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15 topicsGS-1: 5GS-2: 1GS-3: 9
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GS-3Economy

1.World Food India 2025 Summit (Food Processing Expo)

PIB
Illustration for World Food India 2025 Summit (Food Processing Expo)

What & Where

Global flagship food-processing event by MoFPI; showcases innovation, investment, sustainability across value-chain

4th edition scheduled 25 Sept 2025; inauguration by Prime Minister at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Focus on farm-to-fork linkages, tech transfer, positioning India as “Food Basket of the World”

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Investment catalyst; targets R&D, cold chains, logistics, retail, startups within ₹10 tn food-processing economy
  • Enhances value addition; bridges farm surplus to export markets, boosting farmer income
  • Positions India as global food hub for trade negotiations and FDI inflows

Tech & Schemes

  • Showcases frontiers in processing, smart packaging, automation for shelf-life and traceability
  • Highlights Net-Zero food-processing pathways, energy-efficient machinery, waste-to-wealth models
  • Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet links Indian exporters with global retailers under APEDA facilitation

Environmental Impact

  • Sustainability pillar promotes circular economy, minimal carbon footprints across supply chain
  • Agenda aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
  • Encourages eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy use in processing clusters

International Engagement

  • Global platform draws policymakers, investors, regulators from >100 countries for MoUs and JVs
  • 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit fosters harmonised safety standards, easing export compliance
  • Seafood Show spotlights India’s marine produce, tapping high-value EU, US, East-Asia markets

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Edition4th (World Food India 2025)
Host MinistryMinistry of Food Processing Industries
Launch Date25 September 2025
VenueBharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
InauguratorPrime Minister of India
First WFI year2017
Parallel events3rd Global Food Regulators Summit; 24th India Int’l Seafood Show; APEDA Reverse B-S Meet
Core pillarsSustainability & Net-Zero; Global Food Hub; Processing & Packaging Tech; Nutrition & Wellness; Livestock & Marine
Primary aimAttract foreign + domestic investment in food-processing sector
Strategic alignmentSupports SDGs through sustainable food systems

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3Economy

2.India-US GM Corn Trade Impasse (Agricultural Trade Policy)

The Hindu

What & Where

Corn/maize: “queen of cereals”; food-feed-industrial crop, originated Central America, now India’s 5th largest cereal.

Import flashpoint: 94 % of U.S. corn is GM; India bars GM grain entry, permits GM only in cotton.

Core geography: Indian maize hubs – Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar; import sources – Myanmar, Ukraine.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • GM-ban: Environment Rules prohibit unapproved genetically modified grain imports.
  • Tariff-wall: Escalating customs duty deters large-scale inflows beyond quota.
  • Ethanol-self-reliance: Policy favours home-grown feedstock to meet blending goals.

Economic Angle

  • Price-gap: Cheaper U.S. corn raises dumping concerns for ~10 million Indian growers.
  • Farmer-protection: Government shields expanding maize-ethanol ecosystem and rural incomes.
  • Forex-saving: 20 % blending could cut crude import bill by USD 10 bn annually.

Agronomy & Uses

  • Heat-tolerance: Crop endures 45 °C with water; seedlings vulnerable to frost.
  • Soil-need: Performs best on well-drained loams; waterlogging reduces yield.
  • Industrial-pull: 14–15 % of Indian maize feeds starch, sweetener, biofuel industries; IARI waxy hybrid suits ethanol.

Trade Safeguards (WTO)

  • SPS-shield: Science-backed health or environmental risks justify import bans.
  • Anti-dumping: Extra duty legal when below-cost imports injure domestic producers.
  • Safeguard-clause: Temporary quotas/tariffs allowed during unforeseen import surges.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
GM share in U.S. corn94 % (2024)
Duty ≤0.5 MT quota15 %
Duty above quota50 %
India’s producer rank5th globally (FAO 2023)
Indian yield<4 t/ha; world avg ≈ 6 t/ha
Water requirement500–800 mm/season
Ethanol blending target20 % petrol mix; USD 10 bn forex save
U.S. vs Indian price≈70 % of domestic pre-freight

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

Mon 863 is a variety of maize. It was in the news for the following reason

GS1 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

3.Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl Bronze Figurine (Indus Valley Art)

Indian Express

What & Where

Bronze figurine “Dancing Girl”; iconic Indus Valley artefact dated c. 2500 BCE

Made via lost-wax casting; advanced metalworking for prehistoric South Asia

Excavated at Mohenjodaro, Sindh (now Pakistan) in 1926

Quick Facts for MCQs

Artistic Features

  • Posture: right hand on hip, left dangling; head tilted, exuding confidence
  • Ornamentation: 20+ bangles left arm, necklace, stylised hair bun
  • Stylistic blend: anatomical realism with exaggerated limbs suggesting dance motion

Technology & Craft

  • Lost-wax steps: wax model → clay coat → wax burnout → molten bronze pour → mold removal
  • Alloy skill: precise tin-copper mix ensured fluid casting and fine detailing
  • Evidence: indicates organised workshops and specialised artisans in urban Harappan centres

Security Dimension

  • Replica stolen from National Museum Delhi; swiftly recovered; highlights museum security lapses
  • Original artefact housed in National Museum, Karachi since 1947 partition
  • Cultural property laws: Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972 governs Indian museum protection

Discovery & Excavation

  • Unearthed during 3rd season of Archaeological Survey of India digs at Mohenjodaro
  • HR mound’s drainage alley yielded figurine alongside utilitarian objects
  • Find reinforced urban, artistic sophistication of Harappan society

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Civilisation & EraIndus Valley, Mature Phase c. 2500 BCE
MaterialCopper-rich bronze
Casting MethodLost-wax (cire perdue) technique
DiscovererErnest J. H. Mackay, 1926
Find-spotHR Area, Mohenjodaro (Sindh)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

मोहनजोदड़ो से प्राप्त “नाचती हुई लड़की” नामक प्रतिमा किस धातु की बनी है?

GS-1Infrastructure

4.Almatti Dam Height Expansion (Krishna River Dam)

Times of India
Illustration for Almatti Dam Height Expansion (Krishna River Dam)

What & Where

Hydroelectric-irrigation reservoir of Upper Krishna Project, commissioned 2005, installed capacity 290 MW

Situated Bijapur (Vijayapura) district Karnataka with submergence in Bagalkot, across east-flowing Krishna River

Proposal raises FRL 519.60 m→524.256 m, storage 173 TMC→300 TMC, releases downstream to Narayanpur

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • KWDT-I allocation viewed as legal ceiling for Karnataka storage
  • Andhra claims capacity hike breaches tribunal, seeks Union intervention
  • KRMB and Supreme Court likely to scrutinise revised FRL

Economic Angle

  • Karnataka sanctioned ₹70,000 crore for canal network under expansion
  • Telangana proposes 100 TMC diversion irrigating 11.3 lakh acre ayacut
  • Additional 5 m head may boost hydropower and irrigation returns

Riparian Concerns

  • Andhra tail-end location fears diminished Krishna inflow from upstream storages
  • Telangana’s new projects compound cumulative upstream abstraction pressure
  • Maharashtra also riparian yet presently less vocal in dispute

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Main riverKrishna
DistrictBijapur (Vijayapura), Karnataka
Commissioned2005
Installed capacity290 MW
Current FRL519.60 m MSL
Proposed FRL524.256 m MSL
Current storage173 TMC
Proposed storage300 TMC
Downstream reservoirNarayanpur
Major nearby damsSrisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Narayanpur

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 1997PYQ 1

The Alamatti Dam is on the river

GS1, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 2

Krishna Raja Sagara Dam/Reservoir is developed on

GS-1GeographyQuick Bite

5.Super Typhoon Ragasa East Asia (Pacific Super Typhoon)

Indian Express
Illustration for Super Typhoon Ragasa East Asia (Pacific Super Typhoon)

What & Where

Definition Super typhoon is a Category 5 equivalent tropical cyclone with sustained winds ≥ 253 km/h

Core zone West Pacific basin, especially near Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, Hong Kong

2025 example Typhoon Ragasa struck Taiwan, heavy rain and damage across East Asia

Quick Facts for MCQs

Meteorological Classification

  • IMD scale classifies low-pressure systems in Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea, adopted by WMO
  • Super cyclone tag in North Indian Ocean begins at 222 km/h, West Pacific uses 253 km/h benchmark
  • Category decided by potential damage, wind speed not rainfall

Geographic Spread

  • Affected territories Philippines, Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong
  • Landfall main impact Taiwan east coast 2025
  • West Pacific warm SSTs and Coriolis force aid genesis

Disaster Impact

  • Outcomes torrential rain, widespread infrastructure damage, dozens reported missing
  • High wind shear zones avoided, enabling rapid intensification
  • Coastal evacuation protocols crucial yet challenged by storm surge

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Typhoon name & yearRagasa, 2025
Peak sustained wind260 km/h near eye
IMD wind threshold for Super Cyclone≥ 222 km/h (North Indian Ocean)
Global Category equivalenceCategory 5 hurricane
Typical formation regionWest Pacific Ocean
GS-1Mapping

6.Estonia Geography and NATO Context (Baltic Geography)

Times of India
Illustration for Estonia Geography and NATO Context (Baltic Geography)

What & Where

NATO Article 4 consultation clause; Estonia invoked after Russian MiG-31 airspace intrusion threatening territorial integrity.

Estonia, northernmost Baltic State in northeastern Europe; borders Russia (Narva River, Lake Peipus), Latvia, Baltic Sea.

Capital Tallinn; terrain mainly low glacial plains (mean 50 m); highest point Suur Munamägi 318 m.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Incident Three Russian MiG-31s violated Estonian airspace; NATO issued formal condemnation.
  • Response Estonia triggered Article 4 talks, seeking allied reassurance before any Article 5 threshold.
  • Precedent Article 5 activated once in 2001, underscoring Article 4’s preventive character.

Physical Geography

  • Landscape Predominantly glacial plains with relief seldom above 100 m.
  • Peak Suur Munamägi in southeastern uplands holds Baltic region altitude record.
  • Boundary Narva River delineates much of eastern frontier, flowing into Gulf of Finland.

Climate & Biodiversity

  • Climate Humid, mild coasts from North Atlantic influence; colder interiors with continental traits.
  • Forests Mixed conifer–birch woods span half the territory, underpinning timber and recreation sectors.
  • Fauna Elk, brown bear, lynx, deer, numerous migratory birds indicate high northern biodiversity.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CapitalTallinn
RegionNorthernmost Baltic State
Mean Elevation~50 m
Highest PointSuur Munamägi – 318 m
Forest Cover≈50 % land area
Major RiversNarva, Pärnu, Pedja, Kasari
NATO Entry Year2004
NATO Article 4Consultations on security threats
NATO Article 5Collective defence; invoked only post-9/11
GS-3S&T

7.Paracetamol Therapeutic Overview (Analgesic Drug)

New Indian Express

What & Where

Non-opioid analgesic & antipyretic drug, chemically acetaminophen/paracetamol

Known as acetaminophen in U.S.; paracetamol elsewhere; marketed e.g., Tylenol

Included in WHO Model List of Essential Medicines; globally available OTC

Quick Facts for MCQs

Clinical Use

  • Relieves mild-moderate pain: headache, backache, arthritis, toothache, menstrual, post-surgery
  • Reduces fever in adults & children; available tablets, syrups, chewables, dissolvables
  • Can be combined with ibuprofen for additive analgesia

Pregnancy Evidence

  • Preferred analgesic/antipyretic during pregnancy owing to NSAID fetal risks
  • Claim linking prenatal paracetamol to autism dismissed as unscientific by experts
  • No robust evidence connects recommended prenatal doses with neurodevelopmental disorders

Safety & Limitations

  • Safe short-term at recommended doses; overdose remains major acute liver failure cause
  • Limited efficacy against chronic or inflammation-driven pain such as osteoarthritis
  • NSAIDs superior for inflammatory pain but contraindicated for ulcer, kidney, late-pregnancy cases

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Drug classNon-opioid analgesic & antipyretic
Global nameParacetamol
U.S. nameAcetaminophen
WHO listingEssential Medicines list
Adult max safe daily dose3–4 g
Key toxicityDose-dependent liver damage/failure
Pregnancy statusFirst-line pain/fever option
Relative to NSAIDsLess effective for inflammation
GS-3S&T

8.India Fusion Energy Roadmap 2060 (Fusion Energy)

The Hindu
Illustration for India Fusion Energy Roadmap 2060 (Fusion Energy)

What & Where

Fusion: merges light isotopes (D-T) at >100 million °C, yielding vast energy with scant long-lived waste

Tokamak: doughnut-shaped magnetic confinement; SST-1 existing, SST-Bharat planned, both at IPR Gandhinagar

Geography: India in ITER (Cadarache, France) and leads domestic R&D via Institute for Plasma Research, Gujarat

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & R&D

  • Superconducting: niobium-tin magnets enable steady-state confinement with minimal resistive loss
  • Digital-twin: real-time plasma modelling and machine-learning control proposed for SST-Bharat
  • Materials: radiation-hard alloys and breeding blankets under development for tritium self-sufficiency

Timeline & Targets

  • India: SST-Bharat mid-2030s construction, 2060 demonstration reactor envisaged
  • West: US start-ups eye grid-connected fusion early-2030s; UK STEP aims 2040 prototype
  • China: EAST and CFETR pursue continuous 1 GW fusion before 2050

Challenges

  • Plasma: sustain >100 million °C for minutes while keeping instabilities minimal
  • Finance: ₹25,000 crore outlay competes with rapidly cheaper solar–wind options
  • Governance: absence of dedicated fusion legislation, private sector incentives still weak

International Examples

  • EAST: held 1,056 seconds plasma, sets duration benchmark
  • WEST (France): targets 22-minute steady-state run by 2025 for tungsten divertor tests
  • ITER: multinational 500 MW thermal device, India contributes 9.1 % components & cost

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
SST-1 plasma sustain650 milliseconds
SST-Bharat designFusion-fission hybrid tokamak
SST-Bharat net power130 MW (100 MW fission + 30 MW fusion)
SST-Bharat estimated cost₹25,000 crore
Demo reactor target year2060
Demo reactor aim250 MW, Q = 20
ITER (France) target Q10
STEP (UK) prototype year2040
EAST (China) recordLongest plasma-hold to date
Fuel sourcesDeuterium from seawater; Tritium bred from lithium

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

GS1 2007PYQ 2

Recently, the European Union and six other countries including India signed the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project. Which one of the following was NOT a signatory to it?

GS-3S&T

9.India Artificial Intelligence Global Race (Artificial Intelligence)

YT

What & Where

Artificial Intelligence – machines performing cognitive tasks like perception, learning, reasoning, language

India – leveraging huge digital user-base and India AI Mission to enter global AI leadership

Global AI race – big spenders China ($30 bn) and USA ($20 bn) dominate; India faces funding gap

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding & Infrastructure

  • Compute gap – delayed GPU access, sparse Tier-3+ data centres, absence of petascale AI supercomputers
  • Mission allocation dwarfed by China USA spends, risking dependency on foreign cloud
  • Public-private co-investment essential for indigenous semiconductor fabs and sovereign AI cloud

Sectoral Opportunities

  • Healthcare – cancer screening, rural telemedicine, epidemic prediction, personalised therapy
  • Agriculture – precision sowing, weather advisories, drought disaster alerts for smallholders
  • Finance – Hello UPI voice banking, AI fraud prediction, alternative credit scores for unbanked

Regulatory & Ethical

  • Digital India Act awaited to replace IT Act 2000 for AI governance, privacy, accountability
  • Need India-specific ethical charter drawing from EU AI Act, ensuring bias checks, mental-health safeguards
  • Geopolitical stakes – absence of framework may reduce India to mere AI market

Talent & Research

  • Workforce – 18 million software engineers but limited deep-tech AI researchers and professors
  • Curriculum – AI introduced in schools, MOOCs popular yet create surface-level skills
  • Target – raise doctoral output and basic research funding to bridge 1.4 % publication share

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
India AI Mission outlay₹10,372 crore
Smartphone users India1 billion+
Monthly UPI transactions20 billion
China AI investment 2024US $30 billion
USA AI investment 2024US $20 billion
India share global AI papers1.4 %
India share global AI PhDs< 2 %
GPUs & data-centre lagkey infrastructure bottleneck

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

ESE_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

GS-3S&T

10.Global Innovation Index 2025 Rankings (Innovation Index)

Economic Times

What & Where

Global Innovation Index: annual WIPO benchmark gauging national innovation ecosystems since 2007.

Scope: 139 economies; recognised by UNGA for shaping STI policy frameworks.

India ranks 38th in GII 2025, leading lower-middle-income and Central-Southern Asia group.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Rankings

  • Switzerland, Sweden, USA, South Korea, Singapore lead GII 2025.
  • Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou; Tokyo–Yokohama top innovation clusters.
  • Labor productivity +2.5 % (2024); extreme poverty < 817 mn.

India Performance

  • Strengths: Knowledge & Tech Outputs 22; Market Sophistication 38.
  • Weaknesses: Business 64, Infrastructure 61, Institutions 58.
  • Patent-to-GDP ratio jumped 144 → 381 (2013-23).

Gaps & Barriers

  • GERD stuck near 0.7 % GDP; global leaders exceed 3 %.
  • Private R&D only 36.4 %; academia-industry linkage weak.
  • Industry risk-averse; bureaucratic delays slow tech transfer.

Reform Measures

  • Deploy ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund within 5 years for deep-tech.
  • Establish sector hubs in AI, semiconductors, clean energy with shared labs.
  • Promote regional clusters via ATLs, CleanTech council, targeted venture support.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
GII 2025 coverage139 economies
India rank shift81 (2015) ➜ 38 (2025)
India category rank1st, lower-middle-income
Top-five economiesCH, SE, US, KR, SG
China 2025 position10th
India best pillarKnowledge & Tech Outputs – 22
India weakest pillarBusiness Sophistication – 64
India GERD % GDP~0.65 %
Private R&D share36.4 % (2020-21)
Global patent rank6th
Unicorn count100 +
Semiconductor Mission outlay₹76,000 crore
RDI fund corpus₹1 lakh crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

भारत में नवाचार तथा अनुसंधान और विकास के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

विश्व बौद्धिक संपदा संगठन द्वारा प्रकाशित ‘ग्लोबल इनोवेशन इंडेक्स-2023’ में भारत के स्थान (रैंक) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-2Misc

11.US L-1 Visa Framework (US Visa Policy)

Indian Express
Illustration for US L-1 Visa Framework (US Visa Policy)

What & Where

Non-immigrant work visa enabling intra-company transfers into the USA; instituted under Immigration and Nationality Act 1965

Two classes: L-1A (executives/managers) and L-1B (specialised-knowledge professionals)

Geography: moves employees from foreign branches to U.S. offices of the same multinational

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Originated to aid global operations while protecting domestic labour market from external hiring
  • USCIS scrutinises “specialised knowledge”, causing higher Indian denial rates
  • Fee hikes on H-1B renew debate but L-1 rules remain unchanged

Benefits for Employers

  • Cap-free, predictable access to talent versus H-1B lottery uncertainty
  • Blanket petitions slash processing time for high-volume companies
  • Dual intent eases long-term retention through green-card track

Employee Advantages

  • Spouse unrestricted employment under L-2, boosting family income
  • No lottery wait; quicker deployment to U.S. projects
  • Potential transition to permanent residency without status loss

Limitations & Risks

  • Fixed stay ceiling forces exit if green card delayed beyond 5–7 years
  • Narrow eligibility excludes new hires lacking one-year overseas tenure
  • Visa holders locked to employer; no portability to other U.S. firms

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Annual numerical capNone (unlike H-1B’s 85,000)
Lottery systemNot applicable
Maximum stayL-1A 7 yrs; L-1B 5 yrs
Dual intentPermitted; holder may seek green card
Spouse work rightsL-2 spouse can work without restriction
Prior service needed1 continuous year abroad within last 3 years
Employer switchNot allowed; tied to same company
Blanket petitionAvailable to large multinationals for faster approvals
GS-3Security

12.Indian Overseas Defence Plant Morocco (Morocco Defence Plant)

News on Air
Illustration for Indian Overseas Defence Plant Morocco (Morocco Defence Plant)

What & Where

Facility India’s first overseas defence plant by TASL-DRDO, 20 000 sq m

Product Wheeled Armoured Platform WhAP 8×8 modular combat vehicle

Location Berrechid, Morocco; operational 2025 for Royal Moroccan Army

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Configurations

  • Variants IFV, APC, Reconnaissance, Command Post, Mortar Carrier, Ambulance
  • Protection Remote weapon station, ATGM option, advanced armour, high mobility
  • Localisation One-third parts Moroccan initially, planned rise to half

Economic Angle

  • Employment Creates skilled jobs, stimulates local supplier ecosystem
  • Exports Makes Morocco hub for Africa–Europe armoured vehicle market
  • Revenue Enhances Indian defence export basket under Make for the World vision

Diplomatic & Security

  • Bilateral Strengthens India–Morocco defence cooperation beyond training exercises
  • Strategy Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make with Friends outreach
  • Security Upgrades North African stability through modern armoured capability

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Plant area20 000 sq m
Launch year2025
Indian companyTata Advanced Systems Ltd
Technology partnerDRDO
Host nationMorocco
CityBerrechid
Core productWhAP 8×8 platform
Initial local sourcing~33 % components
Target local sourcing50 % components
Primary buyerRoyal Moroccan Army
GS-3Security

13.Cold Start Tri-service Drone Exercise (Drone Warfare)

The Hindu
Illustration for Cold Start Tri-service Drone Exercise (Drone Warfare)

What & Where

Cold Start: tri-service military drill simulating drone & counter-drone combat scenarios.

Venue: multiple ranges across Madhya Pradesh; scheduled first week of Oct 2025.

Scope: largest joint drone exercise since Operation Sindoor; Army, Navy, Air Force plus industry & academia.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Jointness: first tri-service field validation of integrated drone air-defence doctrine.
  • Threat focus: anticipates Pakistani UAV, jamming, hypersonic missile advances.
  • Readiness check: live-fire drills, red-team simulations to expose operational gaps.

Tech & Schemes

  • Indigenous tech: DRDO-industry drones, RF jammers, AI-based detection suites showcased.
  • EW integration: layered GPS spoofing, broadband denial, optical tracking fused into C4I network.
  • Trial data to feed upcoming Make-I/II procurement cycles.

Strategic Significance

  • Capability edge: positions India for technology-driven conflicts before Theater Commands operationalize.
  • Civil-military synergy: academia participation accelerates dual-use UAV research.
  • Signalling: demonstrates counter-UAS depth to regional adversaries without troop mobilisation.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Conducting year2025
Week/Month1st week, October
Host StateMadhya Pradesh
Participating forcesArmy, Navy, Air Force (tri-service)
Core focusDrones & counter-drone systems
Previous comparable drillOperation Sindoor
Key tech elementsGPS jamming, electronic warfare, real-time surveillance
Indigenous inputSystems co-developed with industry & R&D institutes
Concept inspirationSudarshan Chakra integrated defence model
Primary objectiveTest & enhance air-defence readiness against UAV threats

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is most appropriate about ‘Exercise Kavach’?

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

14.INS Androth ASW Shallow Craft (ASW Craft)

PIB

What & Where

ASW-SWC “Androth” – 2nd of eight shallow-water anti-submarine vessels for Indian Navy.

Named after Androth Island, Lakshadweep; built by GRSE, Kolkata with 80 % Indian components.

Operates in coastal zones for ASW, low-intensity maritime ops and mine-laying.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Specs

  • Propulsion combo grants high manoeuvrability in shallow littorals.
  • Indigenous torpedoes & rockets integrate with ship’s sonar for quick kill chain.
  • Design aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat naval doctrine.

Security Dimension

  • Indian Ocean hosts nuclear-armed subs; shallow detection vital for coastal defence.
  • Extra-regional powers’ quiet submarines heighten underwater threat matrix.
  • Shallow-water fleet plugs close-shore surveillance gaps.

Complementary ASW Assets

  • IADS with Mahindra offers 360° underwater situational awareness.
  • Kamorta-class corvettes, P-8I aircraft, SMART missile & MH-60R helicopters create layered ASW umbrella.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
ClassAnti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
Hull No.Second unit (after INS Arnala)
BuilderGarden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
Indigenous Content>80 %
PropulsionDiesel engine + water-jet
Core WeaponsLightweight torpedoes; indigenous ASW rockets
LegacyRevives name of decommissioned INS Androth (P69)
Naming BasisAndroth Island, Lakshadweep
Fleet Planned8 ASW-SWCs

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-1Editorial

15.UNICEF Child Nutrition Report 2025 Findings (Child Obesity)

The Hindu
Illustration for UNICEF Child Nutrition Report 2025 Findings (Child Obesity)

What & Where

Overweight / Obesity (5-19 yrs): excess fat; now affects 1 in 5 children worldwide.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): factory formulations high in sugar-salt-fat; rapidly displacing traditional diets in India & globally.

India hotspot: projected 27 mn obese children by 2030, ~11 % of global load.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Prevalence Trends

  • Global spike: obesity outpacing overweight; harder to reverse, higher morbidity risk.
  • South Asia schools: junk items more available than fruits per UNICEF 2023 poll.
  • India share: 27 mn obese by 2030, largest after China & USA.

Drivers

  • Marketing dominance: digital ads & modern retail intensify UPF exposure.
  • Lifestyle shift: reduced activity, increased screen time, early poor feeding habits.
  • Social norms: girls/women often eat least, worsening inequities.

Legal & Policy

  • Labelling gap: FSSAI star-rating lets HFSS foods earn 2–3 stars, lacks HFSS/UPF definitions.
  • Lobby pushback: 2021 traffic-light draft shelved under industry pressure.
  • Chile model: black “High in” warnings cut unhealthy sales 24 %.

Health & Economic Angle

  • Disease load: childhood obesity raises diabetes, CVD, cancer risks; diets drive 56 % DALYs.
  • Fiscal drag: could reach 2.5 % GDP by 2060 without action.
  • Household hit: lifelong medical costs & productivity losses escalate.

UNICEF Recommendations

  • Enforce: school standards, ad bans, front-of-pack warnings, health taxes.
  • Protect feeding: apply Breast-milk Substitute Code, curb digital infant-food marketing.
  • Enable access: subsidise healthy foods, fortify staples, ensure safe water & social transfers.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Global child obesity (2025)9.4 %; first time > underweight (9.2 %)
Countries with school-meal nutrition law18 % of 202
Nations levying sugar/junk tax19 %
India U-5 overweight jump1.5 %→3.4 % (↑127 %, 2006-21)
Adolescent boys overweight jump↑288 % (NFHS-3→5)
Indian UPF market growthUSD 0.9 bn (2006) → 37.9 bn (2019)
2019 obesity cost IndiaUSD 29 bn ≈ 1 % GDP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 1

‘पोषण मुक्त भारत अभियान’ के अंतर्गत की जा रही व्यवस्थाओं के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से किसमें, राष्ट्रीय परिवार स्वास्थ्य सर्वेक्षण-4 से लेकर राष्ट्रीय परिवार स्वास्थ्य सर्वेक्षण-5 तक ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में कोई सुधार प्रदर्शित नहीं होता है?

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