bureau serves as secretariat

India & UPU

India re-elected to Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council at 28th UPU Congress, Dubai
Continued membership lets India influence global postal reforms, e-commerce logistics, South-South cooperation

Functional Mandate

Rule-setting establishes international mail standards, terminal dues, dispute mediation
Capacity-building offers technical assistance, training, digital tools for affordable reliable services
E-commerce focus enhances cross-border parcel interoperability, postal financial inclusion, last-mile connectivity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Founded	1874
UN Status	Specialised agency
Headquarters	Berne, Switzerland
Membership	192 countries
Supreme Body	Congress, meets every 4 years
Policy Body	Council of Administration
Technical Body	Postal Operations Council, 48 members

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2004PYQ 1

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

GS-3Security

13.Androth Shallow Anti-Submarine Craft (ASW Shallow Craft)

The HinduAndroth ship · ASW-SWC · GRSE

Illustration for Androth Shallow Anti-Submarine Craft (ASW Shallow Craft)

What & Where

Platform: indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, 2nd of 8-ship series

Theatre: coastal, littoral and island waters around Lakshadweep and key sea-lanes

Purpose: detect-neutralise submarines, reinforce India’s near-shore maritime security

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Propulsion: waterjet enables high thrust, tight manoeuvring in <50 m depths
Sensors: state-of-the-art hull-mounted sonar for close-range submarine detection
Indigenous push: high local content trims import reliance, aligns with Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

Security Dimension

Coastal shield: fills gap between big frigates and harbour patrol boats
Anti-submarine grid: complements P-8I aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, Kalvari-class submarines
Deterrence: quick response in choke points deters intrusions by conventional submarines

Industrial Base

GRSE: first Indian yard to deliver ASW-SWC series on schedule
Supply chain: MSMEs provide engines, composites, combat systems, boosting local jobs
Export potential: design scalable for friendly littoral navies seeking <1,000-ton ASW craft

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ship name	INS Androth
Builder	Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
Class size	8 ASW-SWCs
Craft length	~77 m
Propulsion	Diesel engine + waterjet
Indigenous content	>80 %
Core armament	Lightweight torpedoes; ASW rockets
Primary role	Shallow-water anti-submarine patrols
Key deployment area	Lakshadweep archipelago
National policy link	Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Arnala’, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2016PYQ 2

Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

14.NE-SPARKS Space Education Programme (Space Outreach STEM)

PIBNE-SPARKS · NESAC-ISRO · MDoNER

What & Where

NE-SPARKS: flagship North East Students' Programme for Awareness, Reach & Knowledge on Space

Geography: covers all 8 North-Eastern States; exposure trips mainly to ISRO hubs, Bengaluru

Objective: early STEM orientation via visits to premier space facilities

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Exposure: hands-on demos, facility tours, scientist interactions at ISRO propulsion, telemetry, satellite integration centres
Alignment: complements Atal Tinkering Labs, INSPIRE Awards to deepen school-level STEM ecosystem

Financials

Allocation: MDoNER budget line for capacity-building in NE youth science education
Cost-sharing: State funds mainly cover travel, local coordination

Stakeholders

Central: MDoNER policy lead; Department of Space provides technical expertise via ISRO
State: Education/Science departments nominate top students and faculty escorts

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	North East Students' Programme for Awareness, Reach & Knowledge on Space
Launch support	Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)
Technical anchor	North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) ‑ ISRO
Funding ratio	60 % MDoNER : 40 % State Govt.
Target group	800 meritorious Class 9-12 science students (100 per NE State)
Activity	Week-long exposure visit to ISRO Centres
States covered	Arunachal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura
Nodal agency	NESAC, Shillong

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

The NE-SPARKS programme has been launched to promote awareness about which field among students of the North Eastern Region of India?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

“Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge” (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to:

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